JagMX Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 Seriously now - how could anyone waste their time and money to call a friggin 'capcom hotline' or a 'tips and tricks' hotline - i mean with the friggin internet flooded with sites that have practically all the answers you need and codes to go with it - why would any game company start a hotline. i noticed on a capcom game you can call the hotline for 99cents a minute (automated) or 1.35 a minute for live hints. who the fuck calls this shit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cootster Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 Idiots. Ten-year-old kids. The Amish. That's probably about it. Especially when you can just buy a $5 magazine for any popular game and get complete info . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveW Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 I do recall calling one of those 'help' lines back in the late 1980's. I don't remember what game it was about, or if the info was helpful at all. But back before the World Wide Web, those kind of things did well for game companies. It seems like they just can't let go of the idea, no matter how obsolete those 'help' lines are now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPUWIZ Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 who the fuck calls this shit?[/color] Actually you'd be surprised, when I was still working for Namco, people called their hotline a LOT. Tons of money in it and it's not just kids, many parents call those numbers. I have a funny story about a call that came into Namco about Ms.Pac-Man Maze Madness but that is for another time perhaps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VidGameKing Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 The Amish. Eh? no.... The Amish don't like to use the telephone, it's a tool of the devil! Hell! what are they doing with a video game in the first palce!! think about it! there are thousands of kids out there, who would marvel at the high tech features of the 2600! (and of course they'd have to get wood grained. (match their barns)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariDude Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 I am sure that before the Internet was as prevalent as it is today, people used to call those numbers. I would be surprised if they still get a lot of activity. I guess the only people that would call would be either those who do not have Internet access or don't know how to search for things on the Internet (I know a few people at work that are like that). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susuwatari Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 The Amish. Eh? no.... The Amish don't like to use the telephone, it's a tool of the devil! Hell! what are they doing with a video game in the first palce!! think about it! there are thousands of kids out there, who would marvel at the high tech features of the 2600! (and of course they'd have to get wood grained. (match their barns)) Actually that would be a misconception. Amish simply can't own anything like video games or telephone but they can *use* it. I wouldn't be surprised if an Amish is surfing here and loves to play Atari but don't own them or the computer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian M Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 I only called the Nintendo Hotline twice way back during the years when the NES was king. Back then, we had to rely on our own SKILL and PERSEVERENCE to finish games, while also keeping an eye out for hints/tips in the gaming mags, speaking to our fellow gaming friends, and calling the occassional hint line. Online hints and faqs were not readily accessible back in those days, so gamers were pretty much on their own most of the time. Oh, and which games gave me so much trouble that would necessitate me calling Nintendo's Game Counselors? Legend of Zelda (couldn't find the level 5 dungeon!) and Hydlide (one of the toughest games I ever played...they deliberately made the goals ambiguous to stump even the best gamers). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dones Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 Before the Internet I called Nintendo a few times asking for hints. Initially they had a toll-free number, but Nintendo changed that eventually. Like Adrian said, back then were different times. There was no Internet, no e-mail, no commercially available player's guides. If you got stuck you were stuck, period. While it may have taken you longer to finish a game, the amount of satisfaction was greater too. I remember Sierra On Line had a mail hint system for their PC adventure games. It costed only the price of the stamp. I once wrote them about a part in Leisure Suit Larry 3 wich had me stumped for months. They replied about two months after. Thanks to that letter I was finally able to continue the game. Sierra On Line also had a Bulletin Board System for those with expensive $200 2,400 bps modems. If you weren't from California it would cost you a long-distance call, but the BBS offered online help to their games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NE146 Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 During the whole "SNES Street Fighter 2 is coming out soon!" I admit I called the EGM hotline.. yep they had one. After 2 calls I quickly figured out it sucked the butt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisbid Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 i called the SNK line once when i was having trouble with Cyrstalis, it was toll free so i thought it would be great, turns out it was just a recorded tip, with some bad celebrity impersonation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocko Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 I have a funny story about a call that came into Namco about Ms.Pac-Man Maze Madness but that is for another time perhaps. First off, thats cool that you worked for Namco. Second off, tell the story, we could always use funny stuff here... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeepnut24 Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 Sierra On Line also had a Bulletin Board System for those with expensive $200 2,400 bps modems. If you weren't from California it would cost you a long-distance call, but the BBS offered online help to their games. Thats what we did, but not the Sierra BBS. We used differant local BBSs to find hints. I even used my 2400 baud to DL wolfenstein the week it came out! Good times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lemmi Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 I called Kirin entertainment for a game they made for the 3do (plumbers dont wear ties) to ask what the code actually does, because it said to remove the censored symbols, type this code, but it didnt change one thing in the game, but the number was changed or out of business , so i called panasonic and i called vivid entertainment to see if they had any of the soft porn (only boobies) left for the 3DO , and they did but at $30 a pop i only got one and all this was about 3 years after the 3DO died horribly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cootster Posted April 30, 2004 Share Posted April 30, 2004 The Amish. Eh? no.... The Amish don't like to use the telephone, it's a tool of the devil! Hell! what are they doing with a video game in the first palce!! think about it! there are thousands of kids out there, who would marvel at the high tech features of the 2600! (and of course they'd have to get wood grained. (match their barns)) Actually that would be a misconception. Amish simply can't own anything like video games or telephone but they can *use* it. I wouldn't be surprised if an Amish is surfing here and loves to play Atari but don't own them or the computer. And they could very well be from Crofton, Kentucky. I have a relative who works for them (he drives people around when a car would be necessary), and apparently, the Amish kids there indeed groove on some Atari. Of course, he has unintentionally put together a sweet collection that puts mine to shame over the years. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JagMX Posted May 1, 2004 Author Share Posted May 1, 2004 Well before the www was xtremely popular and had tons of info for gamers - thats understandable - but why now still? i just dont get it - and CPUWIZ - this thread would seem appropriate for that story - do tell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VidGameKing Posted May 1, 2004 Share Posted May 1, 2004 yes CPUWIZ pleeeeaze!!! tell another story!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaxxon Posted May 1, 2004 Share Posted May 1, 2004 The Amish. Eh? no.... The Amish don't like to use the telephone, it's a tool of the devil! Hell! what are they doing with a video game in the first palce!! think about it! there are thousands of kids out there, who would marvel at the high tech features of the 2600! (and of course they'd have to get wood grained. (match their barns)) Actually that would be a misconception. Amish simply can't own anything like video games or telephone but they can *use* it. I wouldn't be surprised if an Amish is surfing here and loves to play Atari but don't own them or the computer. I thought they could own it as long as it's powered by propane. Just hook a propane tank up to your GBA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VidGameKing Posted May 1, 2004 Share Posted May 1, 2004 I dont think propane is what they can use, natual gas is okay, especially if it came from a pigs ass. they love that stuff. at that note, I'd love for some amish to come forth and start dishing out insults twards us. I'd be able to make good come-backs because I kow all about the amish, I've heard Weird Al Yankoivc's "Amish Paradise" As I walk through the valley where I harvest my grain I take a look at my wife and realize she's very plain But that's just perfect for an Amish like me You know, I shun fancy things like electricity At 4:30 in the morning I'm milkin' cows Jebediah feeds the chickens and Jacob plows... fool And I've been milkin' and plowin' so long that Even Ezekiel thinks that my mind is gone I'm a man of the land, I'm into discipline Got a Bible in my hand and a beard on my chin But if I finish all of my chores and you finish thine Then tonight we're gonna party like it's 1699 We been spending most our lives Living in an Amish paradise I've churned butter once or twice Living in an Amish paradise It's hard work and sacrifice Living in an Amish paradise We sell quilts at discount price Living in an Amish paradise A local boy kicked me in the butt last week I just smiled at him and turned the other cheek I really don't care, in fact I wish him well 'Cause I'll be laughing my head off when he's burning in hell But I ain't never punched a tourist even if he deserved An Amish with a 'tude? You know that's unheard of I never wear buttons but I got a cool hat And my homies all I agree I look good in black... fool If you come to visit, you'll be bored to tears We haven't even paid the phone bill in 300 years But we ain't really quaint, so please don't point and stare We're just technologically impaired There's no phone, no lights, no motorcar Not a single luxury Like Robinson Caruso It's as primitave as can be We been spending most our lives Living in an Amish paradise We're just plain and simple guys Living in an Amish paradise There's no time for sin and vice Living in an Amish paradise We don't fight, we all play nice Living in an Amish paradise Hitchin' up the buggy, churnin' lots of butter Raised a barn on Monday, soon I'll raise another Think you're really rightous? Think you're pure in heart? Well, I know I'm a million times as humble as thou art I'm the pious guy the little Amlettes wanna be like On my knees day and night scorin' points for the afterlife So don't be vain and don't be whiny Or else, my brother, I might just have to get medieval on your heinie We been spending most our lives Living in an Amish paradise We're all crazy Mennonites Living in an Amish paradise There's no cops or traffic lights Living in an Amish paradise But you'd probably think it bites Living in an Amish paradise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cootster Posted May 1, 2004 Share Posted May 1, 2004 The Amish. Eh? no.... The Amish don't like to use the telephone, it's a tool of the devil! Hell! what are they doing with a video game in the first palce!! think about it! there are thousands of kids out there, who would marvel at the high tech features of the 2600! (and of course they'd have to get wood grained. (match their barns)) Actually that would be a misconception. Amish simply can't own anything like video games or telephone but they can *use* it. I wouldn't be surprised if an Amish is surfing here and loves to play Atari but don't own them or the computer. I thought they could own it as long as it's powered by propane. Just hook a propane tank up to your GBA. Eh, pretty sure the communal tractors this Kentucky bunch has run on plain old diesel . . . It's a surreal site seeing a gorgeous Amish chick (Is it the clean living? All the women are hot, and they seem to stay that way from puberty to 60) with little kids driving a New Holland tractor to the store. And a propane-fueled GBA, huh? Don't give the modders around here any ideas. Besides, I'd prefer a wood-burning PSOne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VidGameKing Posted May 1, 2004 Share Posted May 1, 2004 It's a surreal site seeing a gorgeous Amish chick I would really really really enjoy a picture or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cryptik76 Posted May 1, 2004 Share Posted May 1, 2004 I dont think propane is what they can use, natual gas is okay, especially if it came from a pigs ass. they love that stuff. Geez, why are you so hostile towards the Amish? I strongly doubt they have ever done anything to you, except be different from what you perceive as "normal." By the way, I have seen some very good-looking Amish girls, like at restaurants around Lancaster, PA and such. Of course, they're not wearing thongs and butt shorts, so a person of your tastes might not care for them. Anyway, to get back on the subject at hand, what I don't understand is why anybody buys "cheat codes" off of Ebay. I've seen people (probably kids) selling text files of cheat codes for games on Ebay --cheat codes which could easily be found by a simple Google search-- and, even more amazingly, sometimes people are stupid enough to buy them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cootster Posted May 2, 2004 Share Posted May 2, 2004 By the way' date=' I have seen some very good-looking Amish girls, like at restaurants around Lancaster, PA and such. Of course, they're not wearing thongs and butt shorts, so a person of your tastes might not care for them. Anyway, to get back on the subject at hand, what I don't understand is why anybody buys "cheat codes" off of Ebay. I've seen people (probably kids) selling text files of cheat codes for games on Ebay --cheat codes which could easily be found by a simple Google search-- and, even more amazingly, sometimes people are stupid enough to buy them.[/quote'] People buy this? Even at a dollar, it'd be an instant profit item . . . And people are stupid, that's a given. Someone once bought an empty Macintosh box (in which the description stated several times "BOX ONLY") for over a thousand dollars . . . Someone once paid twenty bucks for the rights to own a piece of paper entitling them to absolutely nothing. Millions of people have bought Rush Limbaugh's books. So paying a few bucks for some info ripped straight from GameFaqs is almost sensible in comparison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JagWarlord Posted May 4, 2004 Share Posted May 4, 2004 Never called any.... but I do live about 5 min away from Bethesda Softworks so I could always take my questions there if I had trouble with one of thier games Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariDude Posted May 4, 2004 Share Posted May 4, 2004 I remember working about 5 minutes away from a company that wrote chess software. One time I had a problem with my software and I brought it to them and they exchanged it for a more updated version without even asking for the original diskettes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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