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Rev. Rob

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Posts posted by Rev. Rob

  2. Posted

    Is there even one game on teh Jaguar that the 32X couldn't handle?

     

    BattleSphere, Iron Soldier, HoverStrike would all probably choke the 32x.

     

     

     

    I don't see any reason why 32X coundn't have done Battlesphere or Hoverstrike. As for Iron Soldier, come on, NUON handled it just fine.

  3. Posted

    Cybermorph. The game that launched the Jaguar is perhaps the most associated game when Atari’s final console comes to mind. It embodied the hopes of a once powerful video game company that was desperately trying to claw its way back to the top of the industry. Unfortunately, Cybermorph fell somewhat short, and so did Jaguar when you do the math.

     

    For a game that gets a lot of things wrong, it does some things right. In 1993, 3D flight shooters were relatively uncommon in the video game market, which was primarily dominated by Sega and Nintendo’s 16-bit machines. At first glance, Cybermorph’s polygonal graphics looked futuristic, as if it was a new evolution in gaming.

     

    However, it was not. The initially impressive 3D world was soon overshadowed by poor draw distances, the claustrophobia of small levels, and the pain of enemies that popped into existence seemingly out of thin air.

     

    For many flight shooters and sims, a poor and cumbersome control scheme can spell doom for a game immediately. Fortunately, this is one aspect that Cybermorph got right. The little ship handles well, and the game is perfectly suited for the Jaguar’s three button controller. However, the list of ‘good’ things about this game stops there.

     

    Though the flight controls are laid out thoughtfully and are well executed, Cybermorph may as well not be a flight game, as the game forces the ship to fly so low to the ground that it may as well not be airborne. Want to fly over those hills up ahead? Don’t even think about it! Just don’t crash into them.

     

    The most obvious ailment that the game suffers is plot design that had its origins a decade earlier, when Atari was still in touch with gamers. There are a limited numbers of small levels from which the player selects from at the onset, a small numbers of lives, no unifying story and no way to save progress. Not that it feels like completing a level is progress, as levels are merely picked as opposed to earned.

     

    The objective of the game is to collect pods. Not to complete a series of objectives in each world, not to fight advanced alien races or defeat wicked bosses, but to only collect a small number of tokens. Not exactly thrilling game play, and hasn’t been since Pac Man and K.C. Munchkin battled it out in the early 80’s.

     

    There is a green talking head that is your companion throughout each mission. In a feminine computer voice she congratulates the player on a good job each time an enemy is killed or a “pod” is picked up. She also offers sarcastic quips “where did you learn how to fly” on occasion. However, this featured felt like the developers were trying too hard in when the game was released. It is all too reminiscent of the Odyssey2’s “The Voice” that was released in 1980, an unnecessary voice synthesizer.

     

    Ultimately, Cybermorph is an adequate tech demo for a console that itself is hardly a console. Misleading advertizing campaigns about the power of the system, a lack of third party support, worse hardware design than a Sony console, and corporate incompetence that would make Kenneth Lay blush, and a slew of games worse the caliber of Cybermorph would not only bury the Jaguar, but force Atari into bankruptcy and out of business.

     

    Cybermorph serves as constant reminder of the uncertainty of the gaming market in the 1980’s after the market crash, and of the boom of console upstarts that the world bore witness to in the early 90’s. Like the 3DO, LaserActive, CD-i, VIS, and all other non-Sega/Nintendo consoles of the era, Jaguar was forgotten almost as soon as it came, and with it Cybermorph, the tech demo that was nearly an excellent game.

  6. Posted · Edited by Rev. Rob

    NiGHTS 2
    Well, at least that dream came true. ;)

     

    Without Yuji Naka? Please. The game also looks like ass so far.

     

    It's also being developed by Sega Studio USA, which their sole masterpiece is "Shadow the Hedgehog," and we all know what a peice of crap that game is.

  9. Posted

    Controls also suffer from a lack of thought - double tap to run, then hold the d-pad down or you lose the speed - it's like driving a used car, bought on the cheap. The kind whose engine completely stops on a red light, and needs to be started up again.

     

    Heh, sounds like your controls are suffering from use of a three button controller. All Genesis games after like 92-93 were designed for use the 6-button control pad. They even quit making the 3-button.

     

    Anyhow, to run all you have to do is hold down "C." Double-tapping is only needed for a 3-button controller.

     

    I just even double checked the booklet, which isn't something I like to do with my 32X games, because in crinkles the cardboard box. (WTF is up with Sega switching to cardboard? Cheap bastards!)

     

    Grrr... I had to open it twice now because I forgot to put the stupid registration card back in!

     

    Nope, using a 6 button.

     

    BUT

     

    Fear not, I have a theory as to what went wrong -

     

    post-12969-1183794724_thumb.png

     

    My talking heads don't look like your talking heads. Maybe someone got frustrated with double tapping in the original and rewrote the controller maps...?

     

    It's a setting. You can go into the options and change the avitar and the controller type. :)

  11. Posted · Edited by Rev. Rob

    1. Genesis
       
    2. 32X
       
    3. Dreamcast
       
    4. Xbox
       
    5. Saturn
       
    6. Sega Master System
       
    7. Microvision
       
    8. Channel F
       
    9. X'Eye
       
    10. Odyssey
       
    11. Nintendo
       
    12. InteractiveVision
       
    13. Game.com
       
    14. Atari 2600
       
    15. PC Windows
       
    16. Odyssey²
       
    17. Game Gear
       
    18. DINA 2 in 1
       
    19. Playstation
       
    20. Virtual Boy
       
    21. Studio II
       
    22. Jaguar
       
    23. XavixPort
       
    24. Super Nintendo
       
    25. PC DOS
       
    26. R-Zone
       
    27. Vectrex
       
    28. TI-99/4A
       
    29. Nuon
       
    30. Nintendo 64
       
    31. Neo Geo Pocket Color

  12. Posted · Edited by Rev. Rob

    Controls also suffer from a lack of thought - double tap to run, then hold the d-pad down or you lose the speed - it's like driving a used car, bought on the cheap. The kind whose engine completely stops on a red light, and needs to be started up again.

     

    Heh, sounds like your controls are suffering from use of a three button controller. All Genesis games after like 92-93 were designed for use the 6-button control pad. They even quit making the 3-button.

     

    Anyhow, to run all you have to do is hold down "C." Double-tapping is only needed for a 3-button controller.

     

    I just even double checked the booklet, which isn't something I like to do with my 32X games, because in crinkles the cardboard box. (WTF is up with Sega switching to cardboard? Cheap bastards!)

     

    Grrr... I had to open it twice now because I forgot to put the stupid registration card back in!

  14. Posted

    I have a number of games, systems, etc on Ebay.

     

    For now, they include Atari 8-Bit games, a Turbo Grafx 16 system and games, Emerson Arcadia 2001 games, Fairchild Channel F games, Milton Bradley Microvisions and games, Odyssey boxed game items (the original Odyssey from the early 70s), a complete Dark Tower board game, and a Coleco Frogger table top game with box.

     

    Here's a link to my current auctions: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZlintwarpQQhtZ-1

     

    There's a lot more stuff to come. Add me to your "Favorite Sellers" list to be notified when other items are listed.

     

    Thanks for looking.

    -Kevan

     

    Thanks. I am bidding on your Odyssey set.

     

    Do you have the light gun? I pretty badly want this.

  15. Posted

    *Cue monks singing...

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    H3_WSJ_CHIEF.jpg

  18. Posted

    It was the first true 3D game ever made. Seriously, mad props.

     

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercenary_(computer_game)

     

    Let's not get too carried away. :)

     

    I have to disagree. I understand that there were 3D polygonal games prior to Mario 64, but none let you explore and interact with a 3D world the way that Mario 64 did. (And I've played Merc!)

     

    If I call it the first true modern 3D game can we agree? :)

  20. Posted · Edited by Rev. Rob

    Nice. I like how you actually justify your selections, instead of just a random looking list. Im curious too see what you would pick for N64, if you have one.

     

    Thanks. I do actually own an N64, but the only game I have for it is Conker's Bad Fur Day.

     

    However, if I were to make a "top" list for the system, it would go like this:

     

    1. Super Mario 64

    2. Goldeneye 007

    3. Legend of Zelda: OoT

    4. Ogre Battle 64

    5. Conker's Bad Fur Day

    6. Star Fox 64

    • Super Mario 64 because it set the bar. All expectations for what a 3D world should look like and how it should behave were now set. It was the first true 3D game ever made. Seriously, mad props.
    • Goldeneye 007 introduced true multiplayer gaming on a console. Nintendo had the right idea with four controller ports. If only they had the right idea with the storage medium, they would've creamed Sony, and Saturn would've got the number 2 spot.
    • Zelda: OoT expanded what Mario 64 started out with, by increasing the size of worlds, levels of interactivity, and other effects.
    • Ogre Battle 64 because I love me some strategy and Conker's because I think it was hilarious when it came out. It made a great swan song for N64.
    • Star Fox wasn't that great of a rail shooter, (really, I am being honest here), but it was the first "rumble" game, and that was huge.

  22. Posted

    I have a really neat programming cart for the Studio II that was only sold through the Studio II users club. I've never been able to use it because I think it requires modding the system (I have the instructions for how to do that though). I should dig it out sometime and look at it again.

     

    Tempest

     

    Can you like take some pics and make some scans? I can't find any evidence of this ever existing!

     

    Thanks in advance!

  23. Posted

    Here's the deal, post what your top ten favorite games are for consoles that you own. That is, your favorite, not what you think everyone else should think. Be biased!

     

    I own a lot of consoles, but I won't do too many.

     

    Sega Genesis

     

    1. Shining Force II

    2. Shining Force

    3. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles

    4. Comix Zone

    5. Revenge of Shinobi

    6. The Lost Vikings

    7. Beyond Oasis

    8. Spider-man

    9. Sword of Vermilion

    10. Starflight

     

    Except for 1-3, the rest of this Genesis list is really in no particular order. They are all my childhood favorites. I grew up in a Genesis household.

    • Sowrd of Vermilion was my first ever RPG. I remember walking to school thinking about how my character felt. It was the first to get me interested in the genre. I hated, and still hate, turn basd RPGs. Yu Suzuki showed me that there are RPGs out there for me.
    • Shining Force was my first ever strategy RPG. It introduced me to my favorite genre. Shining Force II did everything that I had wished the first one did, and it is all around a perfect game.
    • Comix Zone is a game that I wish would be redone in 2D and in HD. I love the concept, and I played this one over and over.
    • Revenge of Shinobi and Spider-man were the first two video games that I bought with my own money. I know each game in and out, except I still can't beat the stupid Kingpin! Do'h!
    • The Lost Vikings is a strategy game for those with patience. It took up long stretches of time for me, and I enjoyed every second.
    • Beyond Oasis was one of those Genesis games that made SNES owners green with envy. A beautifully drawn action RPG with a very unique concept. The hero summons various gods for aid.
    • Starflight... Ah, Starflight. An early "sandbox" type of game. My crew had names like Data, Pickard, Riker and Worf. I also enjoyed picking fights with aliens. The best thing about this game is it never really *had* to end.
    • Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles - I regard this as being the greatest Sonic game of all time. Gigantic levels, three unique characters, multipule level paths, different stories, different levels for different characters, more bonus levels, unique hyper modes, et cetera. This is the Sonic game to own all others.

    View the 52 Genesis games in my collection

     

    Sega Genesis 32X

     

    I own all but two US released 32X games, and I will get around to them one day.

     

    1. Star Wars Arcade

    2. Blackthorne

    3. Knuckles' Chaotix

    4. Kolibri

    5. Virtua Racing Delux

    6. DOOM

    7. Metal Head

    8. Virtua Fighter

    9. T-Mek

    10. Spider-man: Web of Fire

     

    Despite the fact that there are only 39 games total released for the 32X, I still had a hard time coming up with only ten great ones.

    • Star Wars Arcade and DOOM were huge for 32X. Hell, they were huge for any console in 1995. What everyone loves to forget is that the 32X has a spectacular and very successful launch. It did very well for Sega in the US that year. Star Wars Arcade was the main reason why people bought it. It's simply an amazing arcade shoother, espeially with a second player.
    • DOOM was a lot of fun for me too. Yes, I know it was rushed for launch. Yes I know it's not full screen, and it's so unfinished that many levels and animation are missing. Well, I didn't own a PC. For me, DOOM was awesome on 32X, and I don't care who says otherwise. It got stellar reviews, BTW. EGM gave it a better score than the Jag version!
    • Blackthorne looks better than the SNES version, and it also kicks ass. It proves just how great of a developer Blizzard really is.
    • Kolibri - I don't really understand why this game is so hated. It's perhaps the best side scrolling shooter that I have ever played.
    • Virtua Racing Delux and Virtua Fighter 32X are the best home versions of the game anywhere, and I love Virtua Racing.
    • Knuckles' Chaotix was a descent Sonic game. But where was Sonic? I didn't like how the levels were slected, and they did feel too short. It was a beautiful game, though. I just wish it was more.
    • T-Mek brings a playable version of the arcade home, and no other console has done that. Props.
    • Spider-man: Web of Fire... this is the big daddy of US released 32X games, commanding an average of $130 on eBay. This is one of the few that I do not own. It's a fun sidescrolling shooter by the amazing Blue Sky Software, but not that fun!

    Sega Saturn

     

    There are lots of great games here, I could fill more than ten, but I want to keep it simple.

     

    1. Panzer Dragoon Saga

    2. Shining Force III

    3. NiGHTS... Into Dreams

    4. Virtual On: Cyber Troopers: Netlink Edition

    5. D

     

    As long as a Saturn owner has Panzer Dragoon Saga (PDS), Shining Force III, and NiGHTS in their collection, then it doesn't matter what else they have.

    • I can't even begin to describe how awesome this game is. By a wide margin, it is the best video game ever made. It's the best RPG, and it has the best script of all video games.
    • D is a personal favorite of mine. I loved this adventure game as a kid.
    • Net Link was my first every access to the internet, message boards, chat rooms, porn, and my first website. It was also my first access to online gaming, and VO was my favorite to play. I was never defeated.

    Sega CD

     

    1. Snatcher

    2. Sonic CD

    3. Dark Wizard

    4. Shining Force CD

     

    I didn't really feel like doing a top ten, because those four are all I really care about. Hideo Kojima really out did himself with Snatcher. This is amung the best games ever made. I wish more games could be this amazing.

     

     

    Sega Dreamcast

     

    1. Phantasy Star Online

    2. Sonic Adventure

    3. Soul Calibur

    4. Crazy Taxi

    5. Seaman

    6. Shenmue

    7. D2

    8. Jet Grind Radio

    9. StarLancer

    10. Draconus

    • I know I threw you off with that list. Yes, PSO is my number one for only if it sucked up the most of my time.
    • Sonic Adventure, JGR... for obvious reasons.
    • Soul Calibur - Still looks better than a lot of PS2 games.
    • Crazy Taxi is a game I once mastered. What a concept, made obselete by GTA and the likes.
    • Who didn't love the crazy shit that Seaman would say?
    • Shemnue doesn't seem so ambitious now, but I remember E3 2001. Yu Suzuki was on the stage giving a demo of Shenmue. He commanded Ryo to walk to the wall and turn off a light. The crown exploded with cheers. I thought I was at a Pantera concert.
    • D2, the "first" 3rd party DC title. Misunderstood. An amazing psudo-RPG/horor hybrid. I can't wait for the "new WARP" to do something new.
    • StarLancer... I am still undefeated online in this game. Also, this was the last great sapce/flight/sim ever released for PC or home console.
    • Draconus was pretty awesome. Not fantastic, but an extreme amount of fun.

    Milton Bradley Microvision

     

    Since there are only 12 total games, here's a top two list:

     

    1. Sea Duel

    2. Blockbuster

    • Sea Duel is a true classic, and it stands the test of time. The simple strategy games is perfect for Microvision's limited graphics. It remains very fun to this day. I can play it for a long time.
    • Blockbuster... it's Breakout. But it's portable Breakout, and Breakout rules in the first place. It is hard though.

    Xbox

     

    1. Halo: Combat Evolved

     

    Seriously, all other games are there just to take Halo breaks. :)

  24. Posted

    The sad fact is that is very difficult for a franchise to become established or for a game, no matter how amazing, to sell when it is unique and an unknown brand.

    Hmm. I don't think that's true at all - we see new games emerge all the time.

     

     

    Really? In two years, the only home console (not portable) games to break 1 million that were new franchises are Gears of War and Wii Sports, both of which had multi million dollar advertizing campaigns behind them.

     

    All other top sellers were spin-offs of established franchises. IIRC less than ten new franchises cracked the 200,000 mark.

     

    Three years in a row, at E3 there is an event tha deals with this exact same documented fact of the gaming industry.

     

     

     

    And that has what to do with people wanting new games? You are going to try and tell us that no one wants new games

    based off a sales figue of two titles?

     

    Are you high? I don't know how I can illistrate to you in simplier terms that the market does not support new game franchises.

  25. Posted · Edited by Rev. Rob

    The sad fact is that is very difficult for a franchise to become established or for a game, no matter how amazing, to sell when it is unique and an unknown brand.

    Hmm. I don't think that's true at all - we see new games emerge all the time.

     

     

    Really? In two years, the only home console (not portable) games to break 1 million that were new franchises are Gears of War and Wii Sports, both of which had multi million dollar advertizing campaigns behind them.

     

    All other top sellers were spin-offs of established franchises. IIRC less than ten new franchises cracked the 200,000 mark.

     

    Three years in a row, at E3 there is an event tha deals with this exact same documented fact of the gaming industry.

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