| | NGamer Issue 10 |  |
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+4ZeroJones Jimbob masofdas gjones 8 posters |
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gjones
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| Subject: NGamer Issue 10  Sat 13 May 2017 - 12:48 | |
|  JUNE 2007Following on from the hype-train that was Super Paper Mario last month, Saturn classic Nights into Dreams is this month's wankfest. The strapline "Why Nights Changes Wii Forever" is funny to look back on now, putting it alongside Super Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3 as the games that will convince you of Wii's "next-gen" graphical abilities and makes other consoles' "grumpy games look very silly". I'm guessing this was a defence against the Wii naysayers at the time dismissing the system? Review-wise, it's a treat for fans of Japanese handheld games, as well as animal-lovers. Hamsters, horses and cats are all catered for, all games that feel overrated, with Picross DS' review reading like a 90%-er. Enjoyed Picross a few years back but unfortunately don't have a DS to revisit this one. Anyone played Meet the Robinsons or was Greener overdoing the coffee? Aside from G1 Jockey which I'll wait for the UK release of before buying (always been curious of this series), I'll likely be (finally) delving in to SSX Blur, me thinks! Any interest in this lot? *REVIEWS*  - Good (70-84%):
G1 Jockey Wii (JAPAN IMPORT) - 78
"We've got a real weakness for this kind of thing: an intuitive career mode that's been wrapped around a decent sports sim. Give it a shot. No - wait, we didn't mean... (bang)."
Meet the Robinsons - 74
"Love the movie? Hate the movie? Despite some clumsy controls and a tendency to keep throwing the same bits at you over and over (and over) again, this is recommended to all."
Naruto: Clash of Ninja EX (JAPAN IMPORT) - 71
"A half-hearted Wii implementation to rank with Dragon Ball Z and Bleach, but still a decent fighting game, full of cel-shaded pyrotechnics and mind-bending moves."
Romance of the Three Kingdoms XI (JAPAN IMPORT) - 70
"Barely less complicated than running a real country. Steer clear unless you know Japanese and have a lot of free evenings - and don't mind the lazy ignorance of the Wii remote."
- Not so bad (50-69%):
Prince of Persia: Rival Swords - 67
"As we said in NGC 115: it makes the right moves but doesn't quite scale the heights. And you can buy the GameCube version - without Ubisoft's half-hearted Wii controls - for around £20."Bomberman Land (JAPAN IMPORT) - 60
"We can't dismiss it entirely because it does have a nice-looking bonus update of classic Bomberman. But the adventure mode is seriously poor. Think twice, bomber fans."TMNT - 59
"This is by no means the car crash of a game that Ubisoft's withholding led us to expect; it's more of a severe car scrape against a bollard."Bust-A-Move Bash - 50
"Why would you want to spend £40 on this? Or £14? It's just plain old Bust-A-Move with annoying controls added on. Spend a fiver on the Virtual Console instead."
 For those interested in what the DS was offering us a decade ago: - Good (70-84%):
Picross DS (JAPAN IMPORT) - 83 "Life-consuming Sudoku beater that, by rights, should sell enough to make Prof. Kawashima's glasses fly clean off his head. Buy, buy, buy." Front Mission 1st (JAPAN IMPORT) - 80 "Lovely old school turn-based strategy with robots whose arms fall off when punched too often. With English language support for non-Japanese speakers, it's a great import." Hamtaro Hai! Ham Ham Challenge (JAPAN IMPORT) - 80 "Not for you, but for a youngling in your midst - enormously cute, great learning-based fun for kids." Konami Arcade Collection (JAPAN IMPORT) - 79 "Has more love in its bones than Konami's usual dead-horse-floggers - and it's great value at the current dollar-pound exchange rate. "The reshult: sheventy nine pershent."" Crayon Shin-Chan DS (JAPAN IMPORT) - 79 "We were worried about this one, but it's been a big surprise. It's not going to change the face of platforming as we know it, but this is a lot of fun." Purr Pals (US IMPORT) - 77 "Not entirely convincing, and far less smooth than Nintendo's unnamed dog-related game. But it's well put-together feline fun with minigames." Heroes of Mana (JAPAN IMPORT) - 76 "A frustratingly slow pace and the sad realisation that a humdinger of a plot is zooming over our heads are the only problems here. Otherwise one of the best RTS games on the DS." Super Robot Taisen IV (JAPAN IMPORT) - 75 "Solid manga mecha stat-battler that's easy to get to grips with despite being all in Japanese. Shame we can't understand the story - we think they're fighting over an outstanding bar tab."
- Not so bad (50-69%):
Honeycomb Beat (US IMPORT) - 69 "At times as delightful as prancing down a beach with the girl of your dreams. At others, like lunching at Satan's table. Not really a game you love, more a game you grudgingly respect." Lost in Blue 2 - 68 "Survivalism made authentically difficult. Well worth a go but be warned that the designers care not for the concepts of reward, relaxation and human fatigue. It's quite a commitment." Rayman Raving Rabbids DS - 68 "With rabbids like this who needs enemies? Solid but very average platformer starring a fairly unresponsive hero. Still, the music's quite cheerful when it's not driving you mental." Far East of Eden II (JAPAN IMPORT) - 64 "Arrives at jus the wrong time, with Final Fantasy III and Pokemon Diamond/Pearl also being released. But still definitely worth a look." Custom Robo Arena (US IMPORT) - 60 "We genuinely expected this to get much better once we knew what was going on. Sadly, in English it reveals a lack of depth and some seriously irritating niggles. A real shame." TMNT - 59 "Basic, derivative, monotonous; but dressed up with some stylish visuals and the odd good bit, TMNT is impossible to entirely dislike, but equally impossible to recommend." Kokoro Ga Uruou Mirei Aquarium DS (JAPAN IMPORT) - 55 "It's an aquarium. On your DS. With sperm whales. It's as though there'd been an edition of Nintendogs with antelope and polar bears." Flipper Critters - 52 "As a pinball game, it's up there. As entertainment, it stares blankly at you and occasionally farts. Concrete-proof pinball belongs in the arcade." Kurukuru Princess (JAPAN IMPORT) - 50 "Even by the standards of bizarre and impenetrable Japanese games, this stands out as one of the weirdest and most loopy things that we've played."
- Mostly Useless (30-49%):
Bomberman Story DS (JAPAN IMPORT) - 44 "At least 43 points are directed squarely at the single-cart multiplayer. But that's also available on Virtual Console for £5 with change left over for five Chomp bars."
- Terrible (0-29%):
Arashi No Drift Rally (JAPAN IMPORT) - 22.jpg) "The most determinedly unenjoyable racing game we've seen since Need for Speed: Most Wanted. We've had more fun getting bitten by a dog."
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masofdas
The Next Miyamoto
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Sat 13 May 2017 - 17:48 | |
| Another month where I wouldn't have bought anything for either of these. |
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Jimbob
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Sun 14 May 2017 - 13:19 | |
| - gjones wrote:
- Bomberman Land (JAPAN IMPORT) - 60
"We can't dismiss it entirely because it does have a nice-looking bonus update of classic Bomberman. But the adventure mode is seriously poor. Think twice, bomber fans." The good thing is things have improved since then. Oh wait I'll get-a-reading this soon! But I remember thinking that about NIghtS at the time... this looks like a game that they'd make up on a 90s sitcom. |
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ZeroJones
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Sun 14 May 2017 - 22:45 | |
| Giving that score to Heroes Of Mana is a bit much, in my humble, unsubtle and often wrong opinion. I know it's not my genre but it really isn't that good.  That aside, the mighty Picross DS strides out to bat and, for a game of such quality, is pretty underrated by the team. |
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The_Jaster
Din
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Sun 14 May 2017 - 22:57 | |
| The drunka man had this issue (I think) at the meet up yesterday, I only had a little flick through of it but I was surprised to see & remember that Zack & wiki used to be called Project treasure Island Z - after a wee google just now it was down to the Japanese name being Takarajima Z: Barbaros no Hihō. (Treasure Island Z: Barbaros' Secret Treasure)
The name change was the right thing to do. |
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Buskalilly
Galactic Nova
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Mon 15 May 2017 - 18:11 | |
| It was this issue, yes! I've not had a major read yet but I've flicked through. |
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Jimbob
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Mon 15 May 2017 - 23:04 | |
| I've started proper now - and my Nights fears were confirmed. You're right GJ - I con't get why this was a big thing for Wii, when Sonic had already turned up. Also not so clever in hindsight was where Greener - Spoiler:
said that Nights on Wii was the most important thing since Jim'll Fix It came back.
:silent: :silent: :silent: :silent: :silent: :silent:
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Jimbob
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Sun 21 May 2017 - 10:50 | |
| Sorry, I'm a DoPoMoFo Highlights so far:
- Preview of Puchi Puchi Virus: ' "The cabin began the medical treatment of people of a village instantly" (it says here)'
- The crayons making Greener caption a cut-out of a mountain
- G1 Jockey: 'With both of you waggling the nunchuck like crazy and whipping the Wii remote, it's clearly going to be one of those close-the-curtains games"
- I want to play Purr Pals now.
- There's an interesting feature about Animal Crossing which I'll hide in spoilers if anyone's planning to read this still:
They list what they want from a Wii Animal Crossing. This I think was before Go Off To The City was announced, and of course since then we've had New Leaf. I was curious to see how much had actually happened:
1: Outdoor Pursuits: Not as such - you can interact with benches and fountains outside but that's about it - however, the games on Tortimer's Island probably count a bit.
2: Games Room / Virtual Console: I suppose that's sort of happened with the Welcome Amiibo games, but not e.g. pool / table tennis. You'll never get NES games again, but I do also have a strange urge to play my purchased VC games within the confines of Animal Crossing.
3: Swimming: Yes!
4: Communal Living: As in not just with people on the same cart/system. That's not happened yet, but the dream thingy makes it easier to see towns that you don't normally. I wouldn't mind implying GNamerville being a virtual conurbation.
5: Social events with neighbours: Occasionally someone else is in the club - I guess that counts?
6: Campsite: WOAH YES
7: Garden: Not quite sure what they wanted her - you can plant flowers anywhere anyway...
8: Carnival: There's not really a funfair-type thing. However, this step also footnoted to public holidays being set back to real life - this has happened now.
9: Holiday Island: YES AGAIN
10: Train Station: This was a response to the DS version's town gates. It's a bus stop now rather than a train station, but it's back either way.
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gjones
Disciple of Scullion
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Sun 21 May 2017 - 11:06 | |
| - Jimbob wrote:
- Sorry, I'm a DoPoMoFo
Highlights so far:
- Preview of Puchi Puchi Virus: ' "The cabin began the medical treatment of people of a village instantly" (it says here)'
- The crayons making Greener caption a cut-out of a mountain
- G1 Jockey: 'With both of you waggling the nunchuck like crazy and whipping the Wii remote, it's clearly going to be one of those close-the-curtains games"
- I want to play Purr Pals now.
You reminded why not to overlook any word in these magazines - there's gems everywhere. Had another brief gander and discovered this:  Does yer man Scully need to do some explaining? |
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Jimbob
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Sun 21 May 2017 - 11:09 | |
| *gaaaasp* oh the days when there could be two actively-competing Nintendo magazines... |
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Buskalilly
Galactic Nova
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Sun 21 May 2017 - 11:52 | |
| I always liked the Beano and Dandy rivalry between ONM and NGamer, especially as someone who bought both. I'm glad they were all mates really. |
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Balladeer
DIVINE LONELINESS
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Mon 22 May 2017 - 6:02 | |
| From Chris' Twitter response, it doesn't sound like he felt it was entirely in jest... |
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Buskalilly
Galactic Nova
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Mon 22 May 2017 - 8:48 | |
| I remember his and Matthew's write-ups towards the ends of both mags. It sounds like there was a little bitterness at first but eventually they realised they were all part of one family. |
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Jimbob
Bargain Hunter
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Mon 22 May 2017 - 20:12 | |
| Mmm - I wasn't sure the man Scullion was happy. Oh well, as you say, it doesn't matter in the end, I'm reading a GamesMaster with very few laffs. Speaking of laffs, the results of the "Nintendo joke" request are in the letters page. My favourite, from now until the day I die will be - Spoiler:
Who is Mario?
Your Mum.
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Buskalilly
Galactic Nova
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Mon 22 May 2017 - 21:32 | |
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Balladeer
DIVINE LONELINESS
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Mon 22 May 2017 - 21:34 | |
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The Cappuccino Kid
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Mon 22 May 2017 - 21:38 | |
| I knew it was going to be that before I clicked on the spoiler! Aye, that was an all-time classic. Right up there with "Smells like DIC" as one of those NGamer quotes that just about made me pish myself.
IIRC, it was all about the Virtual Console in mid 2007. I wasn't paying any attention to the likes of TMNT - my eyes were squarely on what would be coming out every Friday morning. Fair enough, the stock was a bit rubbish in the shops, but digitally you were getting quality stuff like Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts, Lylat Wars and Streets of Rage 2 all at the same time, every single week. Good times.
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Balladeer
DIVINE LONELINESS
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Mon 22 May 2017 - 21:41 | |
| And then came the Wii U... |
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Buskalilly
Galactic Nova
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| | Subject: Re: NGamer Issue 10 Mon 22 May 2017 - 21:52 | |
| - The Cappuccino Kid wrote:
- IIRC, it was all about the Virtual Console in mid 2007. I wasn't paying any attention to the likes of TMNT - my eyes were squarely on what would be coming out every Friday morning. Fair enough, the stock was a bit rubbish in the shops, but digitally you were getting quality stuff like Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts, Lylat Wars and Streets of Rage 2 all at the same time, every single week. Good times.
It's easy to forget about it ten years on, but at the time having this wealth of Nintendo history at our fingertips was a seriously exciting prospect. |
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