According to IGN, Techmo recently released a financial report which stated that the company will "aggressively" support the Wii's Virtual Console.
As long as they include Ninja Gaiden 2 with the original music intact in their aggressive strategy I'm all for it. Yeah. I know that everyone else is probably looking forward toTecmo Bowl, but the sports game that I'm more interested in is Bad News Baseball - the one with that bastardous rabbit and that mysterious wrestler.
Japanese software sales for the week of August 14 - 20
Last week I predicted that both PS2 games and the single PSP game that was on the list last week would be gone this week. Was I right?
1. New Super Mario Bros (NDS, Nintendo) - 103,774 [2,835,708] units
2. Tamagotchi no Puchi Puchi Omisetchi Gohiikini (NDS, Namco Bandai) - 65,664 [400,429] units
3. Shaberu! DS Oryouri Navi (NDS, Nintendo) - 55,759 [346,719] units
4. Kahashima Ryuuta Kyouju Kanshuu: Motto Nouo Kitaeru Otona DS Training (NDS, Nintendo) - 45,978 [3,031,411] units
5. Oide yo Doubutsu no Mori [Animal Crossing: Wild World] (NDS, Nintendo) - 41,813 [3,119,108] units
6. Daito Giken Koushiki Pachislot Simulator: Hihouden (PS2, Daito) - 39,070 units
7. Rhythm Tengoku (GBA, Nintendo) - 26,911 [88,089] units
8. Tetris DS (NDS, Nintendo) - 26,791 [781,110] units
9. SD Gundam G Generation Portable (PSP, Namco Bandai) - 25,716 [217,943] units
10. Kahashima Ryuuta Kyouju no Nouo Kitaeru Otona DS Training (NDS, Nintendo) - 25,139 [2,713,284] units
Well... Yes and no. I was right about the PS2 games but wrong about SD Gundam G Generation Portable for the PSP. That's the power of anime franchises. I should've seen it coming.
More problems for Sony
Lower than expected yield rates of blue laser diodes are making it difficult for laser manufacturers to meet the demands of HD-DVD and Blu-ray drive manufacturers. Sony, which also manufacturers blue lasers, has stopped shipments of their lasers to other Blue-ray drive makers in order to make sure that they have enough for the PS3's launch.
I can see either Sony or Toshiba (most likely Sony) buying up as many of these blue laser diodes as possible from other manufacturers in order to screw the other over. With so much at stake you know they're going to play dirty.
Another Guilty Gear XX game is coming
According to GameSpot, Arc System Works has recently beta tested the next update to their Guilty Gear franchise - Guilty Gear XX Core.
Normally I'd be all for another 2D fighting game but there have been too many "new" versions of Guilty Gear over the past few years and each version is only a slight upgrade from the previous one. It's 90s era Capcom all over again!
Pro Evolution Soccer 6 will be coming to a PS3 near you
Konami recently issued the following in response to Microsoft's announcement that Pro Evolution 6 would be exclusive to their Xbox 360 system for the first year of its release -
It has been falsely reported on some websites that KONAMI will release its "Pro Evolution Soccer 6" (*) exclusively for Microsoft's Xbox 360. These reports are not true. KONAMI is currently proceeding with the production of a multi-platform release of "Pro Evolution Soccer 6" so that as many people as possible can enjoy the game.
I got an email a few days ago from someone asking me for help with a freezing problem he was having with his PS2 version of Madden 07. He had already returned the game once but the problem persisted. Here is the problem as he wrote it -
I score a TD in the 2 min warning....either in the 2nd or 4th quarter...thats the only time its permanatley freezes...and I end up having to reset the whole game...one time after having a qb rating of 114! and I lost everything from that particular game....
I did some research and found that other people were having freezing problems as well. Most of the complaints that I found were for the Xbox 360 version though. The only solution that I could think of was for him to put the PS2 on its side. It worked for my friend's PS1 and my Dreamcast so it was worth a shot. He hasn't written back to me so it either worked or he decided to return the game. Have you had problems with your copy of Madden? If you happen to have the Xbox 360 version and are having problems, you can take a look at the "Madden 07 Game Freezing" thread at xbox.com. At this time there is no definitive solution but things may change over the course of the next few days.
Get Bryce 5 for Free!!!
Bryce is software that allows you to "create breathtakingly realistic 3D landscapes and animations." You now have until the 6th of September to get a free copy of Bryce 5. Click here to check it out.
It looks like DAZ just came out with version 5.5 so it isn't like you're getting the newest version. Still, its a pretty cool program. You can use this to create backgrounds for that awesome game you're going to put together with Microsoft's Game Studio.
The NE Controller Mini-Guide
A few weeks ago I wrote a little rant about how the Xbox 360's controller was less than ideal for fighting games such as Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting and even Dead or Alive 4. I also mentioned that the best solution (other than having Hori re-release their hard-to-find DOA 4 stick) would have been for Microsoft to get Sega to make a 360 variant of their Saturn controller. Sega had already released a version for the PS2 and the PC so it isn't like Sega would be unwilling to do the same thing for the 360. I believe that the Saturn controller would be perfect for any Live Arcade game that does not require the use of the analog sticks. Lets face facts – the Xbox 360 controller's d-pad is less than ideal for games that require precise control. In this day and age, every d-pad should allow the user to hit all four cross points and all four diagonals at will. Why controller makers can't do this is still a mystery to me. Since it is clear that those wishing for a more precise controller option cannot expect a solution from Microsoft, I decided that a mini-guide to alternative controller options is in order. I didn't want to leave current-gen owners out so I have included current-gen options as well. While this guide is aimed at fighting game fans, those of you that long for arcade quality controls on your console may also find it useful. Please note that this is not a be-all-end-all guide. My goal is just to point you in the right direction.
Unfortunately, some of the options outlined here take time and money so if you hate work you might want to wait a few months or years until controller makers actually start to test out their own controllers and finally realize how terrible they are. Also note that the soldering jobs mentioned in the instructions below can irreparably damage your controller or system if done incorrectly. You might want to get someone that knows what he or she is doing. That said, I accept no responsibility for whatever damage you may inflict on your hardware.
Xbox, GameCube, PC, and Dreamcast
Custom Stick - Custom sticks are sticks that are made by "non-professional" stick builders using real arcade parts. These sticks vary in look and feel since they are created based on the builder's and/or the buyer's preferences. I personally have two custom sticks from Byrdo. Both of the sticks that I have (the Maya and the Mini Maya) use all Japanese parts. There is a noticeable difference between American and Japanese arcade components. Whatever style you choose really comes down to personal preference. Read armad1ll0's writeup to get a general idea of the differences. Custom sticks don't come cheap but I would say that they are well worth it if you are into fighting games and want a true arcade experience. They are also perfect for any game that does not require the use of analog sticks.
Most custom stick builders use PlayStation 1 controller PCBs (the green board inside all controllers) in their sticks. This is standard practice for several reasons -
- The PC, Dreamcast, GameCube, and Xbox all have PS1/PS2 controller adapters
- PS1 controllers are easier to hack than PS2 controllers
- PS1 controllers are more compatible and less prone to lag than generic controllers
So, while custom stick builders can probably use controller PCBs for other systems, making the stick specifically for the PS2 via a PS1 PCB is the best choice since it allows you, through adapters, to use the stick in all current generation consoles.
Mas Stick - For those of you that want an authentic arcade experience but do not want to go the custom stick route, there is always the Mas Super Pro Stick. Like custom sticks, Mas sticks use real arcade parts. However, unlike customs, you can only select American style joysticks and buttons. Depending on which version you get, you should not notice the difference between an arcade machine's joysticks and buttons and a Mas stick's joysticks and buttons. Mas allows the buyer to select from three different types of joysticks (Ultimate, Competition, Optical Perfect 360) and two types of pushbuttons (Ultimate/Concave and Competition/Convex). I picked one of these up from their shop in Southern California when I still lived in the Irvine area five or so years ago. At the time, I came to the conclusion that fitting one with a Competition joystick and Competition buttons was the best choice. Things may have changed since then, but I can reasonably say that most people will not be disappointed with that setup.
If you go with a Mas, I would suggest getting the PS2-only version and then adding your own PS1 PCB to it (instructions down below). The custom PCB that Mas uses isn't very good and is not compatible with a lot of adapters.
Hori Stick - Hori is one of the only 3rd party controller makers that makes arcade sticks that are worth buying. Right now, their most notable sticks are the Hori Real Arcade Pro sticks and their T5 stick. A great guide on parts and adapter compatibility can be found in the shoryuken.com forums here. Again, my suggestion would be gut the insides and install a PS1 PCB unless you find an adapter for whichever system you are using that actually works correctly.
Sega Saturn Pad + adapter - If you have to use a pad, this is hands down the best option available. I prefer Magic Joy Box adapters.
PlayStation 2
Until Sega came out with the PS2 version of their Saturn pad, controller users were pretty much SOL. Custom, Mas, and Hori stick users have it easy since they already have a working connection out of the box.
Xbox 360
Hori Dead or Alive 4 Stick - This is a good option if you can actually find one. The cost can range from $20-$100 depending on where you live or where you order from. I had one once and I can safely say that it is a decent stick. It is nowhere near the quality you would find with a custom stick or Mas, but it is good enough for those that aren't picky.
Custom Stick/Mas Stick/Hori Stick + Wired 360 PCB
This is the option that I will use once I get myself another 360 (unless Hori decides to re-release their DOA 4 stick). The instructions (linked down below) are fairly straightforward and do not require expert soldering skills.
Sat-2-360 Controller Adapter
A few weeks ago someone at xbox-scene.com posted a way to connect an original Sega Saturn pad to a wireless Xbox 360 controller. At this time the process is fairly elaborate and is beyond the abilities of most people. I just threw it in for those of you that are up for the challenge.
PS3
If Sony allows players to use their PS2 controllers on the new system then all the options that work on the PS2 should work on the PS3. If not, expect to have to live with options that are similar to those for the Xbox 360.
Wii
This is the only next-gen system that will support custom, Mas, and Hori sticks (with PS1 PCBs) as well as the Saturn controller out of the box since the Wii comes with GameCube controller ports.
Side note: The Wii has the potential to be the premiere 2D fighting game next-gen system as it is cheaper to produce for (witness SNK's commitment to the system), has free online play, and because it already supports (through an adapter) existing custom, Mas, and Hori sticks as well as the PS2 Sega Saturn pad.
Links:
Where to get adapters
Controller adapters and Hori sticks are sold on eBay and most import stores. Here are some of the places that I would buy them from:
I got two customs sticks from this person (the Maya pictured on the left and the Mini Maya). Both of them work perfectly. Roberto Duran, aka Byrdo, seems to be busy a lot these days so your chances of getting one of his sticks is fairly slim at the moment. You can take a look at his arcade sticks here.
It would appear that this person still actively takes orders. He has a thread at the shoryuken.com forums. However you will need to sign up to read it. You can take a look at his work here and email him at noely.w@gmail.com.
Mas sticks feel good and give you that authentic arcade feel though I have some reservations about the custom PCB that they use. If you plan on using one of these on anything other than a PS2 just get the one-system version (PlayStation 2 only), gut it, and install a PS1 (or Xbox 360) controller PCB. Check out the links below for instructions.
Normally when I see the name Nuby I think "complete crap" but it just so happens that this site sells a Happ version of the Street Fighter Arcade Stick. It's cheaper than a Mas but you do not have as many options. Once again, gut it and install a PS1 (or Xbox 360) controller PCB. A link to some instructions for installing the PCB into this stick are given down below.
Guides
How to make an Xbox 360 Arcade Joystick - This guide shows you how to install a wired Xbox 360 controller in a Street Fighter Arcade Stick. These instructions can be used to install a 360 controller in a Mas stick as well.
Sat-2-360 Controller Adapter - Here are the instructions on how to create a wireless Saturn -> Xbox 360 controller adapter. Are you up to the challenge?
Hori Real Arcade Pro FAQ @ srk - This thread contains a list of the different incarnations of Hori's Real Arcade Pro. It also contains details on which parts are used for each stick. Adapter compatibility is also detailed here.
Custom Arcade Sticks @ srk - This contains a comprehensive list of stick building links. Most if not all of what you need to know can be found here.
The Joystick Duel - This is a nice comparison between Japanese and American parts. It might be a little outdated but it should give you a general idea about their differences.
JoyToKey - This program converts button pushes on your controller into key presses on your keyboard. It is perfect for old PC games and emulators that require keyboard presses. If you plan on using your stick or controller on your PC you might want to look at this.
I never thought about how menacing a Metroid can be until I saw this picture. Honestly, if I were to ever see one of these in real life I'd run like hell. This artist also put together another picture called "The Last Metroid." It's also cool though not as menacing.
Hey! I'm giving all franchises a chance. This one actually looked cool so there! I don't know who any of the characters are but according to the description they are at a carnival and all the Digimons are plushies.
This one brought out a big WTF when I first saw it. I put it on my desktop just to screw around but it ended up growing on me so if figured, "what the hell?" I then spent a good chunk of my day trying to figure out where I got it from. I hope you appreciate what I went through for you!
Free stuff is always good. This time Capcom decided to offer a free art board and brush if you order Okami at Gamestop. If you're going to get this game, you might as well get the free stuff that goes with it, right?
If you pre-order this online make sure that you call Gamestop first before ordering to make sure that they still offer the free art board. If they don't, you might as well just get it at a local store.
A free soundtrack for buying an Atlus game? Sign me up! Oddly enough, Atlus doesn't seem to be offering this deal in their own web site. Hmmm...
Again, if you pre-order this online make sure that you call Gamestop first before ordering to make sure that they still offer the free CD. If they don't, just get it at your local brick and morter.
