Category: Video Game Musings

Don't Call It A Comeback

Tomorrow, Atari SA launches its IndieGoGo pre-order campaign for its mysterious Ataribox VCS system. And if there is one thing that I am hoping will come out of this initial campaign, it’s that it answers this one simple question that can only be summed up in the best way possible.

“What the fuck are you trying to sell me, Atari?”

I’ve been holding off on the Rambles video on Ataribox for the simple reason that I wanted to wait until the campaign kicks off (or gets shitcanned again, whichever comes first) and perhaps reveal something a little more substantial about this upcoming project that has been a lot of hype over a whole lot of nothing. To say that there is nothing to get excited about over Ataribox would be stating the obvious and to compare Ataribox to other failed ventures such as the Ouya or the Gamestick would be beating a dead horse; a genre that Atari SA knows all too well, having done just that with the Atari brand since the dawn of time.

Nonetheless, I remain somewhat curious to see whether this thing will be worth the hype. Initial impressions based on what little info was made available was not very encouraging and any sort of ridicule that this has garnered is (sadly) well deserved, but maybe the next info drop will yield something more substantial that would present this Ataribox project as a potential alternative to the currently stagnant video game console scene rather than another in a long line of failed microconsole gimmicks that people are hoping would be viable because it has a familiar brand behind it.

Anyway, we’ll see what happens tomorrow and maybe I’ll make a video about it. Or maybe I’ll just put the dog to sleep.

SNK 40th Anniversary Collection Coming To Nintendo Switch Fall 2018

Source article:
https://nintendoeverything.com/snk-40th-anniversary-collection-will-only-be-on-switch-official-announcement/

Now this is a nice addition to the Switch library and a fairly unique one as well, as it will feature SNK’s games catalogue pre-Neo Geo. So among other games that will be announced along the way, you’re getting all three Ikari Warrior games, Athena, Psycho Soldier, and even the NES classic, Chrysalis! Not only that, but certain arcade titles will also include their NES ports as well, so you can compare and contrast between the two versions, which is a nice little feature.

Spoiler: Some of the NES versions are total garbage. I’m looking at you, Athena.

Yes, there was that SNK Arcade Classics Zero that came out for PSP years ago, but that was a Japan-only release. The closest we got were the scant number of SNK titles released as digital-only PSP mini releases for a couple bucks a pop. This collection seems to be the better value and it’s also exclusive to Switch, so folks who are into SNK and like their old classics will have a reason to jump on Nintendo’s hybrid console thing.

See? Lots of good stuff on Switch and something for me to look forward to when I eventually pick one up.

No Edge To Be Had With This “Super” Gamepad

$25.19 CDN is way too much for hot garbage.

So I went to Best Buy the other day and noticed something that was still on sale; the “Edge” Super Gamepad for the SNES Classic Edition plug-n-play console.

This is kinda funny when you consider that Best Buy hasn’t sold an SNES Classic Edition console in months, while one or two may be spotted at a Walmart around these parts. Not only that, but Walmart has Hori-produced wireless gamepads while Best Buy was shilling their own long-wired NES/SNES Classic controllers under their Insignia brand.

And then there’s the Edge Super Gamepad.

I picked up one of these months ago and I do believe it was even featured in a Pick-Ups video. The package isn’t too bad; in addition to the gamepad, it also came with a USB-adaptor cable thing so that you can use the gamepad (or any other SNES/NES/Wii Classic Controller gimmick) on your PC with this cable. It also came with a specially made guide that covered the games featured on said SNES Classic Edition, as well as featuring some rather crude artwork.

The editor of the guide is a man named Mike Kennedy… and suddenly, Pat Contri is shaking his head in disappointment.

But back to the Edge Super Gamepad… it’s not all that great.

On the one hand, the controller feels good in the hands, the buttons work great, the turbo fire switches are a nice addition, and the 10 feet of cable that the controller comes with is a nice little offering for those who would prefer to keep a fare amount of distance from their mini-console of choice.

On the other hand, the D-Pad is stiff as shit. It may look the part, but it sure as hell doesn’t feel it. If nothing else, it feels a hell of a lot like those cheap aftermarket controllers for the NES or SNES; a D-Pad that not only has a tendency to response only MOST of the time, but will sometimes not give you precise movement. Want to go left? Press left, but don’t inch your thumb downwards or else you’ll crouch.

I was going to make a video on this thing, but at the end of the day, it simply isn’t worth the effort. If you have an SNES Classic Edition and need extra cord, just buy extensions and be done with it. Those will serve you way more than the Edge ever would. I’m grateful for the USB adaptor cable thing, but I’m fairly sure I could’ve gotten one cheaper online if I wanted to.

Remember Ataribox? Yeah, me neither…

(Quick update: Here’s a press release. A video is forthcoming.)

Anyone remember Ataribox? That new micro-console thing from Atari that was going to have a Kickstarter but then doesn’t have a Kickstarter? Yeah, me neither. But apparently it’s back in the news for some reason and now it has a new name; the Atari VCS.

But we already have a VCS. We don’t need another one.

For those who aren’t aware, the VCS refers to the Atari 2600’s original name when it was released in 1977. In fact, the system was only referred to as the 2600 when Atari released the ill-fated 5200 Supersystem. Even to this day, there are still people who will refer to the 2600 by its original name.

Anyway, in addition to a new name change, there’s also a new preview image, showing off not only the console, but also its two controllers. On the right, you have the Classic Controller that’s modelled after the original VCS joystick. And on the left, you have the Modern Controller, which looks the stock gamepad you get these days, only with an orange thumbstick and a shitty D-Pad.

Now Atari says there’re more details to come in April and for anyone who cares about this thing, this should probably get you excited for some reason. Personally, I’d be more interested in the reactions from the community than I am the actual console. I’ve already shared my piece months ago and I’ve seen nothing that would change my stance on the matter.

Engadget has (slightly) more details here.

On a sidenote, I’m currently recovering from a cold; hence the lack of videos. I’m hoping to get the last of the Mega Man stuff out by the end of the week, but I don’t want to jinx it out of fear that I might catch something else along the way.

Oh… Speaking Of Which

Because we needed to give Street Fighter some (more) love, I guess…

Capcom will be releasing a Street Fighter 30th Anniversary collection of most of the 2D Street Fighters for a total of twelve games. This includes the original Street Fighter game, the first five iterations of Street Fighter II (Original, Champion Edition, Hyper Fighting, Super SF2, and Super Turbo), the three Street Fighter Alpha games (but no Alpha 2 Gold or Alpha 3 Upper – unless those are “hidden” games), and all three iterations of Street Fighter III (New Generation, Second Impact, and Third Strike).

Despite whatever half-hearted pot-shots that I might toss towards the series’ current direction, this is actually not a bad deal. Would’ve been nice if they had included something like HD Remix (though I could understand why they wouldn’t; it might take away from the specialness of Ultra SF2) or maybe a version of Street Fighter I that isn’t total shit, but this isn’t too bad, either. And four of the games even have online play for those who care for that sort of thing.

Expect fists to fly in May.

FC Twin Passed The Ten Year Mark…

So about ten years ago, I bought myself a Yobo FC Twin clone system which plays old NES and Super NES games. It also kickstarted this whole journey of collecting old stuff and things of that nature that continues to this day.

Ten years later, it still works and sees regular use.

I’m planning a little video on the thing and if things go according to plan, it should be up this Sunday. In the meantime, there’s another review incoming that needs to be spruced up and recycled.