NES/Famicom Appreciation Thread

Yeh I saw that but they seem a bit non-committal at the moment. I'll wait. Or maybe I could get it shipped to my US address, it'd cost about $20 NZD tracked from there.
 
Eh, I just don't push down my carts. I've used the same connector for years and it's still as good as when I first replaced it. Don't push down those carts folks!
 
synt4x said:
Eh, I just don't push down my carts. I've used the same connector for years and it's still as good as when I first replaced it. Don't push down those carts folks!
Click to expand...

I don't anymore since I replaced my connector, but I figure if it's a better way it can't hurt and it's only 20 bucks, also it seems this guy is legit so we'll see where the project ends up. Of course the other option is to just track down a top loader but they are so pricey lately.
 
Gunsmithx said:
Thought this might be of interest, would be nice if it does what they say

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/113891498/blinking-light-win-resurrecting-your-nes/rewards
Click to expand...

That's not a bad idea at all. I kind of like to keep my consoles operation as intended for nostalgia purposes... but it really doesn't change the aesthetic of the NES or the method of inserting a cart all that much.

And it would work better... the VCR-like design of the western NES is exactly what makes it the most fickle console. Famicoms are not nearly as bad.
 
D.Lo said:
It actually looks pretty cool.

Yep what the hell is up with yanks, it would cost $10. Maybe he's getting pitney bowes to ship it.
Click to expand...

USPS Priority Mail International is just crazy expensive and there aren't really better options available.
 
Got some carts in the mail today! This time I had shooter mania I guess. I was going to take a picture but the battery in my camera was dead. Oh well they're only cheap carts anyway.

1943
Gyruss
Lunar Pool
Milon's Secret Castle
Rollerball
Star Soldier
Zanac

I've only tried them quickly so far. Gyruss is surprisingly good. Hadn't really played the NES game before but it seems just as good as the arcade version. Admittedly the arcade version is from 1983 so perhaps that's not mindblowing. It must've seemed quite old fashioned when it came out on the NES in 1989. It has that typical Konami NES music though! Zanac is... hard. A game that requires some practice. Seems pretty great though. I mean it's a shooter from Compile so of course it's good.

I feel like I have most great shoot 'em ups for the NES/FC now. It's not among the best shoot 'em up consoles by any means, but there are still some gems to be had.

Here's what I have now. If I'm missing something obvious then please, recommend away!
Code: 
1943
Abadox
Dragon Spirit
Galaga
Gradius
Gradius II
Guardian Legend
Gyruss
Legendary Wings
Life Force
Section Z
Sqoon
Star Force
Star Soldier
Super Star Force
Super Xevious
Tiger-Heli
Twinbee
Twinbee 3
Zanac

Edit: I'll preemptively say that I don't really want 1942 since it's a terrible port.
 
synt4x said:
Well, maybe if I get lucky lol.

Another great one I thought of now is Crisis Force, which is also pretty expensive although not as bad. And S.C.A.T... I guess it's mostly the expensive ones left. =/
Click to expand...

Crisis Force is worth the money, love that game!
Think you've got most of the good ones, a couple of b-tier ones I like are Hector 87 and Taiyo No Yuusha Firebird - but only pick them up if you see them cheap. Hector even had its own TV ad! http://youtu.be/lC2AIZbw0PE
 
Mzo said:
But Tiger-Heli is also a terrible port.
Click to expand...

Well I got that one from a friend for free, so I can't complain lol. But yeah it's terrible. Both that and 1942 were ported by Micronics. I'd say Tiger-Heli is slightly better than 1942 though. But only slightly.

LayLa said:
Crisis Force is worth the money, love that game!
Think you've got most of the good ones, a couple of b-tier ones I like are Hector 87 and Taiyo No Yuusha Firebird - but only pick them up if you see them cheap. Hector even had its own TV ad! http://youtu.be/lC2AIZbw0PE
Click to expand...

I'll definitely get Crisis Force at some point in the near future, since I really like everything about it. I'd love to have it CIB but we'll see. It's already pretty expensive as it is so I'll probably just get a cart. :P

I think I was eyeing Hector 87 last time but decided to see what Dr. Sparkle had to say about it on Chrontendo and IIRC he didn't speak very fondly of it. So I didn't get it. I'll keep it in mind for next time though if I see it for cheap. It does have a pretty cool commercial after all. And I think what he complained mostly about was the difficulty and that it didn't have any power-ups, not that it was a bad game or anything. Hadn't heard about Firebird before. It seems a bit slow paced but it looks alright. Thanks for the recommendations. :)
 
synt4x said:
I feel like I have most great shoot 'em ups for the NES/FC now. It's not among the best shoot 'em up consoles by any means, but there are still some gems to be had.

Here's what I have now. If I'm missing something obvious then please, recommend away!
Code: 
1943
Abadox
Dragon Spirit
Galaga
Gradius
Gradius II
Guardian Legend
Gyruss
Legendary Wings
Life Force
Section Z
Sqoon
Star Force
Star Soldier
Super Star Force
Super Xevious
Tiger-Heli
Twinbee
Twinbee 3
Zanac
Click to expand...

Other than seconding Crisis Force (and a repro of Recca), Gun-Nac is also by Compile, and while the NES cart is pretty expensive, a Famicom copy shouldn't be too bad. Konami's port of Parodius is really, really good, I almost like it more than the SNES version! There's also Uchuu Keibitai SDF, a technically impressive shmup by HAL you should definitely check out.
 
Rydeen said:
Other than seconding Crisis Force (and a repro of Recca), Gun-Nac is also by Compile, and while the NES cart is pretty expensive, a Famicom copy shouldn't be too bad. Konami's port of Parodius is really, really good, I almost like it more than the SNES version! There's also Uchuu Keibitai SDF, a technically impressive shmup by HAL you should definitely check out.
Click to expand...

Ah I forgot about Gun-Nac. Thanks for reminding me. Yeah I'll most certainly have to settle for a Famicom cart of that. It'll just be a bit of a shame to not be able to read the crazy story in the intro I guess.

I've thought of getting Parodius but had just assumed the SNES version is the superior version and have been planning to get that instead, but I suppose I'll just get them both! They're both pretty cheap luckily.

And whoa, never heard of Uchuu Keibitai SDF before but it seems pretty great. Will definitely put that in the to-get pile.

Regarding repros, I don't have much interest in those. I have a Powerpak I can play crazy expensive games like Recca on if I want.

Anyway thanks for the recommendations. Also is your nick in reference to the YMO song of the same name?



Speaking of expensive games, what the hell happened with Mr. Gimmick the past few months? It has really exploded in value for some reason.
 
synt4x said:
I've thought of getting Parodius but had just assumed the SNES version is the superior version and have been planning to get that instead, but I suppose I'll just get them both! They're both pretty cheap luckily.
Click to expand...

Yes the SNES port is "superior", but the Famicom version was a late release for Konami, and it's a technical marvel they were able to get the game looking and playing as well as they do. I also like how your player ship controls, somehow it feels just a little tighter than the SNES controls, or maybe it's just because I'm used to how Gradius and Life Force play on the NES?

synt4x said:
Also is your nick in reference to the YMO song of the same name?
Click to expand...
Why yes it is, love YMO.
 
Just popped in Rygar the other night on a whim, expecting to play for a couple dozen minutes and get tired of it. Ended up actually finding where to go this time, and went through the whole thing. I had to use a guide to fast track it near the end, so I could get some sleep, but I had a blast.
 
Can you guys help me out. I just got Star Tropics in from an ebay order. The game works but I get graphical artifacts after loading the game from a save. I also can't move. It looks like the character is stuck in place. I tried cleaning the cart but that didn't do anything. Infact the game boots up great. It just doesn't work ingame.

Here's a video of what happens

http://youtu.be/SQv4EGzb8Ts

Update Edit: It kind of works. After that initial spaz out it may or maynot let me take control. Then if I get to the first town it clears up and lets me play. I got through a couple of rooms of the first dungeon and it seems to be working now. Anyone know if it's the cart giving out? Should I try and return it?
 
Jams775 said:
Can you guys help me out. I just got Star Tropics in from an ebay order. The game works but I get graphical artifacts after loading the game from a save. I also can't move. It looks like the character is stuck in place. I tried cleaning the cart but that didn't do anything. Infact the game boots up great. It just doesn't work ingame.

Here's a video of what happens

http://youtu.be/SQv4EGzb8Ts
Click to expand...
Seems like you probably won't find an answer unless you open it up. If you decide to, here's what it should look like. The board isn't dead, but something definitely isn't working properly in there.

Either way, it's not an expensive cart, so it isn't too big a loss.
 
georgetheplushie said:
Seems like you probably won't find an answer unless you open it up. If you decide to, here's what it should look like. The board isn't dead, but something definitely isn't working properly in there.

Either way, it's not an expensive cart, so it isn't too big a loss.
Click to expand...

Well I bought a security bit because I don't own one (finally caved in I guess since I've been meaning to get one for a while). Should I try and return the cart or is there a chance I can salvage this? I wish I knew what exactly was causing the corruption. I've been googling and come up empty. Could it have gotten this was during shipping? The ebay page said it was in mint condition, tested and working. I wonder if they got past the menu to test it.

I saved that site you linked me though incase I do end up taking it apart. Thanks.
 
Picked up some awesome FDS bargains in Japan this week. Games usually $50-100 on eBay for $10 or less, complete.

And finally, the best version of the NES... An original Famicom! $20 near mint at hard-off. Now to get it RGB modded for ten times what the unit itself cost...
 
Yep been waiting for it.

Also I'm making up an adapter to use Nes controllers from the front plug, so don't have to deal with 20cm controller cords. But I've also put a NES controller board/cord inside a famicom controller shell for maximum matchingness!

Pics to come when the whole thing is done.
 
D.Lo said:
Yep been waiting for it.

Also I'm making up an adapter to use Nes controllers from the front plug, so don't have to deal with 20cm controller cords. But I've also put a NES controller board/cord inside a famicom controller shell for maximum matchingness!

Pics to come when the whole thing is done.
Click to expand...

If I were to get an original Famicom, I'd probably replace the cables for longer ones, and/or add a DB-9 somewhere to allow unplugging and easy storage.
 
Khaz said:
If I were to get an original Famicom, I'd probably replace the cables for longer ones, and/or add a DB-9 somewhere to allow unplugging and easy storage.
Click to expand...
It's a very simple converter to adapt the front input, it has full access to controller 1 and 2's functions, see here:

http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25087

And yeah I could also replace the cables, might look into that too. But I like the idea of the original experience (sitting close to the console and using the built in controllers) remaining intact as well.

Anyway I love the original famicom controller, yes even with the side cord!
 
I finally got the security screwdrivers in and took apart that Star Tropics cart... It looks fine. I did get a better look at the contacts though and they look like somebody over sanded them. Any way to recover from that? I polished them with brasso then cleaned them with isopropyl alcohol and the game kind of works now. I even got past the glitchy chapter 2 and made it to chapter 3.

At least I finally got a security bit set. That included the bits for Genesis and N64 cartridges and opens gamecubes too!
 
How much damage in the long ran can polish cleaners do to NES game contacts? I ordered a few games off eBay this past week and the games came in today with residue left over. The gold tinted contacts are already ruined. I used a few cue tips and cotton balls to remove the horrible job that was done to these games.
 
alf717 said:
How much damage in the long ran can polish cleaners do to NES game contacts? I ordered a few games off eBay this past week and the games came in today with residue left over. The gold tinted contacts are already ruined. I used a few cue tips and cotton balls to remove the horrible job that was done to these games.
Click to expand...

If you use something like Brasso it has to be used fairly gingerly, very small amounts and only use it as a last resort if the alcohol doesn't work. You don't need very much and it can strip the gold off the contacts.

Some people swear by erasers or stove top cleaners instead, never had experience with those myself.
 
ZealousD said:
If you use something like Brasso it has to be used fairly gingerly, very small amounts and only use it as a last resort if the alcohol doesn't work. You don't need very much and it can strip the gold off the contacts.

Some people swear by erasers or stove top cleaners instead, never had experience with those myself.
Click to expand...

Yea I use a pink erase and alcohol when I clean the contacts. The seller used a polish cleaner my guess is Brasso or something similar. The stuff was still in the cart when I opened it. I used rubbing alcohol to remove the excess but you can tell the PCB was scratch to hell during the cleaning. The green area right above the gold contacts had some of the green removed. The games seem to work fine but I'm thinking from now on I may stay away from sales that say that the games have been cleaned. Brasso seems like over kill when the alcohol and an eraser do a much better job. At least this method lets you keep the gold on the contacts.
 
synt4x said:
Got some carts in the mail today! This time I had shooter mania I guess. I was going to take a picture but the battery in my camera was dead. Oh well they're only cheap carts anyway.

1943
Gyruss
Lunar Pool
Milon's Secret Castle
Rollerball
Star Soldier
Zanac

I've only tried them quickly so far. Gyruss is surprisingly good. Hadn't really played the NES game before but it seems just as good as the arcade version. Admittedly the arcade version is from 1983 so perhaps that's not mindblowing. It must've seemed quite old fashioned when it came out on the NES in 1989. It has that typical Konami NES music though! Zanac is... hard. A game that requires some practice. Seems pretty great though. I mean it's a shooter from Compile so of course it's good.

I feel like I have most great shoot 'em ups for the NES/FC now. It's not among the best shoot 'em up consoles by any means, but there are still some gems to be had.

Here's what I have now. If I'm missing something obvious then please, recommend away!
Code: 
1943
Abadox
Dragon Spirit
Galaga
Gradius
Gradius II
Guardian Legend
Gyruss
Legendary Wings
Life Force
Section Z
Sqoon
Star Force
Star Soldier
Super Star Force
Super Xevious
Tiger-Heli
Twinbee
Twinbee 3
Zanac

Edit: I'll preemptively say that I don't really want 1942 since it's a terrible port.
Click to expand...

Gyruss and Dragon Spirit were excellent titles. I enjoyed them immensely. Life Force and Gradius are musts.
 
Been playing Metal Gear and it is actually pretty good. I got really far but ended up getting lost so I just shut off the console. Snake's Revenge is pretty good now if only I could stop getting spotted. =D
 
synt4x said:
Got some carts in the mail today! This time I had shooter mania I guess. I was going to take a picture but the battery in my camera was dead. Oh well they're only cheap carts anyway.

1943
Gyruss
Lunar Pool
Milon's Secret Castle
Rollerball
Star Soldier
Zanac

I've only tried them quickly so far. Gyruss is surprisingly good. Hadn't really played the NES game before but it seems just as good as the arcade version. Admittedly the arcade version is from 1983 so perhaps that's not mindblowing. It must've seemed quite old fashioned when it came out on the NES in 1989. It has that typical Konami NES music though! Zanac is... hard. A game that requires some practice. Seems pretty great though. I mean it's a shooter from Compile so of course it's good.

I feel like I have most great shoot 'em ups for the NES/FC now. It's not among the best shoot 'em up consoles by any means, but there are still some gems to be had.

Here's what I have now. If I'm missing something obvious then please, recommend away!
Code: 
1943
Abadox
Dragon Spirit
Galaga
Gradius
Gradius II
Guardian Legend
Gyruss
Legendary Wings
Life Force
Section Z
Sqoon
Star Force
Star Soldier
Super Star Force
Super Xevious
Tiger-Heli
Twinbee
Twinbee 3
Zanac

Edit: I'll preemptively say that I don't really want 1942 since it's a terrible port.
Click to expand...


gun smoke
 
D.Lo said:
Yep been waiting for it.

Also I'm making up an adapter to use Nes controllers from the front plug, so don't have to deal with 20cm controller cords. But I've also put a NES controller board/cord inside a famicom controller shell for maximum matchingness!

Pics to come when the whole thing is done.
Click to expand...

D.Lo said:
It's a very simple converter to adapt the front input, it has full access to controller 1 and 2's functions, see here:

http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25087

And yeah I could also replace the cables, might look into that too. But I like the idea of the original experience (sitting close to the console and using the built in controllers) remaining intact as well.

Anyway I love the original famicom controller, yes even with the side cord!
Click to expand...

Okay you just blew my mind with that NES -> Famicom expansion port adapter. I had been mulling over which of my machines to get RGB modded for like a year (NES or AV Famicom), never even considering the original Famicom because of its short, wired controllers, and non-compatibility with NES accessories like long-corded NES controller and the Zapper. This solves everything.

I think that makes the original Famicom the best machine. Compatibility with NES accessories, a microphone on the wired controller, compatibility with the FDS. Put an Everdrive N8 in that thing and you have 8-bit Nintendo perfection.

I also wanted something that really went with my Super Famicom which is my preferred SNES of choice.

Gotta make that adapter. It looks pretty easy actually... just have to get the parts.
 
BocoDragon said:
Okay you just blew my mind with that NES -> Famicom expansion port adapter. I had been mulling over which of my machines to get RGB modded for like a year (NES or AV Famicom), never even considering the original Famicom because of its short, wired controllers, and non-compatibility with NES accessories like long-corded NES controller and the Zapper. This solves everything.

I think that makes the original Famicom the best machine. Compatibility with NES accessories, a microphone on the wired controller, compatibility with the FDS. Put an Everdrive N8 in that thing and you have 8-bit Nintendo perfection.

I also wanted something that really went with my Super Famicom which is my preferred SNES of choice.

Gotta make that adapter. It looks pretty easy actually... just have to get the parts.
Click to expand...
The OG Fami is a beautiful system when in good condition. It's like a console version of a Game and Watch, with the shiny metal plates on colourful plastic.

Here's my main Fami controller right now, a Famicom controller with an NES cable:

z4vfB2W.jpg
Click to expand...

It's also interesting that in Japan, the Wii U is the first Nintendo console that hasn't been a massive departure from the last one in design. Fami to Super Fami was a huge change.
 
D.Lo said:
The OG Fami is a beautiful system when in good condition. It's like a console version of a Game and Watch, with the shiny metal plates on colourful plastic.

Here's my main Fami controller right now, a Famicom controller with an NES cable:



It's also interesting that in Japan, the Wii U is the first Nintendo console that hasn't been a massive departure from the last one in design. Fami to Super Fami was a huge change.
Click to expand...
You are right. I've had a minty OG Famicom for over a year now, but I've never actually used it since I've had an AV Famicom for years. It's a lot more evocative of the Game & Watch era than the rest of the Nintendo dynasty... And it's a lot more Japanese, or Asian really. I mean, Azuki bean red and Gold? That's not a console designed for the sensibilities of an international audience ... It's definitely a console by Japan for Japan in the early 80s.

Really, the shift came not from Famicom to Super Famicom, but from Famicom to NES. Once they realized they had a cash cow on their hands, they iterated toward removeable controllers, the lockout chip, the third party licensee system, and in house manufacturing of all carts. So the Super Famicom is actually based on the NES model of design, not the Famicom.

But I digress.. You've turned me on to making the Famicom the 8-bit console to invest my money and time in. I eagerly await your setup pics for inspiration. :)
 
BocoDragon said:
You are right. I've had a minty OG Famicom for over a year now, but I've never actually used it since I've had an AV Famicom for years. It's a lot more evocative of the Game & Watch era than the rest of the Nintendo dynasty... And it's a lot more Japanese, or Asian really. I mean, Azuki bean red and Gold? That's not a console designed for the sensibilities of an international audience ... It's definitely a console by Japan for Japan in the early 80s.

Really, the shift came not from Famicom to Super Famicom, but from Famicom to NES. Once they realized they had a cash cow on their hands, they iterated toward removeable controllers, the lockout chip, the third party licensee system, and in house manufacturing of all carts. So the Super Famicom is actually based on the NES model of design, not the Famicom.

But I digress.. You've turned me on to making the Famicom the 8-bit console to invest my money and time in. I eagerly await your setup pics for inspiration. :)
Click to expand...

Super Famicoms are so pretty. Shame we got that Americanized version.
 
Certainly the Super Fami is NES coloured - which is why it is super weird they truly wrecked the design for the USA! Not just the hideous shape, the awful purple buttons!

Anyway I love the AV Fami too, I like all (official) NES designs actually.
 
D.Lo said:
Certainly the Super Fami is NES coloured - which is why it is super weird they truly wrecked the design for the USA! Not just the hideous shape, the awful purple buttons!

Anyway I love the AV Fami too, I like all (official) NES designs actually.
Click to expand...

For a long time, I thought the AV Famicom and the Top Loader were the same. But there are slight differences.
 
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