We need more games. And cheaper price. Bundles are the way to go. I already have 3DSXL, but when I see that Pikachu bundle, I was tempted to donate my Mario XL to a family member just so I have an excuse to have a Pikachu in my pocket.
Anything by Will Wright is for mature audience. Mature as in wisdom, not sex. Also, not too many people remember this now, but Chris Crawford's Erazzmatazz project is designed to appeal to adult exploration nature. Of course, as soon as people hear the word "text based interactive fiction", their eyes glazed over. Still, there are people who do write them. Andrew Plotkin recently went on Kickstarter for his projects.
As for mainstream developers? They are so risk averse, it'll be a wonder if they actually make a new game instead of continuing the old tired franchise.
@hairmanban Yeah, I figured out that combo real quick. Also, some nice move with R button. Then run/dodge for a while. Chasing the monster back takes a while because the character just doesn't run fast enough, at least for me. It's not a design flaw. I can see the game can be designed this way. Like I said, I'm fine doing dual blades, but not much else.
@LDXD Thank you for your response. I can see that I'll get used to the camera in due time. And maybe the timing aspect of it later on. But I'm still stuck at the fact that I can't turn around fast enough to shoot the monster when up close, and no fine control to shoot when afar. And it's not aiming problem, although the demo shows that too. It's the fact that the controls are digital when they're supposed to be analog. Of course, I do fine with dual blades, but if that's the only weapon I'm good at, well, maybe I should pass. Is there a fine/analog control I'm missing somewhere or is there a trick in sniping using guns?
I just downloaded the demo, and I find the control horrendous. I can't believe people are complaining about KI:U control because this one is worse. Absolutely bad camera. Also, I don't know if the attacks are better than in demo, but I'm having trouble chaining worthwhile combos. There are combos, but except for dual blades, they are practically too narrow, and rather slow in execution.
Not to mention, there is no fine control. Both the thumb slider and dpad touchscreen act like digital control, as opposed to analog. I would think that setting both to analog would be better. As such, I'm having trouble sniping with the guns. This is a killer for me. If they set analog control, I may be persuaded to stick with it.
I hate the fact that you can't use items while holding weapon. Especially bad when the health is low, and you just can't get away because you just don't run that fast.
Furthermore, there's some niggling that when you chase the monster into a new area, it suddenly is behind you, and well, it's kind of hard to fight it when you suddenly thrusted upon a new area.
So, for those of you who played the demo and the game, is the demo a good representation of the game? Because if so, no matter how excited I am about the concept, I must pass.
That's nice, but if you think $200 for a doll is expensive, try to price Volk's Dollfie Dream Saber Lily model. Or you can just buy the cheaper standard model and customize your own. Like this: http://vink-sama.livejournal.com/28698.html
How many of you actually have gone to read the original article on IGN? Reading that article makes it clear that he's talking specifically about Gface system. When the IGN reporter used the phrase "though his opening gambit on the subject is initially alarming", I know that the statement is subject to misinterpretation. A re-reporting on the subject should make that clear. I think this is clearly a case of misunderstanding. I don't believe Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli meant that all single player games must be abolished. "Initially alarming" means that later it got better. Although the IGN article is short on detail, I will give the benefit of the doubt.
Of course people still enjoy solitary gaming experience. This will continue to be true for as long as people are buying those Sudoku/Word Search books.
As much as I hate on-line single player such as Steam, et al, that doesn't mean I should hate the companies who actually make it their business to give away their games for free. Remember shareware? You play the first levels for free, pay if you want to continue playing. There's nothing wrong with that model, is it? It's not the "connectedness".
I don't think even handicapping the game would be a problem. If the game is broken, then dump it and don't play it anymore! Simple as that. Let the market rule.
Let the game companies know how they should improve, what kind of features you want to see. But to hate them fiercely, especially due to misunderstanding, isn't a good thing.
And, yeah, I'd like to see this on-line single player game disappear. I want to have the connected option to download new games, and maybe pay for new maps/levels, avatars, weapons. But to force me to connect to the Internet just to play the game? Automatic dump!
I guess I'll have to download the demo since the articles piques my curiosity. The casual mode sounds just like the ticket for me to enjoy the game. Lunatic is beyond me.
I blame the movies. It's true that in a game, you pull the trigger to make the kill, but the game also shows that you die a lot. Shooting virtual people can have very negative consequences, which is something that is missing in movies. Movies glorifies violence; (Good) Games clarifies.
Speaking of violence, I do believe that duck population declined just about the same time Nintendo came up with "Duck Hunt". Coincidence? I think not.
I hate game violence. I don't play most violent games. I like Bookstore Dream, and Sweet Memories Blackjack. Things of that nature. But I will defend the rights to have violence in games. Why? Because of Neil Gaiman: Why defend freedom of icky speech?
The Law is a blunt instrument. It's not a scalpel. It's a club. If there is something you consider indefensible, and there is something you consider defensible, and the same laws can take them both out, you are going to find yourself defending the indefensible.
I would like to keep bad things out. Don't we all? But not at the expense of good things being taken out as well.
I think discussion about guns is important, but I don't like to do it here. Isn't there a forum thread where these kind of discussions can take place?
@Windy Ha, I remember that! I spent way more than $40. I even started breeding them. I forget my horses' name, but I do remember that one of them is called "Sweet Lemon". I was hoping this game is like that, but apparently not enough. Also, the "bloated loading times" turned me off. Sure wish the review mentioned the waiting times in "seconds/milliseconds" unit of time, rather than "bloated".
I'd rather have the reviewer take his time to review the game properly, rather than rush things through and missed something. This review seems good, and the game scored fairly.
Agree with @C7 In fact, the original id's Doom has been cited as stress reliever at the end of the day working for horrible bosses. No doubt that a lot of stress related outbursts have been prevented by playing Doom everyday.
@theblackdragon Sure. After all, as P.T. Barnum said: There's a customer born every minute!
To be honest, those can be easily done with Petit Computer, so if I really do have a proper devkit, I'd use it to make something either CPU intensive or maybe a game with multi-player option.
@Rayword No ESRB cost for eShop products? I wonder how much does the devkit cost, because if it costs less than $5K, and they drop the office space requirements, I think I'll become one! Look forward to seeing exciting apps such as Drying Paint, Grass Growing, and Water Evaporating. Hey, if they can have Flashlight and Biorhythm app, I think my ideas have merit.
"Ask again in a couple of weeks" does not mean the requirements is being dropped, but only that he will take the suggestion to the higher ups. I think it's a good idea that the requirement should be dropped, but it's possible that you have to connect with an established "gateway" developer instead.
Huh? A bunch of crybabies all of a sudden? The implication is that SE should never release a game with "Brave", "Default", "Fantasy", "Final", "Heart", or "Kingdom" on the title.
Nothing wrong with iOS or any other platform specific titles. I don't see Kid Icarus Uprising being ported to any other platform, and I don't see anybody complaining about that.
Nope, it does NOT support download play. The manual stated that you need 2 copies in order to do multiplayer session. I don't think there is a cartridge version. I have the download version.
That's too bad. This is one title that desperately need Download Play feature. I don't see Network FC play either. Only local.
Mini Mario March Again has good level editor. I enjoyed doing them. Distribution is pretty bad, though. I don't mind a redo with FC distribution system.
Also, Petit Computer can do Mario games easy! Well, hardware-wise. You need to know how to program a computer in order to use it.
I think the score is wrong. A 3 is worse than a 4, and 4 means the program is buggy. If the the program managed to do it without any significant problems, whose only flaw is tremendously boring, then a 6 is a more accurate score. A 6 may still have a fatal flaw, but no bugs.
Castle Conqueror has higher score, and that program hung up on me TWICE. I had to let the battery run down each time. That's a bug. A 4. I should not have to put up with that. As it is, I never played the game again.
Speaking of boring, I find Paper Airplane is very limited and boring. It scored an 8!
FWIW, I don't find it boring. It's Blackjack. What do you expect? "Potentially thousands" Eh, did you read the achievements? It stated 3000. BTW, to reach Level 2, you need 1000 game, 80000 points. I finished the kissing scene in just slightly under 3000 games.
Turns out there is a trick to it. You can boost your winning chances with this knowledge,
True, there is only one good picture in there, but to each their own. I managed to unlock all achievement, although I had to cheat on 20 win streak. The rest, I managed to unlock without cheating. I wonder if there's a trick to it that I missed. There are tricks to other achievements.
I'm glad I bought this, as I enjoyed this game very much. I suppose it's niche. But how about giving a "boring" game another chance?
Where's the well regulated militia when we need one? Everybody knows it is necessary for to the security of a free state, right?
Regarding The Daily Express ridiculous claim: Does being a press allow you to spout correlation=causation nonsense? Because if so, I'd like to get my own press card and make some truly outrageous claims.
"For example, when this site is at the bottom of review scores... and gives a game a 1 out of 10, I would expect that means the game is basically broken, not playable, terrible button responses, etc. BUT, then you read/see other reviews rate the exact same game around the 7s mark... there is clearly a disconnect somewhere." "I wouldn't say "clearly a disconnect." I'd say "clearly a difference of opinion." I certainly can't speak for other sites, but if we rate something a 1, it's because that's what our reviewer honestly felt it deserved. And I'm happy to assume that if someone else at another site gives it a 7, that that score reflects their opinion honestly. (Even if I wouldn't agree with it!)"
First of all, great article! I did see that picture, and oh boy, what a picture! I even blog it on my site. And there is a link that does it justice, and somewhere in the comment section, there is a mention that a highly experienced professional reviewer wrote several "reviews" without bothering to install the software! That is one possible explanation for the score discrepancy. It's a clear disconnect, not a difference of opinion. Simply because the other guy didn't bother doing a proper review.
So far, NL has done an admirable job reviewing the games, although I do wonder whether or not there is a system on distributing the games according to reviewers' preferences, as sometimes I think the reviewer and the games are mismatched.
I think it's time for me to search the Internet and cross off my list the names of people who says Nintendo needs to get out of hardware business from people to follow.
That being said, the numbers aren't realistic at all. On my third try, I decided to do it the lazy way, and make decision ONLY on Saturdays where the book signing event is going on. Made 12M easy. Must be the easiest, most effortless game so far. Like watching grass grow, it's best if it's done in tandem with something else. Play it in the background, check occasionally.
I don't see the missed shipment bug? Need more shelves? Did you get Shelf B type? Those holds 40 books. Didn't see it until halfway through my 3rd game.
@Philip_J_Reed I do think that if I'm bored out of my gourd with a game, it's my responsibility as a reviewer to mention that.
I agree you have that responsibility.
>there are certain expectations inherent in the genre.
Also agreed. I will not hold you to the higher standard involving miscategorized/mistitled game, but it would be nice if you do.
>yes, you steer with the circle pad. No drifting possibilities Sigh. This is where I wish the reviewer is well versed in the genre. I can't tell by your comment if the control is good or not. It's like saying a chess program plays a "mean" game without commenting on play styles.
I have to know, so I bite the bullet. Downloaded it and played it. The control? It sucks. Yes, it uses circle pad. But it works like a directional pad! Either it turns or nothing. That's not how it supposed to work!
At the highest level, it drifts if you press B+A at the same time. Still bad, though. Certainly no Ridge Racer. Also there are different camera views, but I digress.
I actually like the track designs. It would be nice to cruise there had the control not faulty.
Tutorial is coming. Please be patient. Here is something to whet your appetite: http://youtu.be/qDpTUK6waZI It's rather easy to do. I did the early version (minus color, snake, wall, music) in a couple hours. What kind of game do you have in mind?
>The game needs something — anything — to break up the gameplay, because as it stands it's a visual experience far more than a tactile one. Weapons, weather conditions, randomised tracks or obstacles, any of these would have helped.
Is it just me or everything gets boring after dabbling with Petit Computer? I still play Kid Icarus occasionally, but that's about it. Still, I must be the rare person who doesn't play Mario Kart, precisely because I thought all those items you mentioned distract from the driving experience, and there's no way to turn them off.
I am not most people. Most people cannot stand long stretches of highway without listening to the radio. I actually enjoyed the silence, and I like to feel the road through the tires, and that's it. No radio, audio books, text, or whatever. I like my driving experience pure.
Forza Motorsport also have uninspired tracks. Not only that, it lacks even boost. Nothing there, except pure driving experience. Will you downgrade that game, too?
>VectorRacing is graphically impressive, with its deliberately understated visual design allowing for smooth animation
That's the point of the game, isn't it? Smooth driving experience is the whole reason for its existence. The question isn't "What is exciting?". The question is "How smooth is it?". Maybe it's just the different expectation, but I am extremely interested in how the controls work. Control no problem? Is it precise or loose? Circle Pad or directional? Any drifting possibilities? These aren't mentioned in the review, but I need those info in order to make decision. IMO, incomplete review.
@SyFyTy Atari's Greatest Hits Vol. 2 for Nintendo DS. Load/Save is rigged to game cart, I believe. I have it. It's nice, but extremely slow. Machine Language is required to make anything acceptably speedy.
@Metabble_King Welcome to BASIC! Although this one looks so low-level for something that is supposed to be high level. The answers to your questions:
1. Float? Use Fixed Integer notation. 2. All values are global. GOSUB-RETURN does not return a value. 3. Statements can be contained within FOR-NEXT loop. 4. Lacking ENDIF, IF-THEN-ELSE can only contain 1 line.
This is an extremely simplistic version of BASIC. It lacks WHILE-WEND, REPEAT-UNTIL, SWITCH-CASE, and other structural niceties that higher level language has. How would you do these? Use GOTO!
ON var GOTO, IF-GOTO, GOTO, GOSUB-RETURN.
I hope you learn how to use GOTO properly, because with this BASIC, you're going to need those!
PS: Your discussion about C arrays is correct. Most of my array manipulation now has "-1" at the end, just to shift 1-based array to 0-based array.
@ShawnWilson Well said! You give me hope yet. Thank you.
I am active with Microsoft Small Basic. It's different, though. So, now I have to learn 2 different BASICs. Ah, well. One step at a time will get me somewhere...eventually.
I agree that there should be more tutorial for Petit Computer. If anybody knows of one, please share!
I guess this is the difference between lazy Americans and go-getter Japanese. Given a tremendous power for the platform, Japanese get all excited. "Let's all learn how to do this! We'll make some really cool stuff!" Whereas Americans would go "Great potential, but do I have to learn anything new? And how about that pecking in that little thing? Line numbers? Phht! I'll just wait until something better comes along."
Learning this won't be easy. But that's no reason not to try. I just got it, and perusing the reference, I got half-confused. But there's always trial-and-error learning technique. So what if I need a notebook beside? Have you never heard the word "research" before?
I just hope that there'll be good community around it. YouTube isn't good for discussions.
@Birdy: Need more pictures. It doesn't fire the imagination, you know?
Cancelling early when demanding long tedious form (if you want a chance to win) will upset a lot of people. At least give a shout and ask how many are still interested.
I don't see how $20 submission entry can pay for development. Ever heard of Kickstarter? Just pick a winning entry out of 15 and put a price on it on Kickstarter. Easy. "Not enough interest" isn't a reason. It's an excuse. If all entries are like Birdy's, then I can see why their enthusiam would fall. But to properly draw characters, level designs, etc takes time, you know?
Well, I'm glad I didn't submit my idea. Now that I have Petit Computer, I think it will have better chance of being made than if I'd submitted it.
"Any child capable of understanding and interpreting the rules is already beyond the scope of the challenges in this game,"
That statement sure sounds like an opinion, to me. Do you have it backed up by research? Any child? Really? What does the fact that some adults are having trouble with sudoku tells you? That they are stupider than a four year old? Did you just (unintentionally) insult a lot of people?
I was playing Kid Icarus on-line this Saturday, May 19. Did pretty well there, too. I managed to assemble Daybreak. It turns out I can just get all 3 pieces by myself. Take that, Pit!
It took me a few weeks to get used to the controls. It did hurt my hand, and I had to do short burst of play session in the beginning. It gets better. It gets even better with AutoFire option on. Now? I can just move using circle pad, shoot by moving stylus. Use buttons for power from time to time. I'm having a blast with it, and I do it without using the stand!
I'm having trouble accepting the fact that the control is faulty when everything else is so brilliant. So, I analyzed it. I come to the conclusion that at the highest level (level 8-9), you need to have the stylus control. The circle pad is just not quick enough. I applaud Sakurai for bravely implement the control as-is, knowing that there will be lashbacks. The dual control scheme will actually be a handicap at the highest levels, thus represent false hill.
It is the reason why I don't enjoy StarFox. From designer point-of-view, Kid Icarus beats Star Fox for maximum audience suitability. It does need a new control scheme to go along with it. Yes, you need to get used to the control. They say that a lot because, well, YOU need to get used to the control.
I agree with Sakurai-san. If you force normal controls, you will have to make sacrifices to game play. I'm not convinced even aiming with gyroscope Resident Evil style will be suitable. The main problem, of course, is when you combine the view and shooting into one stylus operation. Maybe someday we'll have buttons for legs (or third arm), but until then, this will have to do.
In case you missed it, there is a tremendous range of difficulty in that game! From personal point of view, I actually sit back and relax with the game. Left hand=Circle pad. Right hand=stylus. Buttons? No buttons. Don't need it, except rarely when using powers.
A game that features a hero mowing down bad guys, moving from left to right, with some jumping involved. Also, some platforms are moving. Erm. That's just about everything before.
Wait! Add rotational and 3D effects! Um, that's just so generic.
Okay, okay. You want original? Here goes: Sweet Susie, Snail Sam's Sweetheart, has been Snail-napped! It is up to you to rescue her from the dreaded fate of being salted! Have Snail Sam upgrade his trusty Snail Scooter to various vehicles including, but not limited to School Bus, Soap Box, and Bikes with polygonal wheels. Successfully navigate hazardous environment such as discarded gum, dried soda, and melting ice cream on the porch(for sale on e-bay!). Have access to different weapons including Cows, Skunks, and Chihuahuas! Defeat various Bad Guys such as Postman, Teen DJ, and Old Ladies Pushing Carts Across the Parking Lot.
Will Sweet Susie be rescued? Will Snail Sam be flattened by careless walkers? It's up to you, young heroes! Hurry up and slime your way to Sweet Susie!
Too cheap to pay $20 for a formal entry submission. I think they're better off making RPG maker.
I like Art Academy. I also like Colors. What I don't like is the small screen this thing is on. I have AA on Nintendo DSi XL. Unless there will be Nintendo 3DS XL, I guess I'll be stuck on the little screen, because I cannot resist adding yet another paint program into the various devices that I have.
Wow. Only 9 points? What's wrong? I'd have given it 10.
I want Layers. Check, with the bonus of different timings per layer. I want Stop Motion capability. Check, with bonus of Time Lapse Photo. I want full Color Spectrum. Check with bonus palletes option. I want Zoom. Check, down to the smallest details. I want Gradient, or at least a Blur. Missing. I want FPS setting. Missing. But saved option does have it.
All in all, I really can use that Blur capability, but that's nit-picking. Explicitly able to set FPS would be nice, too. However, the bonuses does offset the missing capabilities. As far as I'm concerned, this is very close to perfection. I do not miss the audio. Deluxe Paint Animation does not have sound, and I don't miss it at all. I'll be using this for comics and maybe t-shirt designs, and it's perfect for that. Especially since it allows up to 9999x9999 resolution!
I certainly will recommend this for anybody, but for DSi XL owners, this may well be a killer app!
I really, really want to have this game, but when I tried the demo, I couldn't figure out how to turn the airplane off. Apparently, it's just me, but I can't stand having something dangling in front of my face when flying a plane. Did I miss it, or there really is no way to hide the plane? Otherwise, I'd have grabbed it, who cares about food budget for the month.
Comments 178
Re: Nintendo Stock Rises By 11%
We need more games. And cheaper price. Bundles are the way to go. I already have 3DSXL, but when I see that Pikachu bundle, I was tempted to donate my Mario XL to a family member just so I have an excuse to have a Pikachu in my pocket.
Re: KORG M01D Music Workstation Hitting 3DS eShop This Summer
Instant download for me. Not for jamming, but for musical composition, it is excellent.
Re: Talking Point: Warren Spector Asks, Where Are Gaming's Grown-Ups?
@GreenDream
um, yeah. That's Erazzmatazz project. Last sales figure I heard was that he sold 3 copies. But I'm sure he's doing better, now.
Re: Talking Point: Warren Spector Asks, Where Are Gaming's Grown-Ups?
Anything by Will Wright is for mature audience. Mature as in wisdom, not sex. Also, not too many people remember this now, but Chris Crawford's Erazzmatazz project is designed to appeal to adult exploration nature. Of course, as soon as people hear the word "text based interactive fiction", their eyes glazed over. Still, there are people who do write them. Andrew Plotkin recently went on Kickstarter for his projects.
As for mainstream developers? They are so risk averse, it'll be a wonder if they actually make a new game instead of continuing the old tired franchise.
Re: Introducing: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for Beginners
@hairmanban
Yeah, I figured out that combo real quick. Also, some nice move with R button. Then run/dodge for a while. Chasing the monster back takes a while because the character just doesn't run fast enough, at least for me. It's not a design flaw. I can see the game can be designed this way. Like I said, I'm fine doing dual blades, but not much else.
Re: Introducing: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for Beginners
@LDXD Thank you for your response. I can see that I'll get used to the camera in due time. And maybe the timing aspect of it later on. But I'm still stuck at the fact that I can't turn around fast enough to shoot the monster when up close, and no fine control to shoot when afar. And it's not aiming problem, although the demo shows that too. It's the fact that the controls are digital when they're supposed to be analog. Of course, I do fine with dual blades, but if that's the only weapon I'm good at, well, maybe I should pass. Is there a fine/analog control I'm missing somewhere or is there a trick in sniping using guns?
Re: Introducing: Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for Beginners
I just downloaded the demo, and I find the control horrendous. I can't believe people are complaining about KI:U control because this one is worse. Absolutely bad camera. Also, I don't know if the attacks are better than in demo, but I'm having trouble chaining worthwhile combos. There are combos, but except for dual blades, they are practically too narrow, and rather slow in execution.
Not to mention, there is no fine control. Both the thumb slider and dpad touchscreen act like digital control, as opposed to analog. I would think that setting both to analog would be better. As such, I'm having trouble sniping with the guns. This is a killer for me. If they set analog control, I may be persuaded to stick with it.
I hate the fact that you can't use items while holding weapon. Especially bad when the health is low, and you just can't get away because you just don't run that fast.
Furthermore, there's some niggling that when you chase the monster into a new area, it suddenly is behind you, and well, it's kind of hard to fight it when you suddenly thrusted upon a new area.
So, for those of you who played the demo and the game, is the demo a good representation of the game? Because if so, no matter how excited I am about the concept, I must pass.
Re: Nintendo Download: 14th March 2013 (North America)
I'll download Monster Hunter demo. If I like it, I'll buy the cartridge.
Re: New Link Figurine Features Epic Detail
That's nice, but if you think $200 for a doll is expensive, try to price Volk's Dollfie Dream Saber Lily model. Or you can just buy the cheaper standard model and customize your own. Like this: http://vink-sama.livejournal.com/28698.html
Re: Crytek CEO: "The Notion Of A Single Player Experience Has To Go Away"
Whoa, there's so much hatred here. I wonder why?
How many of you actually have gone to read the original article on IGN? Reading that article makes it clear that he's talking specifically about Gface system. When the IGN reporter used the phrase "though his opening gambit on the subject is initially alarming", I know that the statement is subject to misinterpretation. A re-reporting on the subject should make that clear. I think this is clearly a case of misunderstanding. I don't believe Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli meant that all single player games must be abolished. "Initially alarming" means that later it got better. Although the IGN article is short on detail, I will give the benefit of the doubt.
Of course people still enjoy solitary gaming experience. This will continue to be true for as long as people are buying those Sudoku/Word Search books.
As much as I hate on-line single player such as Steam, et al, that doesn't mean I should hate the companies who actually make it their business to give away their games for free. Remember shareware? You play the first levels for free, pay if you want to continue playing. There's nothing wrong with that model, is it? It's not the "connectedness".
I don't think even handicapping the game would be a problem. If the game is broken, then dump it and don't play it anymore! Simple as that. Let the market rule.
Let the game companies know how they should improve, what kind of features you want to see. But to hate them fiercely, especially due to misunderstanding, isn't a good thing.
And, yeah, I'd like to see this on-line single player game disappear. I want to have the connected option to download new games, and maybe pay for new maps/levels, avatars, weapons. But to force me to connect to the Internet just to play the game? Automatic dump!
Re: Feature: Fire Emblem's Western Adventure
potable consoles. portable consoles.
debateable = debatable
I guess I'll have to download the demo since the articles piques my curiosity. The casual mode sounds just like the ticket for me to enjoy the game. Lunatic is beyond me.
Re: Talking Point: Gun Violence and Nintendo is an Unlikely Pairing
I blame the movies. It's true that in a game, you pull the trigger to make the kill, but the game also shows that you die a lot. Shooting virtual people can have very negative consequences, which is something that is missing in movies. Movies glorifies violence; (Good) Games clarifies.
Speaking of violence, I do believe that duck population declined just about the same time Nintendo came up with "Duck Hunt". Coincidence? I think not.
Here is Warren Spectors' take on it:
http://www.nicolelazzaro.com/warren-spectors-proposal-to-reduce-gun-violence/
I hate game violence. I don't play most violent games. I like Bookstore Dream, and Sweet Memories Blackjack. Things of that nature. But I will defend the rights to have violence in games. Why? Because of Neil Gaiman: Why defend freedom of icky speech?
He has an excellent journal entry about the subject.
http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2008/12/why-defend-freedom-of-icky-speech.html
I will quote his most relevant item:
I would like to keep bad things out. Don't we all? But not at the expense of good things being taken out as well.
I think discussion about guns is important, but I don't like to do it here. Isn't there a forum thread where these kind of discussions can take place?
Re: Review: Riding Stables 3D (3DS)
@Windy
Ha, I remember that! I spent way more than $40. I even started breeding them. I forget my horses' name, but I do remember that one of them is called "Sweet Lemon". I was hoping this game is like that, but apparently not enough. Also, the "bloated loading times" turned me off. Sure wish the review mentioned the waiting times in "seconds/milliseconds" unit of time, rather than "bloated".
I'd rather have the reviewer take his time to review the game properly, rather than rush things through and missed something. This review seems good, and the game scored fairly.
Re: Ralph Nader Targets Violent Video Games and Their Developers
Agree with @C7
In fact, the original id's Doom has been cited as stress reliever at the end of the day working for horrible bosses. No doubt that a lot of stress related outbursts have been prevented by playing Doom everyday.
Re: Reaction: Gunman Clive Provides a Positive Example of eShop Success
@theblackdragon
Sure. After all, as P.T. Barnum said: There's a customer born every minute!
To be honest, those can be easily done with Petit Computer, so if I really do have a proper devkit, I'd use it to make something either CPU intensive or maybe a game with multi-player option.
Re: Reaction: Gunman Clive Provides a Positive Example of eShop Success
@Rayword
No ESRB cost for eShop products? I wonder how much does the devkit cost, because if it costs less than $5K, and they drop the office space requirements, I think I'll become one! Look forward to seeing exciting apps such as Drying Paint, Grass Growing, and Water Evaporating.
Hey, if they can have Flashlight and Biorhythm app, I think my ideas have merit.
Re: Rumour: eShop Developers No Longer Required To Have A Physical Office
"Ask again in a couple of weeks" does not mean the requirements is being dropped, but only that he will take the suggestion to the higher ups. I think it's a good idea that the requirement should be dropped, but it's possible that you have to connect with an established "gateway" developer instead.
Re: "All The Bravest" Square Enix Trademark Was for iOS Game, Not Bravely Default Localisation
Huh? A bunch of crybabies all of a sudden? The implication is that SE should never release a game with "Brave", "Default", "Fantasy", "Final", "Heart", or "Kingdom" on the title.
Nothing wrong with iOS or any other platform specific titles. I don't see Kid Icarus Uprising being ported to any other platform, and I don't see anybody complaining about that.
Re: Review: Air Battle Hockey 3D (3DS eShop)
@EaZy
Nope, it does NOT support download play. The manual stated that you need 2 copies in order to do multiplayer session. I don't think there is a cartridge version. I have the download version.
That's too bad. This is one title that desperately need Download Play feature.
I don't see Network FC play either. Only local.
Re: User Created Mario Stages Are A Possibility In The Future
Mini Mario March Again has good level editor. I enjoyed doing them. Distribution is pretty bad, though. I don't mind a redo with FC distribution system.
Also, Petit Computer can do Mario games easy! Well, hardware-wise. You need to know how to program a computer in order to use it.
Re: Review: Sweet Memories Blackjack (3DS eShop)
I think the score is wrong. A 3 is worse than a 4, and 4 means the program is buggy. If the the program managed to do it without any significant problems, whose only flaw is tremendously boring, then a 6 is a more accurate score. A 6 may still have a fatal flaw, but no bugs.
Castle Conqueror has higher score, and that program hung up on me TWICE. I had to let the battery run down each time. That's a bug. A 4. I should not have to put up with that. As it is, I never played the game again.
Speaking of boring, I find Paper Airplane is very limited and boring. It scored an 8!
FWIW, I don't find it boring. It's Blackjack. What do you expect? "Potentially thousands" Eh, did you read the achievements? It stated 3000. BTW, to reach Level 2, you need 1000 game, 80000 points. I finished the kissing scene in just slightly under 3000 games.
Turns out there is a trick to it. You can boost your winning chances with this knowledge,
True, there is only one good picture in there, but to each their own. I managed to unlock all achievement, although I had to cheat on 20 win streak. The rest, I managed to unlock without cheating. I wonder if there's a trick to it that I missed. There are tricks to other achievements.
I'm glad I bought this, as I enjoyed this game very much. I suppose it's niche. But how about giving a "boring" game another chance?
Re: UK Press Pins Blame For Sandy Hook Massacre On Video Games
Where's the well regulated militia when we need one? Everybody knows it is necessary for to the security of a free state, right?
Regarding The Daily Express ridiculous claim: Does being a press allow you to spout correlation=causation nonsense? Because if so, I'd like to get my own press card and make some truly outrageous claims.
Re: Talking Point: The Challenges When Writing About Games
"For example, when this site is at the bottom of review scores... and gives a game a 1 out of 10, I would expect that means the game is basically broken, not playable, terrible button responses, etc. BUT, then you read/see other reviews rate the exact same game around the 7s mark... there is clearly a disconnect somewhere."
"I wouldn't say "clearly a disconnect." I'd say "clearly a difference of opinion." I certainly can't speak for other sites, but if we rate something a 1, it's because that's what our reviewer honestly felt it deserved. And I'm happy to assume that if someone else at another site gives it a 7, that that score reflects their opinion honestly. (Even if I wouldn't agree with it!)"
First of all, great article! I did see that picture, and oh boy, what a picture! I even blog it on my site. And there is a link that does it justice, and somewhere in the comment section, there is a mention that a highly experienced professional reviewer wrote several "reviews" without bothering to install the software! That is one possible explanation for the score discrepancy. It's a clear disconnect, not a difference of opinion. Simply because the other guy didn't bother doing a proper review.
So far, NL has done an admirable job reviewing the games, although I do wonder whether or not there is a system on distributing the games according to reviewers' preferences, as sometimes I think the reviewer and the games are mismatched.
Re: GAME: UK Pre-Orders Are "Exceeding Expectations"
I think it's time for me to search the Internet and cross off my list the names of people who says Nintendo needs to get out of hardware business from people to follow.
Re: Clever People Turn a NES Zapper Into a Real Laser
I wonder if they have one in 40MW range. I see nothing of the kind on the shelf.
Re: Review: Bookstore Dream (DSiWare)
Got it and love it! My very own bookstore!
That being said, the numbers aren't realistic at all. On my third try, I decided to do it the lazy way, and make decision ONLY on Saturdays where the book signing event is going on. Made 12M easy. Must be the easiest, most effortless game so far. Like watching grass grow, it's best if it's done in tandem with something else. Play it in the background, check occasionally.
I don't see the missed shipment bug? Need more shelves? Did you get Shelf B type? Those holds 40 books. Didn't see it until halfway through my 3rd game.
Re: Good Lord, The Knit-tendo Entertainment System Actually Exists
I want one. Not knitting, though. 3DS w/ 3D printing!
Re: Review: VectorRacing (3DS eShop)
@Philip_J_Reed I do think that if I'm bored out of my gourd with a game, it's my responsibility as a reviewer to mention that.
I agree you have that responsibility.
>there are certain expectations inherent in the genre.
Also agreed. I will not hold you to the higher standard involving miscategorized/mistitled game, but it would be nice if you do.
>yes, you steer with the circle pad. No drifting possibilities
Sigh. This is where I wish the reviewer is well versed in the genre. I can't tell by your comment if the control is good or not. It's like saying a chess program plays a "mean" game without commenting on play styles.
I have to know, so I bite the bullet. Downloaded it and played it. The control? It sucks. Yes, it uses circle pad. But it works like a directional pad! Either it turns or nothing. That's not how it supposed to work!
At the highest level, it drifts if you press B+A at the same time. Still bad, though. Certainly no Ridge Racer. Also there are different camera views, but I digress.
I actually like the track designs. It would be nice to cruise there had the control not faulty.
Re: Review: Petit Computer (DSiWare)
Tutorial is coming. Please be patient. Here is something to whet your appetite: http://youtu.be/qDpTUK6waZI
It's rather easy to do. I did the early version (minus color, snake, wall, music) in a couple hours. What kind of game do you have in mind?
Re: Review: VectorRacing (3DS eShop)
>The game needs something — anything — to break up the gameplay, because as it stands it's a visual experience far more than a tactile one. Weapons, weather conditions, randomised tracks or obstacles, any of these would have helped.
Is it just me or everything gets boring after dabbling with Petit Computer? I still play Kid Icarus occasionally, but that's about it. Still, I must be the rare person who doesn't play Mario Kart, precisely because I thought all those items you mentioned distract from the driving experience, and there's no way to turn them off.
I am not most people. Most people cannot stand long stretches of highway without listening to the radio. I actually enjoyed the silence, and I like to feel the road through the tires, and that's it. No radio, audio books, text, or whatever. I like my driving experience pure.
Forza Motorsport also have uninspired tracks. Not only that, it lacks even boost. Nothing there, except pure driving experience. Will you downgrade that game, too?
>VectorRacing is graphically impressive, with its deliberately understated visual design allowing for smooth animation
That's the point of the game, isn't it? Smooth driving experience is the whole reason for its existence. The question isn't "What is exciting?". The question is "How smooth is it?". Maybe it's just the different expectation, but I am extremely interested in how the controls work. Control no problem? Is it precise or loose? Circle Pad or directional? Any drifting possibilities? These aren't mentioned in the review, but I need those info in order to make decision. IMO, incomplete review.
Re: Review: Petit Computer (DSiWare)
@SyFyTy Atari's Greatest Hits Vol. 2 for Nintendo DS. Load/Save is rigged to game cart, I believe. I have it. It's nice, but extremely slow. Machine Language is required to make anything acceptably speedy.
Re: Review: Petit Computer (DSiWare)
@Metabble_King Welcome to BASIC! Although this one looks so low-level for something that is supposed to be high level. The answers to your questions:
1. Float? Use Fixed Integer notation.
2. All values are global. GOSUB-RETURN does not return a value.
3. Statements can be contained within FOR-NEXT loop.
4. Lacking ENDIF, IF-THEN-ELSE can only contain 1 line.
This is an extremely simplistic version of BASIC. It lacks WHILE-WEND, REPEAT-UNTIL, SWITCH-CASE, and other structural niceties that higher level language has. How would you do these? Use GOTO!
ON var GOTO, IF-GOTO, GOTO, GOSUB-RETURN.
I hope you learn how to use GOTO properly, because with this BASIC, you're going to need those!
PS: Your discussion about C arrays is correct. Most of my array manipulation now has "-1" at the end, just to shift 1-based array to 0-based array.
Re: Review: Petit Computer (DSiWare)
@warioswoods If you structure your program right, and make good use of subroutines, you'll be able to do that just fine!
Re: Review: Petit Computer (DSiWare)
@BulbasaurusRex Thank you for your share, though QBasic isn't Petit Computer. Try http://games.freebasic.net/ if you want qbasic. Also try http://www.atariarchives.org/ if you want old style Atari.
Re: Review: Petit Computer (DSiWare)
@ShawnWilson Well said! You give me hope yet. Thank you.
I am active with Microsoft Small Basic. It's different, though. So, now I have to learn 2 different BASICs. Ah, well. One step at a time will get me somewhere...eventually.
I agree that there should be more tutorial for Petit Computer. If anybody knows of one, please share!
Re: Review: Petit Computer (DSiWare)
@Halo_MASTER i bought this game... now i have a headache... MUST... LEARN... PROGRAMMING... LANGUAGE...
Haha. I got the exact same thing! Fortunately, it happened way back when I was young. I don't have those headaches anymore.
Re: Review: Petit Computer (DSiWare)
I guess this is the difference between lazy Americans and go-getter Japanese. Given a tremendous power for the platform, Japanese get all excited. "Let's all learn how to do this! We'll make some really cool stuff!"
Whereas Americans would go "Great potential, but do I have to learn anything new? And how about that pecking in that little thing? Line numbers? Phht! I'll just wait until something better comes along."
Learning this won't be easy. But that's no reason not to try. I just got it, and perusing the reference, I got half-confused. But there's always trial-and-error learning technique. So what if I need a notebook beside? Have you never heard the word "research" before?
I just hope that there'll be good community around it. YouTube isn't good for discussions.
Re: pitchWinPLAY Competition Cancelled
@Birdy: Need more pictures. It doesn't fire the imagination, you know?
Cancelling early when demanding long tedious form (if you want a chance to win) will upset a lot of people. At least give a shout and ask how many are still interested.
I don't see how $20 submission entry can pay for development. Ever heard of Kickstarter? Just pick a winning entry out of 15 and put a price on it on Kickstarter. Easy. "Not enough interest" isn't a reason. It's an excuse. If all entries are like Birdy's, then I can see why their enthusiam would fall. But to properly draw characters, level designs, etc takes time, you know?
Well, I'm glad I didn't submit my idea. Now that I have Petit Computer, I think it will have better chance of being made than if I'd submitted it.
Re: Review: Lola's Fruit Shop Sudoku (DSiWare)
"Any child capable of understanding and interpreting the rules is already beyond the scope of the challenges in this game,"
That statement sure sounds like an opinion, to me. Do you have it backed up by research? Any child? Really? What does the fact that some adults are having trouble with sudoku tells you? That they are stupider than a four year old? Did you just (unintentionally) insult a lot of people?
Re: New Art Academy
Pastel and blending tool? It must be mine! Now if they have markers option on it, then it'd be perfect!
This will give me the excuse to get that 3DS XL, after all. Can't wait to doodle on Colors! on it as well.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend?
I was playing Kid Icarus on-line this Saturday, May 19. Did pretty well there, too. I managed to assemble Daybreak. It turns out I can just get all 3 pieces by myself. Take that, Pit!
Re: Sakurai: Dual Analogue Control in Kid Icarus: Uprising Was "Technically Impossible"
It took me a few weeks to get used to the controls. It did hurt my hand, and I had to do short burst of play session in the beginning. It gets better. It gets even better with AutoFire option on. Now? I can just move using circle pad, shoot by moving stylus. Use buttons for power from time to time. I'm having a blast with it, and I do it without using the stand!
I'm having trouble accepting the fact that the control is faulty when everything else is so brilliant. So, I analyzed it. I come to the conclusion that at the highest level (level 8-9), you need to have the stylus control. The circle pad is just not quick enough. I applaud Sakurai for bravely implement the control as-is, knowing that there will be lashbacks. The dual control scheme will actually be a handicap at the highest levels, thus represent false hill.
It is the reason why I don't enjoy StarFox. From designer point-of-view, Kid Icarus beats Star Fox for maximum audience suitability. It does need a new control scheme to go along with it. Yes, you need to get used to the control. They say that a lot because, well, YOU need to get used to the control.
I agree with Sakurai-san. If you force normal controls, you will have to make sacrifices to game play. I'm not convinced even aiming with gyroscope Resident Evil style will be suitable. The main problem, of course, is when you combine the view and shooting into one stylus operation. Maybe someday we'll have buttons for legs (or third arm), but until then, this will have to do.
In case you missed it, there is a tremendous range of difficulty in that game! From personal point of view, I actually sit back and relax with the game. Left hand=Circle pad. Right hand=stylus. Buttons? No buttons. Don't need it, except rarely when using powers.
Re: Review: Colors! 3D (eShop)
It also has extras. Painting samples and coloring. Coloring? How's that work again?
Re: pitchWinPLAY Competition Announced
A game that features a hero mowing down bad guys, moving from left to right, with some jumping involved. Also, some platforms are moving. Erm. That's just about everything before.
Wait! Add rotational and 3D effects! Um, that's just so generic.
Okay, okay. You want original? Here goes:
Sweet Susie, Snail Sam's Sweetheart, has been Snail-napped! It is up to you to rescue her from the dreaded fate of being salted! Have Snail Sam upgrade his trusty Snail Scooter to various vehicles including, but not limited to School Bus, Soap Box, and Bikes with polygonal wheels. Successfully navigate hazardous environment such as discarded gum, dried soda, and melting ice cream on the porch(for sale on e-bay!). Have access to different weapons including Cows, Skunks, and Chihuahuas! Defeat various Bad Guys such as Postman, Teen DJ, and Old Ladies Pushing Carts Across the Parking Lot.
Will Sweet Susie be rescued? Will Snail Sam be flattened by careless walkers? It's up to you, young heroes! Hurry up and slime your way to Sweet Susie!
Too cheap to pay $20 for a formal entry submission.
I think they're better off making RPG maker.
Re: Colors! 3D Brightens North America on 5th April
I like Art Academy. I also like Colors. What I don't like is the small screen this thing is on. I have AA on Nintendo DSi XL. Unless there will be Nintendo 3DS XL, I guess I'll be stuck on the little screen, because I cannot resist adding yet another paint program into the various devices that I have.
Re: Review: Pilotwings Resort (3DS)
Turns out I can hide the plane. Glider and Jetpack are another matter though. Still it looks good, so I'll probably buy it.
Re: Review: Ridge Racer 3D (3DS)
If not for the fact that some YouTube videos shows first person perspective, I may not want this. But it does, so I want it!
Re: Review: Inchworm Animation (DSiWare)
Wow. Only 9 points? What's wrong? I'd have given it 10.
I want Layers. Check, with the bonus of different timings per layer.
I want Stop Motion capability. Check, with bonus of Time Lapse Photo.
I want full Color Spectrum. Check with bonus palletes option.
I want Zoom. Check, down to the smallest details.
I want Gradient, or at least a Blur. Missing.
I want FPS setting. Missing. But saved option does have it.
All in all, I really can use that Blur capability, but that's nit-picking. Explicitly able to set FPS would be nice, too. However, the bonuses does offset the missing capabilities. As far as I'm concerned, this is very close to perfection. I do not miss the audio. Deluxe Paint Animation does not have sound, and I don't miss it at all. I'll be using this for comics and maybe t-shirt designs, and it's perfect for that. Especially since it allows up to 9999x9999 resolution!
I certainly will recommend this for anybody, but for DSi XL owners, this may well be a killer app!
Re: Review: Hellokids - Vol. 1: Coloring and Painting (DSiWare)
I need to know whether this allows zoom view. Otherwise, I'll stick with Photo Graffiti and taking a picture of color paint set!
Re: Review: Pilotwings Resort (3DS)
I really, really want to have this game, but when I tried the demo, I couldn't figure out how to turn the airplane off. Apparently, it's just me, but I can't stand having something dangling in front of my face when flying a plane. Did I miss it, or there really is no way to hide the plane? Otherwise, I'd have grabbed it, who cares about food budget for the month.