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Episode 426: Connoisseur of Chaos

by James Jones, Jon Lindemann, Jonathan Metts, and Guillaume Veillette - April 19, 2015, 10:33 pm EDT
Total comments: 51

James is delighted by nearly everything on this episode, which features another infamous FPS and the return of the Listener Mail Lighting Round... or maybe it's better named the (Lords of) Thunder Round!

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There's something special about this episode, and it's not just that we may have set a new record for the number of emails included. No, it's that James is particularly giddy and demented, a condition incited by the recent Smash Bros. update's portal to all the custom level treasures/garbage he could ever want. Next up is Code Name STEAM, now running much more smoothly and subject to a deeper critical analysis by Jonny. At issue: what happens when a game gives you lots of interesting choices for tactical readiness, but no information upon which to base those decisions? The next Club Nintendo reward to be featured on the show comes from Lindy, who catches up with ocho authentico New Super Mario Bros. 2. That gets us talking about reviews, which leads perfectly into one of Jon's most famous reviews, for a game that Guillaume is playing for some damn reason -- The Conduit! He also tries Skip Ltd.'s experiment in charming realism, Chibi-Robo: Photo Finder. And, just because, Gui also dredges up the epitome of late 90s 3D platformers... yes, we're talking about Donkey Kong 64, now available (if you dare) on the Wii U Virtual Console.

Your email game has been strong lately, and there are way too many interesting questions to give them all the usual, in-depth treatment. So, we decided it was time to bring back an old experiment that, frankly, hasn't worked very well until now. It's the Listener Mail Lightning Thunder Round, and for once, we kept on pace to blast through a huge pack of questions. Hopefully, you'll agree that we still did some justice to these topics, despite the unprecedented pace. We may do this kind of thing more often, since it worked out quite well this time, but more substantial discussions will of course still happen as needed. Whether big or small, your email can become part of the show with just a few keystrokes!

Be sure to check out Jonny's recent guest appearance on the wonderful Radio Trivia: Podcast Edition, where he tries to stump our friend TYP. And by the way, now would be a good time to start playing Twilight Princess, as we'll be covering this lengthy game on the show in roughly one month. If you get stuck or have a keen observation, that RetroActive forum thread is up and running for just such purposes. And hey, did you know the RFN crew is actively competing in the NWR Smash Bros. Tournament? We made it to the playoffs... so be sure to follow a new round each week, right here on Nintendo World Report and the NWR TV YouTube channel!

This episode was edited by Jonathan Metts and James Jones. The "Men of Leisure" theme song was produced exclusively for Radio Free Nintendo by Perry Burkum. Hear more at Bluffs Custom Music.

Talkback

I now understand James Jones in such a way that I am legitimatley skeeved out. I thought there had to be some level of facade to his curmudgeonly persona, and that I would see the day where he drops it and legitimatley gushes about something without a drop of cynic vitriol. we almost got there with Xenoblade Chronicles sans Reyn, but... I now understand what it is James Jones is.

Funny I should be listening to this podcast on Adolf Hitler's 126th birthday.

broodwarsApril 20, 2015

It's worth noting that along with "there's no time," the other favorite method of hand-waiving a story movement in a game or film is for a character to say "it wasn't easy."  :P: There's a fair amount of both of these in The Evil Within, the last major game I played.

SorenApril 20, 2015

The last strategy guides I bought were for the first NA Fire Emblem and for Wind Waker. The fold out map on the Wind Waker guide was pretty good.

eggface123April 20, 2015

I just wanted to thank you for marking the new business parts so I can easily skip the James Jones part.

NintendadApril 20, 2015

Quote from: eggface123

I just wanted to thank you for marking the new business parts so I can easily skip the James Jones part.

Serious? That's an option now? I finally gave up on this show after years of listening b/c I find him annoying to the point its not worth the listen. But if you can now easily skip parts, I may d/l again.

Nintendad, the AAC version has chapters, so be sure to download that version if you want the option of skipping segments.

I bought the Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire strategy guide to hit free shipping on an inexpensive piece of podcast equipment. /shrug

Also, I'm proud to make my Now Playing debut.

I don't buy a lot of guides, but I do buy some still. The last one I bought was the Zelda MM 3D one, sometimes I like having them just to look through and as a bit of a collector's piece. I may pull them out for some help every so often, I did use my Skyward Sword one towards the end.


I've actually recently bought some classic N64 guides, Banjo Tooie and DK64, I think having a visual guide for DK may be good to have. Yes, GameFaqs has all the information, but sometimes it's easier to understand when there are pictures and you can flip through the pages quickly and easily.


I also do what Gui mentioned, simply google a specific question and it has usually been answered.

So, after reeling for a while from coming to the stunning conclusion that James Jones may just be the anti-christ, I was finally able to listen to more of this episode.

Gui, I urge you to play more Dunkey Kong 64 as well. I spoke with you guys with my voice 2 years ago about that game during the third year of telethon, and i want some real closure. it's not just the ooakey cutscene style, weid camera and such... it's that these rare games saddle your character with a TON of extra abilities/mini-games they can only perform. it's the absurdity of some of these collectibles and what it takes to progress in Donkey Kong 64. Yes, there's the color-coordinated banannas that only each character can collect that you have to feed to the door hippo, but there's also things like collecting coins to buy the various upgrades, which are either fueled by Crystal Cocoanuts, individual ammo counters musical notes, or what have you. there's also orange grenades that all the characters can throw.

They basically took all of banjo/Kazooie's overcomplicated move set and spread it over 5 characters while sprinkling in new stuff, and while that's all fine and dandy, it's a lot of keeping track of things through these huge levels and realizing what sections are exclusive to what kong, which kong can play what mini-game to get this golden bananna, etc.

The real kicker though is the Nintendo and Rareware coins. there are one of each of these, and they are both required to beat the game.you get one of these from Cranky Kong, who challenges you to play an old ZX Spectrum game and set the high score. the other one of these you get after Donkey Kong gains his ability to pull levers, unto which you are then tasked with playing through all 4 levels of Donkey Kong on 1 life on the hardest difficulty setting for the arcade cabinet. when you lose, you are booted out of the arcade game and go through a screen transition where you have to watch DK's lever pulling animation and hear the cranking of that music box that scrapes at the back of my mind every time I see that mugging ape's face.


Gui. I want you to play this game all the way to Hideout helm. Invite Sharon to help you. let her play any sections that involve lanky or tiny kong or hand off or something. play the awful split-screen multiplayer or the Engarde' mini-game against each other. something. I want you to experience this game, and I want you to tell me if me and James are just blowing smoke out or asses or if the trauma is real.


Johnny... First of all, Chrono Cross. Play it. it's pretty great when you get past the morbid depression of the game's themes and the weird combat/character drafting system. and if you can't accept Chrono Cross as a sequel, then why not Radical Dreamers? there's a fan translation out for that, and people figured out how to peacemeal most of those satellaview games back together through romhacking!

Second, I don't know if you remember a lil' gem on the Xbox 360 called Blue Dragon that was directed by Sakaguchi, scored by Uematsu, art design was done by Toriyama, etc... actually, it's the game I got with my 360, and I never finished it. I think that's your proof that Chrono Trigger is better off left alone.


Honestly, game announcement that would freak me the fuck out? Startropics 3 developed by Next Level games would be something of that level. The problem is that about 3 years ago, I would have answered this question with " A Yoshi platformer made by good-feel"  and now that's happening. :x I mean, Yoshi's Wooly world isnt' what I would have exactly envisioned, as I would have described my dream game as something that looks similar to the japanese Yoshi's Island commercials. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41g6YrbRfYo  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pestMSoNPDE I really love Wario Land Shake-It's art style... and I would have LOVED for there to be a Yoshi game to bear that sort of art.

oh, and a Treasure/Platinum Games joint venture brainchild product that OOZES style and score attack replay value.

gojiraApril 23, 2015

I've recently played through Final Fantasy Tactics for the PSone and everything Johnny was saying about Codename: STEAM was really reminding me of this game.  I love a lot of aspects of FFT, but I hated having to choose my team not knowing the map I was going to play on or what kind of enemies I would encounter.  Sure story missions would always be the same, but at best you had a vague idea of what to expect during a random battle.  And that's if you were paying attention to where it was triggered. 

I never knew if I could send out my characters that needed leveling or if I was going to end up wasting my strong people on low level battles.  And it was pretty much guaranteed that I'd have to restart a story level once I knew what to expect.  The fact that there's perma-death didn't make anything easier either.

This is seriously a major problem in my mind.  Now I'm not so sure if I'm going to get this game.

Quote from: gojira

I've recently played through Final Fantasy Tactics for the PSone and everything Johnny was saying about Codename: STEAM was really reminding me of this game.  I love a lot of aspects of FFT, but I hated having to choose my team not knowing the map I was going to play on or what kind of enemies I would encounter.  Sure story missions would always be the same, but at best you had a vague idea of what to expect during a random battle.  And that's if you were paying attention to where it was triggered. 

I never knew if I could send out my characters that needed leveling or if I was going to end up wasting my strong people on low level battles.  And it was pretty much guaranteed that I'd have to restart a story level once I knew what to expect.  The fact that there's perma-death didn't make anything easier either.

This is seriously a major problem in my mind.  Now I'm not so sure if I'm going to get this game.

Clearly you weren't spamming enough Calculators.


Spam more calculators. or... if your'e not that far in the game, y'know... perform the accumulate circle-jerk. fun times, that is!

KobeskillzApril 23, 2015

Hi guys I’m new to the site and these forums.

Great podcast and I’ve been catching up with a ton of past episodes the last year.

I had my email read about amiibo on this episode but I was peeved that James Jones just kept interrupting. If they were sitting across from ea other I get the feeling Guillaume would jump the table and beat him down sometimes lol.

Keep in mind that interruptions are often unintentional, due to the nature of Skype. How much of that you hear in the episode depends a lot on who's editing and how much tampering he has decided to do on that particular discussion. The level of cross-talk we leave often depends on the seriousness of a topic, or how clearly a person can be heard over the noise, and other factors. To hear how we converse more naturally when not using Skype, listen to episode 400 or the PAX panels.

Fatty The HuttApril 23, 2015

The James Jones backlash begins. Very interesting.

KobeskillzApril 23, 2015

Quote from: Jonnyboy117

Keep in mind that interruptions are often unintentional, due to the nature of Skype. How much of that you hear in the episode depends a lot on who's editing and how much tampering he has decided to do on that particular discussion. The level of cross-talk we leave often depends on the seriousness of a topic, or how clearly a person can be heard over the noise, and other factors. To hear how we converse more naturally when not using Skype, listen to episode 400 or the PAX panels.

Yeah true I'll keep that in mind.

KobeskillzApril 23, 2015

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

The James Jones backlash begins. Very interesting.

??? I don't get it?

Quote from: Kobeskillz

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

The James Jones backlash begins. Very interesting.

:confused; I don't get it?

James is a very devisive part of the show. he is either the cynical glue that holds the whole podcast together, or he is the thing that breaks the show for others and makes them not want to listen.

I find his crumudgeonly charm to be fun and more often than not, I laugh my ass off at some of the punctuation he jumps into a conversation with. My pokes at him in above posts are in jest, as I've expressed that he's probably my favorite member of the gang several times in the past. (Not a knock against you guys though because you are all important pieces to the puzzle to make it work, especially Lindy. That's why Now Playing has become amazing ever since you let the goon squad take over that.)

KobeskillzApril 23, 2015

Quote from: ClexYoshi

Quote from: Kobeskillz

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

The James Jones backlash begins. Very interesting.

:confused; I don't get it?

James is a very devisive part of the show. he is either the cynical glue that holds the whole podcast together, or he is the thing that breaks the show for others and makes them not want to listen.

I find his crumudgeonly charm to be fun and more often than not, I laugh my ass off at some of the punctuation he jumps into a conversation with. My pokes at him in above posts are in jest, as I've expressed that he's probably my favorite member of the gang several times in the past. (Not a knock against you guys though because you are all important pieces to the puzzle to make it work, especially Lindy. That's why Now Playing has become amazing ever since you let the goon squad take over that.)

Oh that makes sense. Thanks for taking the time to explain that. Yeah I'm new so I'm not sure if I'm starting off on the wrong foot but I personably can't stand him as of late. It makes the show less enjoyable but when he's constrained he's fine and blends in fine.

I've been listening to all the retroactives lately and when its not a game he doesn't care about he doesn't even talk most of the time or he's just super negative. The other crew members respectfully tried even it wasn't a terribly exciting game. I do respect his knowledge and dedication though especially for his age but it seems since he is younger he didn't play some of the older games when they actually came out which can make all the difference in the world.

All in all they have over taken ign as my favorite podcast and they do go early in depth and they have very good chemistry. Sometimes it borders on extremely negetive for the sake of negetive but all in all I'm happy to have discovered this great podcast. Cheers.

azekeApril 23, 2015

If you think James is negative, don't go listen to other podcasts out there. Bunch of jaded cynics who HATE videogames, all of them.

RFN is overall much more positive than any other game-related media, WITHOUT falling into open Nintendo (or any other company for that matter) worship. It's just that sometimes you need to talk about a shitty game or some about unfortunate event -- what are you going to do? You spice it up a bit with humour as much as you can.

I will take 10 James' over a single Brad or Jeff from GB.

KobeskillzApril 24, 2015

I guess I haven’t listened to enough podcast to know the difference.

I just feel sometimes they just hate on a game or feature just because or even without trying it you know.

Like going back and listening to old episodes since I’m catching up I can think of a bunch of times.

Johnny hating on Mario Golf 3DS when it’s a good game.
Johnny hating on Kirby 3DS when it’s a good game.
Someone hating on Super Mario 3 ( how does that happen!)
Hating on pokemon Y for not having a readily accessible map. Mmmm did anyone press select!!!

Maybe I’m much more forgiving when it comes to certain stuff. I really do appreciate that it is critical though and that they just don’t give Nintendo a free pass but at times it can go overboard.

I feel Greg was the real counter balance to everything. In the old episodes when the guys would go in the deep end with negativity he always knew how to counter balance that with positive points. It was a real pleasure and while his replacement is great and fun he can get sucked in the black hole at times too.

Anyways I’m glad I found this community and I look forward to listening to the podcast every week. Despite nitpickings I really do think it’s the best out there as far as Nintendo is concerned.

Kirby Triple Deluxe was my #1 game of last year.

KobeskillzApril 24, 2015

Quote from: Jonnyboy117

Kirby Triple Deluxe was my #1 game of last year.

Yeah I guess this stuff is still fresh to me since I’m going back to all the old podcast but when Guillaume originally brought up the game you were very dismissive of it. Partly because of your past experiences with Kirby games but in that particular podcast you really just dismissed it despite Guillaumes best attempts to explain how good it was. In fact everyone dismissed it. Even the Wii Return to Dreamland is an excellent excellent game.

You could hear Guillaumes frustration in his voice at trying to really convey how good this game is and the crew just not buying it at all.

Then in a later podcast I think you played it because your niece or something and you said  how much you actually enjoyed it.

Which is awesome but that’s an example at how at times you guys are so quick to dismiss something.

LazersApril 24, 2015

The New 3DS XL's topscreen was changed from a TN to IPS LCD, while the New 3DS' topscreen was not. It actually does make a pretty big difference; I noticed right out of the box that the top display looked much better on my New 3DS XL (I only found out about the specifics of the switch later). So I think it's got a pretty legitimate claim to best designed 3DS over its smaller variant.

KobeskillzApril 24, 2015

Quote from: Lazers

The New 3DS XL's topscreen was changed from a TN to IPS LCD, while the New 3DS' topscreen was not. It actually does make a pretty big difference; I noticed right out of the box that the top display looked much better on my New 3DS XL (I only found out about the specifics of the switch later). So I think it's got a pretty legitimate claim to best designed 3DS over its smaller variant.

what advantages do those changes bring.

azekeApril 24, 2015

Quote from: Kobeskillz

Someone hating on Super Mario 3 ( how does that happen!)

I have my own problems with SMB3 (never played it as a kid, so no nostalgia glasses) so i don't share the notion that someone even daring to criticize such a sacred cow is a blasphemy.

From what i remember Lindeman (i think it was him) clearly defined what were his problems when he replayed the game. I see no reason why one should balk at the gall of him daring to express his opinion instead of actually listening to what he is saying.

People may have different opinions than you or me. They also may also be either more shallow than you or much smarter than you. People may come from different cultural backgrounds. There are all kinds of them on the internet.

One can get angry about their "wrong-ness" which is fruitless, or try to embrace the diversity. Vive la difference.

I'm kinda enjoying Kobeskillz's journey through the annals of RFN history. Dr. Metts has a loooooooong history with this site and Nintendo as a while, and he's usually not that negative. I am a Kirby nutcase (heck, I got a forum account JUST so i could do Kirby and the Amazing Mirror Retroactive) and Johnny being critical of Kirby Triple Deluxe by just hearing about what kind of game it is didn't phase me. the gameplay style, as with all games that bud from ideas of Masahiro Sakurai's, are very, VERY flawed, and some people don't get past that, even if the experience has become so polished.

The SMB3 discussion you're talking about was Lindy not being able to handle the game because of what he later discovered was the 3DS's buttons being tiny for his big old man hands.

I am waiting for when Kobeskillz goes back and listens to 106. or the Muscle March episode.

"I don't have time to explain why I don't have time to explain"

KobeskillzApril 24, 2015

Quote from: azeke

Quote from: Kobeskillz

Someone hating on Super Mario 3 ( how does that happen!)

I have my own problems with SMB3 (never played it as a kid, so no nostalgia glasses) so i don't share the notion that someone even daring to criticize such a sacred cow is a blasphemy.

From what i remember Lindeman (i think it was him) clearly defined what were his problems when he replayed the game. I see no reason why one should balk at the gall of him daring to express his opinion instead of actually listening to what he is saying.

People may have different opinions than you or me. They also may also be either more shallow than you or much smarter than you. People may come from different cultural backgrounds. There are all kinds of them on the internet.

One can get angry about their "wrong-ness" which is fruitless, or try to embrace the diversity. Vive la difference.

Super Mario Bros 3!!!!

Yes I grew up with this game but man is hard to believe anyone not liking it. Anyone.

I remember that episode clearly and trust me it sounded really bad for him.

One of his things was that the game is hard. HARD!?

I actually like his options and commentaries but to say Mario 3 is hard is really ridiculous honestly. The NES has some really hard games but Mario 3 isn’t one of them. In fact is really easy. In fact if you know where the flutes are you can skip most of the game and the games gives you power ups galore.

If my then 4 year old self can pass the game then I’m sure a grown man can find a way. Maybe modern games has really soften him.

I do understand that if you didn’t play these games when they originally came out then it’s not the same and you might be more critical. My little brother in law doesn’t like the old starwars movies because he says the special effects suck and they are slow.

Mmmmm….

KobeskillzApril 24, 2015

Quote from: ClexYoshi

I'm kinda enjoying Kobeskillz's journey through the annals of RFN history. Dr. Metts has a loooooooong history with this site and Nintendo as a while, and he's usually not that negative. I am a Kirby nutcase (heck, I got a forum account JUST so i could do Kirby and the Amazing Mirror Retroactive) and Johnny being critical of Kirby Triple Deluxe by just hearing about what kind of game it is didn't phase me. the gameplay style, as with all games that bud from ideas of Masahiro Sakurai's, are very, VERY flawed, and some people don't get past that, even if the experience has become so polished.

The SMB3 discussion you're talking about was Lindy not being able to handle the game because of what he later discovered was the 3DS's buttons being tiny for his big old man hands.

I am waiting for when Kobeskillz goes back and listens to 106. or the Muscle March episode.

Ohhhhh that would make total sense!!!! These games are terrible on the 3DS. The control layout is just plain stupid. I can’t play them at all with that set up.

That makes more sense to me really if that’s the case.

Yeah it’s fun listening to all these classic episodes. Listening to the old ones and then the new ones gives me a nice contrast of how they were and how they are. I guess this stuff bugs me more since I listen to them back to back so closely together. Like the Kirby thing.

It’s been fun ride. I listen to about 3-4 a day at work!

I love the retroactives. Though is interesting to hear the criticism at times since I played all those games when they came out and I remember them much more fondly.

Super Mario RPG I remember when it came out it was lauded for it’s amazing graphics. I thought it looked stunning.

Perfect Dark single player I thought was amazing when I played it and never had issues in Chicago or any level. I passed them all in the hardest mode. Also my friends and I played co op and counter co op for days. It was all great. Interesting to see their take after all these years. Maybe playing them when they just come out in that context makes you look at them more fondly. 

Fatty The HuttApril 24, 2015

Quote from: Kobeskillz

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

The James Jones backlash begins. Very interesting.

:confused; I don't get it?

In this thread alone, we had you, eggface, nintendad and ClexYoshi all expressing frustration with James and his "ways". It's like someone finally saying it has empowered others.
I'm not saying James Jones is Bill Cosby here
I'm also not saying he isn't

I just want to note that I have seeked help and I don't really jump over tables to assault people anymore.

Quote from: Kobeskillz

If my then 4 year old self can pass the game then I’m sure a grown man can find a way. Maybe modern games has really soften him.

I do understand that if you didn’t play these games when they originally came out then it’s not the same and you might be more critical. My little brother in law doesn’t like the old starwars movies because he says the special effects suck and they are slow.

Mmmmm….

The reason SMB3 was such a pain in the ass was because I was playing it on the original 3DS with its terrible D-Pad, which introduces an intolerable amount of lag in your movements, which have to be extremely precise in that game. On a later episode I try it again using the Wii U's Gamepad and it's great. Still reasonably challenging as you'd expect but not outright impossible in parts thanks to a terrible D-Pad with zero responsiveness.

And if you think modern games have softened me, you apparently haven't come across the many episodes in which I sing the praises of Super Ghouls'n'Ghosts, one of my favorite games ever, or profess my love of competitive online play in first-person shooters that most consider "too hard" or "frustrating".

KobeskillzApril 24, 2015

Quote from: NWR_Lindy

Quote from: Kobeskillz

If my then 4 year old self can pass the game then I’m sure a grown man can find a way. Maybe modern games has really soften him.

I do understand that if you didn’t play these games when they originally came out then it’s not the same and you might be more critical. My little brother in law doesn’t like the old starwars movies because he says the special effects suck and they are slow.

Mmmmm….

The reason SMB3 was such a pain in the ass was because I was playing it on the original 3DS with its terrible D-Pad, which introduces an intolerable amount of lag in your movements, which have to be extremely precise in that game. On a later episode I try it again using the Wii U's Gamepad and it's great. Still reasonably challenging as you'd expect but not outright impossible in parts thanks to a terrible D-Pad with zero responsiveness.

And if you think modern games have softened me, you apparently haven't come across the many episodes in which I sing the praises of Super Ghouls'n'Ghosts, one of my favorite games ever, or profess my love of competitive online play in first-person shooters that most consider "too hard" or "frustrating".

Yeah someone mentioned that you were using the 3DS. No wonder man I played those games on the og NES and love them to death but can’t stand them on the 3DS. The buttons are all messed up and the dpad is terrible. With that said though taking that episode without having the context of the other episode where you explain why it still sounded pretty bad.

The soft comment was made because Mario 3 is really easy. I think that’s the general concession that it’s pretty easy. Super Mario Bros was actually much harder. Didn’t mean to offend just trying to find a reason why you found the game so hard which the 3DS controls definitely helps explain that.

The only way IMO to play old games like Super Mario Bros 3 is through an old TV where there is absolutely no lag. Those games weren't programmed with lag in mind and the smallest amount of lag even with Game mode on will completely throw off the controls.

It’s sad actually because people who didn't play them originally will have a skewed opinion on the games and their controls and not even realize it’s their TV’s, emulation, controls or all of the above.

azekeApril 24, 2015

Quote from: Kobeskillz

The NES has some really hard games but Mario 3 isn’t one of them. In fact is really easy. In fact if you know where the flutes are you can skip most of the game and the games gives you power ups galore.

That was one of MY problem -- i don't use flutes and generally don't use power-ups. Why would i skip levels -- i payed for this game. And so i played through all levels of SMB3 mostly as small Mario. It was pretty miserable experience.

Quote from: Kobeskillz

I do understand that if you didn’t play these games when they originally came out then it’s not the same and you might be more critical. My little brother in law doesn’t like the old starwars movies because he says the special effects suck and they are slow.

Here is yet another thing i never experienced as a child. You probably don't want to know what i think of it. ;p

this thread kinda warms my heart and it's not even because of the podcast attached to it. <3

I would like to take this time to say that there are plenty of games that I palyed vanilla back in the day that I would play emulated on any day of the week because I like the crispness higher resolution brings to the pixels, or because I like the rginomics of more modern controllers or such.

Seriously though, Kobe. You -HAVE- to go and listen to episode 106 and then 107 and tell us what you think. those are the finest moments of this podcast.

TheBigKApril 25, 2015

James Jones is a god and Guillaume has shit taste. I'm actually 100% serious right now. James is the reason I keep tuning in every week!

NintendadApril 25, 2015

I'm going to be honest. I've listened to RFN for probably 5  years and it was my favorite podcast during most of that run. But I have not listened to the last two episodes and don't plan to listen to any more. James Jones is the reason. I even sent the crew an email a couple months back letting them know I felt James was becoming a problem. Johnny responded and I appreciated that. They even made a quick reference at the beginning of the next show about not yelling at each other which I know was a result of my email.


When Greg left the show, the balance was thrown off because James assumed a more prominent role. If people enjoy listening to him make snarky comments throughout the show, or yelling at others as they try to explain something, then great. I don't. I think it comes off rude and makes it painful to the listener. I hate it because Johnny is probably my favorite Nintendo podcaster out there and I like that Gui is always trying new games, almost always Nintendo related. But James just kills it for me and makes me not want to listen. There are plenty of Nintendo podcasts out there that keep it positive (without the Nintendo worship) that I enjoy much more.


One more thing. I've listened to RFN shows in which James is fine to listen to. You listen to any show in which there is a guest host of someone not from NWR, but the gaming industry, and James is a different person, much more respectful. However it seems on most shows he's intent on playing the role of a troll. The rest of the crew is apparently fine with him being that way because it continues. It's their show so that's cool. It's not for me anymore.



Quote from: Nintendad

I'm going to be honest. I've listened to RFN for probably 5  years and it was my favorite podcast during most of that run. But I have not listened to the last two episodes and don't plan to listen to any more. James Jones is the reason. I even sent the crew an email a couple months back letting them know I felt James was becoming a problem. Johnny responded and I appreciated that. They even made a quick reference at the beginning of the next show about not yelling at each other which I know was a result of my email.


When Greg left the show, the balance was thrown off because James assumed a more prominent role. If people enjoy listening to him make snarky comments throughout the show, or yelling at others as they try to explain something, then great. I don't. I think it comes off rude and makes it painful to the listener. I hate it because Johnny is probably my favorite Nintendo podcaster out there and I like that Gui is always trying new games, almost always Nintendo related. But James just kills it for me and makes me not want to listen. There are plenty of Nintendo podcasts out there that keep it positive (without the Nintendo worship) that I enjoy much more.


One more thing. I've listened to RFN shows in which James is fine to listen to. You listen to any show in which there is a guest host of someone not from NWR, but the gaming industry, and James is a different person, much more respectful. However it seems on most shows he's intent on playing the role of a troll. The rest of the crew is apparently fine with him being that way because it continues. It's their show so that's cool. It's not for me anymore.

It's funny to see the contrast of opinions regarding the different RFN hosts.  There are times where James seems to be a bit manic in the over-the-top madness he discusses as he talks about the potpourri of unique games he covers in the "now playing", but I think his perspective when they discuss business topics in video games is priceless.  Him & Lindemann seem to have experience or innate knowledge of the business & economics sides of gaming, but he especially is able to communicate effectively some of the business complexities like no one else on the podcast, where the others have more of a "gamers/consumer" perspective to bring to the conversation.


I appreciate you see it as one of your favorite podcasts going down a path you no longer enjoy because of your perceived increased of James-mania, but I imagine it must be truly demoralizing to be given this kind of feedback for something that's a pretty big optional commitment.



broodwarsApril 26, 2015

We all have our favorites and those that are less so. It's just the nature of things. For instance, James is my favorite member of the podcast. He generally plays and likes the kind of games I like, and his snarky demeanor reminds me of my own. By contrast, I've never cared for Gui. He has a fondness for generic 2D platformers I've never understood, and he had the misfortune of following in the footsteps of one of the best & most memorable panelists this podcast ever had. By comparison, he can come off fairly bland IMO. However, he has his place on the show and I respect what he does and the group as a whole is excellent.

KobeskillzApril 26, 2015

Quote from: ClexYoshi

this thread kinda warms my heart and it's not even because of the podcast attached to it. <3

I would like to take this time to say that there are plenty of games that I palyed vanilla back in the day that I would play emulated on any day of the week because I like the crispness higher resolution brings to the pixels, or because I like the rginomics of more modern controllers or such.

Seriously though, Kobe. You -HAVE- to go and listen to episode 106 and then 107 and tell us what you think. those are the finest moments of this podcast.

Ok I downloaded them. I'll listen to them on Monday at work. :  )

KobeskillzApril 26, 2015

Quote from: Nintendad

I'm going to be honest. I've listened to RFN for probably 5  years and it was my favorite podcast during most of that run. But I have not listened to the last two episodes and don't plan to listen to any more. James Jones is the reason. I even sent the crew an email a couple months back letting them know I felt James was becoming a problem. Johnny responded and I appreciated that. They even made a quick reference at the beginning of the next show about not yelling at each other which I know was a result of my email.


When Greg left the show, the balance was thrown off because James assumed a more prominent role. If people enjoy listening to him make snarky comments throughout the show, or yelling at others as they try to explain something, then great. I don't. I think it comes off rude and makes it painful to the listener. I hate it because Johnny is probably my favorite Nintendo podcaster out there and I like that Gui is always trying new games, almost always Nintendo related. But James just kills it for me and makes me not want to listen. There are plenty of Nintendo podcasts out there that keep it positive (without the Nintendo worship) that I enjoy much more.


One more thing. I've listened to RFN shows in which James is fine to listen to. You listen to any show in which there is a guest host of someone not from NWR, but the gaming industry, and James is a different person, much more respectful. However it seems on most shows he's intent on playing the role of a troll. The rest of the crew is apparently fine with him being that way because it continues. It's their show so that's cool. It's not for me anymore.

Man you nailed it on the head. James jones is nails on a chalk board to me!!!! I've gone back and listen  to a lot of old episodes and he was fine before. Controlled and insightful. Greg really kept him in check. Now he's loud, rude, disrespectful and by far not funny. I mean he's funny 1 out of 20 times probably.

For instance on the last podcast I was so siked that my favorite podcast was reading my email for the first time. Then this bafoon kept interrupting the email. I mean I'm a new listener that's a huge fan and for me getting my emailed read is a big deal. So this idiot should realize that before being a jerk and interrupting and basically saying ok done moving on.

I get he's young and for his age he's played a lot of stuff and he's insightful but he acts like only things he likes are good and everything else is "garbage".

I don't know I'm honestly enjoying all the old episodes far far more. Two reasons. Greg and less jones.

LazersApril 26, 2015

Quote from: Kobeskillz

Quote from: Lazers

The New 3DS XL's topscreen was changed from a TN to IPS LCD, while the New 3DS' topscreen was not. It actually does make a pretty big difference; I noticed right out of the box that the top display looked much better on my New 3DS XL (I only found out about the specifics of the switch later). So I think it's got a pretty legitimate claim to best designed 3DS over its smaller variant.

what advantages do those changes bring.

The thing that stood out to me right away was that the colours looked a lot more "rich" and vivid. There's also a pretty stark difference in how the display (and colours) hold up when you're looking at the screen from an angle. Words don't really do it justice though. Here are a couple pics from a neogaf user:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a59/Mattie0481/7BB73425-23A5-497D-BDF4-FAB7B4D646E2_zpsjc19iizn.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a59/Mattie0481/D6D15979-077F-4937-B8A4-B4C9D2A05B0C_zpswzoocsap.jpg

Those are both the New 3DS XL, so evidently not every XL came with an IPS screen for some reason. Seems very strange and I'm not sure why this hasn't gotten more attention.

broodwarsApril 26, 2015

Quote from: ClexYoshi

Seriously though, Kobe. You -HAVE- to go and listen to episode 103 and tell us what you think. those are the finest moments of this podcast

Fixed that for you.  :P:

Quote from: broodwars

Quote from: ClexYoshi

Seriously though, Kobe. You -HAVE- to go and listen to episode 103 and tell us what you think. those are the finest moments of this podcast

Fixed that for you.  :P: :

Oh shit, you're right! I've derped! X___X yeah, you can't edit posts on talkback forums. Kobe, I meant 103 and 104

Geh, I can't believe i messed that up. yeah. 103.

NintendadApril 26, 2015

Quote from: lolmonade

but I think his perspective when they discuss business topics in video games is priceless.  Him & Lindemann seem to have experience or innate knowledge of the business & economics sides of gaming, but he especially is able to communicate effectively some of the business complexities like no one else on the podcast, where the others have more of a "gamers/consumer" perspective to bring to the conversation.


I appreciate you see it as one of your favorite podcasts going down a path you no longer enjoy because of your perceived increased of James-mania, but I imagine it must be truly demoralizing to be given this kind of feedback for something that's a pretty big optional commitment.

I couldn't agree more with that point. If James is talking about something he seems to enjoy, the business side of games, Xenoblade, or Ogre Battle, he's an excellent podcaster and is a joy to listen to. It's when the conversation turns to things he doesn't care about such as amiibo, or unfortunately 95% of the games out there it seems, that the snarky, rude James comes out.


I think my kind of feedback does have an effect on James but it's not demoralizing. As a matter of fact I think he thrives on it. My take is that he's putting on a show when podcasting. He, and the whole crew, know there are many people that feel the same way I do and it just encourages him to keep it up. As mentioned earlier, take him out of his comfort zone (podcasting with Johnny, Gui, Jon) and he doesn't play that part. Watch/listen to the E3 podcasts where he with different people and again, you get a different James.


I think the crew really needs to read Kobeskillz comment about taking the time to send an email and then how he felt as it was read on air after James being James trashed it. (I didn't listen to the episode but it's not hard to imagine what happened.) Why would Kobeskillz ever want to send another email? I know I wouldn't. I mean one of the crew or an emailer brings up something we all know James doesn't like (such as Metroid) and on cue, it's on. Here comes the groan, the snarky comment to the effect the podcaster/emailer doesn't know what good games are, and then the interrupting/yelling until the topic turns to something else.


I miss the old show which is why I'm posting here. Obviously, I care about the show or I wouldn't even bother with this. I mentioned that in my email to the crew awhile back. I don't mind people going off every once in awhile, it happens to all of us. But it shouldn't be happening each and every show, imo.

I personally welcome all feedback, positive or negative. We put RFN out there for public consumption so naturally people are going to have opinions good and bad, and have topics/features/hosts/guests they like and don't like.  Even non-constructive trolling usually has a grain of truth to it.

I'll just have to start using the cattle prod on James again.

KobeskillzApril 26, 2015

Quote from: Pandareus

I just want to note that I have seeked help and I don't really jump over tables to assault people anymore.

Now you just go through tables!!

Quote from: NWR_Lindy

I personally welcome all feedback, positive or negative. We put RFN out there for public consumption so naturally people are going to have opinions good and bad, and have topics/features/hosts/guests they like and don't like.  Even non-constructive trolling usually has a grain of truth to it.

Right. Although I wonder how much of the distaste some of the people here are expressing rather rudely at some of us individually is just confirmation bias. One of us says one thing one person doesn't like and all of a sudden, that person is an asshole forever. Maybe try to be more impartial as a listener?


I record the podcast, I edit it, and I listen to it afterwards. James has a fairly different personnality from mine, and yet I honestly don't understand how he could get under your skins like that. Yes, bring up Ubisoft, Sega, Sonic or Metroid and you might hear from him, but it's usually one line in a two hour podcast. And in a lot of cases, like when we're discussing "Metroidvania" games during New Business, he's not saying anything at all. So I dunno. Sure, we can all try to not rely on the same jokes over and over again, in order to be a more entertaining, better podcast. But sometimes running jokes work, too, as long as they don't take over the show. I think we're doing fine.


Taking the opportunity to defend myself: in the last 20 episodes, I spoke about 7 2D platformers. Cloudberry Kingdom, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Wario Land 3, Chariot, Shantae and the Pirate's Curse, Xeodrifter, DK King of Swing. Of those, I'm not sure which ones I'd consider "generic", as they all have something unique going on. And while I know we all like to joke that I love platformers unconditionally, I also know that I was critical of all of these.


That's seven games since November. If that's too much for you: tough. This is a Nintendo podcast. You're gonna have to hear about some 2D platformers.


We record weekly, so there is some pressure to have something new to discuss every week. 2D platformers are usually short, easy to get into, plentiful on the eShop, often have couch co-op, and I like playing them so yeah, I'm gonna talk about them critically. I record this show for myself, and for people who actually like Nintendo games, after all. If others don't care for it, then I'm probably doing something right.

KobeskillzApril 27, 2015

Quote from: Pandareus

Quote from: NWR_Lindy

I personally welcome all feedback, positive or negative. We put RFN out there for public consumption so naturally people are going to have opinions good and bad, and have topics/features/hosts/guests they like and don't like.  Even non-constructive trolling usually has a grain of truth to it.

Right. Although I wonder how much of the distaste some of the people here are expressing rather rudely at some of us individually is just confirmation bias. One of us says one thing one person doesn't like and all of a sudden, that person is an asshole forever. Maybe try to be more impartial as a listener?


I record the podcast, I edit it, and I listen to it afterwards. James has a fairly different personnality from mine, and yet I honestly don't understand how he could get under your skins like that. Yes, bring up Ubisoft, Sega, Sonic or Metroid and you might hear from him, but it's usually one line in a two hour podcast. And in a lot of cases, like when we're discussing "Metroidvania" games during New Business, he's not saying anything at all. So I dunno. Sure, we can all try to not rely on the same jokes over and over again, in order to be a more entertaining, better podcast. But sometimes running jokes work, too, as long as they don't take over the show. I think we're doing fine.


Taking the opportunity to defend myself: in the last 20 episodes, I spoke about 7 2D platformers. Cloudberry Kingdom, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Wario Land 3, Chariot, Shantae and the Pirate's Curse, Xeodrifter, DK King of Swing. Of those, I'm not sure which ones I'd consider "generic", as they all have something unique going on. And while I know we all like to joke that I love platformers unconditionally, I also know that I was critical of all of these.


That's seven games since November. If that's too much for you: tough. This is a Nintendo podcast. You're gonna have to hear about some 2D platformers.


We record weekly, so there is some pressure to have something new to discuss every week. 2D platformers are usually short, easy to get into, plentiful on the eShop, often have couch co-op, and I like playing them so yeah, I'm gonna talk about them critically. I record this show for myself, and for people who actually like Nintendo games, after all. If others don't care for it, then I'm probably doing something right.

I personally love the podcast or else I wouldn’t be here and I like all of you as a group and I think you all have great chemistry. But when some try break free a bit from that group chemistry is when imo it becomes worse.

I could care less about james hating sonic or Metroid or this or that but his rude dismissive and loud personally can just be very off putting. I’m not the only one that feels this way either.

I’m listening to episode 103/104 right now and where is that dude!!! He was funny and great to listen to in that episode. Sure he was snarky before but now he’s extreme.

He’s like the Simpsons. He’s become an extreme parody of himself at this point.

Oh and I actually like the platformers talk. Besides the DK64 game I generally agree with your point of views and taste

Fatty The HuttApril 27, 2015

Gui is a man-God with the patience of a saint. He could assert his opinion more forcefully sometimes but I appreciate his restraint too. 
James can be tiresome. Not always. Take the note, James. More often, he's good.
Lindy's rogueish, devil-may-care laziness adds a bit of fun and balance. He's best when he's fully engaged and has something of substance to talk about which isn't as often as I would like, but we all got lives and jobs, so whatever.
Jonny is the glue, the captain, the venerable and sage host. Humble, intelligent, innate, irreplaceable. If he can be faulted, it is for not reigning in James during his "low" moments.

Snark for the sake of it is so old and boring. It's not why I listen. Jokes are funny, snark is pointless. And it's cheap, too easy. I expect better and cleverer material, if you're doing material at all. If not, just chat. We like that.
We're all guilty of snark. I get it. It's fun. It takes effort to not just be glib and stupid and trash stuff. Fight it! It's hard but worth it.

KobeskillzApril 27, 2015

Quote from: Fatty_The_Hutt

Gui is a man-God with the patience of a saint. He could assert his opinion more forcefully sometimes but I appreciate his restraint too. 
James can be tiresome. Not always. Take the note, James. More often, he's good.
Lindy's rogueish, devil-may-care laziness adds a bit of fun and balance. He's best when he's fully engaged and has something of substance to talk about which isn't as often as I would like, but we all got lives and jobs, so whatever.
Jonny is the glue, the captain, the venerable and sage host. Humble, intelligent, innate, irreplaceable. If he can be faulted, it is for not reigning in James during his "low" moments.

Snark for the sake of it is so old and boring. It's not why I listen. Jokes are funny, snark is pointless. And it's cheap, too easy. I expect better and cleverer material, if you're doing material at all. If not, just chat. We like that.
We're all guilty of snark. I get it. It's fun. It takes effort to not just be glib and stupid and trash stuff. Fight it! It's hard but worth it.

I think Lindy is perfect since the mic might be too crowded if he was always talking as well. Kind of like how a color commentator chims in here and there during sports games.

Jones just needs to dial it back a bit. If I hear the word “garbage” one more time I’ll smash my phone, on a table, covered with pillows.

Giu I think is a great and while I agree with Johnny about 30% of the time it doesn’t matter because the guy is clearly the glue and the wheel that keeps car running and in place.

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