overdrive.kaz

Namco neGcon for the Playstation

2011-06-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Silent Hill Origins

2011-06-05T00:27:00.000-07:00

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Author: Roniel P. Flores

Date Created:

Notes: UPDATED:

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Game Title: Silent Hill Origins

Game Developer: Konami

Game Released: 2008

Game Website:

Game Type: Survival Horror

Game Platform: Playstation 2 (PS2 version)

Game Rating

a. Gameplay - 4/5

A third person survival horror game with different camera perspectives. Silent Hill Origins is one of the last games for the Playstation 2. The game basically is quite the same with its previous series. It has foggy streets, hospital, apartment, and a freaking nowhere. It offers a new punching mechanism for offense, a stamina bar for dashing and still can carry unlimited items. A distorted display and a sound of heartbeat when health degrades for status monitoring. Travis's head will turn if there's a near item or door around so it wouldn't be that bother. Unlike before, melee weapons in this game will break for time being used. Aggressive enemies lurks out everywhere and each chapter also ends up with a nasty bad ass boss. The game also covers two different worlds which is the ordinary and the dark. To access both worlds will have to pass through a mirror. It's another horrific adventure awaits and it's one of a kind Silent Hill game you'll never miss.

b. Graphics - 4/5

If you can't describe what Silent Hill: Origins looks like, well the foggy streets, cursed residents, and buildings to explore defines itself. Strange character faces and really expressed well in the cinematic. Yeah, everything in this game really looks strange as well as the enemies and places. Flames, bloods, darkness, and all kinds of negative elements in this game really disturbs. New enemy and boss designs are freaking out. The butcher really stinks and is thirst for blood with his huge knife. Horrified buildings like the hospital, theater or the dark world makes you play with thrill and excitement.

c. Sound - 2/5

Creepy sound as ever, Silent Hill: Origins really follows its classic taste. Voice acting mixed with twisted horrified emotions makes the game sound like crazy. Sound effects are disturbing specially when enemies are near. Screams and slaughters are so rude and nasty. Door knobs, the elevators, stairs, really makes a drop and shocking noise. There isn't much of a background music because usually all you hear is a distorted sound, a piano, and all you can hear that could summon witches across the outskirts of nowhere... that's it.

d. Story

The nightmare starts in a misty road where Travis tries to follow a little girl that leads him in to the firehouse. As he rescues a girl that was burned out, Travis collapsed outside the burned house and when he woke up, he is now in the main streets of Silent Hill. Then the main game begins at the Alchemilla Hospital and links to different places that could lead to Dahlia and Alessa in the end. Silent Hill: Origins also tackles some flashback scenarios while in the game of how a specific event happened. Then emotions like anger, hatred, revenge, deception and things that made this game goes insane.

e. User Interface

Turning sideways was removed which disappoints me in directional control. Sometimes button command gets delay like when you press inventory menu while running, it gets crazy. Inventory menu is so damn complicated like when you pressed blah and blah blah blah. (still working on this part). The health status lacks of (WIP)... Saving time is a bit slow and so as the loading screen part which really get my nerves the hell out. Anyway, patience is all you need in this game to enjoy... and get horrified.

f. Replayability

If things goes in a hurry, well you might end up with a bad ending. Anyway, after you finished the game once. You'll unlock some of the rewards like the extra options and the moon guantlets. Any rewards that can be unlock are based on the result of the game when finished. So which means usually you'll end up playing the game over and over again just to unlock some special items or costumes. There isn't that much after beating the game. It's all about special items and costumes.

Gameplay Screenshots:

(wala)

Gameplay Video Links:

(wala)

Gameplay Tips:

Horrified or not, Silent Hill: Origins has plenty of tips to reveal. Basically, health is all that matters. Avoid getting hit or running would be better to save health items and ammunitions for big fights like for the bosses. Running enemy fights also leads to a fast game accomplishment that could unlock some special item and costume. See faqs and walkthroughs for further information about enemy weaknesses, item and speed game. There are lots in the internet and let Google your friend handle for help.

i was playing SH Origins this morning and... i was really piss! D:<

1. button delay command > so damn slow.. when you run or want to go to a menu.. it makes you press many times instead of just one. what the f???

2. breakable melee items > iron weapons break on human flesh? what the f??

3. directional control sucks > how can i move backwards and sidewards when its always moving in front?? sigh...

4. menu is damn complicated > select for menu.. O for cancel.. press L1 R1... why not display all items in a single menu like SH 3, or RE like menus. stupid..

5. the stamina of running sucks > its not realistic... it makes gamers piss.

6. saving time is very way too long. i mean what the f???

7. and its boring. too many loading screens when entering room.. i am playing the playstation 2 version. huhuhu so horrible.

8. camera doesn't sync with directional controls.. i mean.. like your moving forward then you press L1 then suddenly your moving backwards.. sigh.. bad camera feature. >_<

9. shotgun???? i mean what the f?? you fire at three enemies and the bullets won't spread?? its on single target?? T__T...

padaun pa ni???!!! T__T...

Nintendo Gamecube

2011-06-04T14:08:00.001-07:00

Nintendo Gamecube (Review)

It's the Nintendo's contender along with the Playstation 2 and XBOX in the sixth generation video game consoles . It's the first of Nintendo's that utilizes mini optical disc. From N64 there were changes like new controller design, new hardware architecture, new level of games, new excitement and fun.

First lets get start of its cubic form that measures 5.9 × 6.3 × 4.3 inches. Similar with the N64 design in the front, it has a four controller slots, and the new two slots for the memory card. At the top is the Disc Loader, and function buttons for power, reset and open.

It looks neat, solid built, and has a handle at the back portion for carrying purpose. Air holes from both sides and at the back for heat exhausture. I have the DOL-101 model and at back are the AV OUT port and power port. It still uses the same analog AV cable from the Super Famicom and N64. Overheat is not much of an issue because of its 12V power consumption and a cooling fan inside the console.

There's a big change in controller design, that something we didn't seen before. It's one of the unique controllers, I've ever played. I kind of like using its analog rather than it's D-Pad. I'm not feeling much comfort of it. It's further from the left thumb and a bit smaller in size. It's more like of a Gameboy Advance D-Pad. I like how they placed the A button in the center. It's usually what gamers do, pressing that big A button most of the games. The left and right triggers are like of the dreamcasts, that it travels a bit space when pressed.

(Games)

Don't mess with the Gamecube because it has again exclusive games from Nintendo and some from the third parties. The game library is good, but some have poor library genre like Fighting games and Role Playing games. It uses a standard miniDVD media, that stores up to 1.5GB. That is why mostly great games like Resident Evil (Remake), Resident Evil 4, and Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes, utilizes two mini discs.

That's all for now for my Nintendo Gamecube review. See you guys next time and have a great day.

What to do list....

2011-05-31T20:32:00.000-07:00

titles and things to be reviewed.

- Playstation 1 Fat

- Playstation 2 Slim

- Silent Hill Origins (PS2)

- Onimusha 2 (PS2)

- Crash of the titans (DS)

- Sonic Adventure Rush (DS)

- Resident Evil Zero (GC)

- Devil May Cry (PS2)

- Starfox 64 (N64)

- Rockman 3 (FC)

- Ganbare Goemon 2 (FC)

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (Review)

2011-05-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

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Author: Roniel P. Flores

Date Created: May 10, 2011

Notes: UPDATED: MAY 23, 2011

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Game Title: Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia

Game Developer: Konami

Game Released: October 21,2008 (US)

Game Website: http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/dracula_ds3/

Game Type: Action Adventure

Game Platform: Nintendo DS

Game Rating

a. Gameplay - 5/5

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia is a 2D side scrolling action game similar of the two previous Castlevania games of Nintendo DS. Introducing the new Glpyph system which allows you to use weapons, magics, skills, and status changes in just one function. The game is slightly fast and you can do lots of things like glyph combo's and strategies. Enemy AI is good and better including the bosses which you will have a good time with. For the stages, it's not only one big dracula's castle, but for the first part you are able to explore places like a monastery, forest, village, channel, island, lighthouse, mountains, and caves. The last part will be the castle until the game ends and of course the game do have NPC's and side quests for more adventures and fun.

b. Graphics - 5/5

Brilliant architecture design and uses a lot of 3D rendering backgrounds. The effects are awesome like the glyphs, mists, water waves, bloods, flames and lights. Stages are well mixed up with the effects like in the Kalidus channel were there are water waves, dark clouds, and the shaky cargo ship in the background. The Dracula's Castle is awesome like the library area where there are lots of books scattered over the place. Other castle portions as well like the Underground Labyrinth and Barracks have awesome designs. Character and enemy motions and designs are improved as well.

c. Sound - 4/5

The sounds are well arranged. There are lots of sound effects for Shanoa like when you do attacking, casting a spell, or being hit by an enemy. Voice acting are also included in the characters like Shanoa, Albus, the villagers, and some enemies. Bosses also growls everytime when they are slayed or sometimes when the battle has started. The sound effects of the stages are well recorded like the wind and water are examples. Background music are impressive as well of its orchestra sound mixed with modern beat.

d. Story 4/5

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia takes the story of Shanoa, a chosen member of the Ecclesia with her magical glyphs to fight evil, and to stop the return of Count Dracula. The story is unique to any Castlevania games because there are no Belmonts involved to fight. The first part of the game is to retrieve the stolen Dominus glyphs, and the second part of the game is to explore Dracula's castle. Mixed with action, adventure and drama, the game focuses on different people that links in the event.

e. User Interface 4/5

For a great game like Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, I would prefer buttons and controls like the standard controller size. But since its on the Nintendo DS, it's still forgiving if you'll get used to it. The controls is still similar with the previous castlevania games and to other non-castlevania games as well. The Nintendo DS takes advantage again for some menu's to be displayed on the other screen to cut off menu selection by pressing start button. I would prefer DSi XL to experience its best.

f. Replayability 5/5

Beat the game to obtain secret modes like Albus Mode, Boss Rush Mode, Hard Mode, and be able to play music at Sound Mode. There is this item called Magical Ticket were anywhere in the game once used, it will teleports you back to the village. This is one advantage for not taking all the way back and killing again the enemies. For the stages before Dracula's castle, there are 2 to 4 entrance or exit way to choose. So if you still have incomplete glyphs you can go back anywhere in the game as easy as that.

Gameplay Screenshots:

(wala)

Gameplay Video Links:

(wala)

Gameplay Tips:

A tip to this game is to complete the quests of the villagers because they offer unique items like healing items, armours, and accessories. Also to acquire high level glyphs to add damage points.

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (Review)

2011-04-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

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Author: Roniel P. Flores

Date Created: May 9, 2011

Notes: Game Review

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Game Title: Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

Game Developer: Konami

Game Released: August 2005 (JPN)

Game Website: http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/dracula_ds/

Game Type: Action-Adventure

Game Platform: Nintendo DS

Game Prequel: Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (Gameboy Advance)

a. Gameplay - 5/5

A 2D side scrolling action game that involves slaying zombies, monsters, vampires, and other forces of demons. Similar to Aria of Sorrow, the main character can do physical attack, use a sub-weapon, special skill, backslide, and draw souls from the enemies by chance. Using souls and execute weapon combination are the essence of the game or called the Tactical Soul System. Added features like critical attack, two sets of soul equip, perform magic seals through stylus, separate map screen, NPC (Yoko) for weapon upgrade, and NPC (Hammer) for consumable item merchant are examples. Nothing gets any better with Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow for its hard to beat monsters and tough gigantic bosses to slay.

b. Graphics - 5/5

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow is so good for the handheld's first Castlevania entry. Well designed stages and has sensation animation effects. Attacks and skill effects improved as well compared to Aria of Sorrow in GBA like the flames, bloods, lights are examples. Boss designs are really looks creepy and nasty. Textures are very good as well. The artwork of the characters if you noticed also has changed into like anime style compared to its prequel.

c. Sound - 4/5

The sounds really suits well on Nintendo DS stereo speakers. Dubbings are good and short. Sound effects are perfect. Background musics are well composed and arranged. I would also like to recommend Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow to play on a headphones to experience much feel of the slaughters, stabs, slash, screams, and all the violence you could imagine in this game.

d. Story 3/5

Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow continues the adventure of Soma Cruz to fight an evil cult that wants to resurrect the dark lord or once called Dracula. The story happened in a modern time where the cult's base is a facsimile of Dracula's castle. Together with his friends Mina, Julius, Genya, Yoko, and Hammer, they succeeded the battle and defeated the cult. It's basically a sequel and similar to Aria of Sorrow with new enemies. Like its prequel the game also offers a bad and a good ending.

e. User Interface 4/5

The controls are very similar to any other games like Megaman X that square (y) button for attack, x (b) button for jump and start for menu are examples. If not comfortable, there is a button configuration option provided. I feel less comfort of the handheld because there isn't much grip for control. Sometimes when the battle gets busy I accidentally pressed any upper triggers that could lead to mistakes. The dual screen of the Nintendo DS helps you a lot because the map screen and some status information are now separate.

f. Replayability 5/5

If you haven't collect some items or souls, there are portals around the castle which helps to travel back. Also once you beat the game, there are secret modes that will be unlocked, these are the Julius Belmont Mode, Boss Rush Mode, and Sound Test Mode. In Julius Belmont mode you will have to play the game from the start using Julius Belmont and so as Alucard. Yes its Alucard, and you will be reminiscing Castlevania: Symphony of the Night using Alucard. In Boss Rush Mode you will have to fight bosses from the start to the end.

Gameplay Screenshots: ( can't post pics here? :D )

Gameplay Video Links: (coming soon)

Gameplay Tips:

By gaining enough money you can buy lots of healing items. There is a room in the game where there are treasure chests that contains lots of coin. It is guarded by a Final Guard enemy and you could just skip the battle and go for the treasure chests and once done you can go outside and reenter the room for another. For the weapon side I would suggest the Masamune sword because of its fast attacking delay and has good damage points. One last thing is that I recommend the Mandragora soul to be easy and safe for the final boss battle.

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still have to edit at home. bwahahaha!! :D

Why not the N64?

2011-03-29T03:33:00.000-07:00

During the fifth generation of video game consoles, there were majors like the Playstation, Saturn, and the Nintendo 64 that dominates the gaming market. Graphics were one of the biggest issue of consumers that time and even today. Highly edged technology, many games were made fully in 3D unlike the previous generation.

Aside from its graphics, these machines were also powered with highly researched central processing unit. The Nintendo 64 was officially called as the first 64-bit video game console (not to mention atari jaguar). It was highly expected from many since it was the last one to be release among the Saturn and Playstation. It was promising that huge game developers were planning to lunch big titles, but sadly most of them failed.

Many factors why the Nintendo 64 really didn't hit the audiences well. There are issues of disadvantages of the hardware itself. There are complains of the machine that, game developers were experiencing programming difficulties. The console itself is still utilizing a cartridge media unlike its competitors were moved to Compact Disc.

Based on a cartridge itself, there are disadvantages like limited storage of game data and poor audio quality. Game developers were not really convinced to push their titles to a cartridge format and because of that some promising games were missed on the N64 platform. On the bright side, there are also hardware advantages and few games boomed like the Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Pokemon Stadium 2, Super Mario 64, Resident Evil 2 are examples. My favorite game for the N64 is Starfox 64. I was addicted to it so badly, really.

From what I see, most N64 games are 3D based. Many of these titles were first came from 2D, then later moves to the next 3D level like Bomberman 64, Castlevania, Donkey Kong 64, Super Mario 64, and more. But that doesn't mean 3D is everything, still there are many great 2D games that the N64 doesn't have. These were the absence of most fighting games, shooters, and beat-em ups. It doesn't mean Nintendo didn't prioritize 2D games, it's because they are utilizing the advantages of the cartridge media like cut-offs of loading scene and the hardware itself. The N64 isn't that bad to imagine, because it made few great games and had a huge role of video game evolution.

R4 Cartridge Adapter for the Nintendo DS

2011-03-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

From what I understood, normally you will insert a DS flash card into the Slot-2 to play games. Now, this R4 adapter will let you play games in an image format from a *.nds file. This means that you can download *.nds files from the internet, load that to the R4 adapter, insert into the Slot-2 and play the games.

This R4 adapter has its own firmware that you can also download from their perspective website. The R4 chip is emulating the image file *.nds to play. Not only playing games, but there are also applications like a Super Nintendo emulator, Website browser, Music and Video player to be able to run as well.

It requires a microSD card media to have an external memory. So I'm just wondering if using the R4 will have a difference, rather than using a genuine cartridge. Well, for me its not really that accurate. There are some problems like running a specific games will crash, and save system as well. That's the reason why I am having two different R4 cartridge. In case of game compatibility problem, I still have a backup for another. Speaking of piracy, the R4 chip is considered to be illegal since it covers downloading the image from the internet for free. Piracy or not, I am enjoying this chip in my DS. I have more fun now. Thanks and see you next time.

Nintendo DS Lite

2011-03-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

The Nintendo DS has been popular in today's gaming handheld together with its rival the Sony PSP. Since the first release of the original DS, comes now with a smaller and lighter design, the DS Lite. It has the same function as of the original. In comparison between the two are varied physically in size, weight, battery run time and brightness adjust of the screen.

The DS has a simple yet amazing graphics. It has more fun games to play with in all ages. The screen below is the touch panel, and using the stylus makes some games to play a bit different with motion and style. Nintendo's been different now a days, innovating lots of game and accessories. I found interesting on how they compete in today's gaming technology.

Playing with the DS is fast and easy, because of its simple designed hardware interface and the operating system software. Flash cards are used in game media for faster load processing and software protection. The DS library also is tremendous. It has tons of titles full of fun and excitement. It also has a backward compatibility with the Gameboy Advance. This is one of a kind of game handheld that you must experience.

Star Ocean the 2nd Story

2011-03-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

Game: Star Ocean the Second Story
System: Playstation
Genre: RPG
Developer: tri-Ace
Publisher: Enix

Star Ocean: the Second Story, is an amazing story of a boy named Claude, an alien from the Earth Federation, and a girl named Rena, a small-town teenager from Expel, starting a trek to gaze upon a meteor struck a year ago. The oddity coincided with mutations in normally tame beasts, natural disasters, prophets foretelling death and guests along the way that are either cursed with fate or blessed with knowledge. But the deeper they go into the continent of ash and stone, darker intentions from corrupt men weave dissonance into a peaceful melody.

source: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364026/

Gameplay and Features

Title screen

Character Select

Both characters have different paths to explore the adventure, but the same story. Its just the story line is too complex and that is the beauty of this game. Here you can also read about the characters profile and stuff.

Emoticons

The sweet emoticons of the game gives much more expressive thoughts of the characters. It may be sad, happy, shocked, OT, surprised, blank or should I say mood?/gg lol

Acquirable Items

If your tired of searching where and what it looks like. Its all in the box. Villages, Castles, Cities, and even in dungeons there are boxes scattered around.. Lucky for you if you get boxes with monsters or traps, you might get into trouble.

Place Icons and Labels

Anywhere in the game, place icons and labels are indicated left side in the place's name. So worrying about the wrong place while reading your walkthrough?.. No Problem! xD

Main Menu
What else should I say?... well press triangle button to see xD

Specialty Menu (Rena)

In case your already in high levels. The more specialty you acquired from the spell casters, the more that they will appear in the battle menu. Simply you can turn off/on the spells by pressing square button to select specific spells for your battle menu.

Specialty Menu (Claude)

Executing special moves and spells by pressing L1 and R1 button during combat mode. The proficiency indicates of how much strong your skills can damage. The more you use, the higher it will get. You can level up your skills at a maximum of 999 skill level.

Item Menu

To toggle a certain item by pressing square button.

Another is that by pressing triangle button. You can have its sub menu like that displayed above. Sorting and classifying your items in many styles. O indicates of usable items, E for equipment, and X for special purposes and some are useless.. my favorites. lol

Item Creation menu lets you use of the special skills of the characters. Like this. yeah cooking. If you select Cooking. It will go directly to Rena's menu and do the cook. Item creation is another story I guess. That's another thing to talk about.

My Super Specialty Skills are currently blank. As far as I remember, example is to be Animal Friendly. You can use a bird to scout outside the world map to decrease the enemy combat rate while walking. Above are examples of precious items. *Those precious items are totally useless I tell you*

Equipment Menu

This is where you can change your weapons and armors. To toggle is to see the elemental attributes. Currently no elements showed. In case there are elements in the attack portion means that is its strength and for the other is the opposite. Pressing the sub-menu triangle button for auto optimization equip. Armors could be clothes as well, but taking a bath?.. well you should. pause the game and go shower xD

Skills Menu

Skills are very important in the game. It can affect your status, specialty, talents, damage in combats, and more. To put a level point to your skills by pressing X button. The left number indicates your current skill level and the right indicates for level points required to level. Your SP indicates your current level points or skill points. You can acquire SP by rampaging to the jungles and dungeons from the monsters. Same like battle experience.

By pressing triangle button in the skills menu lets you show the current specialty level.

By pressing X button lets you see the current status of your annoying skills T_T huhuh tired of this page to discuss. huhuhuh you must play SO2 2nd Story!! /gg

By pressing triangle button in the Specialty Skill Level in the Skills menu. Lets you show your current talents. These talents can be used inside a village or outside, and some during in combat mode.

Status Menu

By pressing triangle button in the status menu gives you shortcut to the talents menu which you can find inside the skills menu. The square button is for overall attributes. This means your attributes during combat mode.

Option Menu

Basic typical option menu and can be seen in many games. If you don't like the options.. well your f***ed.

The 3 Combat Menus

Strategy Menu

In the strategy menu lets your other characters auto perform with these instructions during combat mode. The replacement menu replaces your characters from one to another in case you acquired more characters.

Formation Menu

This menu will set your combat formation during combat mode. In case of any situations like open to attacks, open to escapes, open to back attacks. Well its your choice to pick up that suits your play.

Data Menu

The reason of crying because of a certain game is not that you can't have it or you can't beat it. Those annoying brownouts, memory card defects, plug detached, console overheat, and what so ever. Data loss is the worst enemy as of my many years of experience in console gaming.

Across the World

The place where you can find monsters, save data, and that special feature the Private Action. There are also time features that it can get to dark, then morning, noon and afternoon. And in the roads are few enemies than in the woods and mountains.

Battle mode 1

We all know that the best defense is to run. Someone knows how to run? well be sure to be distant away from the enemies because it takes time to escape. about seconds I guess. Depending in your status and on the enemy's status. If its a boss.. never mind. Once your hit in that escaping stance, well sadly it will cancel.

Battle Mode 2

OK, lets try some basics about combat strategy in this game. First you can freely choose any character that you can manually control by pressing O button.

for other menu, by pressing triangle button.

While I got damn busy doing stuff with Claude. My precious Rena got hit. So I switched to Rena to get manual control.

by holding square button and take directions makes you run around the battleground.

While I keep running around, my knight in shining armor kills the enemies. Depending what strategy style I choose. You see that enemy is getting hit with an Air Slash skill. xD

and then Claude slashes the enemy to pieces.

Battle over. Gained lots of stuff like EXP, SP, item acquired, and money.

Text and Script Box

The script box for indication suits perfect. Not much of a solid background look and its stylish light green color. The text also is not bad, and can be easily seen.

PSX Screenshots

The Characters

source: http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/so2/art.html

Overall
- Very nice story
- Great voice dubbing
- Cool BGM's
- Skills can be spammed during combat mode
- Insane combination of skills
- Unique talent skills
- Maximum of level 250 per character
- Skills have their own levels
- Decision making affects the flow of game
- Maximum of 12 characters overall
- Maximum of 4 characters per combat mode
- Insane Bosses
- Remake title ported to Sony PSP
- The game Rocks!!

Bought a Nintendo DS Lite

2011-03-04T06:42:00.000-08:00

I'm now buying things on my own, since I started a job. Ever since I was a kid, I used to depend things from my parents specially for my hobbies. Last month's payday was a blast. I bought a Nintendo DS Lite at Freesoul Games and Gadgets shop located in Mandaue City, Cebu. Actually I decided that time to buy a second hand DS, but I changed plan because the price of the brand new one is just close to compare. Brand new unit comes with lots of freebies including games, and accessories. Every time I go to bed, I always play with my DS. Currently I'm playing an old GBA game, its Castlevania Circle of the Moon. Hopefully I can finish this next week so that I can start finishing a real DS title.

Famicom Power Failure Diagnose and Troubleshoot

2011-03-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

It seems my Famicom just don't work. Power failure might be the cause. I've tried checking the AC Adapter, but it works. Now let's try to look in to the console.

The Power circuit of the console is located inside in that metal plate as shown in figure 2. Next is to locate the fuse, and use a tester to see if the connection is okay.

Figure 3 shown that the fuse of the famicom console has just broke down. The fuse is connected to the ground. There are two current solutions I know.

First, is that to replace the fuse.

Second, is that to bypass a wire instead of replacing the fuse.

Finally, it works. yay.. Time to test some games. Legend of Kage, Super Mario, and Super Mario 3. /gg

Revisiting Rockman 3...

2010-11-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

I haven't seen this screen for 16 years in front of a TV and a Famicom console. It was a very touching moment that my memories of this game are still alive and kickin. Bought Rockman 3 last August 26, 2010 at the Gaisano Metro Colon for 150 pesos although the game is not original.

Playstation 2 in the house !!!

2010-11-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

Whew.. after getting into my first job and my first pay, I finally bought a Playstation 2 last October. The unit is a slim type. It's my first time to buy an expensive item like this on my own. I'm so happy although it is just a second hand. The unit is in perfect condition. It can read any games that I want. It's a job well done for me. Rock on!!!

Nintendo Super Famicom and Super Nintendo Entertainment System comparison

2010-07-30T19:54:00.001-07:00

In the 16-bit era of video game consoles, Nintendo released Super Famicom in Japan (1990) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (1991) in the United States. The two were meant for their assigned region although they have different name and hardware design. Some kind of a regional lockout they used during those time. Unlike today, regional lockouts are embedded on hardware chips or in the firmware instead. So it doesn't affect of the hardware design like what happened in the past.

First we begin by looking its boxes. The SFC box has a simplistic art outlined with four different colors. But, I prefer with the SNES box of its cool visual design. Some kind of an advertising that they printed the actual unit in the front and featured games like Super Mario World were printed at the back. Mario Paint and the SNES mouse were also printed at the side.

I really love the top view of both consoles. They both have different cartridge slot, power button, reset button, eject button, trademark logo, LED placement, and of course its color. But it still have the same controller port at the front and AV cable port at the back.

More difference if viewed in isometric. I didn't actually measure both dimensions, but when I fit them both, It has near match of size. The SFC is slightly fat, darker and heavier than the SNES. It's strange why the SFC weight''s that much. Maybe because of its plastic and metal shielding inside I suppose. The SNES is so stunning like an armored battle tank from what I see. Both really are cool, that's why I love these two so much.

One thing the SFC has disadvanatage is that it uses special screws that you can't open the console case by just an ordinary screwdriver, unlike the SNES uses standard philip screws. Again we can see differences here. The expansion port location of both are the same. In SFC it was used to the Satellaview modem, and it never came in the SNES. It was supposed to be for the CD-ROM expansion by Sony. Later it was cancelled and became the Sony Playstation. It doesn't much of a use for short.

The SNES AC adapter port is ridiculous. Again they are not following the standard. Oh well.. That's why I modified as seen in the picture. Both have the same AV port, RF port, and channel selector switch. Both have air holes at the back. The SNES has a hotline toll fee in the lower left portion. How nice to have this kind of customer support service. I should give it a call then.. hmm.

Finally for the controllers, the SNES has two colors for the main buttons and its X/Y buttons are slightly curved down for thumb grip. Both have different trademark logo in the front, but still have the same controller port. That means its a cross compatible on both consoles, and that's a very good feature. Sorry about for using a third party SNES controller, If you noticed the logo is "Super 16 bit" instead of the SNES trademark.

Many asked that can games be also cross compatible on both consoles? The answer is no. You can't insert the SNES cart into the SFC because it can't fit, and you can't insert either the SFC to the SNES. But that could be possible if you will do simple modification. For the SFC you can actually take off its console plastic cover and insert the SNES cartridge to play. On the other hand, you can break the plastic that is blocking the SFC cartridge inside the SNES cartridge port using a long nosed pliers to insert and play.

The third Parasite Eve installment "The 3rd Birthday"

2010-06-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

The long awaited game coming this 2010 for the PSP. Not much of my expectations that this game sound sucks already. Why is it titled as "The 3rd Birthday", and not PE 3 or something? Why this is called a “true third person shooter”? Is the gameplay still be the same as before? Could this be getting any better? Oh man… sounds like “Final Fantasy VII Dirge of the Cerberus” when it’s not really a Final Fantasy game. I can't believe that this game's a spin-off of the original series. Parasite Eve is one of my favorite games ever, but not this one. I'm disappointed, although I'm glad to see Aya Brea back.

Youtube:

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasite_Eve_3

http://psp.ign.com/articles/900/900565p1.html

http://www.siliconera.com/2008/10/09/guess-whos-making-the-3rd-birthday-its-not-just-square-enix/

Playstation Lens Installation

2010-06-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

KSM-440AEM Playstation lens installation for models SCPH-9000, SCPH-9001, SCPH-9002, SCPH-9003.

Today, the mail arrived at home. Yes, at home and I didn't expect that. I thought it was gonna be postal. Anyway, when I arrived at home, Its already in my room and ready to take some action. I think my playstation is now very excited to have a new lens to play some kicking ass games. This is also my first time to install a lens module so, I don't mind if it might explode.

So, here is my little procedures on how to get the job done.

The Package

Opening the Package

Console Ready

Disassembling

Mounting

Connection 1: Flex Cable

Connection 2: Motor Driver

Fitting

End

I bought this from ebay and it was great that my playstation is now back online. Thanks ebay.

Video game controllers that I grew up

2010-06-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

Nintendo Famicom

One of the early D-pad controller that comes with two main buttons for gameplay and two sub buttons for game menu. The Famicom controller is simple and just by playing 8-bit games defines the controller's beauty and design. Hard plastic covered with a metalic plate looks decent and elegant. It's light weight makes hours of gameplay and is suitable for all ages. Later, third party famicom controller comes with a turbo feature that will enable the main buttons to press rapidly for some games that needs boost.

Super Famicom

The innovated controller that first introduced the X,Y,B,A cross style buttons, and a left and right upper trigger buttons. The stylish color coding buttons appeals to many gamers for its design, and comfort. Gamers can have many button combinations with some games than its predecessor the Famicom. It is light, and easy to maneuver. Grip is perfectly fit in your hands and rock your games hard.

Sega Megadrive

The first Sega Megadrive controller was a 3-button feature. Later, Megadrive 2 console introduced the 6-button controller. The 3-button controller is slightly bigger than the 6-button controller for both grip and buttons. The 3-button controller works perfectly in most Megadrive games. The A,B,C is easy to familiar rather indicating X,Y,B,A or something, and is simply has a start button only for game menu. The 6-button controller works perfectly with fighting games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. With its arcade look like design, most gamers will prefer the Sega 6-button control for fighting games. But I found difficult that this controller is hard to combinations like if you want to press X and Z or A and Z like something. Not much like of a button combination type, but rather a button alternative type controller. The 6-button controller also has a upper right trigger button for I don't know what's this for.

Sega Saturn

Not much like of a Sega Megadrive 6-button controller. The Sega Saturn controller has a left and right upper trigger buttons for more control and combination. Its just slightly the same as the megadrive 6-button controller, and uses color coding for buttons A, B, and C.

Sony Playstation

Similar to the Super Famicom controller. The Sony Playstation innovates design for more comfort. It has a 4 upper trigger buttons, and offers more control, option, and combination for both games and the gamers. This was the first controller that uses color coded symbols in the main buttons. The triangle, square, x, and circle was such a design back then. Later, they released the dual-shock version that offers two analog sticks and a vibrating feature. Now, do you think that playing games with a vibrating controller is fun? Well, it doesn't. Vibrating just makes me piss, and it's so disturbing, and most of all it's annoying. If you want a good vibrating feature on a video game? Try go to the arcade, and not in a home video game console. Finally these annoying analog sticks are just exceed to its price. Mostly games doesn't have a feature on this especially on that damn right side analog stick. It maybe sounds realistic? but playing games using these two analog sticks are damn disaster. On the good side so far, the first playstation controller is my favorite.

Nintendo 64

Much innovated controller with its weird looking design, and style. The Nintendo 64 controller mainly uses its analog stick for most of the games. So, when using the stick, you have to place your left hand at the middle grip section like shown in the photo above. The main buttons are A, B, and four C buttons. Like, seriously four C buttons? C up, down, left, and right. Much like of a right D-pad buttons. The pattern is much similar to the Sega Megadrive 6-button controller, but anyway it has a left, and right upper trigger buttons, and Z button at the back of the controller. Its like the grip of triggering a gun. The select button was removed unlike the previous nintendo controllers, and it has a slot for Controller Pak for save games, and rumble pack for vibrating feature. It's good that memory card is put in the controller rather than putting it in the main console and vibrating feature is detachable.

Sega Dreamcast

Not bad as the first 128-bit video game controller. The design and its stylish appeal looks good and comfortable for some features. The analog stick is much more comfortable placing in the left most part, and as of the D-pad is just below on it. The color coded buttons are much more like of a Super Famicom controller. The left and right upper trigger is not much of a comfort. Simply putting a button would be perfect, but a gun looking trigger? Come on... The grip is not bad as for many people said that the controller is quite oversize. It simply defines as the dreamcast itself. The center part of the controller is for visualizing the display of the VMU. It's a memory card that has some display screen. Much more like of a pocketstation in the playstation. It has two memory card slots for more storage. Adding up to 4 controllers, makes the dreamcast holds a lot of save games storage than the previous controllers existed. Finally, I'm glad they didn't put a vibrating feature on this controller.

Nintendo Gamecube

Now here's a big change in controller evolution that we didn't seen before. It's one of the unique controllers, I've ever played. Presenting the Nintendo Gamecube controller with its strange, but nice and awesome design. The D-pad is unusual because its size is more like of a Gameboy Advance D-pad and a bit stiffer compared to the N64 D-pad. I'm not quite comfortable on it because it's a little further in the left thumb and makes me want to use the left analog instead. Z-button is now on the the upper right trigger and I like it because of its responsive click The left and right triggers are like of the dreamcasts, that it travels a bit space when pressed. Strange main buttons compared to any other controllers. I have no idea what went to this but its still fine. The 8-direction Analog stick represents the C buttons. Only God knows what, I don't much have to say about this yellow stick. Overall, the controller is still a piece that decides a game over or not.

StarFox 64

2010-05-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

Oh I love this game so much. I've played and beat this game using N64 emulator way back 2001. I recently have the N64 game cartridge, and played for the first time. My experience using the N64 controller was very difficult. I still have the comfort and ease of the Playstation's controller, but after hours of playing, I finally get used to it. The analog stick was so sick at first, but it just need some practice. Also the buttons were confusing because all have different correspondent. The game in the real console was awesome. The cute graphics of N64 makes the game sweet and have a delightful appeal. I'll beat this game again for some time. I'm enjoying right now with my N64. Rock On!

Earl's GBA

2010-03-13T17:57:00.000-08:00

Something's wrong with this GBA... Every time I turned it ON. The power fails in a random moment. Then when turned back ON, it randomly turns ON or not. I suspect that it might be power trouble. Until I've reached to check the switch, and really the switch doesn't work.

Simply, I did was a little modification of the hand-held and did succeed. I've a little hard time tracing its line because the PCB of GBA is so damn small and annoying. Just bypass the connection to your new switch, and its done.

Tools required:
- Soldering Iron (with lead, etc)
- tri-wing screwdriver
- pliers
- piece of wire
- small flat screwdriver
- tester (digital or not)
- Mighty Bond super glue
- Good Luck!! XD

Tadaann~~ Fixed :3

Famicom Days

2010-03-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

I found this photo at home. So far, this is the only photo that resembles my video game career since kid. I wonder why didn't they take pictures on me while I was playing. Maybe they are thinking that, it's just a waste of film.

Anyway, I totally forgot what's happening here. That's my cousins there, Jatit, Maricar, and Mona. The calendar year wasn't taken either. I guess this was 1994-1996, since I have the famicom.

That's my 4-in1 cartridge there. The games were Jackie Chan, Double Dragon 2, Double Dragon 3, and Kage. I remember with my mom bought that in circuit city, SM cebu at the price around of 800 pesos. I got good memories when it comes to my games.

I scanned this yesterday, and too bad I wasn't there. Maybe they pulled me off just to take them picture. @_@

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

2010-03-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite consoles of all time is the SNES. The SNES was Nintendo's release of its 16-bit video game console in the US. When SNES was released way back in 1991, It stunned many gamers of that time. Here in Cebu City, I remember the old White Gold Club had SNES rentals. The SNES was so expensive compared to its rival the SEGA Genesis. That's why mostly gamers in Cebu are Sega owners. Both Sega and Nintendo have exclusives titles which really tell gamers which side they will go. Will they gonna choose Mario? or with speedy Sonic?.. Those time were my favorite console rivalry unlike today we have Sony and Microsoft.

My SNES Console with 2 Super Famicom Controllers and SNES mouse.

The factors that I really like the SNES were first the games. You know Nintendo franchise like Mario and Zelda. Squaresoft was also with SNES, and some Capcom exclusives like the Megaman X series. I haven't got any SNES carts, instead I used Super Famicom carts to play with a little console case modification. The SNES also has accessories like a gun, third party controller, multi-tap adapter, the SNES mouse, and so on existed. The SNES have both A/V and RF connection that suits to any home TV.

Back view of the SNES

The picture above shows the back view of the SNES. The AV cable port is the same as Nintendo 64 and GameCube. RF port in the middle, channel 3-4 selector, and a power port. I also modded the console by making an alternative power port for common power adapter available.

Playing Final Fantasy IV.

As you can see there's a Street Fighter 2 Turbo and Super Mario Kart cartridges, but I forgot to take picture. Those games are really nice and fun.

Well that's it for now. Until then.

Collector's Item

2010-03-11T11:01:00.001-08:00

There should things that keeps great value once in our life. Since I was 3 years of age, I am a very big fan of video games. Way back then I could play lots of time with my childhood friends, but things goes complicated when we grown up. Inspired by AVGN, I also collect video game items from retro to modern. My dream someday is to have a library for video game media and stuff. Its no big deal if its small or big. It depends on how it goes my finds. Anyway, I'll just post updates or finds from time to time. Rock on.

Houer's Famiclone

2010-03-11T10:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my friend Houer gave it to me their old Famicom system. At first, I thought It was a Super Famicom, but it's not. It's a Famicom cloned from the original Super Famicom design with its fake logo.

The console was totally blown, and its 100% not working.

When I received the unit, there was this strange sound inside which surprises me when I opened it. Dusts and dirt are found inside.

There was this built-in cartridge that I've found. When I checked by pulling it out the motherboard. I've discovered that it was just connected parallel to the main cartridge slot. So that's how they do to put built-in games on the system.

After that, I've pulled out everything from the box and cleaned them up. I've blown so hard to remove the dust, and brushed it up with a 4-inch paint brush. In the Motherboard portion, I've poured it with Paint Thinner (not lacquer), and brushed it up with 4 inch paint brush to remove the wet dirt. Then don't forget to tap the wet motherboard in order to pull out liquid at least without waiting it too long to dry.

In the upper portion is the power supply, and the A/V circuit board. The A/V circuit is protected with this metal plate that is lock by soldered lead. I took it off the metal plate and pour some paint thinner, and brush, and tapped. The dust, dirt, and rust were terrible.

Then I cleaned the console cover box by brushing it with soaped water. I let it dry for an hour then wiped it with a dry cloth. After turning it ON, the system LED displayed. Yey it's now working... partially.

When I look into the display, it was terrible. The video was there, but some glitches are roaming around the screen, It's so irritating in the eyes watching a video game like this. So I've checked the contact of the A/V terminals. I've pressed it tightly, and the display goes OK. Maybe it concerns with the rust that occurs in the A/V terminal. So I've brushed a little bit on the A/V terminals, then finished.

I've test to put a cartridge to play external games, but it didn't work. So I've check the terminals in the cartridge slot, and it looks bad. It's bad because the terminals were not able to contact the cartridge. So I've stretched the terminals with a small flat screw driver. After that I've tested it, and it works.

Also, the reset button was broken. I've decided to replace it with my old famicom reset switch then give it a try to install it. When I put it on the board. The connectors won't match the holes. Indeed the reset switch is the same in size, but their connector terminals is not. So, I've bend the terminals and using a solid wire to jumper it on the back of the motherboard.

I also changed the wires connected the Motherboard to the A/V circuit board. The original was a 4-way ribbon type wires and replaced it with a single solid wire. One disadvantage of the ribbon wire is that when one wire is cutted. You have to splice again the whole wires to connect again. So maybe changing single wires is much easy.

Then I've assembled back the console, and it looks so sexy. hahahh

The controller ports were DB-9 (DB-15 for the zapper), and one thing that reminds me is that it's the same controller port with our promac dvd player. The promac dvd player has a built-in famicom games to play with. So I've test the controller using the console and it works.

It works now, and its all set to play some games. xD

Added to my collection. Thanks Houer!! XD