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[InfiniteNine]

I used to be bugged by that kind of thing too.

Then, I came across a forum member who talked about the cartridges as being pieces of history. Each one has a story to it. He almost seemed to prefer a cart with a name and some stickers on it than a minty new, may as well have been purchased brand new copy.

He has a point. Our whole fascination with these games is that they are blasts from the past. They represent gaming 25-30 years ago. That's not just Super Mario Bros 3.. It's Hiro's Super Mario 3. He felt the need to write his name on it because he loved Nintendo that much. Although I too was obsessed with the cleaner, the better, I built almost my entire collection across the junk stores in Japan. I would have never been able to afford anything more than the bargains I could find..

As far as Famicom and NES and SNES go, All I need is a cart that hasn't been completely trashed. If there's a name, or a sticker, or something like that on it, it's a kind of charm that is unique to that one specific game. Much better than a giant mark from a magic eraser.

Hrmm never thought of it like that but I went all over cleaning all the carts since they all looked like they took a dirt bath along with the contacts. They all at least look clean now even if there is marker there on one.

 

[D.Lo]

I used to be bugged by that kind of thing too.

Then, I came across a forum member who talked about the cartridges as being pieces of history. Each one has a story to it. He almost seemed to prefer a cart with a name and some stickers on it than a minty new, may as well have been purchased brand new copy.

He has a point. Our whole fascination with these games is that they are blasts from the past. They represent gaming 25-30 years ago. That's not just Super Mario Bros 3.. It's Hiro's Super Mario 3. He felt the need to write his name on it because he loved Nintendo that much. Although I too was obsessed with the cleaner, the better, I built almost my entire collection across the junk stores in Japan. I would have never been able to afford anything more than the bargains I could find..

As far as Famicom and NES and SNES go, All I need is a cart that hasn't been completely trashed. If there's a name, or a sticker, or something like that on it, it's a kind of charm that is unique to that one specific game. Much better than a giant mark from a magic eraser.

I love the history myself. I always leave original price tags on. I love it when manuals have a kid's passwords written in the back.

Too much damage is a bit far, but signs of use are cool.

I just think about how much fun some kid had with it.

 

[Polioliolio]

Hrmm never thought of it like that but I went all over cleaning all the carts since they all looked like they took a dirt bath along with the contacts. They all at least look clean now even if there is marker there on one.

Oh yeah, ya gotta get them as clean as possible, but if that means leaving some marker or stickers on it, hey, that's not so bad. It's the same game as the guy who spent three or five times as much for the pristine version.

It's also fun to know that that cartridge has spent countless hours in a console very far away and entertained somebody for hours.

It's fun to think about anyway and makes even the most worn games somewhat interesting.

 

[InfiniteNine]

Eww Twin Bee has some weird white residue all over it.

 

[Polioliolio]

Eww Twin Bee has some weird white residue all over it.

er... Jizz on the cartridge, that's part of the charm! Somebody loved that game so much that they wanked off on it.

 

[NipplesAndToes23]

Anyone have any tips on tackling Paperboy?

 

[mattiewheels]

I think after a few days of looking through most eBay stores for Famicom carts, I have a deep understanding of what's considered kusoge now. But I got a few cheapos anyway, isn't Ikki considered like king of kusoge?

 

[Shadow Hog]

Just got a new package of games~! Not too happy about the marker on SMB3 though.

Personally, I wanna know why it reads "おおたかかずび3". "Ootaka Kazubi 3" doesn't really mean anything to me.

 

[NOLA_Gaffer]

I think I'm going to treat my Famicom as an arcade machine. I just spent the last half-hour playing Pac-Man and the half-hour before that playing Popeye.

This way the games are cheaper and there's less language barrier to deal with.

 

[Morfeo]

Buy from Raphnet, he makes quality stuff

http://raphnet.com/products/nes_extension/index.php

I also am a big fan of Raph's work. I highly recommend his stuff.

Thanks guys!

 

[RadarScope1]

I think I'm going to treat my Famicom as an arcade machine. I just spend the last half-hour playing Pac-Man and the half-hour before that playing Popeye.

This way the games are cheaper and there's less language barrier to deal with.

I've said this before but I personally love the idea of getting arcade ports by Japanese devs and shoot em ups on the FC. You get cooler artwork on many games and often matching sets like with the early Namco games. And shmups just seem like a natural on a JP console, right? And yeah, less language to worry about.

 

[NOLA_Gaffer]

I've said this before but I personally love the idea of getting arcade ports by Japanese devs and shoot em ups on the FC. You get cooler artwork on many games and often matching sets like with the early Namco games. And shmups just seem like a natural on a JP console, right? And yeah, less language to worry about.

I don't guess Famicom arcade-style sticks exist, huh? I'd love to rig up some sort of tabletop arcade cabinet someday.

Edit: My god this is gorgeous:

But also $150 so...no.

Hmm...

Edit 2: Ooooooooh

 

[Gyrian]

I don't guess Famicom arcade-style sticks exist, huh? I'd love to rig up some sort of tabletop arcade cabinet someday.

Besides the lovely XE-1, I've started to wonder how good this one is:

The design is a particularly tasty kind of 80's!

 

[NOLA_Gaffer]

 

[Saroyan]

Well earlier I had posted that I picked up Shatterhand, it turns out the seller had already sold it and made a mistake by relisting the auction. He felt bad about it and I was able to make a deal with him to get all these games for $80, so I felt pretty good about it.

And then I found a less than perfect copy of Shatterhand at a local store for $30 so it all worked out and I'm set for next months game. The front of the cart has some weird discoloration but it works perfectly.

 

[Teknoman]

I just cant see myself playing anything on NES with a stick. Maybe because im just not used to it? That being said, I wonder if the NES pad really is "the best" all around controller for the system.

EDIT: Those ASCII sticks look great though!

I guess everyone is getting ready with Shatterhand. Alot of you are gonna have some new favorite themes soon.


Oh and anyone not have Metroid 1 for some reason? Dont mind beat up games?

Just post and its yours.

 

[NOLA_Gaffer]

I just cant see myself playing anything on NES with a stick. Maybe because im just not used to it? That being said, I wonder if the NES pad really is "the best" all around controller for the system.

I dunno, it feels strange to play Pac-Man and Popeye with a D-Pad...and it doesn't help that I'm suspicious that the right side of my Famicom's D-Pad is a bit spongy.

On the subject of all those Capcom games, I have no idea how I never ended up with Darkwing Duck in my collection considering how big a fan I was of the show and character growing up.

Edit: This guy is showing off the ASCII Turbo Stick II and it looks damn nice. It's even microswitches, which I wasn't expecting.

 

[IrishNinja]

so, my dogbone controller came in! this thing feels so much better than the classic NES one that'd stab my hands with its sharp edges over time...i really see no reason to ever go back.

and man, i could die exploring the famicom library on this everdrive...mostly messing with the ones in the various top 100 folders for now, but shit there's a ton here.

RGB mod + N8 + dogbone = NES bliss <3

I just cant see myself playing anything on NES with a stick. Maybe because im just not used to it? That being said, I wonder if the NES pad really is "the best" all around controller for the system.

i used the NES advantage a lot (especially after Ghostbuster 2, haha) - it's great if you're used to it!
also, good on you for donating Metriod, hope it finds a happy home!

 

[BocoDragon]

RGB mod + N8 + dogbone = NES bliss <3

So jelly. I don't have any Nintendo 8-bit in RGB yet. Enjoy it dude.

 

[InfiniteNine]

What 3rd party controller would be good to get for my Twin? I'd just use the built in ones but not a fan of the wire coming out the side and short cable length.

 

[RadarScope1]

I recently bought the ASCII Stick II and I've only used it a bit but I can confirm it's great. I am hoping to get an original version to compare. The first appears to be even closer to arcade quality (and looks so cool). But I can confirm the second version does have microswitches in the stick. It's 100x better than something like the Advantage. And it does not appear to be all that expensive though YMMV. I got mine from Yamatoku for less than $25 shipped.

Well earlier I had posted that I picked up Shatterhand, it turns out the seller had already sold it and made a mistake by relisting the auction. He felt bad about it and I was able to make a deal with him to get all these games for $80, so I felt pretty good about it.

Geez. Gargoyle's Queat alone is worth $80. That's a deal alright.

 

[mattiewheels]

Oh and anyone not have Metroid 1 for some reason? Dont mind beat up games?

Hey, I'll take it off your hands...

 

[bearbytes]

Oh yeah, ya gotta get them as clean as possible, but if that means leaving some marker or stickers on it, hey, that's not so bad. It's the same game as the guy who spent three or five times as much for the pristine version.

It's also fun to know that that cartridge has spent countless hours in a console very far away and entertained somebody for hours.

It's fun to think about anyway and makes even the most worn games somewhat interesting.

I actually really like picking up games that are a bit dirty, with stuff like grime, stickers, or marker. They tend to be a bit cheaper, and I enjoy cleaning them and returning them to their former glory, it's part of the fun for me.

 

[catpurrcat]

So are the original Metroid and kid Icarus any good? Or are these in the "not aged well" category? Wondering if it's going to be an exercise in frustration or genuine fun challenge.

 

[StAidan]

So are the original Metroid and kid Icarus any good? Or are these in the "not aged well" category? Wondering if it's going to be an exercise in frustration or genuine fun challenge.

I can't speak specifically about Kid Icarus, but Metroid has at least two problems that put it in the "not aged well" column: (1) The massive password system is cumbersome, and (2) even more importantly, even when entering your password or continuing after death, your energy level always starts at 30 (?) points with empty energy tanks, forcing you to farm endlessly for health every time you die or resume from a password.

 

[OnPoint]

Kid Icarus has a backward difficulty curve. The first world is super hard, and it gets easier as you go. It's definitely worth playing, so long as you push past that initial wall of difficulty.

 

[VARIA]

I can't speak specifically about Kid Icarus, but Metroid has at least two problems that put it in the "not aged well" column: (1) The massive password system is cumbersome, and (2) even more importantly, even when entering your password or continuing after death, your energy level always starts at 30 (?) points with empty energy tanks, forcing you to farm endlessly for health every time you die or resume from a password.

The famicom disk system version alleviates the first problem as it lets you save directly to the disk.

My main problem was the lack of a map system, it's easy to get lost. Just find a map online and it becomes less frustrating.

 

[catpurrcat]

Wow. Those Metroid map and energy issues sound utterly annoying. Yep, pass on that.

Hmmm...any recommendations for someone who likes contra, TMNT 2 & 3, Blaster Master, and the Mario Trilogy? Kid Icarus sounds ok...

 

[TheDinoman]

If you're gonna play Kid Icarus, I'd advise playing the 3D Classics version of it assuming you have a 3DS.

It retains the save system from the FDS version, and also includes a new control option that makes the gameplay much smoother than the original.

The new backgrounds they included for the stages look nice as well.

 

[BocoDragon]

Wow. Those Metroid map and energy issues sound utterly annoying. Yep, pass on that.

Hmmm...any recommendations for someone who likes contra, TMNT 2 & 3, Blaster Master, and the Mario Trilogy? Kid Icarus sounds ok...

I don't think Metroid is any more arcane than Blaster Master. It might be less so. I say give it a shot. I played it for the first time in 2010s and had a blast.

 

[Flizzzipper]

I actually really like picking up games that are a bit dirty, with stuff like grime, stickers, or marker. They tend to be a bit cheaper, and I enjoy cleaning them and returning them to their former glory, it's part of the fun for me.

I feel the same way, it's extremely satisfying.

 

[InfiniteNine]

Ended up ordering some a Hudson Joycard for use with the Twin so I have enough cord length and the wire does irritate my fingers. (They'd feel off after a while.) Looking online they seem like the thing to get if you want a good 3rd party controller.

 

[blast processed]

RGB mod + N8 + dogbone = NES bliss <3

This sounds awesome! I should've picked up an NES and jumped on the BF sale from krikzz.

Edit: I know this is old, but has anyone thought of making this Nintoaster? Video is entertaining.

 

[Teknoman]

Hey, I'll take it off your hands...

Pm me your address.

 

[davidwhangchoi]

Pm me your address.

that's awesome, you're very generous =)

 

[Teknoman]

Its been awhile since i've given away "free to a good home" stuff, so figured i'd get in with some retro stuff. I think the last time we had a good exchange going in the community was...the great PS2 gamestop exchange (back when all PS2 games when on ultra clearance)?

EDIT: Just a thought: When a game is both action and platforming focused, is it an action game or platforming game? Say Mega Man, Ninja Gaiden, Vice: project doom, Kabuki quantum fighter, etc.

Also I cant remember what mag I read that said this...but I had no idea platformers used to be called "technique" games?

 

[Triple Dash]

Well earlier I had posted that I picked up Shatterhand, it turns out the seller had already sold it and made a mistake by relisting the auction. He felt bad about it and I was able to make a deal with him to get all these games for $80, so I felt pretty good about it.


And then I found a less than perfect copy of Shatterhand at a local store for $30 so it all worked out and I'm set for next months game. The front of the cart has some weird discoloration but it works perfectly.

Dang, that's a real good deal. Gargoyles Quest by itself goes for around $75 these days, with Darkwing Duck being around $40.

I can't speak specifically about Kid Icarus, but Metroid has at least two problems that put it in the "not aged well" column: (1) The massive password system is cumbersome, and (2) even more importantly, even when entering your password or continuing after death, your energy level always starts at 30 (?) points with empty energy tanks, forcing you to farm endlessly for health every time you die or resume from a password.

That's only part of the reason I think it hasn't aged as well. That said, anytime I feel like playing it I always find myself leaving that Energy Tank in the ceiling for last for those very reasons. Looking back I don't know why the game starting off doesn't give you a full 99 health bar. lol

 

[OnPoint]

Its been awhile since i've given away "free to a good home" stuff, so figured i'd get in with some retro stuff. I think the last time we had a good exchange going in the community was...the great PS2 gamestop exchange (back when all PS2 games when on ultra clearance)?

EDIT: Just a thought: When a game is both action and platforming focused, is it an action game or platforming game? Say Mega Man, Ninja Gaiden, Vice: project doom, Kabuki quantum fighter, etc.

Also I cant remember what mag I read that said this...but I had no idea platformers used to be called "technique" games?

I call it an Action Platofrmer usually, but if pressed to pick one, I go with action if there's a heavy emphasis on combat.

 

[catpurrcat]

I don't think Metroid is any more arcane than Blaster Master. It might be less so. I say give it a shot. I played it for the first time in 2010s and had a blast.

Done ! thanks.

Also finally picked up the original legend of Zelda. Can't believe I've never played it (seems awesome so far)

 

[Mega]

I have played through LoZ so many times. NES, emulator, GBA, 3DS. Never feels dated for me (can't say the same for Metroid). I will say I'm not a big fan of the second quest. Some of the dungeons and items are extremely well hidden with literally no clues to their location. A guide is mandatory.

 

[blast processed]

I have never played the Legend of Zelda or Metroid at any length. I have them both digitally just never put any real time into either one. Really, with the exception of a few titles the NES library is most new to me.

 

[Huggers]

I play through Zelda once a year on average. Great way to kill a few hours. I prefer the sequel but the first one has a certain charm. Crazy how far ahead of it's time that game is

 

[davidwhangchoi]

Its been awhile since i've given away "free to a good home" stuff, so figured i'd get in with some retro stuff. I think the last time we had a good exchange going in the community was...the great PS2 gamestop exchange (back when all PS2 games when on ultra clearance)?

cool! i did the same over the weekend on the gundam thread and gave away a $65 kit to a fellow GAFer bc i had a double, feels good to seeing you and others doing the same =)

 

[RadarScope1]

If you're going to play Metroid, then Zero Mission is probably the best way to go today.

 

[Timu]

Metroid is a classic, it needs to be played!!!

 

[Mega]

I concur. Zero Mission is amazing. The original power suit is best too!

 

[D.Lo]

If you're going to play Metroid, then Zero Mission is probably the best way to go today.

One of my favourites, but a completely different thing.

For maximum effect you need to play them in order. Metroid 3 directly references 1 so much, and one of the ways it is brilliant is the way it plays with the expectations of someone who has completed 1.

Then part of ZM's brilliance is the way it turns that back around, referencing 1,2 and 3, the latter two retroactively. It explains how certain changes happened to the planet for 3, and needs to be played after it IMO for maximum effect.

All are great games by themselves, but as a whole they are even better.

Play Metroid 1 with saving, a guide and a map and that will do, it's not that hard. It can actually be finished in like 30 minutes!

 

[RoryDropkick]

I have something neat and Famicom-y in the mail arriving tomorrow. Pics tomorrow!

 

[btrboyev]

Personally, I wanna know why it reads "&#12362;&#12362;&#12383;&#12363;&#12363;&#12378;&#12403;3". "Ootaka Kazubi 3" doesn't really mean anything to me.

You can remove that marker with some rubbing alcohol.

 

[catpurrcat]

I have never played the Legend of Zelda or Metroid at any length. I have them both digitally just never put any real time into either one. Really, with the exception of a few titles the NES library is most new to me.

I finally played Zelda today on my original hardware. Went to buy Metrioid and came home with LoZ go figure.

What a GREAT game! I'm not really a current Zelda fan, stopping at Link to the Past. But I do enjoy action RPGs way more in my old age (unlike my love for turn based, back in the day).

The exploration and swordplay is a ton of fun. I'm playing with a visual walkthrough via iPad, so that probably diminishes much of the frustration factor (and allows me time to game elsewhere too). I'm thinking I will use the walk-through first, and do a second play through without, later.

Highly highly highly recommend LoZ.

And this is coming from someone who was on the fence.

Gold cartridge is cool too.