Messages

2901

News and Announcements / Re: IGN steps up to the plate to defend Megaman 10

« on: December 25, 2009, 04:56:09 PM »

I suppose so.  In the meantime I can camp with a shield weapon at an enemy spawn point to enjoy the same end effect as a WiiRD code, simply with longer play time.

I smelled a whole shitload of fish guts when IGN made the aforementioned statement... now IGN defends MM10? What is this blasphemy?

IGN is multiple people.  This defense of MM10 comes from a member of their PS3 team.  I expect their Wii team to continue bitching as usual.

I'm seriously wondering if this is just a "the grass is always greener" thing.  The PS3 team wants to see gameplay over visuals and orchestras while the Wii team wants to see the complete opposite.  I was utterly dumbfounded when Craig requested more side-scrolling areas for Galaxy 2 after his backing up Matt's NSMB-bashing article in a recent podcast.  They would honestly rather have a polygon-pushing orchestrated 3D adventure that half the time pretends it's a 2D side-scroller than an actual 2D side-scroller with a more true and focused design, all because it carries with it a more simplified presentation.

2902

News and Announcements / Re: IGN steps up to the plate to defend Megaman 10

« on: December 24, 2009, 06:30:08 PM »

I can appreciate the matter of balance/decision-making in not being able to get everything, but it's not the most appealing point to me.  All the more reason why multiple save slots are handy for a game like 8.

I do like to eventually get everything, but that is, of course, why we have New Game Plus in this day and age.  At least 8 didn't tie power-ups together in senseless combinations (*coughX5cough*), you could put together whatever selection you wanted.  Just not all at once.

2903

Original / Re: MegaMan 10 - More Playable Blues

« on: December 24, 2009, 06:27:40 PM »

I'll take "laziness" in package extras in exchange for superior emulation quality any day.

2904

Original / Re: MegaMan 10 - More Playable Blues

« on: December 24, 2009, 06:19:32 PM »

True story: When I got AC, I gave my PS1 8 to my big brother.  When I played AC's 8, I asked for my PS1 disc back.

The audio bugs are really inexcusable.  Having only one save slot kinda blows, too.

2905

X / Re: What do you want to see in X9?

« on: December 24, 2009, 06:16:29 PM »

Z1-ZXA may have gotten dash physics right but there's quite a bit of the X-series formula that they missed, most notably weapon energy management (weaknesses, energy refill after missions).  Granted, you'd have to be pretty bone-headed to forget about that in an actual X-series game, but still.

I'd say despite the GBC's lack of a spare button for dashing that Xtreme2 had the physics department down.  Your air-dash momentum stayed with you the entire time flawlessly.

Speaking of dashing, I don't want to see that blasted "scoot" of Zero's from X8 again.  Tall, short distance, slow, no reason it should have been so.

2906

News and Announcements / Re: IGN steps up to the plate to defend Megaman 10

« on: December 24, 2009, 06:09:12 PM »

9's shop sells items that in true Classic-series games exist as stage pickups (E-Tanks in particular).  For reasons of game balance actual stage item pickups within 9 are virtually eliminated.  To me, this damages attempts at returning to the "classic" MegaMan formula and leaves the actual NES games a far more streamlined and enjoyable experience.

The use of randomly dropped currency is also questionable in itself, since it encourages camping.  Breaking the shop is a simple matter of Jewel Satellite + TellyBomb spawn point.  One also has to raise an eyebrow at the fact that the purely cosmetic shop items are prohibitively expensive; in any normal playthrough you most likely wouldn't be able to touch them.

8 did two things with the shop that were key to it being successful.  One, nothing it sold was disposable.  You didn't buy healing items, you bought equipment.  Two, it used collection items rather than random items as its currency, so there was no camping.  Short of some "emergency" life/energy pellets, you should never have to camp for anything in a side-scrolling MegaMan game.

2907

Original / Re: MegaMan 10 - More Playable Blues

« on: December 24, 2009, 05:50:52 PM »

That thought on XCM and X8 with more stuff going on in a platformer had occurred to me.  Still, I'm not so sure.  X8 strikes me as a lack of effort on a few points.  Okay, so palette-swapping the Neutral Armor made mix-and-match easy, but would it have been so hard for mugshots to reflect that?  Or for more than one armored mugshot to exist in the first place?  Also, with the models themselves, even their relative size wasn't given any thought.  X's height is identical to Zero's, and the fact that X stands straighter makes him actually appear taller.  I can see a technologically inferior system with a clear effort that they did everything in their power to make the game look and feel as it should (Xtreme2 and Legends 2 in particular come to mind).  X8 just doesn't strike me as being in that category.

As for MM8, I never noticed it being particularly slow in terms of walking speed.  But again, the NES style is rather sluggish as well so that might be why.  The lack of emphasis on dodging is more a matter of larger character size to me, and even with that slight shift the game is still every bit as enjoyable.  Sliding, perhaps, could stand to be faster, but there is a part for that.  Stinks that you NEED a part for that, but at least it's there.  Overall I feel that there's a lot more that 8 did right than wrong.  The shop, Rush, and general game mechanics were all handled excellently, in addition to the more modern presentation.  I don't even mean just visuals either, but audio as well.  I appreciate the fact that bosses talk to you during battle, I think a touch like that is excellently suited to the lighter-hearted series such as Classic and Legends (in X I don't care as much, though it still has its moments).

2908

Original / Re: If you had to describe each classic Mega Man with one word or phrase...

« on: December 24, 2009, 05:27:06 PM »

1. Select.
2. We can't ALL have title music that awesome.
3. Rush.
4-7. Blur.
8. Rush.
B. Bass.
9. Splash Woman.

2909

Gaming / Re: Western Video Game Fiction... A Bit Down?

« on: December 24, 2009, 05:23:39 PM »

Damn forum buttons doing what I click instead of what I think.  >.>

2910

X / Re: What do you want to see in X9?

« on: December 24, 2009, 05:14:11 PM »

What I want in X9:

- X8 designs or entirely new ones.

- X8 graphics or more advanced graphics.

*gives Hiroki ZEE UPPERCUT!!*

X8 had horrid character design and even worse character model detail.  There is no reason, ever, to look back.  Between MHX and TvC I think it's fairly obvious that I'm not the only one who feels that way.

One other thing I want in X9:

-New Game Plus.  If the ZX games proved one thing to me it's how much this feature makes a difference.  It was quite a saving grace in X7 (no need to unlock X; tank up everyone on chips), and X8 (forget the shop and Crystal Wall metals crap).  And X5 would have benefited from it a lot (X6 doesn't need it since you can get everything without killing a boss anyway; but level design of that calibur isn't something I expect to come every title).  Best-case scenario it lets you use all your favorite later power-ups to wail on enemies throughout the entire game.  Worst-case scenario it's a nice loophole for dodging any ill-designed "expansion" efforts in the power-up system.

2911

X / Re: If you had to describe each Mega Man X with one word or phrase...

« on: December 24, 2009, 05:05:26 PM »

X1: Zero kicks ass.
MHX: Zero doesn't let you push his friends around like that.
X2: Zero kicks even more ass.
Xtreme1: Zero does nothing without a chip.
X3: Zero lost his saber wave.
Xtreme2: Zero got the girl.
X4: Zero lost the girl.
X5: Zero lost his boss explosion resistance.
X6: Bosses have nothing to fear but the Z-Buster itself.
X7: Zero got a fanboy.
X8: Zero needs Rogaine.
XCM: Zero got Treble Boost.

Or:

X1: Pink Charge.
MHX: SIGMAAAAA!!!
X2: How to do Double Charge.
X3: How NOT to do Double Charge.
X4: INFINITE TWIN SLASHER!!!
X5: Dude, where's my Stock Charge?
X6: Real men use Shadow Armor.
X7: If this doesn't make you use the Mute button nothing will.
X8: Camera-shy Armor.
XCM: What the hell is Cannon Driver doing with my buster?!

2912

Gaming / Re: Western Video Game Fiction... A Bit Down?

« on: December 24, 2009, 04:44:23 PM »

Characters and enviroments just seem too realistic for their own good. Some just seem not that interesting.

I haven't noticed the correlation between Japanese and Western developers on this (though this is probably because with about four exceptions I don't pay attention to where developers are located).  But something the racing genre made clear to me even as early as the 32/64-bit era is that there is a world of difference between a fantasy and a simulation.  And they cater to very different audiences.  I love F-Zero but am bored with Gran Turismo.  It's not because I consider GT to be bad, I just like the high-adrenaline off-the-wall stuff.

Ever since the first decision was made to allow a jumping character to alter their momentum in mid-air, the valid point has been made that realism isn't always paramount.  Devs push towards realism harder as technology allows them to do so, which is swell, but they need to be sure they're still making an entertaining product in the end.

Or Rayman? Did you play [tornado fang]ing Rayman? And I'm talking about Rayman 1-3. Not that Raving Rabbids [parasitic bomb].

I resent that.  The Raving Rabbids [parasitic bomb] is awesome!

Well......TV Party definitely needed better organization (and where the hell are my customizable Rabbids?!), but still.

2913

Gaming / Re: Legend of Zelda - The official Zelda thread

« on: December 24, 2009, 04:35:08 PM »

I think anyone who works on a great thing always envisions something that could have made it better.  And the more complicated games get, the more fronts there are to improve.  Just hope that such artists/designers don't get too obsessed with such perceived shortcomings (case in point: Inafune's attitude towards MM3).

2914

Gaming / Re: VG Music Thread

« on: December 24, 2009, 04:30:17 PM »

Ah, Killer Cuts...  Fond memories there.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYspj1gP1dQ[/youtube]

Its my favorite Metroid Game theme.

Call me a nostalgia freak, but I have to go with this one:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPfDbL29Wzc[/youtube]
Zero Mission has such an orgasmic soundtrack.

2915

Gaming / Re: Nintendo Wi-Fi Friend Codes (under new management)

« on: December 24, 2009, 04:15:45 PM »

That makes our first DSiWare code.

2916

Gaming / Re: Super Smash Bros. Thread

« on: December 24, 2009, 04:08:30 PM »

I can say with relative certainty that I'll be on at late hours tonight.  Due to late family visits and Mrs. Shell trying to break me of old habits I will be opening no more than 1 present on Christmas Eve, which means I will likely be entirely too excited to sleep.

Am I less of a Brawl player that I use mostly a Gamecube controller as opposed to the Wiimote?

Who doesn't?

Seriously, as far as I'm aware, there are a select few who use the remote/nunchuck combo to shake things up, and that's about it.  I know NOBODY who honestly prefers the remote alone.  Personally I can't stand using Up to jump, and the ability to disable that on GCN controllers is all the "control innovation" that I needed.  There are certain games that work with new controls, and certain games that don't.

2917

News and Announcements / Re: IGN steps up to the plate to defend Megaman 10

« on: December 24, 2009, 03:53:18 PM »

Well, a good point with bad support is nothing new to IGN.

It is rather funny to see a member of IGN's PS3 team defending gameplay over presentation when IGN's Wii team has sent out multiple articles and podcasts bitching about that very same approach (NSMBWii's success despite lacking fancy lighting effects and orchestras gave them seizures).

But hey, you can't argue with praising MM3.  Even if insulting 8 risks ZEE UPPERCUT.

Really, though, I still say that 9 did not match up to 1-3.  I'm hoping 10 does better, I really am, but if they take the same approach to the shop then that's a point against them right there (which is, incidentally, one thing that 8 did better than any other entry).

2918

Gaming / Re: Super Smash Bros. Thread

« on: December 20, 2009, 08:27:04 AM »

Tell me you're not done already.  My brain functions so badly at this hour that it took me until that last match was over to realize you're not Harruhy (that's why I avoided Yoshi).

Bowser is the worst possible matchup against Ike, I swear.  I'm not one to gripe about game balance but it's really not fair for the big guy.  He's STILL the slowest character in the game when you factor in his air-to-ground lag, which is positively abysmal, and yet several characters can overpower him.

2919

Gaming / Re: Super Smash Bros. Thread

« on: December 20, 2009, 05:32:06 AM »

Yeah, you're definitely catching a lot of Super Dragon roasting...

If rage is a problem, stick around after you quit.  I'd be more than willing to shift gears for a Team Multi-Man.

2920

Gaming / Re: Super Smash Bros. Thread

« on: December 20, 2009, 04:36:07 AM »

Too bad I was already in bed by quarter of one last night.  >.>  I'll have to try for a good Brawl match tonight (although hopefully a LITTLE earlier).

Ought to redo a few of my taunts, as well.  I have a good idea for a "seasonal" one or two.

Posted on: December 19, 2009, 09:38:22 AMOkay, folks, it's BRAWLING TIME!!!
*thunder crash*

I'm going to set up a room.  Hopefully I can stay on for a good while.

2921

Original / Re: MegaMan 10 - More Playable Blues

« on: December 20, 2009, 12:43:44 AM »

I actually thought X8's graphics were pretty bad...  Besides the craptacular design style, Command Mission outdid them in character detail by far.  Still liked the game a lot, but if I want good visuals, I'll go for either XCM or the PS1 games.

But...MM4 being highly regarded? What happened to MM3, then? Then again, Inafking probably still has hard feelings towards that one, given how the development cycle went...

Resist...urge...to uppercut...Inafune....

Seriously, who in their right mind regards 4 higher than 3?  I am very, very sorry that the development of 3 turned out bad for the big man, but it doesn't change the fact that the end result is the best damn Classic-series game ever.  And if it bugs him THAT much, he ought to release a "director's cut" version on WiiWare.

I agree with this. In the NES style, the characters have a much "smaller" size than in their contemporaries. When they are "larger", there is less room to move and a bigger margin of error (not being able to jump over certain up-to-scale RMs, for example).

Yeah, and MegaMan isn't the only series to show this.  Check how NES SMB Bowser fights compare to NSMB (DS or Wii), and there's a world of difference despite the obvious attempt to imitate it, due to how the change in character ratios affect your ability to jump over him.

I don't think it makes gameplay superior or inferior, it's just something unique to the style.  Certain things work with it and certain things don't, as with any other style.  Oddly enough, although the small character size makes the action feel more fast-paced, NES MegaMan movement is actually rather sluggish compared to contemporary styles, even disregarding dash abilities.  You can make a direct comparison for yourself if you've unlocked Model a in ZX Advent.

2922

Gaming / Re: The "What are you currently playing?" Thread

« on: December 20, 2009, 12:25:54 AM »

Oh, I see, by "decided to" you mean you haven't done it yet.

Well, then hop to it!

Splitting time between Galaxy and Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn right now.  In RD, I'm playing the ludicrous Hard Mode, but with infinite Bonus Experience.  Seriously, half the cast is under-leveled no matter what difficulty setting you're playing on.  And the degree to which the availability of both experience and the characters themselves nerfs so many favorites does get aggravating.

2923

Gaming / Re: The "What are you currently playing?" Thread

« on: December 19, 2009, 06:16:44 PM »

vague memories of a battle... on top of the airship? Is that real?

Yes, and you were pretty close to the end at that point.  You battle on top of the Flutter after opening the Main Gate.

Congrats on finally clearing Legends!  If you want things to be more action-oriented you might like L2, which axed the interconnected dungeons but added a number of "sub" dungeons that exist for absolutely no reason other than to run around and beat up enemies for money and equipment, so you spend less time wondering where the hell you are.  You can also move while locked on for more Zelda-esque combat, too, and it's a lot prettier (amazing for a PS1 game, I think). 

2924

Original / Re: MegaMan 10 - More Playable Blues

« on: December 19, 2009, 03:53:32 PM »

8 was missing Rush Coil. But the Mega Ball and T. Hold pretty much made it a useless thing anyway. Though many of Rush's forms werent that useful. Rush bomber wasnt that great (IMO,) and Rush bike just didnt have any practical applications except for getting that one bolt in Clownman's stage.

Are you F*@#ING kidding me?  Rush Bike is damn awesome!  It's like an on-call Ride Armor, only faster.  ...it's also timed, but still.

Jet was missing too, but then again, it wouldnt really be needed and would be too broken with 8's stages. Plus, although Rushjet is only in certain segments, I liked how you could get him to be able to attack too.

I actually LOVED the idea of stages, and a boss, being Rush Jet based.  I wish, if they insist on denying us the MM3 broken Jet, they could at least do that again.

8 I loved, and I think Rush had great abilities even if they weren't key to stage navigation.  Mega Ball functioned as the Coil replacement and that let them get more original.  But if you want lousy Rush, MM&B is it.  Rush Search and *NOTHING* else.  Morons.  7 I wasn't really too fond of either, due to the introduction of Search, which I hate, the fact that Jet is near useless as-is, and the fact that all Rush support is pretty much rendered worthless once you get the Super Adapter.

...you know, that's one thing I will say for the NES graphics style, is how the character-size-to-screen-size ratio impacts gameplay.  Post-3's "fixed" Rush Jet really doesn't work as well in modern styles because the characters are larger-scale; you can't see nearly as far ahead of you in SNES.  

2925

Original / Re: Brace yourselves for the next wave of stupidity!

« on: December 19, 2009, 03:45:13 PM »

I literally just face-Keyboarded.

6tc5 *two beeps*

I suppose that guy is proof that one cannot pass out from sheer stupidity.  Or at least not your own.
*gives him ZEE UPPERCUT!!*

Yeah, he's not here, but I'll always know...