Kguillemette

For the last few months I've had an itch to play Diddy Kong Racing ever since it went up as a @Reed Rothchild sponsored game debate. Unfortunately it is just not comfortable to play with wired controllers in my living room,(Not to mention, life as a single parent causes serious clutter. Especially when kids get at the game setup). I've had my eye on these bad boys on Amazon and finally decided to pull the trigger. 

Some of these Chinese products have actually been pretty good for me, so I thought it worth a try. Since there is no quality nintendo brand of wireless N64 controller such as, I need to go with this. It syncs very easily with a dongle that plugs into the controller slot. There is a memory card slot and rumble is included and works as it should with a switch to choose between the two.

Im cerainly not running wires around my unfolded laundry...

There is also a USB dongle to sync to a laptop, raspberry pi device, or nintendo switch. I've only tried on my dusty N64 which N64 worked great! 

The feel and size of the controller is about the same as a nintendo branded controller. The build quality feels very good with a tight stick and good button presses. It's a bit heavy and awkward to hold, but so was the original N64 one!

As far as performance goes, I am hardly an expert to rely on. I am running my N64 through the AV output into a standard HDMI TV using OEM cables. I am happy to say that my itch has been satisfied!

I do notice a tiny bit of input lag. I'm unsure if it is from the AV connection with an HDTV or the controller itself. It's not so bad that I couldn't adjust quickly to breeze my way through the first set of races and defeat the first boss. The real test will be the silver coin challenge when I get to it!

I will say that for the most part, playing N64 games would be best with the N64 controller that goes with the online service or just a pro controller. But not all games, like DKR, are available to play this way. Finding a comfortable way to play it in my living room is my only option, and I am happy to say that this $37 controller fits that mold. Now if No Mercy and Cruisn USA work well, I may just find myself working on my N64 collection and exploring that library beyond the scope of what's included in the online service! If you are okay with a stretched out AR that would come with running original hardware through a modern TV, I'd say go for this controller. 

6/10. I do enjoy a good Sim game, and this one is a classic. I do greatly prefer 2000 and put countless hours into that one as a kid

2 hours ago, Reed Rothchild said:

@JamesRobot @Murray @Brickman @Kguillemette

I assume Montana has no shot at getting this in theaters.  Alas.

The image of seeing groups of 10 year old singing along to songs about swearing allegiance to the devil still surprises me. Ghost getting a theatrical release for concert film blows me away. 

44 minutes ago, Gloves said:

Prior to our generation, people mostly stopped playing with toys when they grew up. 

Twisted Sister cover. Dimmu in their prime obv kills it.

6/10. Just never been much of a monty python fan though I have definitely tried. Can't say I disliked it, but 6/10 on the Reed scale seems most accurate.

Obv 9/10, though it is admittedly the least played of the first 4 for me. The cape is so broken in such a good way once you figure it out that there isn't a need for other crazy powerups.

Cuba was more believable as OJ than OJ was as himself.

1 hour ago, rdrunner said:

Skipped ahead through all the bickering.  This really shouldn't be the "Sonic 2 does/doesn't deserve to win" thread.  It's likely going to win and that's fine.  Majority vote wins out.

It's been a fun bracket.  Thanks for setting it up!

Sonic is a polarizing game character. People love him and at the same time others love to hate him. Those that love to hate on him and his games are pretty well part of a very vocal minority. But it's all good at the end of the day!

Congrats to Sonic 2 for starting to run away with it. Like was said earlier, the real finals was between it and SoR 2 a couple rounds ago, which Sonic squeaked a win.

@Brickman breaking the tie!

Here's my take on Sonic 2 since I have a few minutes: 

I agree with everyone else that says 3&K is the best entry on the system. But that's not what made it to the finals.

Sonic 2 is a platformer that does so many things right. It has areas that require speed and precision. It has areas that require complex platforming, but not overly so. The game rewards speed running by offering time bonuses at the end of each act that add up to extra lives. The game also rewards slow exploration by hiding power ups, rings that add up to extra lives and special stage access, and extra lives themselves across each act. This is excellent game design in my opinion.

The presentation is outstanding. The zones across the game are all colorful, unique, fun to look at, and have incredible music. Some of the best music of the 16 bit era is found here. Sonic 2 is a game that is remarkably fun just on how good it looks, sounds, and feels.

We've all played Sonic. I assume we all know how the physics work. I personally think they work great. The spin dash nullifies some of the more frustrating parts of the original game where the physics worked against it, like going up a steep hill or ramp from a stopping position.

Where Sonic 2 has a weakness is the special stage. I do not enjoy the half pipe stages of Sonic 2. It's too difficult to react to and some of the later ones can only be beaten with attrition and memorization. And the idea to start at 0 rings was not a good one, making you recollect or search out 50 more before you can have a chance at the next emerald. It feels like work. Personally, when I play Sonic 2, I just skip the special stages. Its more fun that way. 

I admittedly have not spent as much time with Gunstar Heroes. It is indeed an excellent run and gun. The music is great, the weapons are inventive, and bosses are usually pretty fun and intense. But that board game stage... if I have to critique Sonic 2 for at times feeling like work to unlock the best ending, I can't forgive Gunstar Heroes for having an entire stage required to beat the game that feels like a long chore. It doesn't make the game bad, far from it. It is, however, a flaw that has kept me from returning to it countless times like I have for Sonic 2. If I had to make the desert island choice between Sonic 2 and Gunstar Heroes, choosing Sonic 2 is a no brainer. 

Sonic 2. I wonder how many votes in the finals are less for Gunstar Heroes, and against the blue blur.

The Monty whack a mole game in NSMB is wildly addicting. Imo it's the best use of the touch screen on the whole DS.

I recognize the Blue Willow platter pattern in the top left corner. My girlfriend collects this specific pattern and I've been tracking down unique pieces as I can. Depending on the maker, a 13" platter is worth in the $30-40 range. Churchill and Johnson Bros are the most common, with a few others that manufacture the pattern like Buffalo  China, etc. Green and red pink willow also exists and are a bit more uncommon. I don't know much about the other patterns, but you should be able to use Google lens to help identify them, then you can cross reference ebay or the like depending on the manufacturer stamped on the bottom to help price them.

I hope this helps and good luck!

That being said, if there are any unique willow pieces in the collection I may be interested in purchasing or working out a trade.

The final four has some really good games in it.

25 minutes ago, a3quit4s said:

Streets of rage vs Sonic was the real final lol

It would have been my final, but had a rough seeding. Premier platformer vs premier beat em up.  

Is Snatcher so good it beats Castle of Illusion? It seems so niche. I suppose some say it's among the goats of visual novels anyway. Just curious what some of the snatcher voters have to say.

Going with Lies. I know it's a straight style rip, but it's a sound alike nonetheless

I'm in the minority with Aladdin. Granted I prefer platformers to beat em ups. Though SoR2 may well be the goat of beat em ups, I'm still going with the iconic Aladdin.

2. I like them all, but only have ever played 2 to completion. Plus that soundtrack...!

30 minutes ago, Tabonga said:

Mrs. Tabonga and I shared a sense of black humor- and the joke really says nothing about our relationship - more of an acknowlegement of my change of circumstances.

I figured as much and I love it.

On 3/7/2024 at 12:53 PM, Tabonga said:

  Heh - no  longer married!

Possibly the darkest joke I've read on here that made me laugh. Omg.

Not a DragonBall fan, but a huge Chrono Trigger fan like many here. I was awestruck the the added cutscenes in FF Chronicles. RIP.

If I've played both, I choose my favorite. If I've played one I chose the one I've played unless I disliked it. If I've played neither I choose the one I would likely enjoy more. 

1 minute ago, Mega Tank said:

I'm not taking anything away from Tyson, but when was the last time he looked good during a meaningful fight?

Jake Paul can only do one thing, cherry pick fights so he can win.

Gonna be like Jordan's season with the Wizards. Gonna hurt to watch, but you still have to, cause it's Jordan, right?

You have got to be kidding me...