Tag: Nintendo

Time is Money, Friend

We’ve established every freedom we need in order to play well together. We know we can be silly when we want to, serious when we have to. We even know that we don’t have to do or be anything at all. But it’s different when you have to spend money for it. Even if you are only buying a game. It’s hard to take back. After all, that’s how games are sold. That’s how money is made. You buy it, and, baby, it’s yours forever (De Koven 105).

In more ways than one, money and time are huge factors in discussing how players engage with video games. There are obvious areas like barriers to games due to monetary reasons, or a lack of willingness to spend out of fear of lackluster content, but the reality runs much deeper.

The concept discussed in the De Koven quote above, is particularly interesting in light of the newest crackdown on ROMs and emulated content. I discussed this briefly in my post on the Game Genie and old cheat codes, but recently there’s been even more push against older content, with new laws valuing Nintendo ROMs at upwards of $150,000! The way things are going, Nintendo doesn’t even want you to be able to have ROM or emulated copies of the games you already own in physical formats. They want you to buy their updated version of the game, now that they have the NES and SNES Minis on the marketplace.

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Many of us have nostalgic memories and value associated with our times spent with older games. In the digital age, and with old consoles no longer working, or no longer showing up properly on high-definition television screens, we sought other options.

Over the years, I have physically purchased at least four different variations on a “Sonic Mega Collection,” via PS2, Xbox360, Nintendo DS, and most recently, via Steam. Sonic 2  for the Sega Genesis was the first video game that I personally owned the console. It’s forever held a very large place in my heart ever since. While I no longer own a copy of Sonic 2, I still have the original copy of Sonic 3 I received not to long afterwards. I spent countless hours spinning Sonic in all directions, clearing zones, gaining Chaos Emeralds. Through the time I invested, I was impressed upon. To this day, I still believe that Sega was ahead of its time and should have won the console wars. Alas, all I’ve been able to do, is to continue to support them by buying new versions of old titles. In truth, I don’t think any of my “collections” have received anywhere close to the attention they did when I was a child, and yet, I insisted on having a copy on whatever my gaming platform de jeur was. I also possess a number of ROMs and a Sega emulator for the titles I could less easily find: Aladdin, The Lion King, Jurassic Park (apparently I liked movie games).

In Nintendo’s new paradigm, the only way we can gain access to our nostalgia, short of owning the original copies, is to now hope that they deem the game you want worthy of being ported to the newest system. It doesn’t matter how much you invested in the past, they want to continue to take your money today, to resell you the experience you remember.

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Not all monetary investment is quite so stark. Players can also become invested in their video games depending on the amount of money they have or have not spent.

By the time I transitioned to an N64 from my Sega Genesis, I continued to rent or borrow video games, and only had a very small collection of my own personal titles. Money was tight and while I had rented and beat The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, I had recently learned that the next instalment Majora’s Mask was set to release soon. I scrimped and saved leading up to the release date, and as luck would have it, I was able to buy the game pretty close to its launch. Naturally, my thirteen-year-old self had neglected to realize that Majora’s Mask required the memory expansion pack for the N64, which it did not come with, and which I did not possess. Saddened and disheartened, I quickly realized that I would be able to rent Donkey Kong 64 which came with the memory expansion, and be able to play Majora’s Mask without having to find money I did not have to buy one. In light of the struggle it took for me to acquire and finally play Majora’s Mask, it is a game I have a much stronger attachment to than the original Ocarina.

Looking back, many of my fond gaming memories and “favourite” games, have similar kinds of stories. My nostalgic attachment to my games came not necessarily just from the games themselves or my experiences with them, but the memories of how I received the games. My Sega Genesis made Sega king in my eyes for the early console wars. I favoured 007: The World is Not Enough over 007: Goldeneye, because it was the game I owned. These feelings were particularly strong in my youth, and now through the lens of nostalgia.

However, the reverse can now be seen as true. I have a modest but still overwhelming amount of games sitting in my Steam library. I have countless copies of dusty Xbox 360 and PS2 games sitting on my shelves, next to distantly-used consoles. I continue to buy games not only on Steam, but also for these seldom-used consoles. In the case of the consoles, because the titles somehow carry distant meaning from a long time ago, and sometimes even on Steam for the same reason–and yet I do not play them.

At what point can we officially call this out as being more about the joy of picking up cheap games than the games themselves? I’m not sure, but I suspect Valve zoomed past it in a rocket ship quite some time ago, and if we can still see it, it’s only because it’s doing a victory lap.

But of course, the sale is only part of the story. When it fades, what’s left? A long list of games with metaphorical bite marks that you tell yourself you’ll totally go back to, but which inevitably slide down the priorities list by dint of being so last month. Dim, blurred memories (Cobbett 2014 via Eurogamer).

What is to be said for this kind of lingering engagement or investment. If we continue to pay for the content, countless times over, and yet the titles simply sit on a shelf, or as clogged-up megabytes on a harddrive, how engaged can we possibly be? Is it instead engagement with a memory? Or are we more enthralled with the thrill of the good deal, as Cobbett suggests? Are we trying to bridge the gap in order to create meaning and connection to our pasts through whatever tangible means necessary?

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Or perhaps, it’s some twisted version of the Sunk Cost Fallacy? One of the other kinds of investment and engagement we need to consider is the amount of time AND money that people put into their gaming experiences. DLCs, microtransactions, new equipment, fancy internet connections on the financial side, hours, days, months, or years on the side of time. “Your decisions are tainted by the emotional investments you accumulate, and the more you invest in something the harder it becomes to abandon it” (McRaney 2011). Basically, if you already feel you’ve already put a point-of-no-return amount into something (be it time or money), you’ll feel less inclined to leave it.

Common in the minds of gamblers, video game arcades are arguably one of the earliest attachments to this model. Have you been to an arcade recently? Do you remember what it’s like to drain quarter after quarter into a machine for another chance to get the next highest score? It sounds a lot like slot machines, and in some ways it was, just for score digits instead of monetary ones. Alas, modern micro-transactions, especially in mobile gaming, echo this model. In many cases, the game is designed to pull you along long enough, to make the rewards quick and ready enough, until things slow down. “I only have to wait a day for this thing to unlock” you may say to yourself. But you are impatient, and the ability to fast-track your research task only costs five coins, and you have fifty! Your one fast-track spirals into another, until you’ve quickly drained your coins. Suddenly you’re at the precipice of spending real money to gain more coins and progress further. You could wait, but you’ve already gotten this far, it’s only a little further.

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Once money has been spent, especially on a game you’ve been playing long enough, it’s hard to turn back. Through this profit-model, ‘free’ games don’t stay free for very long.

The Sunk Cost Fallacy also applies to more complex games like MMOs. Once you’ve spent enough time or money into one MMO, it can be difficult to jump ship to a different one. There’s a fear of losing progress, of failing. “World of Warcraft is interesting in that it caters well to…three goal types: it can be played for the goal of reaching the current maximum level, but it is also possible to play with the improvement goal for acquiring ever more points, possessions, and higher social status, and it is common to play many characters to the maximum level, making it into a game of transient goals, to be reached multiple times” (Juul 87). If you’ve accumulated enough “wealth” of whatever goal you wish, it can be difficult to pull away and be the bottom of the totem pole. It can be easily argued that this is one of the ways in which World of Warcraft has remained so successful–it’s just so hard for people to leave altogether, especially if they’ve been playing a long time.

In order to get to that point, of course, a game has to be enticing enough of an environment to begin with. [Part 5]

– De Koven, Bernard. (2013) The Well-Played Game
– Juul, Jesper. (2013) The Art of Failure

The Legacy of Cheat Codes & The Game Genie

In order to truly understand the how and the why of cheating in videogames we need to look back at some of the earliest examples, namely the inclusion of cheat codes or inputs alongside off-brand cheating systems, like the Game Genie.

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The original console command system.

Perhaps one of the earlier, and most well-known of these sanctioned cheat codes created by developers was the Konami code, or the Contra code, first ‘discovered’ in the original NES Contra game. This code, ↑↑↓↓ ←→ ←→ B A START, was found not only within this title, but also within other Konami games, hence earning it’s primary title as the “konami” code. Later it later became a staple of ‘gamer’ culture, appearing in non-Konami games, on clothing, and other paraphernalia. How does a code, one that gave players a mere 30 extra lives, an official cheat-system, gain such a cultural traction? It wasn’t just Contra and Konami games either that featured cheat codes like these in the earlier days of console gaming. Sonic 2, featured a level-select option within the ‘sound test’ section of the options menu, among other choices like debug mode or unlimited lives. Even games like Disney’s Aladdin featured a level-select mode on its Option menu, mirroring the style of the Konami code: A, C, A, C, A, C, A, C, B(x4).

While cheat codes were primarily instituted by game developers for playtesting purposes (having unlimited lives is a really good idea if your job is to potentially find glitches via death in Sonic), they were clearly never taken out of a wide array of games. Alongside the question of the popularity of cheat codes, we can similarly ask why these were left in at all by the developers? In the case of games like Sonic 2 or Aladdin, level-select was a very useful option for players who had beat the game a number of times and didn’t want to “work their way through” again, only to get to their favourite level. Lacking a cartridge save option, something that would be later included with Sonic 3, it made sense for players to have access to these kinds of perks, after being “in the know” to find them. That being said, Sonic 3 continued the tradition of cheat codes and still had its fair share of cheats.

It also wasn’t just thanks to the great sleuthing of early videogame fans that we found out about these codes either, in the pre-launch and early years of the internet. Participating in cheat code culture in social circles, scribblings in the back of Blockbuster rental copy game books, and even licenced game magazines like Nintendo Power, or even strategy guides, often included these to help other gamers find them. Soon after, the pseudo-mythological state of the cheat code was born, and it felt like everyone was on the lookout for the next one they could share with their friends, or fellow rentee.

Official codes weren’t the only things that players found in efforts to modify their gaming experiences at this time. The discovery of glitches, exploits, and in-game skips were also common inclusions in this realm of “cheating” and modification. I can remember playing the original Pokemon Blue and learning about the different ways I could cheat the code and glitch it into giving me things like unlimited pokeballs or items, alongside even getting a Mew super early in the game. A lot of these kinds of glitches, the Mew nonwithstanding, required access to other Gameboys or different bits of technology to get them to work. Following clever-use-of-game-mechanics (as Blizzard loves to label it), players could flash-restart, controller switch, or cartridge remove-replace their way to a whole array of new things that were very much part of the original code, even if not used as intended.

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Fancy meeting mew here.

Unlike learning that Mario can skip a bunch of worlds by dropping behind a white block in Super Mario Bros. 3 and using some fancy flute play, these kinds of glitches were off the books, even if their inclusion in the game was somewhat ‘intentional.’ We can take this to the next level at this point, to consider once again the Game Genie, and perhaps it’s odd and sanctioned cousin, Sonic & Knuckles.

The Game Genie was a 3rd party development released for a number of the early consoles, including the NES, SNES, Gameboy, and Sega Genesis. The device came with a book of codes which allowed players to cheat their way through a variety of games through the Game Genie’s bypass system. Essentially, because the device acted as a mediator between player, console, and cartridge, it allowed for the system to read the game code emitting from the cartridge differently from its actual output, allowing for the player to reap the benefits. In addition to the codes that shipped with the device, players were able to create their own codes by random generation, or even could subscribe for updates via a paid service. It was quite an era for cheating. However, it should come as no surprise that Nintendo in particular fought back hard against the system, trying to claim it infringed on copyright. The legal case settled in Game Genie’s favour, however, and their ‘unsanctioned’ cheats were safe.

In contrast, Sega was in full support of the system, as long as it didn’t provide cheats for games which allowed for saving. Sega’s approach to software circumvention adds an interesting layer to an analysis of cheating in videogames, as it again suggests that cheat codes, even unsanctioned ones, were meant to help players bypass unwanted content when saving along the way was not an option. It’s unsurprising that they followed this ideology, as Sonic & Knuckles allowed for players to have a pseudo-sanctioned version of the Game Genie already. The cartridge had a slot on the top which was intended for players to insert only Sonic games into it, allowing Knuckles to join the fray of Sonic 2 and others. Instead, it also allowed for players to have randomly-generated Chaos Emerald stages in the Sonic 3 style based on the code of nearly any Sega game that was inserted.

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Sonic & Knuckles stacked with Sonic 3 to create Sonic 3 & Knuckles

More commonly today, we see these kinds of cheats available through ROM-hacking emulators, console commands (PC), or unofficial patching/editing by the savvy game community. Further still, all of this so far has been related to software or “soft” cheating and modding of videogames, not even considering the hardware or “hard” modification, which requires going in and tweaking the actual hardware in order to run things you weren’t intended to. While there isn’t time to discuss this fully here, it’s interesting to consider again that by virtue of their design, videogames require an entirely different kind of systems for modification than their board game cousins. After all, it’s easy enough to make up your own pieces for a board game versus wanting to play N64 games on your Xbox 360. Yet again, there are also often more legal issues surrounding hardmodding, as we saw recently with Nintendo and modding chips.

While it’s becoming increasingly rare to see “official” cheat codes in video games (except in the case of games like The Sims, though more on that in a later blog), we do see the inclusion of console commands and the ability to modify games through “mods” available instead. We’ll look into this realm of modding and cheating later, but it highlights something within the gaming community: we can’t let games be. As soon as a game is released, especially for current systems, we are continually seeing them adapted, cracked, modified, and eviscerated by the community so that the original intended experience is no longer the only one we have access to. Why does there seem to be such an essential ‘need’ to cheat?

Academic References/Further Reading:

Bogost, Ian. Persuasive Games: The Expressive Power of Video Games (2010)

Why I’m Excited for the Nintendo Switch (And Why You Should Be Too)

When was the last time you got really excited for a console release? Ripping apart shreds of Christmas paper to reach your shiny new Nintendo 64 type excited…

I have been pretty fazed since the most recent generation transition from Xbox 360/Xbox One, PS3/PS4, and of course the Wii/Wii U debacle. Back in 2005, I built my first gaming-ready computer and in watching gaming trends, apart from certain console-specific exclusives, I haven’t felt the draw back to hitting the mean streets of console-land ever since. I was an avid console gamer from my first Sega Genesis system, and I was surprised to find such an easy transition to PC gaming when I finally made the leap. With the dividing lines between PC and console gaming becoming narrower, the decisions gamers must make about what to play on, requires more work on the part of companies to make their hardware stand out.

I’m sure many of us have at least dabbled in a form of mobile gaming other than our phones, if not having a DS or Vita kicking around collecting dust, outside of road trips or Pokémon title launches. As far back as Game Gear, or the original Game Boy, we’ve been kicking it mobile long before phones received anything more enticing than a game of Snake (and no, I don’t mean MGS). As phone-based mobile gaming has taken control of a strong share in the larger gaming market over the years, handheld gaming systems are struggling to find new ways of enticing consumers.

A closer look at the breakdown from last year.

Enter the Switch.

The Nintendo Switch purports to be an entirely new console experience. Seamlessly switching between an at-home console experience to a handheld one, as its namesake suggests, Nintendo seems to have put all its eggs in a convertible basket in order to try and stay relevant. And dare I say it? I think it’s worked. Players like me who have shied away from the brand as of late are drawn back in not only due to its innovative design, but also its attention to graphics and detail. Still the Nintendo we know and love, it has chosen to evolve and serve a consumer beyond the family-with-kids demographic. Surely, that market is not isolated from this design, and is in truth included, other gamers have more to find in the Switch than any Nintendo console since the 64. The goal to bridge the gap between home and mobile play will not be easy for Nintendo to breach, but they have a solid grasp on their attempt to try. Leading with one of the most gorgeous Zelda games in recent years, certainly helps Nintendo here as well.

While time will tell if the Nintendo Switch will be a hallmark of nex-gen gaming, like we expect to see out of augmented and virtual reality kits, remains to be seen. However, gamers can be sure that the hype is real, and is not unfounded. I’ll certainly be keeping an eye on the Switch as it releases this week, and I hope you join me.

What is your opinion on Nintendo’s latest release? Gimmick or game-breaking shift in console design? Let us know in the comments or join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, or Discord!

Nintendo’s Hope for Resurgence in the Switch

With so much hype surrounding the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch, is Nintendo about to successfully walk away from the financial failure of the Wii U?

We’re only a little more than a week before the launch of Nintendo’s latest console. If you have been absent from the gaming news frenzy surrounding the console, it is pretty much what it sounds like; a new system which purports to bridge the gap between at-home and mobile gaming all in one place. Whether you want to have a marathon at home or endure the bus ride to work, the Switch aims to provide a seamless gaming experience for its users in both cases. No longer do you have to worry about saving or leaving your system on in order to accomplish a task before leaving the house. Now Nintendo offers a way to take the gaming with you. While the ‘quality’ dips slightly when transitioning to mobile mode, the mobile system is far from lacking in pizzazz. It’s enough to make you forget that its a home console too.

After the large financial loss for Nintendo in 2014 following the release of the Wii U, they were looking for a way to gain their foothold in the console market. Hesitant to return full force into the ever growing and competitive mobile gaming market, gears were eventually set in motion to bring about the release of the Nintendo Switch. This hybrid console will help Nintendo to edge their bets against both the console and mobile gaming markets. On one hand, players who faithfully follow the Nintendo brand at home will be offered a powerful machine to continue to enjoy staple content titles like launch title Breath of the Wild. Conversely, the mobile version of the console also offers an equally powerful experience on the go. While dedicated mobile consoles have struggled in the wake of Android and iOS games, a hybrid system may be able to bridge the gap for Nintendo.

Home or Away, be prepared for stunning graphics on the Switch.

While it may seem like another gimmick to get their systems moving, the specs say otherwise. Pairing up with a Nvidia graphics device and well-designed hardware, Nintendo means business and (arguably) means to save its skin. Nintendo helped bring the modern world of console gaming to the masses, and it is no surprise that they continue to fight to be part of that market. It’s not surprising then, that when faced with losing market creed all together, that Nintendo steps out with an innovative system like the Switch. Not only is the system looking like an awesome addition to any avid Nintendo gamer, it’s also looking to be a worthwhile purchase to a much larger part of the market; gamer and non-gamer alike.

The truth is, the system has to be everything and more in order to overcome the pitfall of the Wii U. The Switch has the potential to turn everything around for Nintendo, and here’s hoping that it does. The gaming world just wouldn’t be the same without them.

What do you think of the Nintendo Switch? Let us know in the comments, or hit us up on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Everything We Know: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

In less than a month The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is set to hit shelves for both the Wii U, and for the launch of the Nintendo Switch and here is everything we know.

In less than a month The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is set to hit shelves for both the Wii U, and for the launch of the Nintendo Switch and here is everything we know.

The Legend of Zelda series has been a longstanding staple of the Nintendo repertoire since its launch on the Famicom back in 1986. Link has grown up, shrunk down, cell-shaded, and time traveled throughout our many years together. However, Breath of the Wild seeks to take our journey with Link one step further, into the vast open space of true sandbox gameplay.

After multiple delays since 2013, the title will seemingly give us the experience of Zelda we’ve been after for years: adventure, story, and beautiful environments which rival the best of The Elder Scrolls. With a newly developed physics engine, open-world environment, and voice acting, Breath of the Wild seems much more like a Skyrim-meets-Studio-Ghibli than a traditional Zelda game–and we love it.

Play through dungeons in any order, as you are thrown headfirst into this new take on Hyrule. Rather than being guided along by a rail story, players will be able to explore the lush fields and forests at their own pace. Additionally, a large number of cut scenes help to develop the game’s narrative and were the primary motivation for developers including voice acting for the first time in the series’ history.

Breath of the Wild showcases an entirely breathtaking take on Hyrule.

The Story

Some 100 years after a great societal collapse in Hyrule, Link awakens in an amnesiac state. Guided by a mysterious voice, Link’s first steps are shakily taken in a world all too familiar, and yet strange. While these initial steps and memory fog are par for the course in many Zelda games, where Breath of the Wild takes us after that, is entirely new territory.

Set after the events of Ocarina of Time, players will return to Hyrule and see the world left behind through the same strange veil Link awakens within. Not fully removed from the previous stories, and yet not fully aware of the narrative they’re in, Breath of the Wild wants to give players an entirely new Legend of Zelda experience.

Redefining what it means to be a Zelda title.

Gameplay

While some things are new, others are simply redesigned. Even as early as Ocarina of Time, players were used to items being more than what they seemed. For example, sticks could be used not only as torches but also as weapons. Additionally, the methods you killed an enemy, could result in different loot options, i.e. shells or sticks. Breath of the Wild takes this one step further and ups the ante on its inventory and crafting system. Tree branches could be used not only as weapons, or torches, but also for sliding on snow-ridden paths, or as shields.

Various goods can also be used for clothing, food, or weaponry. There will also be a rune system which will allow for increased crafting abilities and the manipulation of combat mechanics. Alongside inventory improvements, this title will feature a proper quest log, allowing for players to follow their progress on the main storylines, as well as side missions.

The game also features Amiibo integration, allowing for players to bring in sidekicks, and unlock alternative story paths when certain conditions are met.

As a Switch launch title, the game will feature improved graphics on the new console, over the Wii U version.

DLC

Nintendo announced that players could purchase an Expansion Pass for Breath of the Wild that would include two DLC packages. The first of which will be released this summer and includes the “Cave of Trials” challenge, a new hard mode and an update for the in-game map. The second will launch in the winter and include a new dungeon and new story content. The pass will cost $19.99 USD and is available for both the Wii U version and the Switch.

Launch Details

Breath of the Wild will launch simultaneously on March 3rd for the WiiU and Nintendo Switch for $59.99 USD. The Switch launch version of Breath of the Wild will also come in “Special” and “Master” edition bundles, for $99.99 and $129.99 USD respectively. Both feature a Sheikah Eye coin, a Calamity Ganon tapestry and world map, a soundtrack disc, and a themed carry-case for the console, while only the “Master” edition comes with a bonus figurine of the Master Sword.

Finally, there will be some minor graphic quality changes between the last first-party title version for the Wii U, and the launch title version for the Nintendo Switch. The Wii U version will run at 720p and 30FPS, while the Switch will feature 900p and 30FPS when docked to a television. While in standalone embedded-display the Switch will also run at 720p.

It’s time to return to Hyrule. Are you hyped for Breath of the Wild? Let us know in the comments or by tweeting us on our Twitter or visiting our Facebook page!

Images © Nintendo

Consoles V. Computers: The Biggest Bang for Your Buck

It’s probably one of the oldest battles gamers have ever known: console or computer? Luckily we’re not here to settle the debate, but rather to give you an idea of what you’re getting into.

When faced with the prospect of upgrading your PC or changing consoles, most gamers will hit the internet. Either to talk to their greater social media, or to scour various forum posts and reviews in order to figure out where their money is better spent. Unfortunately for most gamers, this decision is not made lightly, and is often more complicated than simply spending what you have on hand. When purchasing your primary gaming system, are you in it for the long haul?

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Dollar Days

When investing in your gaming rig, price point is probably the most limiting factor. Do you only have $200-$300 to spend? Can you invest more than $800? While consoles are generally cheaper in the long run, they provide a lot of power for a smaller price tag. They’re guaranteed to work out of the box (or at least come with a warranty if they don’t), and usually come in bundles providing at least one game for you to get started. While extra controllers, fancier cords, and more games will cost you additional rates, a console will still offer you instant gaming at a reasonable rate. In addition, many online or local game resellers can provide used consoles at an even cheaper rate–not a bad deal.

Building your own PC however, or buying one pre-made, is a much larger initial investment than a console on average. In the long term however, it might actually provide better gaming benefits. While consoles aren’t quite aging as fast as they used to, the fact remains that a well-built computer will last you much longer than the current system en vogue. Games will load faster and generally look prettier for longer than a console can provide. Additionally, if you have a lot of gaming friends who have built their own rigs, chances are you can scoop up used pieces for a reduced or no cost to help offset the price point. Old monitors, computer towers, mice, keyboards, or speakers, are often held onto and passed down between gamers as needed. While most gaming computer builds will never be as cheap as their console bretheren, the benefits of their longevity help offset the costs.

Longevity

While consoles don’t age quite as fast as phones or cars, the truth remains that when buying a console you have a set number of days before it goes out of date. While new models are often released for existing systems, eventually, the newest system will come and replace it–often leaving you with an empty feeling before the joy of a new system kicks in. Additionally, consoles generally cannot be updated with additional power boosts unless you really know what you’re doing. And even then, it can be risky. Often, computers can be upgraded with minor improvements or additional sticks of RAM, which help to keep your games moving.

While longevity might be lacking for consoles in terms of playing the latest and greatest titles, older gaming consoles have proven their nostalgic staying-power. If getting your hands on those original SNES or SEGA games is what you want out of your gaming experience, you really can’t beat going the system route–computer emulators just aren’t the same.

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Exclusivity, DLCs, Social Media, Oh my…

Computers and consoles each come with their own cultures and interests. Similarly, each also often have their own exclusive game titles, DLCs, or social circles which do not necessarily play well between platforms. That one great FPS you’ve been waiting for a sequel for might only be coming out on a given console, locking in your purchase. Similarly, the group of friends you play with might only play their action-adventure game on their computers, and while a console version is available, they are set up on different servers. Do you like sharing everything you do to your various social media? You might be limited in what kinds of sharing you can accomplish based on which system you choose. Sadly quite often there are circumstances outside of a gamer’s control, which dictates the way they’ll spend their money, given the chance.

So What Should You Do?

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 When weighing the benefits of either gaming method, it’s clear that the decision isn’t easy. So what should you do?

TLDR: Consoles

  • Plug and play: a great gaming experience right out of the box, no adjustments necessary!
  • Lower up front cost investment.
  • Will likely have exclusive DLCs or titles that will not be available on a computer.
  • Great deals on used consoles and games, and the ability to relive the nostalgia of older systems in true form.

If you only have a bit of money to spare, and you want to start gaming now, a console is probably your best option. With a low end cost, you’ll have more money to spend on games for as long as the system is supported.

TLDR: Computers

  • A higher cost investment initially, but its power will likely last much longer than a console, even with minor tweaks.
  • A wider variety of titles available, including the option for modding your games.
  • More sales on newer and indie games (e.g. Steam).
  • A lot of options for sharing or interacting with your social sphere without having to rely on built-in options.

If you have a bit more to spend up front, and want to have more control over your gaming experience, then a computer is your best bet. Whether you build it yourself, or buy a pre-made system, a computer’s components are likely to outlive a console’s power in the long term, allowing you to game for longer without having to change things up.

 

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Whether you decide to buy a new console or build a PC, there are tons of gaming options available. Controllers are no longer console-exclusives, consoles are integrating more cross-platform interaction, and built-in emulators allow you to play your favourites no matter whether you’re looking at an Xbox or Windows UI. After all, it’s not what you game on, but how you game, that truly matters.

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Pokémon GO Updates: August 8th

android pokemon go

If you’ve been playing Pokémon GO, or at least know someone who has been in its thrall the past few weeks, you’ve certainly encountered any number of issues plaguing the global phenomenon. Today, Niantic has taken steps towards solving some of these. The biggest lament of late, other than the shutting down of Pokévision and its like, has been the loss of tracking and a useful “nearby Pokémon” list. In the current patch notes, a variation of the current system is out for testing in the wild by a subset of Pokémon trainers. Accompanying this, according to Niantic, may also be an alteration of the existing Pokémon UI. In addition to general bug fixes, as well as some more detrimental ones, Niantic has added additional dialogue reminders to curtail playing while driving. A dialogue box will now not only ask players not to play above certain speeds, but also to require confirmation from Trainers that they aren’t Poké-driving. Trainers have also been given a one-time use name change option in the latest patch.

While it may not address issues for Trainers like Pokémon disparity in rural vs. urban centres, or pedometer failures, the promise of a return of any kind of reliable in-game tracking option is a welcome improvement.

For full details, please see the current patch notes: version 0.33.0 for Android, and 1.3.0 for iOS.

Images © Nintendo

 

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This Day In Gaming History: July 12

 Thisdayingaming

This Day in Gaming History is an editorial released 2-3 days per week, that takes you on a ride in its custom-built gaming history blue box. We take a look at titles all released on the same day throughout gaming history, while also giving extra facts and anecdotes as available or appropriate. Got a favorite game that you want to learn more about, or perhaps want to see featured on TDIGH? Send angel1573 a message on the forums, or leave a comment below!

While today’s post will be brief (a topic which will be discussed further in coming weeks), its a heavy hitter comes from a franchise which seems to be on everyone’s lips these days. If you haven’t been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ll catch my meaning. Whether or not you’re ready to master what we have in store for you today, it’s time to dive in and go!

CASTLEVANIA II: BELMONT’S REVENGE [JAPAN] (GAME BOY)

Also translated as “The Legend of Dracula“, and not to be confused with the NES game Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest, this title was released for the Game Boy on this day in 1991. The second title to be released for the Game Boy handheld, and sequel to Castlevania: The Adventure, it is set fifteen years after the events of its predecessor. Released in color in later versions, Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge was applauded for its inclusion of classic Castlevania items, and weapons, while also making better use of the Game Boy’s hardware than its predecessor. The title follows the story of Christopher Belmont and his quest to save his son and Transylvania from Dracula in newly regenerated human form.

PAC-MAN COLLECTION (GAME BOY ADVANCE)

A compilation of four Pac-Man titles–Pac-Man, Pac-Mania, Pac-Man Arrangement, and Pac-Attack—PAC-MAN Collection was released on this day in 2001. While the first three titles are all classic Pac-Man, and follow general Pac-Man gameplay, Pac-Attack is a falling-block puzzle game much like Tetris, and was originally released for the Genesis and SNES consoles. Due to the small screen of the GBA, players are given the option to view their chosen title in two different methods. In scroll-mode, the field of view automatically scrolls to follow Pac-Man, whereas full-screen shows the entire field of view in miniature form. With the exception of Pac-Attack, the player can tweak various settings such as lives, difficulty level, or bonus life counters, similar to the DIP switch enabled settings in the original arcade machines. The title was criticized for cutting out pieces of music and sound effects, a lack of save functionality, and inconsistencies with the field of view methods. Overall, however, the title was well received.

POKEMON BOX: RUBY & SAPPHIRE (GAMECUBE)

Last but not least, with all the Pokémon Go news since launch, it seems very appropriate that we should look at another Pokémon title. Originally available in North America, and only at the Pokémon Centre in New York City, Pokémon Box: Ruby & Sapphire was released on this day in 2004. More Poke-utility than game, for the days long gone where storage was a massive problem, Pokémon Box allowed players to store up to 1,500 Pokémon from Ruby or Sapphire. It allowed for ease of collection, organization, and searching of said Pokémon, and also allowed players to play Ruby or Sapphire on their TVs. In Europe, the box could be purchased in a GameCube bundle, which included Pokémon Colosseum, a memory card, and a GBA-GB game link cable. The title also facilitated transfer of Pokémon between Emerald, FireRed and LeafGreen.

The game also connects with GBA directly, allowing Trainers to deposit their Pokémon without having to trade. Once stored, players can view a spreadsheet-like stat list, featuring categories such as: original Trainer, moves, Pokémon Contest stats, friendliness, and level. Pokémon Box also features a “showcase” mode, which allows players to create a stage from a combination of ten backgrounds, ten stage patterns, and five types of display pieces, alongside one of eight music tracks to show off their selected Pokémon. The title has certain limitations before it can be used with any of they aformentioned Pokémon titles, all of which include having caught at least 100 Pokémon in their in-game Pokédex, plus additional title-specific requirements. After a certain number of Pokémon are deposited within the game cartridge, the player is gifted a Pokémon Egg, which will hatch into a Pokémon with a special move it would not learn normally. This move can be passed down through breeding.

Images © Konami, Namco, & Nintendo

Some other titles released on this day:

  • Warpman (Japan) – NES – 1985
  • FlatOut – Xbox/PS2 – 2005
  • Resident Evil 4: PLATINUM – iOS – 2009

This Day in Gaming History: June 23

Thisdayingaming

This Day in Gaming History is an editorial released 2-3 days per week, that takes you on a ride in its custom-built gaming history blue box. We take a look at titles all released on the same day throughout gaming history, while also giving extra facts and anecdotes as available or appropriate. Got a favorite game that you want to learn more about, or perhaps want to see featured on TDIGH? Send angel1573 a message on the forums, or leave a comment below!

Today, we’ll be returning to some classic titles and franchises, household names, and iconic characters in gaming history. Creations of the earliest console wars, their characters continue to be used as symbols for their brands. From the early days of Sonic the Hedgehog, through to a new generation of Mario and Link, let’s adventure alongside our childhood heroes on This Day in Gaming History.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (SEGA GENESIS)

Released simultaneously in North America, Europe, and Australia on this day in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog became the first game of the Sonic franchise. Following the game’s development in 1990, and after deciding on the anthropomorphic traits of Sonic, the team renamed themselves the “Sonic Team” to match their new character. Influenced by the Super Mario titles, Sonic the Hedgehog introduced a new technique to platforming: the ability to roll along curved scenery. Over time, this ability would evolve and become an integral part of Sonic’s gaming identity. The title itself was well received by critics, who praised its visuals, music, and pace of gameplay. The game was also commercially successful, helping to make the Sega Genesis console a key player in its era of console gaming.

In the 1991 holiday season, the Genesis outsold the Super Nintendo by a two-to-one ration, and in January of 1992, it peaked to claim 65% of the console market share. While Nintendo eventually overtook Sega, it was the first time since 1985 that Nintendo did not lead the console market. Sonic the Hedgehog has been ported to various media since, alongside clones and inspired offshoots, including various “animal with attitude” platformers like Aero the Acro-Bat, Earthworm Jim, or Crash Bandicoot.

NINTENDO 64 CONSOLE & SUPER MARIO 64

N64

Launched alongside one another in all markets, on this day in 1996 the Nintendo 64 console and Super Mario 64 were launched in Japan. Initially codenamed “Project Reality”, the design was finalized by mid-1995, but its launch was ultimately delayed until 1996. The console primarily competed with the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, as part of the fifth generation of console gaming. Alongside Super Mario 64, the console was launched with Pilotwings 64 worldwide, and Saikyo Habu Shogi in Japan only. The console was launched in a variety of colours and designs, including limited-edition controllers and systems.

The N64 was highly anticipated and was met with great praise as a result for its power and gaming delivery–allowing for a more powerful generation of games. The system was in high demand upon release, and during its first three days on the market, retailers sold 350 000 of 500 000 available units. However, the decision for the console to use cartridges rather than discs resulted in tapered sales and more expensive games than its counterparts. Ultimately, the N64 remains one of the most iconic consoles in gaming history, not only for its own profile, but also the games released for it.

Super Mario 64 is the best selling game of all time for the Nintendo 64 console, having sold more than eleven million copies worldwide. A remake was launched on the Nintendo DS in 2004, entitled Super Mario 64 DS and features modifications to the original title. The game left a lasting legacy on 3D game design, particularly with camera design and 360 degree analog control. Super Mario 64 is lauded by critics and fans alike as one of the greatest and most revolutionary games of all time.

Countless titles which followed its released were influenced by Super Mario 64‘s design, including: GoldenEye 007, the Grand Theft Auto series,  Kingdom Hearts, and countless others. Dan Houser, a prominent figure in the development of GTA, stated “Anyone who makes 3D games who says they’ve not borrowed something from Mario or Zelda [on the N64] is lying.” On May 5, 2011, Super Mario 64 was chosen as one of the 80 games to be displayed at the Smithsonian, as part of the “The Art of Video Games” exhibit which launched the following year.

PHANTOM HOURGLASS (NINTENDO DS) [JAPAN]

Much like the other two (or three if you’re going to be technical) gaming behemoths in our list today, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is another title in a long list of games in the Zelda franchise. An action-adventure game released on this day in 2007 in Japan, it is the fourteenth installment in the greater series, and the direct sequel to the 2002 Gamecube title Wind Waker. The game has been re-released for the Wii U via the Virtual Console in North America as of May 2016. The title features 3D cell-shaded graphics and an overhead camera perspective. Players utilize both the touchscreen and the microphone, alongside traditional controls, to progress the story.

While the title and its gameplay were generally praised upon release, Phantom Hourglass was criticized for its online features. Receiving several industry awards, the game would go on to sell 262,800 copies in its initial month in the U.S. By March of 2008, 4.13 million copies had been sold worldwide. Phantom Hourglass was praised as one of the better games to be launched on the Nintendo DS handheld. While the game changes pace and tone when compared to others like Twilight Princess on the Wii, it remained a worthy successor to Wind Waker. Several websites named it the 2007 Game of the Year for the Nintendo DS, and was listed as such in many mainstream magazines. While a point of criticism for some, the title was simultaneously praised for being the first Zelda title to successfully attract casual players.

Images © Nintendo & Sega

Some other titles released on this day:

  • Phantasy Star Online: Blue Burst (PC) – 2005
  • Dynasty Warriors 6 Empires (PS3) – 2009
  • Pokemon Black & White Version 2 [Japan] (DS) – 2012
  • Batman: Arkham Knight (PC/PS4/Xbox One) – 2015

This Day in Gaming History: June 11

Thisdayingaming

This Day in Gaming History is an editorial released 2-3 days per week, that takes you on a ride in its custom-built gaming history blue box. We take a look at titles all released on the same day throughout gaming history, while also giving extra facts and anecdotes as available or appropriate. Got a favorite game that you want to learn more about, or perhaps want to see featured on TDIGH? Send angel1573 a message on the forums, or leave a comment below!

Today, we’re taking a bit of a curve with our trajectory as we focus on a sole piece of gaming history today: the release of a Nintendo hendheld console, in a long line of handhelds. Let’s take a look at what the GBA has done for gaming history, shall we?

GAME BOY ADVANCE (GBA) – NORTH AMERICA

Game_Boy_Advance_Purple_Model

On this day in 2001, Nintendo released what would become one of the most successful handhelds in gaming history in North America. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the Game Boy Advance was the sixth release in the Game Boy line, including advancements and different versions on the Game Boy and Game Boy Color. The Game Boy Advance itself also had two additional releases from its original model, including the Game Boy Advance SP released in 2003, and the 2005 Game Boy Advance Micro. The handheld maintained an extensive game collection, as well as a distinguished career run. The system has been supported as late as 2010 (in Australia). The Game Boy Advance is also touted as having one of the best hardware designs in Nintendo’s history for ergonomics and durability. The GBA was initially hinted at as far back as 1996 in EGM as a Game Boy successor being worked on by Nintendo, coded “Project Atlantis.”

The extensive and successful gaming library developed for the GBA following its release was highlighted by a number of well-known titles (some that you can expect to read about here in the future). According to IGN, the top ten of all time include: WarioWare: Twisted (2005), Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (2004), Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past with Four Swords (2003),  Advance Wars (2001), Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 (2001), Mario Golf (2004), Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi’s Island (2002), Final Fantasy VI [re-release] (2007), Metroid Zero Mission (2004), and Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire (2003). Much to the dismay of gamers wanting to revisit old GBA titles, there was a delay in Nintendo deciding to incorporate the Advance into the Virtual Console. Only recently, within the past year, have games begun to trickle into the official emulator. For an in-depth anniversary look at the GBA, check out this feature retrospective.

Image © Nintendo

Some other titles released on this day:

  • Mario Golf  [Japan] – Nintendo 64 – 1999
  • Bomberman Ultra – Playstation 3 – 2009
  • Tekken Revolution – Playstation 3 – 2013
  • LEGO Jurassic World – PC – 2015