Happy Birthday Nintendo
July 21, 2003 6:25 AM Subscribe
The Nintendo Famicom is 20 years old ..... and I (along with may others here I suspect) have owned every single last version. It's oulasted many bizzare offerings from it's now defunct arch rival. There's even a booming market it both retro consoles. It all makes me feel older than I thought I was though.
I've got my eBay bought (two months ago) SNES (I never had one as a child) sitting next to my N64 in my wardrobe, hooked up to my tiny little TV. Unfortunately, I no longer have my original 8-bit funbox, due to the 'charity' of my parents, who donated it to my younger cousins, who then somehow managed to blow it up.
I haven't bought a gamecube yet, primarily because I don't have a TV worth plugging it into. That, and there's only about 4 games worth getting, from what I've played.
It would have been inconceiveable in 1988 to think that Sega would one day release Sonic for a Nintendo system.
*sigh*
Yay for Nintendo. The symbol of every geek-child of the 80's.
posted by cheaily at 7:09 AM on July 21, 2003
I haven't bought a gamecube yet, primarily because I don't have a TV worth plugging it into. That, and there's only about 4 games worth getting, from what I've played.
It would have been inconceiveable in 1988 to think that Sega would one day release Sonic for a Nintendo system.
*sigh*
Yay for Nintendo. The symbol of every geek-child of the 80's.
posted by cheaily at 7:09 AM on July 21, 2003
I'd give up my computer to have my old NES back. But I had to have the SNES, and my parents didn't want us spoiled too much...so I'll always have that special spot in my heart for that grey and black piece of shit.
I remember playing Blaster Master quite a bit.
posted by angry modem at 7:17 AM on July 21, 2003
I remember playing Blaster Master quite a bit.
posted by angry modem at 7:17 AM on July 21, 2003
I always liked the name "Famicom" better. The 8 & 16bit consoles were my most prized possessions back then. Playing import PC-Engine (TurboGrafX-16) & MegaDrive games, spending all my cash on Neo-Geo carts, and calling Redmond, Washington to get hints from the Nintendo help line satisfied my inner geek.
Nintendo has got some catching up to do to. The GameCube is an excellent machine- my fav over my xbox and ps2, but it's not pioneering new first person shooters that are defining the future of gaming (halo,gta3). Nevertheless for $149 you can't beat metriod prime, zelda:ww, pikmin, animal crossing, mario, etc.. and soon. F-ZERO! now if they'd only remake rush-n-attack and rc pro-am.
up up down down left right left right B A start.
posted by mad at 7:33 AM on July 21, 2003
Nintendo has got some catching up to do to. The GameCube is an excellent machine- my fav over my xbox and ps2, but it's not pioneering new first person shooters that are defining the future of gaming (halo,gta3). Nevertheless for $149 you can't beat metriod prime, zelda:ww, pikmin, animal crossing, mario, etc.. and soon. F-ZERO! now if they'd only remake rush-n-attack and rc pro-am.
up up down down left right left right B A start.
posted by mad at 7:33 AM on July 21, 2003
heh some classic games there ..... took me ages as a kid to realise what they really meant by 'rush-n-attack'. Duck Hunt and Excitebike were old favourites too.
I played the latter so much that the 3D effect on the hills reversed and looked like they were going in the opposite direction.
posted by MintSauce at 7:38 AM on July 21, 2003
I played the latter so much that the 3D effect on the hills reversed and looked like they were going in the opposite direction.
posted by MintSauce at 7:38 AM on July 21, 2003
I have an SNES emulator on my PC. I still have my actual console somewhere, but the games have been lost.
The emulator works really well, and has all my old favourites. Now if I could only find a decent controller like the old SNES one...
Favourite games -
Super Mario World
F-Zero
Streetfighter II - The World Warrior
Starwing
R-Type
S.W.I.V.
posted by tomcosgrave at 7:47 AM on July 21, 2003
The emulator works really well, and has all my old favourites. Now if I could only find a decent controller like the old SNES one...
Favourite games -
Super Mario World
F-Zero
Streetfighter II - The World Warrior
Starwing
R-Type
S.W.I.V.
posted by tomcosgrave at 7:47 AM on July 21, 2003
Check www.pelikonepeijoonit.net They run the Artic Console Museum - with over 200 units it is pretty comprehensive. Coleco Gemini anybody?
Right with ya on the R-Type comment tomcosgrave
posted by DrDoberman at 7:59 AM on July 21, 2003
Right with ya on the R-Type comment tomcosgrave
posted by DrDoberman at 7:59 AM on July 21, 2003
I still have my NES and it's quite popular here. We play ALOT of Super Tecmo Bowl, the best football game ever. We actually set out recently to beat all my Nintendo games but only beat around 10 of them. Somehow I didn't remember the games being so hard. Instead of AI they tend to use impossibility as a means of making it harder.
A couple weeks ago, me and a few friends beat Super Mario 3 (the best in the series in my opinion) without using any of the warps. We just played through every single level. Make sure you have an entire day set aside if you ever plan on doing that.
Right now I'm excited for my SNES that should be coming in the mail any day. Thank you EBAY!
posted by untuckedshirts at 8:22 AM on July 21, 2003
A couple weeks ago, me and a few friends beat Super Mario 3 (the best in the series in my opinion) without using any of the warps. We just played through every single level. Make sure you have an entire day set aside if you ever plan on doing that.
Right now I'm excited for my SNES that should be coming in the mail any day. Thank you EBAY!
posted by untuckedshirts at 8:22 AM on July 21, 2003
The NES2 isn't all that great. Yes it is top loading, but there's only RF output. I'll keep my old gray box. The 72-pin connector is in need of replacement though, so that's on my list of things to do. On the other hand, I have contemplated getting a Famicom AV, which is a top loading and has RCA connectors. Not to mention the Famicom carts weren't giant gray plastic monstrosities.
The games that I still play on my NES:
1. All the SMB games (2 slightly edges out 3 as my favorite)
2. The original Legend of Zelda (never liked Adventures of Link all that much).
3. Metroid
4. Kid Icarus
Emulators are great and all, but until someone can give me a NES controller I can plug into my computer, it's just not going to feel the same.
posted by turacma at 8:35 AM on July 21, 2003
The games that I still play on my NES:
1. All the SMB games (2 slightly edges out 3 as my favorite)
2. The original Legend of Zelda (never liked Adventures of Link all that much).
3. Metroid
4. Kid Icarus
Emulators are great and all, but until someone can give me a NES controller I can plug into my computer, it's just not going to feel the same.
posted by turacma at 8:35 AM on July 21, 2003
I got an NES2 about 10 years ago, after my old NES finally broke down. The improvements are amazing, really-- the problems with cartridges not working and having to blow on them to get all the dust out, or the spring-loading mechanism breaking down... all gone. I still have my NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis, though I've never owned any other console.
Of course, emulators have been a godsend, now that I can play several hundred games I'd have no chance of landing the actual cartridge for (and many more I'd never even heard of).
Now if I could only find a decent controller like the old SNES one...
I use a Sidewinder gamepad--- I think it's pretty effective all around; it's got the six buttons on front like the newer Genesis controllers did, and the two trigger buttons like the SNES's L and R.
We play ALOT of Super Tecmo Bowl, the best football game ever.
Indeed. I live on my own now, but a couple of years ago when I was living in the dorms I used to regularly take on challengers to this game. The only rule was that nobody could play as San Francisco. (But there are some other seriously good teams on that game. Randall Cunningham / "QB Eagles" might still be seriously the greatest video game football player of all time.
Instead of AI they tend to use impossibility as a means of making it harder.
It's true. I find most games nowadays to be much easier, and I also find that the games themselves usually provide much more of a helping hand in getting through. The old games, you were pretty much on your own, unless you called one of Nintendo's game play counselors (been there, done that).
Yes it is top loading, but there's only RF output.
All three of the systems I have now are like that, I think (or maybe it's just because I have a really old TV and that's the easiest way to make it all work).
I still play pretty much everything I own-- Metroid was a masterpiece of a game, I will say that.
Emulators are great and all, but until someone can give me a NES controller I can plug into my computer, it's just not going to feel the same.
This is one of the other neat features of the NES2-- the new controllers, which are rounded with the buttons angled. They're actually comfortable to hold and use. Again, I suggest just getting a decent gamepad for your computer to use with the emulators.
Then again, I have an NES Advantage and a Super Advantage (the giant joysticks-- and I mean giant, the Super Advantage takes up a whole lap), so there's been a little adjustment using the computer. I don't know what the point of that anecdote was, but my NES Advantages always used to break after repeated massive use.
/young twentysomething desperately trying to reconnect to the halcyon days of his youth
posted by nath at 8:43 AM on July 21, 2003
Of course, emulators have been a godsend, now that I can play several hundred games I'd have no chance of landing the actual cartridge for (and many more I'd never even heard of).
Now if I could only find a decent controller like the old SNES one...
I use a Sidewinder gamepad--- I think it's pretty effective all around; it's got the six buttons on front like the newer Genesis controllers did, and the two trigger buttons like the SNES's L and R.
We play ALOT of Super Tecmo Bowl, the best football game ever.
Indeed. I live on my own now, but a couple of years ago when I was living in the dorms I used to regularly take on challengers to this game. The only rule was that nobody could play as San Francisco. (But there are some other seriously good teams on that game. Randall Cunningham / "QB Eagles" might still be seriously the greatest video game football player of all time.
Instead of AI they tend to use impossibility as a means of making it harder.
It's true. I find most games nowadays to be much easier, and I also find that the games themselves usually provide much more of a helping hand in getting through. The old games, you were pretty much on your own, unless you called one of Nintendo's game play counselors (been there, done that).
Yes it is top loading, but there's only RF output.
All three of the systems I have now are like that, I think (or maybe it's just because I have a really old TV and that's the easiest way to make it all work).
I still play pretty much everything I own-- Metroid was a masterpiece of a game, I will say that.
Emulators are great and all, but until someone can give me a NES controller I can plug into my computer, it's just not going to feel the same.
This is one of the other neat features of the NES2-- the new controllers, which are rounded with the buttons angled. They're actually comfortable to hold and use. Again, I suggest just getting a decent gamepad for your computer to use with the emulators.
Then again, I have an NES Advantage and a Super Advantage (the giant joysticks-- and I mean giant, the Super Advantage takes up a whole lap), so there's been a little adjustment using the computer. I don't know what the point of that anecdote was, but my NES Advantages always used to break after repeated massive use.
/young twentysomething desperately trying to reconnect to the halcyon days of his youth
posted by nath at 8:43 AM on July 21, 2003
I don't have the patience to play through any game I've downloaded as a ROM. Somethinga bout the commitment of buying the physical cart that changes your attitude.
Like the time I discovered the zen of clay hunt (duckhunt sub-game) and got to level 90 or so. I was proud.
As for Sega they're still the big guy on the block in the arcade world and their software offerings for other consoles are top notch. Sadly half of Sega's management had given up on the DC before its launch. It could have done with some half-decent marketing. I still play Metropolis Street Racer and Sega GT now and then when I'm in the mood for videogames.
posted by Space Coyote at 8:55 AM on July 21, 2003
Like the time I discovered the zen of clay hunt (duckhunt sub-game) and got to level 90 or so. I was proud.
As for Sega they're still the big guy on the block in the arcade world and their software offerings for other consoles are top notch. Sadly half of Sega's management had given up on the DC before its launch. It could have done with some half-decent marketing. I still play Metropolis Street Racer and Sega GT now and then when I'm in the mood for videogames.
posted by Space Coyote at 8:55 AM on July 21, 2003
[grumpyoldman]
Kids these days, with their NES's and and crystal pepsi. Back in MYYYYYYYYYYY day, we only had Atari 2600's and Sears Tele-Games, and we were GLAD to have THAT!
[/grumpyoldman]
Chopper Command and River Raid still rock. And so does Strawberry Shortcake, especially the Purple Pieman song.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:01 AM on July 21, 2003
Kids these days, with their NES's and and crystal pepsi. Back in MYYYYYYYYYYY day, we only had Atari 2600's and Sears Tele-Games, and we were GLAD to have THAT!
[/grumpyoldman]
Chopper Command and River Raid still rock. And so does Strawberry Shortcake, especially the Purple Pieman song.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:01 AM on July 21, 2003
Still have my original SNES and one game left: Super Mario Kart. I won't admit to the hours I spent in college r0x0r1ng (?) anyone on my floor who dared challenge me in that one.
posted by DakotaPaul at 9:09 AM on July 21, 2003
posted by DakotaPaul at 9:09 AM on July 21, 2003
All three of the systems I have now are like that, I think (or maybe it's just because I have a really old TV and that's the easiest way to make it all work).
For me it's the exact opposite. With my current setup it's actually harder to connect an RF based device than anything else. One good thing about all the nintendo consoles after the NES all used the same video out connector, so I can use the same cable for my SNES, N64, and GameCube.
This is one of the other neat features of the NES2-- the new controllers, which are rounded with the buttons angled. They're actually comfortable to hold and use. Again, I suggest just getting a decent gamepad for your computer to use with the emulators.
They're very similar to the SNES controllers if memory serves. I never had a problem with the original rectangular controllers. I could (and can) play for ours quite comfortably. I've tried a few pads for the emulators, but because I wanted one that could be used for all my emulators, I ended up with a controller that plays all, but none well, really just a minor irritation, considering the few things I consistently play on emulation.
Like the time I discovered the zen of clay hunt (duckhunt sub-game) and got to level 90 or so. I was proud.
I had a similar experience. A few other proud gaming moments on the NES:
1. Completing the original Legend of Zelda in a single sitting without losing a life.
2. Completing all 3 SMB games without the use of warps.
3. Completing the original Mega Man (probably the hardest platform game I have ever played).
/young twentysomething desperately trying to reconnect to the halcyon days of his youth
Same here. One of us, one of us!
posted by turacma at 9:32 AM on July 21, 2003
For me it's the exact opposite. With my current setup it's actually harder to connect an RF based device than anything else. One good thing about all the nintendo consoles after the NES all used the same video out connector, so I can use the same cable for my SNES, N64, and GameCube.
This is one of the other neat features of the NES2-- the new controllers, which are rounded with the buttons angled. They're actually comfortable to hold and use. Again, I suggest just getting a decent gamepad for your computer to use with the emulators.
They're very similar to the SNES controllers if memory serves. I never had a problem with the original rectangular controllers. I could (and can) play for ours quite comfortably. I've tried a few pads for the emulators, but because I wanted one that could be used for all my emulators, I ended up with a controller that plays all, but none well, really just a minor irritation, considering the few things I consistently play on emulation.
Like the time I discovered the zen of clay hunt (duckhunt sub-game) and got to level 90 or so. I was proud.
I had a similar experience. A few other proud gaming moments on the NES:
1. Completing the original Legend of Zelda in a single sitting without losing a life.
2. Completing all 3 SMB games without the use of warps.
3. Completing the original Mega Man (probably the hardest platform game I have ever played).
/young twentysomething desperately trying to reconnect to the halcyon days of his youth
Same here. One of us, one of us!
posted by turacma at 9:32 AM on July 21, 2003
I just found out today that they're porting SMB3 to the GBA, available October 24th of this year. I. Am. Beyond. Excited.
As a side note I "gave up" on video games when everything went 3D--until I got a GBA for Christmas, and now I can re-live all my old favorites in their 2D glory. Hooray for games that don't make me dizzy!
posted by Ms.JaneDoe at 9:37 AM on July 21, 2003
As a side note I "gave up" on video games when everything went 3D--until I got a GBA for Christmas, and now I can re-live all my old favorites in their 2D glory. Hooray for games that don't make me dizzy!
posted by Ms.JaneDoe at 9:37 AM on July 21, 2003
quickly, whats your top 5 NES jams? mine are as follows:
1. Duck Tales - for real, though! it really was an ingenius platformer. it's only fault was its brevity. now if only I could get my hands on Duck Tales 2...
2. Dr. Mario - I've lost many a friend to this one. simply put, my technique is unstoppable. it cannot be stopped. stopping if one thing my technique cannot do.
3. Mother - what a completely cool RPG.
4. Contra - HELLO this is an obvious choice. I can completely school this game. I take it to school with me and it always learns something new. I can beat it without the secret 30-man code, can you? didn't think so.
5. River City Ransom - another obvious choice. your boredom is cured, my friend.
if y'all wanna try any of the games I listed, or any other nintendo game for that matter, just IM me or find me in #mefi.
posted by mcsweetie at 10:01 AM on July 21, 2003
1. Duck Tales - for real, though! it really was an ingenius platformer. it's only fault was its brevity. now if only I could get my hands on Duck Tales 2...
2. Dr. Mario - I've lost many a friend to this one. simply put, my technique is unstoppable. it cannot be stopped. stopping if one thing my technique cannot do.
3. Mother - what a completely cool RPG.
4. Contra - HELLO this is an obvious choice. I can completely school this game. I take it to school with me and it always learns something new. I can beat it without the secret 30-man code, can you? didn't think so.
5. River City Ransom - another obvious choice. your boredom is cured, my friend.
if y'all wanna try any of the games I listed, or any other nintendo game for that matter, just IM me or find me in #mefi.
posted by mcsweetie at 10:01 AM on July 21, 2003
OH LORD, how could I forget Super Mario Brothers 3? take duck tales off and replace it with SMB3!
posted by mcsweetie at 10:07 AM on July 21, 2003
posted by mcsweetie at 10:07 AM on July 21, 2003
1. metroid
2. smb3
3. contra
4. kid icarus
5. megaman
posted by cell divide at 10:26 AM on July 21, 2003
2. smb3
3. contra
4. kid icarus
5. megaman
posted by cell divide at 10:26 AM on July 21, 2003
Favorite NES game is Final Fantasy II ... remember game endings that lasted for, what? six hours or more? FF2 had the best game ending ever, if you ask me.
I also loved loved loved The Guardian Legend.
posted by WolfDaddy at 10:28 AM on July 21, 2003
I also loved loved loved The Guardian Legend.
posted by WolfDaddy at 10:28 AM on July 21, 2003
They're very similar to the SNES controllers if memory serves. I never had a problem with the original rectangular controllers. I could (and can) play for ours quite comfortably. I've tried a few pads for the emulators, but because I wanted one that could be used for all my emulators, I ended up with a controller that plays all, but none well, really just a minor irritation, considering the few things I consistently play on emulation.
Yeah, they are quite similar to the SNES controllers. I never cared for the rectangles, which is why I got the NES Advantage. My Sidewinder USB works for all the emulators I use, and pretty well I think.
Completing the original Mega Man (probably the hardest platform game I have ever played).
True that, huh? That game was a bitch, but in a good way. I think Capcom realized it; the subsequent Mega Mans (especially 2) were really freakin' easy. Plus they had passwords.
I think the hardest platformer I ever played (also for the NES) was Darkman. That may just be because the controls really sucked, though.
FF2 had the best game ending ever, if you ask me.
The ending did rock, but there were some holes I would've liked to see filled (i.e. whatever happened with Edge and Rydia). Personally, and this was a decision I only came to recently, I prefer FF3. I always thought it was too easy (and it is, if you know how to exploit all the bugs in the game), but if you play it straight, it can be a challenge, it's very long, there's a ton of secret stuff, the dialogue is actually good (so rare in any video game), and I liked the ending a lot too-- no the world is at peace stuff, no everything back to normal, just we killed the bad guy-- the world is still fucked up as can be, but at least we can go on living.
My top 5 ways to rock the mic on NES:
1. Metroid -- the best, period. More innovation and skilled design than many games since. (Also one of my best achievements-- can still beat it in one sitting, getting all the items, and the best ending.)
2. Dragon Warrior IV -- especially if you use the game genie code that lets you actually control the other characters in Chapter 5.
3. Bionic Commando -- you couldn't jump! And Hitler swore at you! And you made his head explode! What more could you want in a game?
4. Mike Tyson's Punch Out!! -- Another game where I'm proud of my skills. 5 years ago I spent a summer playing all the way through this at least once a day.
5. The Legend of Zelda -- deserving of every accolade it received.
Tecmo Super Bowl deserves an honorable mention since it's 10x the fun against someone else, but still a blast solo, despite being the most unrealistic football game since 10 yard fight.
Other games I loved that don't seen to get much attention were Faxanadu, Rygar, and Clash at Demonhead (what can I say, I'm a sucker for extended action-adventure platformers). Dusty Diamond's All-Star Softball, by the way, was the best baseball game I ever played for the NES.
Same here. One of us, one of us!
So you want to go check out that concert this weekend? There's some new band called "Guns N' Roses" playing... I heard they can rock.
(P.S. never spell check a post about video games. Apparently "Excalibur" is a suitable replacement for "10x".)
posted by nath at 11:49 AM on July 21, 2003
Yeah, they are quite similar to the SNES controllers. I never cared for the rectangles, which is why I got the NES Advantage. My Sidewinder USB works for all the emulators I use, and pretty well I think.
Completing the original Mega Man (probably the hardest platform game I have ever played).
True that, huh? That game was a bitch, but in a good way. I think Capcom realized it; the subsequent Mega Mans (especially 2) were really freakin' easy. Plus they had passwords.
I think the hardest platformer I ever played (also for the NES) was Darkman. That may just be because the controls really sucked, though.
FF2 had the best game ending ever, if you ask me.
The ending did rock, but there were some holes I would've liked to see filled (i.e. whatever happened with Edge and Rydia). Personally, and this was a decision I only came to recently, I prefer FF3. I always thought it was too easy (and it is, if you know how to exploit all the bugs in the game), but if you play it straight, it can be a challenge, it's very long, there's a ton of secret stuff, the dialogue is actually good (so rare in any video game), and I liked the ending a lot too-- no the world is at peace stuff, no everything back to normal, just we killed the bad guy-- the world is still fucked up as can be, but at least we can go on living.
My top 5 ways to rock the mic on NES:
1. Metroid -- the best, period. More innovation and skilled design than many games since. (Also one of my best achievements-- can still beat it in one sitting, getting all the items, and the best ending.)
2. Dragon Warrior IV -- especially if you use the game genie code that lets you actually control the other characters in Chapter 5.
3. Bionic Commando -- you couldn't jump! And Hitler swore at you! And you made his head explode! What more could you want in a game?
4. Mike Tyson's Punch Out!! -- Another game where I'm proud of my skills. 5 years ago I spent a summer playing all the way through this at least once a day.
5. The Legend of Zelda -- deserving of every accolade it received.
Tecmo Super Bowl deserves an honorable mention since it's 10x the fun against someone else, but still a blast solo, despite being the most unrealistic football game since 10 yard fight.
Other games I loved that don't seen to get much attention were Faxanadu, Rygar, and Clash at Demonhead (what can I say, I'm a sucker for extended action-adventure platformers). Dusty Diamond's All-Star Softball, by the way, was the best baseball game I ever played for the NES.
Same here. One of us, one of us!
So you want to go check out that concert this weekend? There's some new band called "Guns N' Roses" playing... I heard they can rock.
(P.S. never spell check a post about video games. Apparently "Excalibur" is a suitable replacement for "10x".)
posted by nath at 11:49 AM on July 21, 2003
Intellivision
Colecovision
and the blacksheep of the family (of pre-Nintendo Atari alternatives)
Odyssey II
posted by Witty at 12:01 PM on July 21, 2003
Colecovision
and the blacksheep of the family (of pre-Nintendo Atari alternatives)
Odyssey II
posted by Witty at 12:01 PM on July 21, 2003
I prefer FF3
To continue the SNES derail, for gameplay, I agree that FF3 is tops over FF2 in nearly every aspect. For the ending, not so much, as even though the FF2 ending does leave some holes (of course, one didn't know back then then that the FF sequels would not be true sequels except in terms of many thematic/character/fanboy elements, so I did hope that FF3 would continue in the world FF2 created and answer some of those burning questions), it's *very* satisfying in terms of closure ... more than any other FF game you get the feeling that you have just completed a monumental, epic struggle. Most FF endings just sort of seem to say to me "damn, we did it, and now let's take a nap."
Also, having just fired up SMB3 I must add I'd forgotten just how damned fun that game is.
posted by WolfDaddy at 12:04 PM on July 21, 2003
To continue the SNES derail, for gameplay, I agree that FF3 is tops over FF2 in nearly every aspect. For the ending, not so much, as even though the FF2 ending does leave some holes (of course, one didn't know back then then that the FF sequels would not be true sequels except in terms of many thematic/character/fanboy elements, so I did hope that FF3 would continue in the world FF2 created and answer some of those burning questions), it's *very* satisfying in terms of closure ... more than any other FF game you get the feeling that you have just completed a monumental, epic struggle. Most FF endings just sort of seem to say to me "damn, we did it, and now let's take a nap."
Also, having just fired up SMB3 I must add I'd forgotten just how damned fun that game is.
posted by WolfDaddy at 12:04 PM on July 21, 2003
Of course FFII is an SNES game. Sue me.
Yes and no... What we in the US got as "Final Fantasy II" was in fact "Final Fantasy IV". There were two more games released on the Famicom in Japan that never made it to the states. The translated ROMs are pretty widely available, but Square-Enix has done a great job re-releasing the Final Fantasy's, and gave us Final Fantasy Origins for PSX. It has a slightly beefed up FF and FF2 (The real Famicom version). They also have PSX versions of all of the SNES Final Fantasy games (we missed out on FFV, which was an excellent game in the series). Now if they'll release FFIII in some way I'll be happy.
posted by turacma at 12:24 PM on July 21, 2003
Yes and no... What we in the US got as "Final Fantasy II" was in fact "Final Fantasy IV". There were two more games released on the Famicom in Japan that never made it to the states. The translated ROMs are pretty widely available, but Square-Enix has done a great job re-releasing the Final Fantasy's, and gave us Final Fantasy Origins for PSX. It has a slightly beefed up FF and FF2 (The real Famicom version). They also have PSX versions of all of the SNES Final Fantasy games (we missed out on FFV, which was an excellent game in the series). Now if they'll release FFIII in some way I'll be happy.
posted by turacma at 12:24 PM on July 21, 2003
Ninja Gaiden 3 - most evil game ever.
Ninja Gaiden 1 was such an awesome game and although it took me ages, I finally managed to beat the last level. Ninja Gaiden 2 was great fun, fantastic music and those nifty cut scenes but it was much easier, the last level was the only one with any real challenge.
Then Ninja Gaiden 3 came out. It was just insanely hard and nothing like the other two games. I didn't like the music, the levels and graphics were less organic and more robot-like and when I finally made it to the very last level, I found it was just impossible to get through. I went back to it on an emulator but never could get past level three or so. One of these days...
Favorites from NES:
Metal Gear - it took me ages to get through this game, but I finally did. Ahhh, the joy of sneaking up on a guard and punching him out. Took me forever to find the landmines and get rid of that damn tank.
Super Mario 3 - There was just so much to this game. The levels had a lot of variety such as the desert and the snow levels...and it was just great fun.
Zelda - Legend of Zelda was just an incredible game and I wasted a lot of time on it. I had not played it until years after it came out and in fact, after I had bought and played through Zelda 2 several times. I was shocked that the graphically-inferior Legend of Zelda was by far the better game. Zelda 2 was really strange. The story, the ending, all of it. I remember it took me forever to get through the last palace (and to it, for that matter) but when I finally made it to the end boss it was a huge disappointment. And it was easy to beat the bosses, but insanely hard to find some things in the game without cheating with Nintendo Power or something.
Contra - The first time I ever stayed up all night long was when I was at a friend's house for his birthday party. Me and this other kid I had never met sat up all night building this insane lego castle and playing Contra. We took turns doing one and then the other. About six am we finished our last attempt at Contra without cheating and beat the game. Then we conquered Jackal. Which was not that great of a game.
Ninja Gaiden 1 and 2 - I loved these games and spent a ton of time playing them. I actually played the second one the most since it seemed more addictive and was easier to beat. The last level of Ninja Gaiden one takes a lot of patience and you have to perfect a lot of jumps and specific attack strategies against the enemies as there are many places where you can get hit several times, losing a bunch of life and you need all of your life for when you get to the boss(es) at the end.
Honorable mentions:
Gradius - My first shoot-em-up and a fairly difficult game. It was my favorite shooter for the NES, although there were actually quite a few of them out there.
Tyson's Punch Out - You get pretty good, you make it past several rather tough challengers and then you get to Tyson who is next to impossible to defeat...
Mega Man series - Rented most of them and beat them while rented, but I had to buy Mega Man 1 and another one, I forget which it was. It took me ages to get through the first game, it was just terribly difficult. I remember the first time that I managed to get through all of the normal levels, it was just a downright joyful experience.
I would also like to mention Sega Saturn, which was the BEST system for shoot-em-up fans such as myself. I have like thirty space shooters for that system.
posted by bargle at 12:49 PM on July 21, 2003
Ninja Gaiden 1 was such an awesome game and although it took me ages, I finally managed to beat the last level. Ninja Gaiden 2 was great fun, fantastic music and those nifty cut scenes but it was much easier, the last level was the only one with any real challenge.
Then Ninja Gaiden 3 came out. It was just insanely hard and nothing like the other two games. I didn't like the music, the levels and graphics were less organic and more robot-like and when I finally made it to the very last level, I found it was just impossible to get through. I went back to it on an emulator but never could get past level three or so. One of these days...
Favorites from NES:
Metal Gear - it took me ages to get through this game, but I finally did. Ahhh, the joy of sneaking up on a guard and punching him out. Took me forever to find the landmines and get rid of that damn tank.
Super Mario 3 - There was just so much to this game. The levels had a lot of variety such as the desert and the snow levels...and it was just great fun.
Zelda - Legend of Zelda was just an incredible game and I wasted a lot of time on it. I had not played it until years after it came out and in fact, after I had bought and played through Zelda 2 several times. I was shocked that the graphically-inferior Legend of Zelda was by far the better game. Zelda 2 was really strange. The story, the ending, all of it. I remember it took me forever to get through the last palace (and to it, for that matter) but when I finally made it to the end boss it was a huge disappointment. And it was easy to beat the bosses, but insanely hard to find some things in the game without cheating with Nintendo Power or something.
Contra - The first time I ever stayed up all night long was when I was at a friend's house for his birthday party. Me and this other kid I had never met sat up all night building this insane lego castle and playing Contra. We took turns doing one and then the other. About six am we finished our last attempt at Contra without cheating and beat the game. Then we conquered Jackal. Which was not that great of a game.
Ninja Gaiden 1 and 2 - I loved these games and spent a ton of time playing them. I actually played the second one the most since it seemed more addictive and was easier to beat. The last level of Ninja Gaiden one takes a lot of patience and you have to perfect a lot of jumps and specific attack strategies against the enemies as there are many places where you can get hit several times, losing a bunch of life and you need all of your life for when you get to the boss(es) at the end.
Honorable mentions:
Gradius - My first shoot-em-up and a fairly difficult game. It was my favorite shooter for the NES, although there were actually quite a few of them out there.
Tyson's Punch Out - You get pretty good, you make it past several rather tough challengers and then you get to Tyson who is next to impossible to defeat...
Mega Man series - Rented most of them and beat them while rented, but I had to buy Mega Man 1 and another one, I forget which it was. It took me ages to get through the first game, it was just terribly difficult. I remember the first time that I managed to get through all of the normal levels, it was just a downright joyful experience.
I would also like to mention Sega Saturn, which was the BEST system for shoot-em-up fans such as myself. I have like thirty space shooters for that system.
posted by bargle at 12:49 PM on July 21, 2003
Trud dat, turacma, and also knowing Square-Enix (how great is that merger? Gimme Square storytelling in an Enix Dragon Warrior game!!!!) is coming home to the GameCube and GBA makes me all tingly and stuff.
Also, Square-Enix needs to buy Blizzard and make a movie studio out of 'em, since most people I know have been buying Blizzard games for the cinematics as much as the gameplay for some time now...though with the recent defections of many of the major creative minds at Blizzard North, that may no longer be so wise, come to think of it.
posted by WolfDaddy at 12:50 PM on July 21, 2003
Also, Square-Enix needs to buy Blizzard and make a movie studio out of 'em, since most people I know have been buying Blizzard games for the cinematics as much as the gameplay for some time now...though with the recent defections of many of the major creative minds at Blizzard North, that may no longer be so wise, come to think of it.
posted by WolfDaddy at 12:50 PM on July 21, 2003
I must be the only person that _hated_ Final Fantasy VI. I loved IV and when I discovered emulation, I loved V as well. But never did enjoy VI.
Oh, Nintendo game I forgot: Rad Racer. Fun game, although nothing will ever match the Sega classic Outrun. I recently bought Sega Ages for my Saturn which includes Space Harrier and Outrun. Good times.
posted by bargle at 12:52 PM on July 21, 2003
Oh, Nintendo game I forgot: Rad Racer. Fun game, although nothing will ever match the Sega classic Outrun. I recently bought Sega Ages for my Saturn which includes Space Harrier and Outrun. Good times.
posted by bargle at 12:52 PM on July 21, 2003
Best NES games:
1. Final Fantasy - I played through this one so many times. Most frustrating fun: beating the thing with a party of 4 White Mages. It was really hard until they got Holy, at which point it became much easier.
2. Legend of Zelda - 'nuff said.
3. Metroid - This was such a great game, with so much to see and do inside the game world. The best ending is a gaming classic, too...
4. Metal Gear - "I feel asleep. Uh - Oh! The truck have started to move!" It was fun, though. And you could punch sleeping dogs.
5. SMB3 - The two player mode for this was just great. I think my little brother and I fought more over this game than we did over anything else. "Noooo, you landed on the Match Game! You suck, I hate you! DIE!" ^___^
posted by vorfeed at 12:59 PM on July 21, 2003
1. Final Fantasy - I played through this one so many times. Most frustrating fun: beating the thing with a party of 4 White Mages. It was really hard until they got Holy, at which point it became much easier.
2. Legend of Zelda - 'nuff said.
3. Metroid - This was such a great game, with so much to see and do inside the game world. The best ending is a gaming classic, too...
4. Metal Gear - "I feel asleep. Uh - Oh! The truck have started to move!" It was fun, though. And you could punch sleeping dogs.
5. SMB3 - The two player mode for this was just great. I think my little brother and I fought more over this game than we did over anything else. "Noooo, you landed on the Match Game! You suck, I hate you! DIE!" ^___^
posted by vorfeed at 12:59 PM on July 21, 2003
Er, I completely forgot Castlevania III! I love that entire series, and you can still get the 2D Castlevania fun with the Gameboy Advance.
Also, another ridiculously hard NES game: Ghosts and Goblins. Did anyone here actually beat that game? That little knight was one hell of an awkward jumper and it was really difficult to keep from dying, even in the first level.
posted by bargle at 1:09 PM on July 21, 2003
Also, another ridiculously hard NES game: Ghosts and Goblins. Did anyone here actually beat that game? That little knight was one hell of an awkward jumper and it was really difficult to keep from dying, even in the first level.
posted by bargle at 1:09 PM on July 21, 2003
All this and no mention of the NES Batman? For shame. It's a great game made all the more rare by the fact that despite carrying a movie license it totally fails to suck.
Love that wall grab...
posted by NortonDC at 2:19 PM on July 21, 2003
Love that wall grab...
posted by NortonDC at 2:19 PM on July 21, 2003
I was at a flea market outside of Sacramento a few weeks ago and found a little stand packed with old video game carts. My eyes widened as I realized I was staring at an entire wall of 8-bit NES games for sale. It was truly exciting.
That is, until I got closer and realized that fully 50% of them were DuckHunt, another 25% Double Dribble, and the remainder just various crap. Probably 6 titles in all.
posted by scarabic at 3:42 PM on July 21, 2003
That is, until I got closer and realized that fully 50% of them were DuckHunt, another 25% Double Dribble, and the remainder just various crap. Probably 6 titles in all.
posted by scarabic at 3:42 PM on July 21, 2003
but it's not pioneering new first person shooters that are defining the future of gaming (halo,gta3)
1: GTA3 is not an FPS.
2: FPS's are not the future of gaming, in the same way that romantic comedies are not the future of film.
3: Metroid Prime is an FPS, and it's a damn sight more innovative than Halo.
posted by inpHilltr8r at 3:52 PM on July 21, 2003
1: GTA3 is not an FPS.
2: FPS's are not the future of gaming, in the same way that romantic comedies are not the future of film.
3: Metroid Prime is an FPS, and it's a damn sight more innovative than Halo.
posted by inpHilltr8r at 3:52 PM on July 21, 2003
The Megadrive was better than the SNES, no question
Yay! Old skool console flamewars!
With about 10 years of hindsight, I feel safe in saying that neither was better than the other, in terms of anything. Except maybe blackness. Yup, the Megadrive (Genesis to most americans that actually give a shit;) was distinctly more black than the SNES. Also the american SNES was decidedly fugly, although the european one had a creamy-curvey look that I'm only just starting to see in modern cellphones.
posted by inpHilltr8r at 3:59 PM on July 21, 2003
Yay! Old skool console flamewars!
With about 10 years of hindsight, I feel safe in saying that neither was better than the other, in terms of anything. Except maybe blackness. Yup, the Megadrive (Genesis to most americans that actually give a shit;) was distinctly more black than the SNES. Also the american SNES was decidedly fugly, although the european one had a creamy-curvey look that I'm only just starting to see in modern cellphones.
posted by inpHilltr8r at 3:59 PM on July 21, 2003
1. Tengen Tetris (rental place near my grandmother's had it. Guy wouldn't part with it for anything, the bastard)
2. SMB 3
3. Contra
4. Double Dragon series
5. Gyruss (god damn one-hit-and-you're-dead shooters)
posted by Space Coyote at 4:05 PM on July 21, 2003
2. SMB 3
3. Contra
4. Double Dragon series
5. Gyruss (god damn one-hit-and-you're-dead shooters)
posted by Space Coyote at 4:05 PM on July 21, 2003
I remember playing Rygar on the NES - jeez, what a maze. Did anyone ever beat it?
posted by tomcosgrave at 5:23 PM on July 21, 2003
posted by tomcosgrave at 5:23 PM on July 21, 2003
I remember playing Rygar on the NES - jeez, what a maze. Did anyone ever beat it?
Yep.
It's a toughie, though. I think the best strategies were to a)not die (easier said, I know...), b)power up the reach of the diskarm immediately, c)just kick the ass out of a lot of enemies, especially in the later levels. You get MUCH stronger.
But yeah, it was a maze. A fairly non-linear platformer that also had overhead-view sections. Crazy for its time, eh?
posted by nath at 5:35 PM on July 21, 2003
Yep.
It's a toughie, though. I think the best strategies were to a)not die (easier said, I know...), b)power up the reach of the diskarm immediately, c)just kick the ass out of a lot of enemies, especially in the later levels. You get MUCH stronger.
But yeah, it was a maze. A fairly non-linear platformer that also had overhead-view sections. Crazy for its time, eh?
posted by nath at 5:35 PM on July 21, 2003
Anyone remember trying to buy or rent SMB3 before it oficially came out, and got the Japanese version with a Hudson adaptor of some kind, and when you are Racoon Mario and get hit by an enemy, you become Small Mario rather than Regular Mario, adding an annoying dimension of difficulty to the game? Cuz I do.
Anyway, the top 5 (NES and SNES):
1. Super Mario Brothers (ever got like 300 lives on stage 3?)
2. FFII
3. Dragon Warrior
4. Legend of Zelda
5. Mega Man 2
posted by MarkO at 9:00 PM on July 21, 2003
Anyway, the top 5 (NES and SNES):
1. Super Mario Brothers (ever got like 300 lives on stage 3?)
2. FFII
3. Dragon Warrior
4. Legend of Zelda
5. Mega Man 2
posted by MarkO at 9:00 PM on July 21, 2003
Worst NES game, Mutant Virus... My thumbs are still sore...
posted by drezdn at 12:10 AM on July 22, 2003
posted by drezdn at 12:10 AM on July 22, 2003
If only I could harness the obsessive nerdy energy in this thead, all your goddam base would belong to me and no mistake!
I have a Megadrive, a Master System II, an Atari 2600 and an ungodly mess of AV cables in a big bag in my wardrobe right now. I've been too scared to try to figure out what plugs in where because I know if they all prove to be broken, by heart may break too.
So that pandora's box shall remain unopened....for now.
posted by backOfYourMind at 7:27 AM on July 22, 2003
I have a Megadrive, a Master System II, an Atari 2600 and an ungodly mess of AV cables in a big bag in my wardrobe right now. I've been too scared to try to figure out what plugs in where because I know if they all prove to be broken, by heart may break too.
So that pandora's box shall remain unopened....for now.
posted by backOfYourMind at 7:27 AM on July 22, 2003
I don't wanna ruin the old-school vibe here (shout out to SNES favorites: Donkey Kong Country 2, Super Metroid, Zelda Link to the Past, Yoshi's Island, Smash TV, Axelay), but I wanted to point out how great N64 emulation is.
The difference between how these games look at high-res on a computer monitor and how they looked on a TV is amazing. Games like Banjo-Kazooie, Zelda, Ocarina of Time, F-Zero, Diddy Kong Racing, even Mario 64, look beautiful and run well on a modest PC (400 Mhz). Not to mention save-state, and configurable controls (including mouse support for FPS games).
My favorite N64 game is one that wasn't released in the US - Sin and Punishment. And Rocket: Robot on Wheels is the best 3-D platformer I've ever played.
posted by straight at 8:05 AM on July 22, 2003
The difference between how these games look at high-res on a computer monitor and how they looked on a TV is amazing. Games like Banjo-Kazooie, Zelda, Ocarina of Time, F-Zero, Diddy Kong Racing, even Mario 64, look beautiful and run well on a modest PC (400 Mhz). Not to mention save-state, and configurable controls (including mouse support for FPS games).
My favorite N64 game is one that wasn't released in the US - Sin and Punishment. And Rocket: Robot on Wheels is the best 3-D platformer I've ever played.
posted by straight at 8:05 AM on July 22, 2003
N64 emulation is actually usable at this point? I tried out an emu quite some time back and it could barely load the game. I have Zelda but would enjoy playing it on the computer, that might be interesting. Hmm.
posted by bargle at 8:46 AM on July 22, 2003
posted by bargle at 8:46 AM on July 22, 2003
Some games don't, it depends some on your hardware, and you may have to do a good bit of tweaking and trying out different audio/video plug-ins, but the majority of popular N64 games you can play all the way through with few or no glitches. Check out Emulation64 (no illegal roms here). 1964 and PJ64 are the best emulators.
posted by straight at 10:31 AM on July 22, 2003
posted by straight at 10:31 AM on July 22, 2003
The worst NES game ever was Bad Street Brawler. No contest. Well, maybe Mighty Bomb Jack...
The thing I remember most about NES games is the music. The Mega Man series was good for music (well the earlier ones anyway) and so were the Super Mario games.
I tended to like the strange games that nobody else in my family could finish. Metal Gear, Iron Tank, Clash at Demonhead, Dragon Warrior... half the fun of the NES was making your brothers and sisters wait while you spent an hour looking for Doctor Petrovich or the Staff of Rain.
posted by tyro urge at 11:49 AM on July 22, 2003
The thing I remember most about NES games is the music. The Mega Man series was good for music (well the earlier ones anyway) and so were the Super Mario games.
I tended to like the strange games that nobody else in my family could finish. Metal Gear, Iron Tank, Clash at Demonhead, Dragon Warrior... half the fun of the NES was making your brothers and sisters wait while you spent an hour looking for Doctor Petrovich or the Staff of Rain.
posted by tyro urge at 11:49 AM on July 22, 2003
It may not have been the worst game, but the one I hated the most was Athena.
posted by cell divide at 11:56 AM on July 22, 2003
posted by cell divide at 11:56 AM on July 22, 2003
The ROM Pit at the sometimes-funny Something Awful might be of interest to many of you.
posted by UKnowForKids at 4:26 PM on July 22, 2003
posted by UKnowForKids at 4:26 PM on July 22, 2003
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This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
There is such a huge library, but finding the used games can be a hassle in cart form, and most people would probably be better off using an emulator and downloading ROM files.
posted by benjh at 6:44 AM on July 21, 2003