Category: Video Game Musings

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.

Street Fighter II SNES Cartridge (And A Fire Hazard) For $100!

Source: https://store.iam8bit.com/products/street-fighter-ii-30th-anniversary-edition

Capcom and iam8bit have teamed up to produce a limited edition Street Fighter II Collector’s Collection, which includes a freshly-made reproduction cart of the original version of Street Fighter II for SNES, as well a “premium” instruction book, a box, and some other “random” goodies. All of this for a hundred bucks.

So for those bitching about a new version of Street Fighter II on the new Nintendo Switch system costing too much money… well, here’s an old version of the game that cost way the heck more.

I love the additional warning the site gives regarding the cart;

“WARNING: Use of this reproduction game cartridge (the “Product”) on the SNES gaming hardware may cause the SNES console to overheat or catch fire. The SNES hardware is deemed a vintage collectible, so please exercise extreme caution when using the Product and make sure there is fire extinguishment equipment nearby. Use of the Product is at the sole risk of the user. The Product is sold “as is”.  Neither iam8bit, Inc. nor Capcom Co, Ltd. make any representation or warranty, express or implied, of any kind, including any warranty of merchantability of fitness for a particular use, or that the Product is safe to use, and iam8bit, Inc. or Capcom Co, Ltd. shall have no liability for damage to property or persons arising from use of the Product. Nintendo of America is in no way associated with the release of this Product.”

So, there you go, kids. Not only are they offering an old SNES game for a hundred bucks – an old SNES game that you could probably get for way cheaper used – but they’re also offering an old SNES game that can kill your console for a hundred bucks. See, if I wanted to kill my console, I’d just get a hammer from the Dollar Store and smash it with that. Less hassle.

Anyway… that’s a thing that’s being offered now. Not sure if I want to actually go out and get one for myself, since I already have a perfectly functional copy of SF2 for my SNES that won’t cause my machine to explode… or maybe I’m just holding out for something similar to be done with ol’ Blue Boy… wait, not happening? Oh, okay.

Sooooooo……. have fun.

Pick-ups tomorrow.

Double Dragon IV Coming To Nintendo Switch

Source article can be read here.

I only bring this up so I can find an excuse to re-post my Double Dragon IV review from earlier this year. My thoughts on the game itself can be found there. Still, nice to see Nintendo getting another NES-inspired retro demake style game thing onto their console. I sure wish more people got on that bandwagon. (Looking at you, Capcom.)

SNES Classic Edition Announced… And Includes StarFox 2!

Source: http://gizmodo.com/the-super-nintendo-classic-edition-arrives-with-21-game-1796419063

In a move that everyone saw coming, Nintendo has announced the SNES Classic Edition, which is essentially a miniature SNES-looking Plug-N-Play system with twenty one built-in SNES classics as well as TWO SNES controllers – the original NES Classic Edition only included one controller.

What makes this system a sweet deal is what’s on the console. Twenty-one games might not seem like a whole lot, but this is truly a matter of quality over quantity and the game selection is top-notch stuff indeed. Not only are you getting the usual Nintendo classics such as Super Mario World/Kart/RPG, Super Metroid, and even Kirby Super Stars, not only are you getting some of the finest third-party offerings such as Contra III, Super Castlevania IV, and Final Fantasy III (VI), but you’re also getting the never-before-released StarFox 2.

For those in the emulation and homebrew scene, you might’ve already played that one… but for many gamers who have never dabbled in that scene, this will be the first time they’d experience the game in any real official capacity. That alone adds value to the SNES Classic Edition, which is looking to be a solid offering indeed.

Let’s just hope Nintendo makes more than five copies worldwide.

The following games are said to be included…

Contra III: The Alien Wars
Donkey Kong Country
EarthBound
Final Fantasy III
F-ZERO
Kirby Super Star
Kirby’s Dream Course
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Mega Man X
Secret of Mana
Star Fox
Star Fox 2
Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting
Super Castlevania IV
Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts
Super Mario Kart
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Super Mario World
Super Metroid
Super Punch-Out!!
Yoshi’s Island

The SNES Classic Edition hits stores September 29th.