Recent acquisitions

[Crazy Jamie]

I also reeeeaaaaaalllly want to type up a "Dirt Cheap Retro Games You Should Be Buying" thread. It's been one of those things I've put off for a while. Every time I see how incredibly cheap Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge on the Xbox is despite it only ever being released on the Xbox, I get the want to tell the world that you can, in fact, get GOOD retro games for stupid cheap without resorting to digital stores and emulation. I got as far as typing up a list of games and price tiers.

I'd like to read that and a review thread, just to get some discussion going. But for those who want to buy retro games in my experience the motivation comes from either buying games and systems that they played when they were younger, so for nostalgic reasons, or the pleasure of owning something valuable. Often a mix of the two. That doesn't necessarily lend itself to people buying cheap, good games that are obscure. Because if no one played them when they were younger and they're not valuable now, most people with retro gaming collections won't be interested in them.

 

[Smacktard]

I'd like to read that and a review thread, just to get some discussion going. But for those who want to buy retro games in my experience the motivation comes from either buying games and systems that they played when they were younger, so for nostalgic reasons, or the pleasure of owning something valuable. Often a mix of the two. That doesn't necessarily lend itself to people buying cheap, good games that are obscure. Because if no one played them when they were younger and they're not valuable now, most people with retro gaming collections won't be interested in them.

I think the two reasons you listed are probably the two biggest reasons people like to buy retro games, but a lot of retro gamers are just content owning and playing something retro that they haven't played before. Retro games are very different from most modern games, and players who enjoy them prefer them because they offer gameplay, design, attention to detail, music, and art that's mostly absent from modern games. I'm now collecting Sega Saturn games, and I never even played a Sega Saturn until this year. And while there are a lot of games that are expensive on the system, there are a lot of excellent, affordable games, as well.

 

[Crazy Jamie]

I think the two reasons you listed are probably the two biggest reasons people like to buy retro games, but a lot of retro gamers are just content owning and playing something retro that they haven't played before. Retro games are very different from most modern games, and players who enjoy them prefer them because they offer gameplay, design, attention to detail, music, and art that's mostly absent from modern games. I'm now collecting Sega Saturn games, and I never even played a Sega Saturn until this year. And while there are a lot of games that are expensive on the system, there are a lot of excellent, affordable games, as well.

That's fair. I can pick up a retro game now that I've never played before but know of and appreciate it. Even if it's not something that I have memories of playing when I was younger, the general aesthetic, style and presentation of these games can still bring with it its own pleasure. Again, generally for people who did play those games when they were younger. So I do understand everything that you've written there.

That said, as much as I might prefer to still play notable games that I haven't played rather than obscure recommendations, the arcade machine that I've mentioned has 8,000 games on it, and my son is currently going through a phase of just picking ones that look interesting. To him. A six year old. Usually sports of some kind. So I have played some utterly random old games with him on there, from rally games to basketball and even one beach volleyball game, none of which I knew existed. And honestly we've had a great time with them. Even the ones that are rubbish are retro rubbish, and that still gives a nice, fuzzy comfortable feeling.

 

[Smacktard]

That said, as much as I might prefer to still play notable games that I haven't played rather than obscure recommendations, the arcade machine that I've mentioned has 8,000 games on it, and my son is currently going through a phase of just picking ones that look interesting. To him. A six year old. Usually sports of some kind. So I have played some utterly random old games with him on there, from rally games to basketball and even one beach volleyball game, none of which I knew existed. And honestly we've had a great time with them. Even the ones that are rubbish are retro rubbish, and that still gives a nice, fuzzy comfortable feeling.

Haha that's pretty much how I picked the Vectrex games I want to own. My system came with a bunch already, but I checked out a few others and anything that made me go "ooh, that looks cool" I got for myself. They're pretty interesting to me as history pieces, and many of them can be pretty fun for 10 or 15 mins of play

 

[Fool's Requiem]

Another update on Hat in Time. I've DEFINITELY gotten more comfortable with the controls and I'm just diving everywhere in this levels. I very much dislike the tight ropes. I know what I'm doing wrong to make it worse for myself, but my brain says the correct way is stupid. So, if I can, I abuse the double jump, dive, and quick recover to basically get 4 jumps in the air. There's some sections where you're intended to do something one way, and I'm like "I can jump this fucking gap and bypass it."

I still haven't made it to the fabled horror level. I've been REAAALLLLLLY taking my time on finding everything on the Mafia chapter and now the Movie Studio one.

 

[Fool's Requiem]

ok... I played the Manor level and... that was it?! Like I can see kids being scared but she doesn't even follow you into the rooms. It instantly breaks if you use a door to go to another room (or hallway). It's also suuuuuper short. I was surprised how quick it was. To make it even shorter, there's a glitch that let's you skip from the basement with the first key to the attic through a hole in the wall...

Edit: 78% completion (not including DLC). Played a little bit of Apline Skyline and chose to hold off and save it for last, so I've pretty much cleared everything else beside the final battle. There are a couple items I'm having difficulty getting, but hopefully that doesn't go towards 100% completion.

 

[Fool's Requiem]

So...

Viva Pinata is a farming sim aimed at little kids. You don't control a character, you control circle that you move around your "garden" and do things to make the garden your own and hopefully attract pinata animals. Think Sim City without the annoying budget constraints that make the game obnoxiously hard to get into.

I don't think I'm going to be playing this game. I can definitely just get rid of this and come back to it whenever I get Rare Replay, assuming I will want to play it.

 

[Smacktard]

I heard Viva Pinata is actually really good, and one of the 360's best exclusives (only exclusives too, tbf)

 

[Fool's Requiem]

I heard Viva Pinata is actually really good, and one of the 360's best exclusives (only exclusives too, tbf)

I'm sure it is, but Farming Sims are just not my bag.

 

[Fool's Requiem]

Oh, and I acquired After Burner 2 for the Saturn. It's a Sega Ages Japan import (like the port of Outrun that Kelly got). I bought Space Harrier and Outrun on the Switch and pretty much have no need to get the NA Sega Ages compilation from Working Designs. After Burner is the only one not on the Switch, and I actually like After Burner a lot more than Outrun (I'm an Outrun 2 stan), and owning what is considered the best and most arcade perfect version of the game is a huge plus.

I don't even need to get the 32x "Complete" edition now unless I really want it.

I also got a complete version of the Genesis port (to replace my loose copy). So, now I have 3 versions of After Burner... for now (the NES version is going to be a casualty of downsizing).

 

[Smacktard]

I'll probably pick up After Burner II for the Saturn at some point too. I'm hoping to finish off my Saturn collection later this year.

 

[Smacktard]

Picked up a few things for the Christmas sale. I still love physical, but the convenience of these was just too good to pass up. Plus, it means less hauling cartridges and stuff with me to Saudi to play. My Sega + Sega CD + 32X is here with me, so I'll get to try out a bunch of new games I've never played before. I'll also bring an N64 over at some point, and will likely purchase a TurboGrafx in a year or two.

 

[Crystal]

Oh I'm jealous!

 

[Smacktard]

Oh I'm jealous!

I wanted to get the GB and GBA ones too but it was just getting too pricey. Next Christmas, maybe!

 

[Crystal]

I wanted to get the GB and GBA ones too but it was just getting too pricey. Next Christmas, maybe!

Definitely! Have fun with those!!

 

[Fool's Requiem]

So, I ended up buying the Xbox version of SSX3 with the anticipation that I would get an Xbox One X at some point down the road. Figured that since it's still playable on the 360, I'd just see how it looks scaled to 1080p.

Unfortunately, SSX3 is one of the few backwards compatible games on the 360 that refuses to be displayed in 16:9 even though the game is NATIVELY programmed to be in 16:9 at 480p. Unlike the Gamecube version, there is no option in the settings to change the widescreen setting. There's also no audio setting to let you choose between Mono, Stereo or Surround on this version. I had the same annoying issue with the lack of options in the Xbox version of the original Burnout, which inevitably led me trading a seemingly inferior version of Burnout (it's not playable on the 360, so no loss there). My guess is that since those settings are present in the console's main menu, that the game just takes the settings there and applies them automatically. SSX3 obviously knows to display the game in widescreen, but the 360 is not displaying it as such. You can only change the screen format of the Xbox when you change the resolution to 480p. The game still doesn't display in widescreen, even you have 480p set. Normal in 480p just displays in 4:3.

MY guess, is that the game is using an Anamorphic resolution instead of pure 16:9. The GC version has two widescreen options, 16:9 and Anamorphic. Anamorphic is designed to squeeze a 16:9 picture into a 4:3 resolution, letting the TV do the stretching. For SSX3, it doesn't stretch ALL the way to 16:9 despite my TV being set at 16:9 but its close enough (I removed my receiver from the equation to eliminate input lag as much as possible, so my HDMI cable is plugged directly into my TV). The 16:9 setting squashes the picture, as if it was designed for a 4:3 display and was intended to be letterboxed (switching my TV to 4:3 makes it display like normal, except using a fraction of the screen).

I think the Xbox version's widescreen setting is strictly Anamorphic, but the 360 doesn't fucking know that because whomever did the emulation to make it backwards compatible completely forgot to check that shit. Luckily, based on Digital Foundry's video showing off SSX3 on the Xbox One X, that issue was corrected. My understand is that plugging the disc into an Xbox One (or Series X) will result in the Xbox downloading a digital version of the game with all the enhancements. I'll have to see how that works out.

Finally, unlike the Gamecube version, the Xbox version doesn't let you spin using the thumbstick, you have to use the D-Pad. I assume EA had enough foresight to not force Gamecube players to use the tiny ass d-pad and just put spinning on the control stick as well. They didn't think of a good way to implement all of the tricks into the GC version. It's missing at least half of the normal grabs. I don't like the D-pad on the Xbox. I feel like this is the ONE area, where I'd actually prefer the Playstation controller. The d-pad is placed in a better spot and is pretty big. It's a shame that Sony stopped supporting backwards compatibility after the second revision of the PS3. I think it's super weird that I can play a disaster like Advent Rising on the Series X but can't play a near masterpiece such as SSX3 on the PS5...

 

[Fool's Requiem]

Got the RetroUSB AVS yesterday.

It works nearly flawlessly. I had to change a setting, but NBD.

All but two games worked on the first try. Even my more issue prone games like RC Pro-Am and Rad Racer 1. Only Ninja Gaiden and Star Force didn't work. Cleaned and buffed the contacts for both and they worked immediately.

Games look great, and it's got some video settings that you might want change the look, including increasing the number of sprites avaliable (to reduce flickering).

I can actually play NES games now.

Only issue I have is that the slot to put NES games in isn't perfect, but it's fine. Just requires to be more accurate. Not able to test Famicom games as I don't have any yet.

Also, it comes equipped with Game Genie.... so, I literally have no reason to own the Game Genie device that I recently bought.

Also also, it supports Everdrive carts, so if I wanted to play emulated games with save states, I can do that too.

FPGA devices like that give me hope that people will get to play with systems that are issue prone or are usually prohibitively expensive. All while allowing them to play on HDTVs without using upscalers or line doublers.

Edit: Worth mentioning that the AVS doesn't come with a controller, so you'd need to supply one. It does have 4 ports though.

 

[Smacktard]

When I was at that video game museum/exposition, I picked up a few Switch games. Never knew there was a Neo Geo Pocket collection, and it has every worthwhile game on the system IMO except for Sonic. Also saw a Contra-like I'd never heard of but which had good reviews, so I picked that up, too.

Stumbled on a retro game shop in Paris, and popped in to check their selection. They had quite a diverse collection. Wish I'd had more time, but I was able to pick up this EU exclusive Asterix game.

 

[Fool's Requiem]

Yeah, hoping to find those NeoGeo Pocket collections. Ain't gonna make me sell my system or it's games, tho. Def a novelty item. Also, if the start up/opening splash screen of the compliations isn't the little jingle that plays when you turn a NEOGEO Pocket on, then it's a total scam.



I have the Genesis Asterix game. Don't really like it. Too trial and error for my liking.

 

[Smacktard]

I have the Genesis Asterix game. Don't really like it. Too trial and error for my liking.

Genesis? Or Master System? Idk about the Genesis game, but the Master System game is commonly said to be one of the best exclusives on the system.

Ain't gonna make me sell my system or it's games, tho. Def a novelty item.

I just bought a Neo Geo Pocket recently because I got a good price for it, but I haven't bought any games yet. I'll collect the few I want for the system too. It won't break the bank too much, since it's only about 4 or 5 so far. We'll see -- maybe playing the collection will make me change my mind!

Also, if the start up/opening splash screen of the compliations isn't the little jingle that plays when you turn a NEOGEO Pocket on, then it's a total scam.

Damn, that's nice. I'll play it and let you know.

 

[Fool's Requiem]

I just bought a Neo Geo Pocket recently because I got a good price for it, but I haven't bought any games yet. I'll collect the few I want for the system too. It won't break the bank too much, since it's only about 4 or 5 so far. We'll see -- maybe playing the collection will make me change my mind!

I want to suggest SNK vs Capcom, but you don't like fighting games. They used a similar cutesy artstyle found in the Gameboy versions of King of Fighters and Fatal Fury which allowed them to keep the roster size high and the animation and performance pretty good compared to other fighting games on 8bit handheld.

I believe the Sonic game is exclusive to the NeoGeo Pocket. Also, if you like Pac-Man and Golf, the Pocket has solid games of Neo Turf Masters and PacMan. Pac Man isn't in the collection, but Turf Masters is.

Also, it's got Metal Slug games on it, but it looks like both are including in the compliation.

If you like Puzzle Bobble/Bust-a-Move, there's a game for the system. It's not included in the collection.

I think I spent most of my playing time playing games with SNK vs Capcom.

The biggest reason I want the Switch collection is for Gals Fighters, which is obnoxiously expensive for the Pocket Color, even the Japanese version is pricey.

 

[Smacktard]

I was thinking Metal Slug 1 and 2, Sonic, SnK vs Capcom: Card Fighters, and maybe Dark Arms.

I'm less sure about but will also check out the fighting games and Neo Turf Masters. No interest in another Pacman port, though.

 

[Crazy Jamie]

I didn't expect to be able to contribute to this thread, but my entire 3DS collection is sealed, and I decided I wanted a 3DS collection that I can play. So I've gone on a bit of a spending spree to build up a non sealed collection, which also involved buying a big bundle of Pokemon games on both 3DS and DS, as well as Aliens Infestation on DS, just because. Oops. I'll put up a picture of all of it when the Pokemon bundle arrives.

 

[Crazy Jamie]

And they just arrived, so here are the recent acquisitions…



Diamond and Heart Gold are duplicates, so I’ll flip those for other games. Heart Gold also came with the pokewalker, which I’ll also flip. Don’t normally go for classic covers, but the seller very kindly threw those in with the bundle, so I’m not going to complaint about that.

There’s a few more that I want, mostly obviously Majora’s Mask, Bravely Default and a few Fire Emblems. But that’s not a bad start. I’m also going to just have to bite the bullet and buy a New 3DS XL to play them on. They’re so expensive but the price will only go up.

 

[Fool's Requiem]

I recently picked up a number of games since my last update, but here are the notable additions:

- Mushroom Men The Spore Wars (Wii) - Platformer that was only released on the Wii and DS. the gameplay is supposed to be pretty standard, but the 50s monster movie shlock it embraces is supposedly where all the fun is.
- Out of this World (Gen) - Also called "Another World" in some regions. It's a cinematic platformer with a unique art style that feels more at home in a full motion video game.
- Flashback (Gen) - Another cinematic platformer
- Chuck Rock and Chuck Rock 2 (Gen) - Platforming games featuring cavemen.
- Steel Empire (Gen) - Side scrolling Shmup with a Steampunk art style.
- Cruising Exotica (N64) - I played this a lot in the arcade in a movie theater I frequented when living in CA. Now I have the elusive N64 version.
- Castlevania Collection (Switch) - Now I have a good chunk of the classic Castlevania games. I can trade in the NES version now.
- Metroid Prime Remastered - Bought it new at Game Stop. I might open it, I might not.

And they just arrived, so here are the recent acquisitions…

View attachment 29026

Diamond and Heart Gold are duplicates, so I’ll flip those for other games. Heart Gold also came with the pokewalker, which I’ll also flip. Don’t normally go for classic covers, but the seller very kindly threw those in with the bundle, so I’m not going to complaint about that.

There’s a few more that I want, mostly obviously Majora’s Mask, Bravely Default and a few Fire Emblems. But that’s not a bad start. I’m also going to just have to bite the bullet and buy a New 3DS XL to play them on. They’re so expensive but the price will only go up.

I have Super Princess Peach. It's pretty cute. It uses the DS Rumble Pak, but if you use a 3DS, you won't be able to use it because it uses the GBA slot.

 

[Smacktard]

Mushroom Men The Spore Wars (Wii) - Platformer that was only released on the Wii and DS. the gameplay is supposed to be pretty standard, but the 50s monster movie shlock it embraces is supposedly where all the fun is.

I spent a lot of time in Blockbuster weighing up whether to get this game, and never did. Let me know if I missed out.

Flashback (Gen) - Another cinematic platformer

My brother has this when I was a kid. I remember never being able to get past the first couple of screens. I'm gonna play it again some day.

 

[Fool's Requiem]

My brother has this when I was a kid. I remember never being able to get past the first couple of screens. I'm gonna play it again some day.

Based on my brief play, there were likely two reasons for it:

1. No direction+confusing level layout. Level design is not linear and there isn't any guidance. First screen, you're supposed to drop down to the screen below and pick up a device. Your only indication is a beeping noise only heard on the first screen. There's no indication that dropping is safe because it's a blind jump and games like Mario taught us that if you can't see what's below the screen, it's likely death.
2. The running jump on the Genesis is not intuitive. In order to jump, you have to press up on the Death. That included when attempting to jump gaps. The only way you can jump a gap is to have a running start. It feels awful, and half of the time it doesn't work.

 

[Smacktard]

Based on my brief play, there were likely two reasons for it:

1. No direction+confusing level layout. Level design is not linear and there isn't any guidance. First screen, you're supposed to drop down to the screen below and pick up a device. Your only indication is a beeping noise only heard on the first screen. There's no indication that dropping is safe because it's a blind jump and games like Mario taught us that if you can't see what's below the screen, it's likely death.
2. The running jump on the Genesis is not intuitive. In order to jump, you have to press up on the Death. That included when attempting to jump gaps. The only way you can jump a gap is to have a running start. It feels awful, and half of the time it doesn't work.

I genuinely think that the term "cinematic platformer" just means "good graphics, large moveset, shit controls, player-unfriendly level design"

Apart from the frustrations, how are you enjoying it so far? I want to tackle it some day.

 

[Smacktard]

Also yeah I think I remember my brother showing me you had to fall offscreen to the device. I remember being like "....how was I supposed to know that?"

 

[Fool's Requiem]

I genuinely think that the term "cinematic platformer" just means "good graphics, large moveset, shit controls, player-unfriendly level design"

Apart from the frustrations, how are you enjoying it so far? I want to tackle it some day.

I didn't get much further because of the second point. If you die, you start at the beginning of the level, which means doing everything in the maze all over again.

In a way, it plays kinda like the classic Prince of Persia, but I played that game on a keyboard where you had a dedicated key for jumping, not a d-pad. Prince of Persia also didn't have maze-like level design. Sure, there were things hidden that you might need to find, but typically, the level design was very point A to point B (you were on a timelimit after all).

I don't like how it's not clear that something is a wall until to run (or jump) into it.

It's definitely trial and error shit. Luckily, it has a password system that acts as a "chose your level" if you know the passwords.

Out of the World has similar issues with the controls, except it has a dedicated jump button... however, you can't change the controls so that the run button is not next to the action button... It also has annoying one hit deaths and a heavy dose of trial and error. However, based on playthroughs, the game is only like 30-40 minutes long if you don't suck.