When it returns to Its normal price, it will probably show up on the Current Offers screen or elsewhere because it will look like it's had a massive reduction. That might help generate sales. So, it may be deliberate.
I've heard of developers gaming the eshop to get sales by using discounts - so their games are recommended by the eshop. And in some cases that could be done artificially by increasing the price and then discounting back to the original price.
@RetroOutcast
Cases like this are usually down to a lack of time/budget or poor planning. I definitely wouldn't assume the developers (meaning the ground-level people actually doing the work) are lazy. They probably had to do the work within tight time-restrictions. It's all supposition either way but I'd always be more inclined to place blame at the top - the higher-ups planning and budgeting (time and money) the project, rather than normal development team.
One thing not talked about enough (understandably because this is a Nintendo site) is that the problems with GTA Trilogy rendered other Rockstar games completely unplayable for most of yesterday (on PC).
Rockstar PC games require online activation before they can be played (presumably just the first time) and that was not working at all. I had wanted to go back to GTA V for a bit but couldn't even start the game because of the issues on their server.
This kind of DRM is horrible in general (internet connection needed for an offline single player game is disgusting) but it also points to much bigger issues with the trilogy release. It's more than just bad graphics and framerate. It's a really shoddy product and it's bizarre to see people defend it so much.
Metroid has always been about having a large interconnected world - so from that point of view, it has always been open-world - similar to Zelda games really. So, I really don't understand some of the comments here decrying the idea as some kind of travesty.
And even though Metroid is usually linear, it does feel non-linear. The first few hours in Super Metroid in particular stand out - it definitely feels like genuine exploration, rather than following a set path (though both are somewhat true). It might make sense to expand on that and make it truly exploratory and non-linear in the same way Zelda has been trying that (with ALBW and BoTW).
I think their logic makes sense. They make a ton of games based on manga and anime - Naruto, Dragon Ball, Kill la Kill, My Hero Academia etc. I'd guess they have some kind of exclusive deal with Shonen Jump and that games based on manga will continue to be a core part of the business (it's probably where most of their income comes from).
So, it makes sense to lean into that with the logo. But it's a bit too stylized - it doesn't really look much like a manga speech-bubble. That's my problem with it, rather than the actual concept.
@bobzbulder Actually, for a couple of years during the Wii and Wii U era, Nintendo did change their logo - it was just a colour change but they made the grey version the official logo and even asked publications to stop using the red version. Thankfully they've brought the red back since (though now as white on red).
I'm somewhat interested in what Charlie Day and Jack Black can do with their roles. It's not 1:1 casting with the games - they'll definitely take it in a new direction but it could be good.
But Chris Pratt ... I just can't imagine it being any good. I'd given the movie the benefit of the doubt up to now (in spite of it being Illumination) but it's hard to hold out hope. I'd say he definitely can't do Italian-Italian. At a stretch, maybe he could do gruff Italian-American like the old shows, but even that might not be in his range.
If you think of things in terms of computers; a computer console, or a computer terminal, is a very static thing - a desk with a control panel/screen - a workstation fixed in one place, like a piece of furniture. And it is also just part of the system - a console is not a full computer, it's just the interface really.
So, for me, a games console is the same - a stationary device kept at home, fixed in place. And it is also just one part of the system - if you include tv, power socket etc.
I'm probably not fully correct on the definitions there but that's how I see it.
I love Gameboy modding but I've always hated these kinds of mods. This one looks better than most - at least the colours match - but it's still a really ugly mismatch (GBA-style flip screen on a GBC shell).
I don't generally mind unnecessary mods but this seems so destructive - cobbling together parts from better systems to make something that neither looks nor feels (probably) as good as the original pieces.
At the very least, I hope the work was done well. This one does look neat - like they have taken some care with it. But here's a similar mod (not from the same modder). It's a complete horror show inside: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lA183U_4X4
@Steel76 I don't think this counts as a reason not to preorder. The preorders already taken will still be shipped long before the next batch of orders go out (which will probably be well into next year) so those preorders do still have value for those who want it as soon as it is possible.
EDIT: Apologies. I see it does say that the pocket will be available immediately after the holidays so maybe the preorders won't be going out so much earlier than regular orders. I'd missed that as it is not typical for analogue.
As there are real concerns for viewers, there was no need to show the glitches over and over again for the full 4 minute video.
The information is good and I understand these audio-only videos do need some kind of accompaniment but normal game footage could have been used - with just part of the time given over to actually demonstrating the problem.
Yakuza has changed a lot since the first two PS2 games. He'll definitely need to study up if he rejoins that team. If he does return to Yakuza I hope it's not a step back and that he does understand the current state of the series and the scope and style the games have adopted.
I've always of the Yakuza series as what a 3D River City game could be - the gameplay is similar to the NES games (besides being in 3D) and if Kunio were an adult, he might even look a bit like Kiryu. The grey suit is even similar to Kunio's school uniform.
I feel like River City Girls has had the spotlight lately. But the recent(ish) Kunio games on 3DS have been great too - so I hope that branch of the series continues too.
Tokyo Rumble and Rival Showdown were good fun and looked great - nice looking 2D sprites on a 3D plane; they could work well remade in Octopath-style 2d-hd.
Let's hope the cartridges include the latest versions of the games, for future-proofing. Jedi Outcast was released without the ability to correctly invert the y-axis until it was patched in about a month later (something the NintendoLife review bizarrely didn't even mention at the time).
@anynamereally Exactly correct. Also, I would love for Jedi Knight 1 and Mysteries of the Sith to get a rerelease too (though I don't know how well they've aged).
The Yakuza series (and related spin-offs) are in a really good place right now.
I've heard the Judgement games are great (sadly I'm Playstation-less so I haven't tried them yet) and in the mainline series, Like A Dragon was amazing and felt like a great new start.
It also seems like a lot of people are just getting into the series now - probably thanks to all of the remakes/remasters of the Kiryu games and the whole series coming to Game Pass and Steam (and probably thanks to people being locked down at home too). Even though these games have been around since PS2, it really seems like now is the golden age of Yakuza.
So, I really wish him well - I hope the new job works out well for him, that conditions are good and he gets to keep doing work he enjoys.
But in a very selfish way, I worry about the future of the series. This might be the end of Judgement completely. And I think Nagoshi personally talked about remastering (and releasing worldwide) the samurai games Ishin and Kenzan. That may not happen now. But I'm sure the main series will continue just fine - the rest of the team is very talented so I doubt the quality would change.
It is interesting to experiment like this so I'll definitely keep an eye on it.
I am very cautious about supporting Greenboy Games though.
Reviews of their past games have not been good - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLepAgeE7EY - and there are things about the company I really don't like (they seem to be involved with cryptocurrencies which I despise).
Having said that, they respond well to criticism (genuinely accepting it without any hostility) and the games do seem to be improving. So, hopefully this one works out well.
@Scapetti I can understand that. He has a way of communicating that can come off as arrogant. That does bother me but I can still believe his enthusiasm is genuine. I get if others can't though.
As for the lawsuit, I don't have much of an opinion. His case seems weak seeing as it's a new show and nothing was in writing. I'm not supporting that aspect of the story in particular. But my main point was just that this could be a bad sign for the direction of the Richter show. I hope I'll be proven wrong on that.
I always had the impression (rightfully or wrongfully) that Shankar was the one who really brought the passion to the project. He seemed to genuinely be a fan and really wanted to make a good show.
He had been talking about Castlevania for years before it became a thing - at the time it seemed like one of those things that would never happen. Back then Castlevania was a dead game franchise and an animated series seemed very unlikely (especially based on the third game, loved as it is). It really seemed like Shankar just stuck with it and made it happen.
And he's also been involved in a lot of fan films (like that dark Power Rangers one form a few years back) - so, he's clearly dedicated to making things he's passionate about, that he believes in, even in cases where he can't legally profit from them.
So, this just makes me worried about the spin-off. I had been excited to see Richter's story. It could still he great; I'm sure that a lot of the original team is still working on it. But, without Shankar, maybe something will be missing - I'm worried it will be a bit soulless, just riding off of the success of the original show. Without Shankar, it might not have the same passion driving it. I may be giving him too much credit but I do have less hope for the new show.
@Clyde_Radcliffe I'd always assumed that Sonic Forces was a sequel to Sonic Generations - not a story sequel but it does seem to be a follow-on in terms of gameplay.
It's bizarre that there's been no sequel. It really seems that the natural thing to do would be to make a sequel, but with all-original zones (instead of reusing Mega Drive zones like Mania did). I can't understand why that hasn't happened by now.
Many indie developers need these indie showcase broadcasts to get their games noticed and maybe even for their entire companies to survive. They probably don't have a lot of money for a massive marketing push so these videos can really make a difference in getting their games seen and sold.
From that point of view, it's very bad for companies like Konami (and I think in the past, Microsoft) to be featured. These are massive companies using platform that is designed to give exposure to smaller (and less financially able) developers. Potentially they are taking away time-slots from true indie developers that could not otherwise market to so many people. It is not a positive thing.
Android on the Switch itself is quite nice - it's a good form factor for streaming games via Steam Link, Moonlight and presumably Game Pass and PlayStation remote play. Downside is obviously that it's not official and needs to be installed using homebrew.
So I can definitely see the appeal of a device like this. Price is key though. For me, streaming games is most important so I would actually prefer a cheap low-powered handheld (that doesn't need to run games natively) over something capable and expensive.
I'm guessing they just mean that it was not reported on in entertainment sites like this - discussed in relation to his work.
I don't think it's a case of his body being found 6 months later or anything like that - I'm not sure if that's what you meant though. There are tributes on that obituary going back to February.
I've bought a lot of games in Japan and it's a great deal. It's become more expensive now than it has been in the past - first time I went to Japan in 2005 they were giving games away - but you can still get deals on Yahoo Auctions or less popular shops. So, I'm a massive hypocrite with what I'm about to say.
But I have mixed feelings about encouraging importing from Japan to save money. Individuals buy from Japan but I've also seen game stores buy in bulk from Japan to stock their shelves. I can see that causing prices to increase in the future, and shortages of games in Japan - Japan being just one country can't supply product for the entire world.
Also, it's incorrect to say that PAL games are inferior or run slower. PAL games are either optimised for 50hz, meaning they will run at the correct speed (like DKC, Super Tennis etc.). Or, PAL games are not optimised for 50hz, meaning that the actual rom is the same as the NTSC rom but the console plays it slower. Unoptimised PAL games played at 60hz should play correctly, exactly the same as US or Japan games. I use a modified SNES that can switch speeds but if Jon used a cartridge adapter to play PAL games on the Super Famicom, they should play at the correct speed (or too fast if they are PAL optimised). The games don't run slower; the consoles do.
I buy digital but I go DRM-free whenever possible. Even if something has DRM (Kindle books etc.) I'll find the best way to remove it. I have no problem with digital purchases - but if I keep a DRM-free copy on a local hard-drive, I can have it forever. Which is as it should be, considering I've paid for it.
Games are trickier though. Because sometimes they can have huge file sizes (too big to store locally) and they are often trapped on closed platforms (like Nintendo hardware).
I back up my switch sd card but, if Switch is no longer supported in the future and something happens my hardware/account, that might be useless. At that point, after a console's life cycle, you might have to resort to homebrew to continue playing games you have legally bought. An official solution would be preferable.
This series has been amazing so far so I'm glad the trend has continued.
I could never get into the original Blaster Master on NES so it's great that they made it work so well with the Zero series (without even having to deviate from the core concepts too much). It makes you wonder how many NES games just needed a bit of fine tuning to really shine.
Looks like he resigned 4 days ago and immediately following that there was a big scramble to find replacement music so it is possible that's why the game music was chosen. But having said that, I may have jumped the gun here and you may well be right.
I have seen people I trust saying this was the replacement for his music - but they have no involvement with the Olympics so how could they know for sure.
Almost everything major already has representation so I'd be satisfied with anything.
Maybe Ameterasu, Wonder Boy, or Goemon (I know he's already a costume).
If Smash is to be a celebration of gaming as a whole, it would be good to have a representative for European home computers - it'll never happen but I would love if the final character was Dizzy.
The art is not identical but the design-concept is the same - I believe that's what Jamesy is referring to. Opinions may vary on that (opinions on how right or wrong copying a concept is) - but to do that and then deny any influence is very shady, especially in a community as small as Gameboy shell artists.
I think the other examples, where it comes to the technology of the mods, are more clear-cut.
But, like I say, it's not even the accusations that bother me. My problem is with how the company conducts itself online - how they respond to questions and criticism. Their comments on Instagram can be really aggressive and snarky. It points to a massively amateur operation. And I'm personally not comfortable exchanging money and trust with a company that cannot act with some level of professionalism.
Completely agree on Ali Express. Only downside is that it's a longer wait (depending on how far you live from China, I guess) but I've been very happy with the cost and quality of everything I've gotten from there.
I can't see myself paying for another streaming service. There's just too many now. Eventually they're going to have to be packaged and sold together like TV channels used to be.
I've used Retrosix before for some small parts (bracket for an IPS screen mod etc.) and they've been okay. So, I'm sure the battery pack is fine. It's definitely useful - one of my SPs could definitely do with a replacement.
But I really don't think I can ever support that particular company again.
And there's also reports of them stealing some of their mod designs. I can't say that's true for sure but I would encourage any potential customers to do their own research before engaging with them. It's definitely enough for me to keep away.
@Lyricana You're not wrong really but I wouldn't discount rumours completely.
A lot of the details that were rumoured did turn out to be correct (even the wider kick-stand was mentioned). And the leaks from last year surrounding Mario's 35th anniversary collection also proved true. Nintendo is not the tight ship it once was. It's important not to take rumours as promises but I wouldn't say you can never believe them - especially with so many sources reporting the same things.
Also worth noting that Bloomberg has had staff changes recently with Jason Schrier joining from Kotaku - so their information is probably going to be more correct than it has been historically.
But, like I say, the improvements are good and actually probably the correct move for Nintendo. So I'm not overly disappointed personally - but this is probably not something I need whereas a more extensive hardware upgrade would be something I would get.
I don't know much about OLED but I have an OLED Vita. One annoying thing about it is that the screen dims during inactivity - so while watching a cutscene etc. I really hope that's not a requirement of the technology.
I remember when Donkey Kong Country came out, it blew everyone away - mostly because of the graphics, granted - but Rare had given it a lot of personality and generally it just felt like something new and modern at a time when the SNES was really showings its age. The characters were funny and the setting/music was amazing.
Before that, Donkey Kong had really been forgotten for that generation of kids. The arcade game was slow and hard to get into compared to modern platformers. But DKC was a huge mainstream success. Its difficult to explain how much it exploded - my parents who never played games (besides Tetris) played through all of DKC several times together. It was probably more popular than Mario for a few years. That's probably why it got that original animated show.
So, if the rumors are true, it seems like they're trying to do a similar relaunch of DK again now - trying to get Donkey Kong back to the massive mainstream success it had before. A multimedia approach would help that. Zelda doesn't need an animation to gain popularity - that franchise is doing fine. But DK has probably dropped to around c-list when it could be as massive as Zelda if managed well.
The Wii U gets a lot of love and for a lot of good reasons. But one thing Wii U fans never talk about is how horrible and slow the interface is. Booting up, navigating, changing settings, moving games to HDD etc are all painfully slow. I'm way off topic but for me the user experience is one of things that keep me from leaving it set up permanently. It's just not a nice feeling to use it.
That's one thing the Switch massively improved on. Interface is too simple but at least it's quick.
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Re: Random: This $10 Nintendo Switch eShop Game Has Suddenly Shot Up To A Whopping $250
When it returns to Its normal price, it will probably show up on the Current Offers screen or elsewhere because it will look like it's had a massive reduction. That might help generate sales. So, it may be deliberate.
I've heard of developers gaming the eshop to get sales by using discounts - so their games are recommended by the eshop. And in some cases that could be done artificially by increasing the price and then discounting back to the original price.
Re: Random: Good Lord, This 3-Screened Mutant Game Boy Is Utterly Cursed
Absolutely disgusting.
Re: Modders Have Already "Fixed" Some Rain Issues In The Grand Theft Auto Trilogy
@RetroOutcast
Cases like this are usually down to a lack of time/budget or poor planning. I definitely wouldn't assume the developers (meaning the ground-level people actually doing the work) are lazy. They probably had to do the work within tight time-restrictions. It's all supposition either way but I'd always be more inclined to place blame at the top - the higher-ups planning and budgeting (time and money) the project, rather than normal development team.
Re: GTA Trilogy Could Be This Year's 'Cyberpunk 2077' As Rockstar Is Flooded With Refund Requests
One thing not talked about enough (understandably because this is a Nintendo site) is that the problems with GTA Trilogy rendered other Rockstar games completely unplayable for most of yesterday (on PC).
Rockstar PC games require online activation before they can be played (presumably just the first time) and that was not working at all. I had wanted to go back to GTA V for a bit but couldn't even start the game because of the issues on their server.
This kind of DRM is horrible in general (internet connection needed for an offline single player game is disgusting) but it also points to much bigger issues with the trilogy release. It's more than just bad graphics and framerate. It's a really shoddy product and it's bizarre to see people defend it so much.
Re: Soapbox: We Need To Talk About The One Thing Nintendo Got Wrong With The Switch OLED
@dartmonkey That was it for me for 4 years until Ring Fit Adventure, which unfortunately is not on the eshop.
Re: Retro Studios Scrapped An "Open-World" Idea For Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Metroid has always been about having a large interconnected world - so from that point of view, it has always been open-world - similar to Zelda games really. So, I really don't understand some of the comments here decrying the idea as some kind of travesty.
And even though Metroid is usually linear, it does feel non-linear. The first few hours in Super Metroid in particular stand out - it definitely feels like genuine exploration, rather than following a set path (though both are somewhat true). It might make sense to expand on that and make it truly exploratory and non-linear in the same way Zelda has been trying that (with ALBW and BoTW).
So I don't think this is a bad idea really.
Re: Rumour: Konami Reportedly Reviving Castlevania, Metal Gear Solid, And Silent Hill
Goemon or go home!
Re: Bandai Namco Is Changing Its Logo In 2022
@chipia
I think their logic makes sense.
They make a ton of games based on manga and anime - Naruto, Dragon Ball, Kill la Kill, My Hero Academia etc.
I'd guess they have some kind of exclusive deal with Shonen Jump and that games based on manga will continue to be a core part of the business (it's probably where most of their income comes from).
So, it makes sense to lean into that with the logo. But it's a bit too stylized - it doesn't really look much like a manga speech-bubble. That's my problem with it, rather than the actual concept.
Re: Bandai Namco Is Changing Its Logo In 2022
@bobzbulder Actually, for a couple of years during the Wii and Wii U era, Nintendo did change their logo - it was just a colour change but they made the grey version the official logo and even asked publications to stop using the red version.
Thankfully they've brought the red back since (though now as white on red).
https://kotaku.com/nintendo-feels-all-grown-up-changes-logo-5099017
Re: The Super Mario Movie's Release Date And Cast Are Revealed
I'm somewhat interested in what Charlie Day and Jack Black can do with their roles. It's not 1:1 casting with the games - they'll definitely take it in a new direction but it could be good.
But Chris Pratt ... I just can't imagine it being any good. I'd given the movie the benefit of the doubt up to now (in spite of it being Illumination) but it's hard to hold out hope. I'd say he definitely can't do Italian-Italian. At a stretch, maybe he could do gruff Italian-American like the old shows, but even that might not be in his range.
Re: Poll: Do You Call Handhelds Like Game Boy And Nintendo DS 'Consoles'?
No, I personally don't call handhelds consoles.
If you think of things in terms of computers; a computer console, or a computer terminal, is a very static thing - a desk with a control panel/screen - a workstation fixed in one place, like a piece of furniture. And it is also just part of the system - a console is not a full computer, it's just the interface really.
So, for me, a games console is the same - a stationary device kept at home, fixed in place. And it is also just one part of the system - if you include tv, power socket etc.
I'm probably not fully correct on the definitions there but that's how I see it.
Re: Random: Check Out This Game Boy Color And Nintendo DS Mash-Up
I love Gameboy modding but I've always hated these kinds of mods. This one looks better than most - at least the colours match - but it's still a really ugly mismatch (GBA-style flip screen on a GBC shell).
I don't generally mind unnecessary mods but this seems so destructive - cobbling together parts from better systems to make something that neither looks nor feels (probably) as good as the original pieces.
At the very least, I hope the work was done well. This one does look neat - like they have taken some care with it.
But here's a similar mod (not from the same modder). It's a complete horror show inside:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lA183U_4X4
Re: The Analogue Pocket Has Now Been Delayed Until December
@Steel76 I don't think this counts as a reason not to preorder. The preorders already taken will still be shipped long before the next batch of orders go out (which will probably be well into next year) so those preorders do still have value for those who want it as soon as it is possible.
EDIT: Apologies. I see it does say that the pocket will be available immediately after the holidays so maybe the preorders won't be going out so much earlier than regular orders. I'd missed that as it is not typical for analogue.
Re: Video: We Investigate Sonic Colours Ultimate's Bizarre Visual Glitches
As there are real concerns for viewers, there was no need to show the glitches over and over again for the full 4 minute video.
The information is good and I understand these audio-only videos do need some kind of accompaniment but normal game footage could have been used - with just part of the time given over to actually demonstrating the problem.
Re: Jet Set Radio Artist And Former Yakuza Director Ryuta Ueda Returns To Sega
Yakuza has changed a lot since the first two PS2 games. He'll definitely need to study up if he rejoins that team. If he does return to Yakuza I hope it's not a step back and that he does understand the current state of the series and the scope and style the games have adopted.
Re: Arc System Works Launches Kunio-kun 35th Anniversary Countdown Website
@CactusMan
I've always of the Yakuza series as what a 3D River City game could be - the gameplay is similar to the NES games (besides being in 3D) and if Kunio were an adult, he might even look a bit like Kiryu. The grey suit is even similar to Kunio's school uniform.
Re: Arc System Works Launches Kunio-kun 35th Anniversary Countdown Website
I feel like River City Girls has had the spotlight lately. But the recent(ish) Kunio games on 3DS have been great too - so I hope that branch of the series continues too.
Tokyo Rumble and Rival Showdown were good fun and looked great - nice looking 2D sprites on a 3D plane; they could work well remade in Octopath-style 2d-hd.
Re: THQ Nordic Appears To Be Releasing Star Wars Double Packs
Let's hope the cartridges include the latest versions of the games, for future-proofing. Jedi Outcast was released without the ability to correctly invert the y-axis until it was patched in about a month later (something the NintendoLife review bizarrely didn't even mention at the time).
Re: THQ Nordic Appears To Be Releasing Star Wars Double Packs
@anynamereally
Exactly correct.
Also, I would love for Jedi Knight 1 and Mysteries of the Sith to get a rerelease too (though I don't know how well they've aged).
Re: Monkey Ball And Yakuza Creator Is In Talks To Leave Sega For NetEase
The Yakuza series (and related spin-offs) are in a really good place right now.
I've heard the Judgement games are great (sadly I'm Playstation-less so I haven't tried them yet) and in the mainline series, Like A Dragon was amazing and felt like a great new start.
It also seems like a lot of people are just getting into the series now - probably thanks to all of the remakes/remasters of the Kiryu games and the whole series coming to Game Pass and Steam (and probably thanks to people being locked down at home too). Even though these games have been around since PS2, it really seems like now is the golden age of Yakuza.
So, I really wish him well - I hope the new job works out well for him, that conditions are good and he gets to keep doing work he enjoys.
But in a very selfish way, I worry about the future of the series. This might be the end of Judgement completely. And I think Nagoshi personally talked about remastering (and releasing worldwide) the samurai games Ishin and Kenzan. That may not happen now. But I'm sure the main series will continue just fine - the rest of the team is very talented so I doubt the quality would change.
Re: The Shapeshifter 2 Will Have An 'Original Mechanic' And Two Game Boy Cartridges
It is interesting to experiment like this so I'll definitely keep an eye on it.
I am very cautious about supporting Greenboy Games though.
Reviews of their past games have not been good - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLepAgeE7EY - and there are things about the company I really don't like (they seem to be involved with cryptocurrencies which I despise).
Having said that, they respond well to criticism (genuinely accepting it without any hostility) and the games do seem to be improving. So, hopefully this one works out well.
Re: Castlevania Netflix Producer Files Lawsuit After Being Excluded From Spin-Off Series
@Scapetti I can understand that. He has a way of communicating that can come off as arrogant. That does bother me but I can still believe his enthusiasm is genuine. I get if others can't though.
As for the lawsuit, I don't have much of an opinion. His case seems weak seeing as it's a new show and nothing was in writing. I'm not supporting that aspect of the story in particular. But my main point was just that this could be a bad sign for the direction of the Richter show. I hope I'll be proven wrong on that.
Re: Castlevania Netflix Producer Files Lawsuit After Being Excluded From Spin-Off Series
I always had the impression (rightfully or wrongfully) that Shankar was the one who really brought the passion to the project. He seemed to genuinely be a fan and really wanted to make a good show.
He had been talking about Castlevania for years before it became a thing - at the time it seemed like one of those things that would never happen. Back then Castlevania was a dead game franchise and an animated series seemed very unlikely (especially based on the third game, loved as it is). It really seemed like Shankar just stuck with it and made it happen.
And he's also been involved in a lot of fan films (like that dark Power Rangers one form a few years back) - so, he's clearly dedicated to making things he's passionate about, that he believes in, even in cases where he can't legally profit from them.
So, this just makes me worried about the spin-off. I had been excited to see Richter's story. It could still he great; I'm sure that a lot of the original team is still working on it. But, without Shankar, maybe something will be missing - I'm worried it will be a bit soulless, just riding off of the success of the original show. Without Shankar, it might not have the same passion driving it. I may be giving him too much credit but I do have less hope for the new show.
Re: Sonic Mania Is Now 4 Years Old
@Clyde_Radcliffe
I'd always assumed that Sonic Forces was a sequel to Sonic Generations - not a story sequel but it does seem to be a follow-on in terms of gameplay.
Re: Sonic Mania Is Now 4 Years Old
It's bizarre that there's been no sequel. It really seems that the natural thing to do would be to make a sequel, but with all-original zones (instead of reusing Mega Drive zones like Mania did). I can't understand why that hasn't happened by now.
Re: Soapbox: The Term 'Indie' Is Losing Meaning, But Maybe That's A Positive Sign
Many indie developers need these indie showcase broadcasts to get their games noticed and maybe even for their entire companies to survive. They probably don't have a lot of money for a massive marketing push so these videos can really make a difference in getting their games seen and sold.
From that point of view, it's very bad for companies like Konami (and I think in the past, Microsoft) to be featured. These are massive companies using platform that is designed to give exposure to smaller (and less financially able) developers. Potentially they are taking away time-slots from true indie developers that could not otherwise market to so many people. It is not a positive thing.
Re: GPD Has Plans For Its Own Switch-Style Handheld Device Powered By Android
Android on the Switch itself is quite nice - it's a good form factor for streaming games via Steam Link, Moonlight and presumably Game Pass and PlayStation remote play. Downside is obviously that it's not official and needs to be installed using homebrew.
So I can definitely see the appeal of a device like this. Price is key though. For me, streaming games is most important so I would actually prefer a cheap low-powered handheld (that doesn't need to run games natively) over something capable and expensive.
Re: Random: The Official Kirby Website Briefly Had A Kafka-esque Section
"It's very Kafka-esque."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaWgRw78Y1M
Re: Random: The Official Kirby Website Briefly Had A Kafka-esque Section
It's a great story. But this is probably not the best way to experience it.
Re: The Voice Of Mario From The Early '90s Has Passed Away
@BloodNinja
I'm guessing they just mean that it was not reported on in entertainment sites like this - discussed in relation to his work.
I don't think it's a case of his body being found 6 months later or anything like that - I'm not sure if that's what you meant though. There are tributes on that obituary going back to February.
Re: Video: Retro Gaming Prices Are Much More Reasonable In Japan
I've bought a lot of games in Japan and it's a great deal. It's become more expensive now than it has been in the past - first time I went to Japan in 2005 they were giving games away - but you can still get deals on Yahoo Auctions or less popular shops. So, I'm a massive hypocrite with what I'm about to say.
But I have mixed feelings about encouraging importing from Japan to save money. Individuals buy from Japan but I've also seen game stores buy in bulk from Japan to stock their shelves. I can see that causing prices to increase in the future, and shortages of games in Japan - Japan being just one country can't supply product for the entire world.
Also, it's incorrect to say that PAL games are inferior or run slower. PAL games are either optimised for 50hz, meaning they will run at the correct speed (like DKC, Super Tennis etc.). Or, PAL games are not optimised for 50hz, meaning that the actual rom is the same as the NTSC rom but the console plays it slower. Unoptimised PAL games played at 60hz should play correctly, exactly the same as US or Japan games. I use a modified SNES that can switch speeds but if Jon used a cartridge adapter to play PAL games on the Super Famicom, they should play at the correct speed (or too fast if they are PAL optimised). The games don't run slower; the consoles do.
Re: Metal Gear Creator Hideo Kojima Is "Afraid" Of A Future Without Physical Media
I buy digital but I go DRM-free whenever possible. Even if something has DRM (Kindle books etc.) I'll find the best way to remove it. I have no problem with digital purchases - but if I keep a DRM-free copy on a local hard-drive, I can have it forever. Which is as it should be, considering I've paid for it.
Games are trickier though. Because sometimes they can have huge file sizes (too big to store locally) and they are often trapped on closed platforms (like Nintendo hardware).
I back up my switch sd card but, if Switch is no longer supported in the future and something happens my hardware/account, that might be useless. At that point, after a console's life cycle, you might have to resort to homebrew to continue playing games you have legally bought. An official solution would be preferable.
Re: Review: Blaster Master Zero 3 - A Masterful Conclusion To The Trilogy
This series has been amazing so far so I'm glad the trend has continued.
I could never get into the original Blaster Master on NES so it's great that they made it work so well with the Zero series (without even having to deviate from the core concepts too much). It makes you wonder how many NES games just needed a bit of fine tuning to really shine.
Re: Random: There's A New Hill In London, And People Think It Looks Like Super Mario 64
I love Kate's writing on this. It's hilarious. (Though the government did give her good material to work with).
Re: Random: The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Opening Ceremony Showcased A Ton Of Game Music
@Baker1000
Looks like he resigned 4 days ago and immediately following that there was a big scramble to find replacement music so it is possible that's why the game music was chosen. But having said that, I may have jumped the gun here and you may well be right.
I have seen people I trust saying this was the replacement for his music - but they have no involvement with the Olympics so how could they know for sure.
Re: Random: The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Opening Ceremony Showcased A Ton Of Game Music
The article omits the important fact that the original composer for the Olympics resigned because he used to bully people with disabilities.
The Video Game music was probably chosen as a quick replacement. That's also probably why Nintendo was not involved - because it was so last minute.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/19/tokyo-olympics-composer-keigo-oyamada-resigns-after-admitting-bullying-disabled-classmates
Re: Switch Basics: How To Archive And Delete Switch Games To Clear Space
Yes I do need everything installed and I will not hear otherwise!
Re: The First Review For The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Is Now In
@HamatoYoshi
Sadly that's not a case of aging badly - that aspect of it was bad even when when the game was new.
Re: Sakurai Reminds Us There's Only One DLC Fighter Left For Smash Ultimate (Again)
Almost everything major already has representation so I'd be satisfied with anything.
Maybe Ameterasu, Wonder Boy, or Goemon (I know he's already a costume).
If Smash is to be a celebration of gaming as a whole, it would be good to have a representative for European home computers - it'll never happen but I would love if the final character was Dizzy.
Re: Among Us Has Been Localised Into Irish
@Mountain_Man No.
Re: Another Nintendo Console Has Gotten An Upgrade, But It's From 18 Years Ago
@Moistnado
The art is not identical but the design-concept is the same - I believe that's what Jamesy is referring to. Opinions may vary on that (opinions on how right or wrong copying a concept is) - but to do that and then deny any influence is very shady, especially in a community as small as Gameboy shell artists.
I think the other examples, where it comes to the technology of the mods, are more clear-cut.
But, like I say, it's not even the accusations that bother me. My problem is with how the company conducts itself online - how they respond to questions and criticism. Their comments on Instagram can be really aggressive and snarky. It points to a massively amateur operation. And I'm personally not comfortable exchanging money and trust with a company that cannot act with some level of professionalism.
Completely agree on Ali Express. Only downside is that it's a longer wait (depending on how far you live from China, I guess) but I've been very happy with the cost and quality of everything I've gotten from there.
Re: Universal's New Streaming Exclusivity Deal Will Affect Super Mario Movie
I can't see myself paying for another streaming service. There's just too many now. Eventually they're going to have to be packaged and sold together like TV channels used to be.
Re: Another Nintendo Console Has Gotten An Upgrade, But It's From 18 Years Ago
I've used Retrosix before for some small parts (bracket for an IPS screen mod etc.) and they've been okay. So, I'm sure the battery pack is fine. It's definitely useful - one of my SPs could definitely do with a replacement.
But I really don't think I can ever support that particular company again.
They've been accused of stealing art:
https://twitter.com/jamesydraws/status/1368338570029719553
And while it may be a coincidence (though unlikely in my eyes), their responses when asked about it are really unprofessional and childish.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CME60ymHFen/
And there's also reports of them stealing some of their mod designs. I can't say that's true for sure but I would encourage any potential customers to do their own research before engaging with them. It's definitely enough for me to keep away.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Gameboy/comments/ktbgnf/retrosix_is_stealing_other_peoples_work_and/
Re: After Months Of 'Switch Pro' Rumours, Nintendo Officially Unveils The Nintendo Switch OLED Model
@Lyricana
You're not wrong really but I wouldn't discount rumours completely.
A lot of the details that were rumoured did turn out to be correct (even the wider kick-stand was mentioned). And the leaks from last year surrounding Mario's 35th anniversary collection also proved true. Nintendo is not the tight ship it once was. It's important not to take rumours as promises but I wouldn't say you can never believe them - especially with so many sources reporting the same things.
Also worth noting that Bloomberg has had staff changes recently with Jason Schrier joining from Kotaku - so their information is probably going to be more correct than it has been historically.
But, like I say, the improvements are good and actually probably the correct move for Nintendo. So I'm not overly disappointed personally - but this is probably not something I need whereas a more extensive hardware upgrade would be something I would get.
Re: Finally, Nintendo Officially Unveils The Switch OLED Model, The 'Switch Pro' We've Been Expecting
I don't know much about OLED but I have an OLED Vita. One annoying thing about it is that the screen dims during inactivity - so while watching a cutscene etc. I really hope that's not a requirement of the technology.
Re: Finally, Nintendo Officially Unveils The Switch OLED Model, The 'Switch Pro' We've Been Expecting
Hard not to be a little disappointed after all the rumours of 4K and DLSS.
Having said that, the improvements are good. Not sure it's enough for me to upgrade though.
Re: Rumour: There's Supposedly A New Donkey Kong Animation In Development
@Jake_qwerp
I remember when Donkey Kong Country came out, it blew everyone away - mostly because of the graphics, granted - but Rare had given it a lot of personality and generally it just felt like something new and modern at a time when the SNES was really showings its age. The characters were funny and the setting/music was amazing.
Before that, Donkey Kong had really been forgotten for that generation of kids. The arcade game was slow and hard to get into compared to modern platformers. But DKC was a huge mainstream success. Its difficult to explain how much it exploded - my parents who never played games (besides Tetris) played through all of DKC several times together. It was probably more popular than Mario for a few years. That's probably why it got that original animated show.
So, if the rumors are true, it seems like they're trying to do a similar relaunch of DK again now - trying to get Donkey Kong back to the massive mainstream success it had before. A multimedia approach would help that. Zelda doesn't need an animation to gain popularity - that franchise is doing fine. But DK has probably dropped to around c-list when it could be as massive as Zelda if managed well.
Re: Nintendo Bosses Reveal Their Favourite Games At The Latest Shareholder Q&A
@Markiemania95 Ganondorf loves Ace Attorney.
Re: Sakurai Says Smash Bros. Ultimate's Next DLC Fighter Really Will Be The Last One
Here's hoping for Flimbo!
Re: Yep, The Wii U Gets A New Game In July
The Wii U gets a lot of love and for a lot of good reasons. But one thing Wii U fans never talk about is how horrible and slow the interface is. Booting up, navigating, changing settings, moving games to HDD etc are all painfully slow. I'm way off topic but for me the user experience is one of things that keep me from leaving it set up permanently. It's just not a nice feeling to use it.
That's one thing the Switch massively improved on. Interface is too simple but at least it's quick.