Archive for Life

24 August, 2009 | 1 comment

Monday Morning MAME Club: Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder

FROM Wiki: “Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder is a side-scrolling arcade hack ‘n’ slash game released in 1992 by Sega. It was the first 32-bit game in the series. Despite its high quality and popularity, as of 2009, the game remains arcade exclusive.

Only Gilius Thunderhead makes a return, riding the back of new character, Goah the giant. The rest of the cast is all new and includes Sternblade the barbarian, Dora the female Centaur, and Little Trix, a young elf lad who carries a pitch fork. The main enemy is once again Death Adder.

The game is an overall improvement on the original with better sound, graphics, and gameplay. As well as introducing multiple paths to the franchise, the magic aspect was adjusted. Though still found in the classic Golden Axe pots, the magic spells did not increase in power with the number of pots collected but required a set number to work. The Revenge of Death Adder was the only Golden Axe game in which one of the magic attacks was not offensive, as Trix grew apple trees with fruit that replenished health.”

Get it HERE.

30 April, 2009 | No comments

Enforcing Lethally with The Justifier!

Early last week I received a bit of junk mail containing coupons to local shops. I disregarded it quickly and left it to sit upon the mail pile. Fortunately, my wife’s curiosity led her to perusing the ad in which was contained coupons to the local geek shop. The place is a real mess and prices very, but you will visit some seedy places to scratch a retro-gaming urge. A buy one get one free offer planned at least a brief part of my Saturday for me.

Entering the shop is a bit intimidating as it feels more like someones long unattended attic. There are treasures sure, but also the chance that Leatherface makes his home somewhere near the old comics in the back. I have it a bit easier as most of the video game merchandise is a straight shot from the entrance. Lately I have been yearning for something fun for the Sega CD I acquired not long ago. This is certainly the saddest portion of this shops games, while the copy of Mad Dog McCree was in good shape I saw little reason to grab it. The friends I brought along for protection though began spreading out and I had to leave the safety of the game aisle that I knew well. Thank goodness for uncharted territory, for sitting atop a pile of God only knows what was a complete in box copy of Lethal Enforcers for the Sega CD. Peering inside and seeing that baby blue Justifier light gun had me immediately return to that copy of Mad Dog McCree.  That is a 2 for 1 that made it all worthwhile.

This is quite a large box, kind of like the ones old Porn VHS would come in (you remember those boxes, you would seem them when you peeked into the Adults Only section of the rental store).  Notice it is rated MA-17, sounds about as naughty as the porn too!

This box was not just to get the notice of perverts though, it had a purpose. So lets see whats inside…

Oh and here is Mad Dog McCree…it is just awful. I do not think ANYONE misses the games of American Laser Games. On the plus side they gave the Sewer Shark team someone to look down on.

Cautions on the use of “The Justifier” (from the Lethal Enforcers manual) Italics below are my personal interpretations…

1. “The Justifier” is a precision instrument. Strong physical impact may break it (they are not really sure). Never hit with it or throw it. (Besides, with the cord attached it will not go far)

2. Do not touch the jack of “The Justifier” or bend or pull the cord strongly (it is just not that kind of peripheral). Do not damage the muzzle, point “The Justifier” at the sun, stop it up, or get it wet. (for good measure we should also avoid feeding it after midnight)

3. When storing “The Justifier”, keep it away from very hot or very cold places. Also keep it out of direct sunlight (for like Dracula, “The Justifier” to will be destroyed by the coming dawn), away from heaters, and away from places that have a lot of dust or moisture. (Basic housekeeping is crucial for “The Justifier”)

4. When cleaning dirt off “The Justifier”, never use thinner, benzene or other harsh chemicals. (Shouldn’t all the other rules prevent dirt enough!)

5. Do not point “The Justifier” at a person (as this will be embarassing for you). Never take it apart or try to rebuild it. (Did you not learn anything from Terminator 2)

6. This product cannot be used with projection TVs, LCD TVs, high-speed scanning TVs, high-definition TVs, or wide TVs.  (Okay so only older TVs, got it!)

7. This product may not work with some old TV models. (in fact any successful functionality is sheer luck and is not endorsed by Konami)

8. Do not use “The Jusitifer” outdoors (as this will embarass your family and friends). It may not work indoors with direct sunlight. (your home requires a roof for successful functionality)

9. While playing the game, do not use an infrared-type remote control device (to turn off the TV or VCR, for example). If used, sometimes the game will not function properly. (that and never, ever cross the streams)

10. If you have any fluorescent lights near the TV screen, “The Justifier” may not function properly. Either move the light or turn it off. (“The Jusitfier” is a fearful of cancer from fluorescent lighting, and fluorescent lighting blocks the power of God)

11. When playing a game that is not compatible with “The Justifier”, always remove “The Justifier” from control jack 2. (Really this is to avoid “The Justifier” discovering your infidelity and causing you much grief, I once left one plugged in while playing Sonic 2. Now “The Justifier” has the kids and the house…that bitch)

Until Next Time, the power is yours…

14 April, 2009 | 1 comment

The Kindness of Co-Workers

One important part of the retrogaming hobby is talking about and sharing that hobby. Never should you be concerned about appearances regarding hobbies, adults play with toy trains, collect stamps and a host of other things that someone somewhere would consider silly. Good things can come from a comfortable open appreciation of your hobby. Not only can you make unexpected friends, but you can also end up with one man’s trash that could be your next wonderful treasure.

In the past I have been given the following gaming treasures by co-workers that gave them to me because they knew of my passion. A SNES with numerous boxed games, a complete Virtual Boy with Red Alert, an Atari Jaguar (not sure if this is considered a gesture of kindness though), and numerous other games and accessories all because someone knew what I enjoyed. Just last week I was discussing classic gaming with a co-worker and she said “I have some boxes that were my son’s he does not want them, but I can bring them to you”. She was just happy to get rid of them, me I was more than excited to see what new treasures would be bestowed upon me. Lets take a look at them.

You know looking back at the PlayStation 1 it is weird to see that controller without the analog sticks. This addition was cool, because my collection only has one of the tiny PSones not the original.

Check out that sweet Genesis 2 box, it really is great shape.

All the better because it was packed with the system, 2 controllers and all the hookups. Down to the owners manual (which I have never seen) and the receipt of the purchase. The only thing not in it was that copy of Vectorman, but looking inside this box I am not sure where it would have fit.

This is a close up of the receipt. I am not sure how most of you feel about it, but finding things like this adds so much to collecting. You see the date, the price and where it was bought. Not only is this a history of the system, but an insight into the original owners. I love finding things like this in the antique books I collect as well.

I feel like I just photographed one of these, yes this is Sega Saturn number 2 in my collection. One new thing here is a third party controller and an RF hookup which will give me more options, who does not want a Saturn in multiple rooms?

These are the games that were in the boxes. Starting at the top: A great condition CASE to Gran Turismo, yes only the case, but if you are in need of it let me know and it will be yours. Following the case is 007: Tomorrow Never Dies, Jampack (both for the PS1), Madden 98, Black Fire, Virtua Cop, NHL 98, and Wipeout. Here is the reason for the open cases.

Yup two orphaned cases, lucky for me I have Daytona USA and it is in need of a case so that is solved, anyone need Sega Rally case? Just let me know.  Well that wraps up the kindness of coworkers, people often do not realize what a special gift they have given you. Until next time…wait, why is this Saturn rattling?

Sweet, hidden treasures are the best. Until next time, the power is yours…

24 March, 2009 | 1 comment

The Curse of Sega CD is now mine to behold!

Ha! A new acquisition has dropped in my lap, that of some Sega castoffs that a friend no longer wanted. The best part of this lot is that now I have a Sega CD in my collection. Is this a blessing or a curse, I am not yet sure.

Yes, sadly it comes with a copy of Sewer Shark. Even sadder is the fact that I fought for the life of this copy of Sewer Shark. The friend giving up this console so desperately wanted to destroy this game, just simply to rid the world of at least one copy. I stepped in and argued the importance of remembering bad media, maybe some references to the Maginot Line were thrown around for good measure. Eventually I won out and brought this atrocity home along with some other Sega bits, such as a Model 1. Unfortunately as you see it cannot be cranked up to 11.

This is a cool system, so much more brazen than the later models. 16-BIT the system proudly proclaims, as is the only time Genesis was printed on console. The Model 2 Genesis that came attached to the Sega CD is experiencing controller port malfunctions and may soon be a subject of RetroRepairs. I also got a boxed copy of Sonic the Hedgehog, the “Not for Resale” pack-in. This is not rare, but is something that I did not own. The manual even offers names for the many enemies so now I know how to properly address the badniks I am smashing.

Another new game for my collection was Columns. Nice try Sega, but this is certainly no Tetris.

This next picture is the bottom side of the cart. I would like to warn everyone now that this is not for the weak of heart. I was scared and very glad I checked before pushing it into my unknowning console. Remember when you insert a game you are inserting with every other console that game has been with…

To give the Sega CD a good first run I busted out Mortal Kombat. My roommate Josh surprisingly remembered not only moves, but also Fatalities! I however remembered how to punch balls with Johnny Cage and proceeded to provide Kano with birth control. This copy of Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure has been sitting on my shelf for over a year and finally got a bit of play, early play would dictate that it is a competent platformer.

I have my own Genesis Model 2 hooked up to the Sega CD, but have you seen what it takes to get the Model 1 on this thing. First is an extra chunk of plastic so that the thing is not hanging off the end. I can only imagine finding this bit in the wild to leave many confused as to its origin or purpose, even as I look now its meaning is fading.

The other piece is a big slab of metal that screws to the bottom of the Genesis Model 1. This is a lot of effort for so little, but that is what growing pains are about. So look hard at the pimple-faced adolescence of gaming.

So does anyone have any fond memories of the Sega CD? Any suggestions as to games worth hunting down?

19 January, 2009 | No comments

VTECH Talking Baseball

Ah, Vtech Talking Baseball was a big part of my childhood. The Eagles and the Buffalos had some serious down and out games in my day. This handheld LCD game offered a lot for something so simple. The voice for one went non-stop; it described everything that was happening. This greatly assisted my young imagination. Secondly, and most important, Vtech Talking Baseball allows for 2 players simultaneous. This is pretty much the only LCD game I can remember having that.

 

Vtech Talking Baseball actually entered my nostalgic mind about 2 weeks ago. At the time I began searching EBay and whatnot, but I could not remember anything about the game other than the shape and color (these are not great search variables). Someone must have known what I was searching and left it for me at the Goodwill. I have not gone in that particular store in over a year so it had a definite serendipitous quality to it. Not only was the Baseball of my youth on the shelf, but also its Football twin. The cherry topping off this Goodwill visit was a Banjo Kazooie VHS that was a pre-release promo (not sure what I will be doing with this video).

 

After getting home I slammed batteries in and heard once again that familiar stilted voice. I was amazed that the condition and response in a game so many years old. I then moved the batteries to the Vtech Talking Football; here I was not so fortunate. It fired right up, I could see players on the field, but upon starting the game the first play never moved and the voice let out a steady ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO ZERO it was special in its own way. I will investigate its problem later.

 

Vtech did make many other LCD games, some with voice, but only 2 had this particular case style. You can check out the other ones here.

6 January, 2008 | 2 comments

Intro

Greetings, I am James Roberts. I wanted to start writing an article here on LANGaming.Net to simply express views and ideas I have about gaming, gamers, and the industry in general. However, I thought it might be in my best interest to first share with you my background of gaming as well as certain truths that hold true in my version of reality. Basically this is a disclaimer for any tomfoolery or offending comments that probably will ensue down the road.

The Atari 2600 was my first exposure to gaming (I hope the same is true for some of you reading this, I do not need to feel any older than I am). My parents had the Atari in their bedroom where they would indulge is sessions of Space Invaders. While wearing He-man underroos I came of an age that I could appreciate this interactive entertainment. I can remember spending hours attempting to understand the games that were missing books and manuals usually with my Voltron record as a soundtrack. To this day I have no idea what was the purpose of Haunted House, and I know that I can totally own I Want My Mommy. Gaining enough lives in Laser Blast so that I could run to the bathroom without getting game over was probably a sign of things to come. I am sure at least some of you can remember growing up with the rich cousins or friends (unless you are the rich cousin or friend, in that case we only liked you for your toys). These cousins are who granted me my first real access and exposure to the NES. Here I was sitting with the Haunted House conundrum only to be suddenly thrust into the likes of Metroid, and Zelda. I did not even know where to begin. Fortunately there was the OLDER KID; yes that early teen that would grace you with their presence to systematically bring the pain to any game while the young ones looked on like wide eyed Ewoks in awe of C-3PO. This guy was so good I can remember him laying waste to games with which even today I struggle. Not only did I see him defeat Ghosts n’ Goblins, but I can swear to this day that I remember him having a completed Final Fantasy save file where the entire party were White Mages. OLDER KID taught me what real gaming was with a plethora of magazines and guides, and the sheer persistence to understand the game and systematically take it down.

Eventually I got a NES to call my very own along with some seriously ball-busting games. It seems that my parents had a knack for picking up some very challenging titles. No Mario present here, instead I was handed titles like Journey to Silius and Kabuki Quantum Fighter from the outset. While I honestly never beat many of the titles from my youth I did overcome many obstacles and I owe it to them for my patience and abilities that various titles through out the years have pressed without finding a breaking point only a string of colorful language. During my teen years an EGM in hand was a very solid ice-breaker for many conversations that have since turned into lifelong friendships. This is one of the more important elements to gaming as a whole, the sense of community that it provides. During the teens I discovered the RPG and the greatest of all 16-bit genres the 2D Fighter. To this day I think the term quarter circle should be replaced by Hadoken in all geometric literature. From this point I entered into the realm of PC gaming. Co-op games of Doom over a 14.4 baud modem were the pinnacle of gaming as far as I was concerned. Then came the first Unreal which was had the best graphics ever on my sweet Viper 770 graphics card. However, Tribes for me is still the most original and enjoyable FPS today with Unreal Tournament following at a close second. Since then I worshipped at the black throne of Sony as the PS2 seemed to grant my every gaming wish (and it continues to do so, God of War II ‘nuff said). My tastes during the PS2 generation mainly focused on titles with strong artistic merit. This includes the Silent Hill and afore mentioned God of War Series, Shadow of the Colossus, Okami, God Hand as well as numerous others. I am also a bit of a sucker for musical games like Karaoke Revolution, Guitar Hero, and a little DDR. As of now the newest system in my arsenal is the Magnificent, Incredible, (and a series of other positive adjectives) Nintendo DS. Yes I have yet to take the next gen plunge because all of my negative 360 talk early on has been thrown in my face with recent offerings like Gears of War. Also the much anticipated Wii has shown me little more then endless collections of minigames and sloppy ports. The PS3, well something “could” happen. Now I sit in front of a new PC preparing for the next LAG LAN party this weekend. To my left sit an assortment of classic consoles NES, Genesis, etc… To my back stands a 5ft. cardboard Mario like the Sword of Damocles assuring you that I will never weave lies in the tapestry of my opinions.

Facts and Thoughts:Fact: If I played every game half as well as I trash talked I would be unstoppable. But then where would the fun be?

Thought: A Gamecube and PS2 orgy would result in the perfect game controller.