Paul Humbug
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Posts posted by Paul Humbug
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Thanks for the recommendations. I got Zelda recommended in the other thread as well right away. So, something seems to be addicting about it. Although I am not a dedicated RPG fan, I am willing to try to see if I get immersed. I saw a cart for cheap in the used section, without box and manual. Do I need the manual for maps and stuff?Why is the Final Fantasy with reservations?
The Zelda series aren't 100% pure RPGs, IMHO, but more like action/adventure games with RPG elements.
I recommend Final Fantasy I & II Dawn of Souls (on one Game Pak by the way) without any reservations for great NES to GBA ports/remakes.
As far as racing games be sure to check out Racing Gears Advance (top down style racer) and F-Zero GP Legend (behind the car view futuristic racer) and my favorite two kart-style racing games for GBA are Cartoon Network Speedway and Konami Krazy Racers.
If you haven't played NES/SNES games be sure to check out all of the Mario game series on GBA. If you haven't played Sega Genesis be sure to check out the Sonic game series on GBA.
Happy GBA collecting (it's my favorite!)
autumn_drag0n
Thanks for the racing hints, I will research them.
Are there any exclusive GBA titles out in the wild one should know about?
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For strategy games I would definately pick up the two Advance Wars games and Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced.For racing, as was mentioned it's not the greatest system, however Mario Kart and FZero are both really good, and for top down racing you don't do much better than Karnaaj Rally and the port of Rock n Roll Racing is pretty solid too. Karnaaj is my pick for best racing game on the system.
Sports are pretty limited on the console, although Mario Golf is absolutely amazing and a must buy for any GBA owner.
I love top down racing. Micro machines was always a game I wanted to play back then. Now I do in emulator. Thanks for the hints. I will research those titles
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9 million sales are to distributors, not actual people that have bought them (end users), that number is lower. It's like Sony saying they sold 2 million PS3s that may be true, but 1.5million are still sitting on the shelves, that last sentence was based on no actual fact as I don't know the actual PS3 sales figures, but it proves the point difference between distributor and end user, this is my business. Sales figures from the manufacturers are based on distributor sales. Though the Wii is mostly sold out everywhere, the actual sales to end users should still be pretty close to 9mil.Still none in my area either. I saw one a couple months ago and that was the last time.
Wow, amazing, I didnt know that they are still short. Seems that Nintendo is the big winner for now. The Wii surely is very hot even for not diehard Nintendo freaks like me.
But I wanted to have a PS2 since its debut and still didnt get one. I would love to have a Wii one day but it seems I only start with a system when its end is almost there...
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Actually the form factor of the Mac mini would make a sweet console. I dont like the PC like huge cases the nextgens are coming in.So, if Apple wanted to enter the market with a gaming device, for sure it would be sweet like hell, design speaking.
Who knows, when they keep growing at this speed and they continue developing new markets like they do now with the phone bizz and 5 years ago with the music players....
Gaming is a billion dollar market and who had thought that Sony ever would emerge with outstanding success like they did with their PS.
Right now Apple is already getting their feet into the mobile gaming market. Soon mobile gaming devices and games will surpass the quality of 2 gen consoles, if they already not did, I am not too much involved there.
If there was one important lesson to learn for Apple in the past 20 years being in the computer business than that, to be mass market successful, you have to win the hearts of the gamers first with your platform. A lesson Microsoft, although not shipping hardware, really understood very very early!
GREAT thread....
I personally gamed on the II and IIgs. As well as a parade of Commodores, Heck I even own a Pippin!! The Pippin had potential, but it just never got the attention from BAN DAI or Apple.
I see TWO ways Apple could be kings of the console world.
1. BUY Nintendo outright! It's been rumored for years, and they have similar philosophies (another story for another thread!)
2. upgrade the video of the mini/Apple TV units, release a standard SDK, and put the full marketing muscle behind it. disable the excellent OSX and get as many Japanese developers on board ASAP. Think of it as an Amiga CD32 done right! Oh yeah add Blu-Ray to it.
No need to disable the Mac OS X. Just make it a better gaming os.
If you look at the Wii it has a touch and taste of Apple. I dont know what Jobs think of the gaming industry but he prooved to be the right man at the right time to build and rebuild Apple.
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Don't forget the GBC Zelda games:Link DX
Oracle of Ages
Oracle of Seasons
I got a Gameboy Player just for the Zeldas ....pretty much.
The Gameboy Advance Micro doesn't play original Gameboy games. You'd have to get an SP for that.
It's the reason I never got a Micro.
Yes, I am aware of this, but for me is not too much of a problem. I never could use a SP. It is already hard to survive the moments to browse for software in the GBA section of any store together with kids who almost could be one of mine or with mothers who must think: ah, that Daddy is getting some games for the kiddies as well.
Hence, people seeing me with a Micro most likely think I am playing around with my cellular or mp3 player...
Nintendo, u got it all right with the Micro!
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Is Zelda only playable with the manual?You've been out of gaming for a while. Games don't ship with maps anymore. I can't think of any game for the GBA which requires its packaging or manuals.
Well, I read in wikipedia, for the NES you needed the manual somehow. Good, if I just can pick it up without.
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Okay, I guess Final Fantasy is not the very next buy. Though, I do like the box artwork a lot
I guess I misread the statment about the hardon for Mode 7 graphics earlier today
Is Zelda only playable with the manual?
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I regret never getting around to that GBA-like system that had all sorts of off-brand games at Best Buy. Would have been nice to get. Also the pill ones as well. But I see no point in buying the game systems that I have access to in Mame.Mind you, the last time I bought a "Tv game system' was some dream gear 75-1 and it was absolutely horrible.
At Discland the other day I saw a "tv games system" which was this bulky(like a regular game console) system that had a cartridge port. Even at 7 bucks, I passed on it. It clearly looked marketed to kids.
I know there is a lot of horrible stuff around from Far East. But I never ever regret having bought my Jakks Namco stick. It delivered enough fun for the buck and it still does. I do regret not having gotten the other version with Dig Dug.
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Most of the racing games suck, unless you happen to have a hard-on for mode 7 graphics.I saw a good review about a japanese version of GTA [not Grand Theft Auto that is] and even Need for Speed Carbon?
So, which games do suck and which dont?
What kind of hardware addon are we talking?
Thank you
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You say you never played the SNES, so I strongly recommend The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, my favorite game in the Zelda series, and if you like that, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is fantastic as well. Zelda games aren't strictly in series, so you don't have to worry about playing them in order, or playing the previous games first.I can also recommend without hesitation both Metroid games for the system; Metroid Fusion and Metroid Zero Mission, the latter is a remake of the original Metroid with some great updates and improvements to gameplay.
These four games (two Zelda, two Metroid) are permanent fixtures in my collection and will never be sold or traded.
I can recommend, with some reservation given your gaming past, the Final Fantasy remakes on the GBA, specifically IV, V, and VI, but RPGs aren't for everyone, so those might be worth researching first.
Thanks for the recommendations. I got Zelda recommended in the other thread as well right away. So, something seems to be addicting about it. Although I am not a dedicated RPG fan, I am willing to try to see if I get immersed. I saw a cart for cheap in the used section, without box and manual. Do I need the manual for maps and stuff?
Why is the Final Fantasy with reservations?
Do you know about Monster House? I saw the box at Toys r us and there was something interesting about the story and graphics.
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Okay,
my relationship with the GBA in general and the Micro especially is 3 days old.
I started another thread in the dedicated consoles forum before I bought it but it seems right to go here to talk about the games.
I guess we can regard this system as to be discontinued within the next year, so I post under this section.
More or less 700 titles are out there and I researched already a bunch of games.
My intention in the beginning to buy a handheld was to have fun on the go and everywhere in the house and it also should make up for not having a regular console at the moment. PSP was high up on my list but since I am cheap and the PSP is not I forgot about it.
The Micro delivers finally a handheld perfectly designed for my taste, speaking of size and look.
When I researched the system it became obvious to be also great for retro gaming.
So, I am pleased with my purchase and it is time to start a collection.
I stated in the other thread to love the sports, racing, strategy genre but actually every game with great gameplay is of interest when the setting is right.
So, what I am doing is surfing the web and seeing used games section at the stores to dig out great games.
Please, if everyone who is into the GBA could guide me through the library it helps a lot the next time I am standing in front of a cart I probably only have heard of before here.
I started with an Atari 2600, lived with an Amiga 500, joined the PS1 hype for a little and I am without console gaming for more than 8 years. And yes, I also did not play the NES,SNES nor Segas systems, so any classics ported to the GBA is of huge interest, too.
For example, I saw a cart of Iceclimber for the GBA, I researched the game and it seemed to be a top title on the NES. Anyone played the GBA version?
Than I saw multicarts for GBA full of NES titles. I am not sure if we are speaking of emulation or reprogrammed software. Anyone knowing about it?
And I love to hear which GBA games you never ever would give away anymore.
Thanx
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Yeah this seems to be dying down finally so keep a eye out for thoses clearance sales.
It seems there is nothing to clear anymore right now... I was hoping to see one of the Coleco Game Gear handhelds or another Jaaks.
Well, time to collect for my new toy, the GB Micro.
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Ok,
yesterday at Toys R us checking out the video games department I was hoping to see one or the other TV Games with retro stuff but instead they are only selling the Disney and Sponge Bob types.
Also, no handheld device.
I understand every market has its time but I wouldnt have thought that its already over?
I would love to see some more Arcade sticks by Jakks.
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Actually the form factor of the Mac mini would make a sweet console. I dont like the PC like huge cases the nextgens are coming in.
So, if Apple wanted to enter the market with a gaming device, for sure it would be sweet like hell, design speaking.
Who knows, when they keep growing at this speed and they continue developing new markets like they do now with the phone bizz and 5 years ago with the music players....
Gaming is a billion dollar market and who had thought that Sony ever would emerge with outstanding success like they did with their PS.
Right now Apple is already getting their feet into the mobile gaming market. Soon mobile gaming devices and games will surpass the quality of 2 gen consoles, if they already not did, I am not too much involved there.
If there was one important lesson to learn for Apple in the past 20 years being in the computer business than that, to be mass market successful, you have to win the hearts of the gamers first with your platform. A lesson Microsoft, although not shipping hardware, really understood very very early!
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Still many new games released for 360, Wii, PS2, PSP dont show up on PS3. Thats something even I can see when browsing the stores and made me think about the success of PS3 so far [and I do like SONY a lot and wish they do well].
Personally I would wait until they shrink the PS3 half to its size down the road in maybe 3 years. By then you pay 249 bucks and the library should be all along the wall in EBGames.
Well, I wanted to have a PS2 since its debut back in 2000 and havent bought any yet. I am still thinking to get one when the price drops to 99 bucks or so. But I am cheap and dont need to play games on the hottest hardware.
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Nuon be Good?
by Ryan Edwards
From the ashes of Atari rose a collection of ex-Atari and 3DO employees including the legendary hippy, llama fan, Jeff Minter, Bill Rehbock Vice President of third party development (had moved from Atari to Sony but was tempted back) and Richard Miller, founder of the Nuon company VM Labs who had been previously involved in the creation of the Jaguar. Around winter 1997 the company went public with plans for gaming hardware so powerful and a business plan so revolutionary it would prove a "Mario killer". Dubbed Project X, the plan was to integrate the technology into the leading brands of DVD player as no extra cost, thus invading living rooms by stealth.
Unfortunately a lack of support and funding resulted in Project X (renamed Nuon) being curtailed when VM Labs went into receivership last year. Consequently there is much confusion about what games are available and the various models of Nuon available.
Three companies eventually joined the Nuon bandwagon: Samsung, Toshiba and RCA.
Toshiba
The SD-2300, a competent US model bearing the quality you would expect from such a manufacturer has unfortunately an extremely limited Virtual Light Machine of only eight different effects when you play your favourite CDs. Apparently there was a fear of inducing epilepsy attacks!
RCA
This company was the last hardware manufacturer to release Nuon enhanced players. While the DRC300N is a technically excellent model, it cannot play Nuon enhanced movies or games.
Samsung
By far the most prolific supporter of Nuon, it was the only manufacturer to release outside of the US. As such the players have evolved and the latest models (the N series) even come with an upgraded Nuon processor called Aries 3.
The first player was the Extiva DVD-N2000, though a good all-round DVD player capable of the standard Nuon tricks such as 15x zoom without major blockiness (a la Blade runner), as the first to reach the market it lacks compatibility with certain formats (MP3, CD-RW).
Next to market was the US DVD-N501, an upgrade in all respects to the N2000 aside from a low resolution VLM. Samsung's final machines were the N591, N504 and N505.
By 2001 it was apparent that the Nuon market was not going to achieve anything like mass market penetration so the unfortunate decision was taken that these players would be released in extremely limited numbers, only from a select number of specialist retailers and with the exception of the N504 would be without joypad ports. The thinking for this last decision was that as the games would not be released outside of the US (though the games and joypads are available internationally from DVD 4 You) the presence of such ports would create customer confusion. The N591 was released for the Korean market, N504 in Switzerland which is a traditional test market and the N505 for UK and Germany.
Let there be light
A much talked about feature is the VLM 2. Designed by Jeff Minter, this is the second version of his CD music reactive lightshow. It features greater responsiveness, more effects and a higher resolution over the Jaguar CD original. The notion of a lightshow which Jeff pioneered has since been copied by all the major manufacturers including Sony for its PlayStation and within Windows Media Player. Interactivity can be achieved only with models that feature joypad ports. The European models have more effects than their US cousins given that Jeff took advantage of the time they took to reach market.
It's time for Hollywood
Bedazzled
The first of four Region 1 films to be released with Nuon content, this 20th Century Fox feature arguably attracted more interest in its special features than the film itself. Elizabeth Hurley takes on the role of an attractive devil as a hapless fool stumbles through his seven wishes.
Planet of the Apes
This Fox remake of the original classic where apes dominate over humans is released as a two-disc special edition. Nuon features include enhanced chapter selection and special effect zooms. The first print of these feature a broken link to the Nuon content, this was rectified on the second run.
Dr Doolittle 2
This remake features the comedic talents of Eddie Murphy - the usual selection of competent, if not astounding Nuon exclusive extras are there for your delight.
Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai
This is an offbeat, black sci-fi comedy by MGM
Play time
Ballistic
This simplistic puzzler was the first Nuon game, available only with the N2000; it was released later as a stand-alone product. An enjoyable distraction with PlayStation-like graphics.
The Next Tetris
This title is rare now due to it only being available with the SD-2300. It is a basic version of the classic featuring no bells and whistles and is one-player only.
Crayon Shin Shan
Very little is known about this title as it was only available with the Korean N591 and will only play on its native machine. It is a platformer designed for children with rudimentary graphics.
Space Invaders XL
This is an incredibly faithful recreation of the classic with four of the original classics included. Nothing is updated so it won't impress your friends but you may get sore thumbs!
Tempest 3000
Without a doubt this is the "must have" title for Nuon and is an astonishing attack on your senses! Coded by Jeff Minter, author of Tempest 2000, one of the Jaguar's finest moments, the graphics and sound are unparalleled in their psychedelic glory. Edge rated 9/10.
Freefall 3050AD
This game produced by TAKS, is an original 3D concept where you must safely navigate your character around obstacles, taking out enemies, while freefalling at great heights. Difficult to get into but rewarding if you do.
Merlin Racing
This is a Mario Kart 64 style sequel by Miracle Designs, creator of Atari Karts for the Jaguar. This one or two player game features races in a variety of vehicles, with graphics superior to the N64.
Iron Soldier 3
By Eclipse, this mech action game is now in its third incarnation from the two popular Jaguar originals and features impressive graphics and 5.1 surround sound. It is also the rarest title in its original, boxed form as VM Labs withdrew the game immediately after release because of suspected incompatibility issues. The game was never re-released due to VM Labs' financial problems, however, a number of "Demo" versions were kindly distributed by Kevin Manne at Nuon-Dome.
There we have it folks, a whistle-stop tour of the crazy world that is Nuon. As you have read, it was a product of great potential that was cruelly stunted. The DVD players, on the whole offer features above their peers and the games vary from the mundane to the astounding. I have mentioned various compatibility issues that need to be navigated around - a challenge for the true Nuon enthusiast - so get hunting!
Note: RCA actually released two DVD players with the Nuon processor, the second of which was the DRC480N which does do progressive scan via Faroudja DCDi.
Kevin Manne, Nuon-Dome
Useful links
DVD 4 You
Ebay
Nuon-Dome
[ Top of page ] MyAtari magazine - JagFest highlight 5, July 2003
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thanks a sprite and atari kid for the input.
The funny thing is I never ever have been a huge fan of the Nintendo franchises but 2 times now in my life I decided to go with their hardware - not even for being the best in the market - to play only those couple of gems.
I am fully aware that GBA is soon to be discontinued, but I would say it has a lot potential for being interesting enough to convert into a great homebrew scene.
Maybe I have a look at Zelda, but I doubt that I will immerse. Super Mario certainly is a good bathroom game.
Anyone using the EFA II multicart with the GBA or Micro?
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thanks folks,
i took a decision.
Being in the store I entertained the thought of getting a PSP. But its too big.
I had a closer look at the DS and its games - I really dont like the stylus thingy. Dont wanna play games PDA-like. Maybe its quite different from PDA but its already too different from old school.
I ended up with the Micro. I dont have any GB classic games anymore. I learned that sports is pretty good covered with the main franchises as well as some other highlights.
For now I took Namco Museum and Top spin 2 home.
Does anyone know about the Atari Anniversary cart? I saw it used without description. How does it play?
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Thanks to all for the input.
I just researched multicartridges for the GBA which are sold by an english site. Obviously they come from Asia and the content [4 to 5 GBA games plus 99 or more NES games ported or emulated] for less than 70 bucks. The collections are interesting enough to get some low cost fun. Any objections?
Are there Stella emulators for the GBA?
The big turndown with the GBA would be the local stores which carry more the Pokemon and Barby stuff together with RPG. I guess I would have to do mailorder.
How long can one enjoy playing on the tiny screen before eyes getting sore?
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Okay,
doesnt seem fair to compare those systems and thats not my intention.
I just need some advise.
I really want to continue handheld gaming again since the memories of Gameboy classic times are fading out by now.
I remember, despite having crappy hardware vs. Gamegear back then I went with the Gameboy [portability, battery life] and I got a lot of fun from it, even not being a Nintendo software fan per se.
And now I am just thinking of getting some hardware and again what attracts me most, hardware speaking, is the Gameboy Micro because I love the size and hence portability and battery life is his best asset.
Looking on the software side, well, I was hoping with the investment into any handheld console to avoid buying a regular system. I just dont want to sit in the living room when I can take a quick game in bed, on the balcony or elsewhere. I guess only the PSP can compete with regular systems software speaking and games like Testdrive Unlimited, GTA and any good sports and strategy games are high up on my list.
But, as you can guess being in this forum, I want also to relive old school gaming days and I was told there is quite a nice collection for GBA. Plus, if I could find really good games in the above mentioned categories [racing, sports, strategy] I guess I could live with not playing the hottest titles on a PSP.
The huge RPG market on GBA is rather not my cup of tea.
The enhanced media functions of PSP I dont need.
The GP2x is nice if compared directly with PSP but then again its a lot bigger than the Micro and why not buying the PSP then instead?
So, would anyone not recommend getting the Micro or am I more a DS type of player or is the PSP the best way to go?
Thanks a lot.
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I read the review of this in Retro Gamer quite some time ago. I think it was only available in PAL countries. I need to re-read the review, but there was one complaint about a missing feature. But I don't want to say what it was because I'm not really sure what it was. If nobody else comes up with it, I'll look it up tonight after I get home from work and post it.Sorry it took so long, but my magazines were buried in the basement. The review said that while everything in the original Megadrive version were included, you couldn't save anything because there was no battery.
Thanks, well done :-)
A pity with the missing save feature. If it is PAL-only it still should work plugged to portable DVD-Players, right?
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Does anyone know about this one?
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Atari is PAc-Man, Pac-Man is Atari....
I guess I mentioned that before :-)
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why not negotiating? maybe he prefers to do a quick and easy sale with you than having all the hazzles with ebay, shipping and so on or maybe he wouldn´t sell at all if you don´t take it, so you can offer him a 30 US bucks and wait for his reaction.
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Collecting for GBA
in Classic Console Discussion
Posted
Looks great. Looking forward for your results