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Non-NEC Console Related Discussion => Console Chat => Topic started by: Bornist on November 30, 2017, 03:02:23 AM
Title: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Bornist on November 30, 2017, 03:02:23 AM
I'm looking for games like Military Madness or Lords of the Rising Sun, but for the N64. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: turboswimbz on November 30, 2017, 03:06:13 AM
Something other than an N64
May I suggest a PCE DUO.
IF you want RTS there were 3 games on the N64
Command and Conquer and Star-craft.
Ogre Battle 64 - added in edit. the more I think about the more I would classify this as an RPG with RTS elements
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: SignOfZeta on November 30, 2017, 03:24:56 AM
I did the same thing on my own path to learning that the N64 sucked back when it was all brand new. It increases the “good” game library by only a couple of games to be honest and really none of them are worth me even mentioning (except that one, you know). N64 stinks.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Bornist on November 30, 2017, 03:40:57 AM
Yeah, I'm finding the N64 to have a very lackluster library. But I got a good deal on this one, so I jumped on it.
And thanks for the game suggestions. I all ready had command and conquer on my list, but will add star-craft as well.
And I plan on getting yet ANOTHER PCE Duo soon.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: ClodBuster on November 30, 2017, 03:48:14 AM
How do you mod the US N64 to play Japanese games? Is it just by removing some plastic tabs, similar to the SNES?
For PAL consoles, having a region mod may be worthwhile to play some of the older 1996-1997 era games at 60 Hz (e.g. Mario Kart 64). Not worth for the majority of Rareware games though, since they were running equal in PAL and NTSC regions right from the beginning.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on November 30, 2017, 04:02:58 AM
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on November 30, 2017, 05:38:13 AM
The N64 seems to be the ultimate polarizing system. In general, millenials overrate it and the rest underrate it.
If you like racing games, Doom 64 and some quirky pickup and play games (like Blast Corps, Robotron, Mischief Makers), it's a nice system. During that period, I scoffed at the N64 (besides being amazed after seeing Mario 64 for the first time), but now I can appreciate its games from that generation, without having to endure horrendous load times of PSX and Saturn.
I don't think it's essential, but it's not complete shit, like the 3DO, Jaguar or CDi.
With that said, there is Ogre Battle 64, but I reckon you already knew about that one and are looking strictly for imports, of which I don't know of any in that genre. Generally speaking, I'm sure you were aware of Sin and Punishment, but Bangaioh is another one to put in your radar. I think it's better than the Dreamcast version, simply because it feels much more natural to control with the N64 pad.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on November 30, 2017, 05:53:43 AM
I'm sure you were aware of Sin and Punishment, but Bangaioh is another one to put in your radar. I think it's better than the Dreamcast version, simply because it feels much more natural to control with the N64 pad.
I was not aware of those games, so I'll add them to my list to check out as well.
And that is why I picked up the N64. For $50, I got a working system, with all hookups, 3 controllers, 12 games and an official N64 game cartridge holder. Not a bad price. I also have goldeneye and Mario Kart. I like just being able to play a game for a bit, then walk away. I also own a PS4, and even on there, I really only get games that I can just play for a bit and then walk away (like Doom and MKXL). I have Elder Scrolls and Gran Turismo to play if I want to immerse myself in a game.
But I am not looking for something like that on the N64. Sure, I'd like to play a campaign, real time type strategy game, but they are so convoluted and involved that it would take me an entire afternoon just to get started.
And of course, nostalgia plays a small role in me buying it.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on November 30, 2017, 06:02:17 AM
The overrating is true, but there's no underrating. The thing sucked, and still sucks.
When you have to say things like "if you like racing/one FPS/some quirky games", it shows that it was a failure.
It's like the PC-FX.
"If you like dating sims, its great!"---> It was a failure.
I like the PCFX for it's charming nonsense, but it's a POS failure.
Saturn/PSX load times aren't that bad though. I'd take that over muddy ass textures and crappy games.
By your definition of failure, then I guess it was a failure. But then, I would say the same thing about the PCE if recommending to a friend - "if you like shooters, then get it NOW!". But to me, a failed system is one that does not have at least a handful of games worth your time, taking into account the price of entry. You can buy a N64 and a stash of good fun games for peanuts, and have a good time. Regardless of what you think of the hardware itself, it does have fun games.
To each their own, but I don't think it sucks at all. I think that for the price, it is absolutely worth having, if you have the space and time to devote to it.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: lukester on November 30, 2017, 06:24:02 AM
The N64 seems to be the ultimate polarizing system. In general, millenials overrate it and the rest underrate it.
If you like racing games, Doom 64 and some quirky pickup and play games (like Blast Corps, Robotron, Mischief Makers), it's a nice system. During that period, I scoffed at the N64 (besides being amazed after seeing Mario 64 for the first time), but now I can appreciate its games from that generation, without having to endure horrendous load times of PSX and Saturn.
I don't think it's essential, but it's not complete shit, like the 3DO, Jaguar or CDi.
With that said, there is Ogre Battle 64, but I reckon you already knew about that one and are looking strictly for imports, of which I don't know of any in that genre. Generally speaking, I'm sure you were aware of Sin and Punishment, but Bangaioh is another one to put in your radar. I think it's better than the Dreamcast version, simply because it feels much more natural to control with the N64 pad.
nopepper has the right idea. N64 isn't a perfect system but it's got some fun games, some of which are still cream of the crop in their genres. It probably has about 50-60 solid games worth owning.
OP if you want arcadey type games, selection is a bit limited but anything by Midway is fair game. There's of course a large amount of racing games on the system, such as the Rush series, Ridge Racer 64, F-Zero, and 1080 Snowboarding
Turok 3 is also a relatively unknown yet classic fps that I'm surprised still doesn't have a pc port yet.
Could also get the tony hawk games, which have better graphics if you don't mind the butchered soundtracks. Tony hawk 3 is fun to own for shits and giggles, as it was the last n64 game ever made yet is pretty cheap ($20 for a boxed copy).
If you want to region mod, you can play some of these games. I'm not sure if english language repros require a region mod of if they have US cart shape.
Animal Crossing Bangai-O Sin and Punishment (pretty f*cking outstanding) Shiren the Wanderer 2 Puyo Puyo Sun Custom Robo 1 and 2 AKI Japanese pro wrestling games (these have a really niche following) Dezaemon Evangelion (if you like the show)
64DD is a shitheap. Don't bother.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: crazydean on November 30, 2017, 06:33:02 AM
It seems that this conversation comes up pretty often. PSX load times were shit. Also, when handled well, like Super Mario 64, the graphics could look nice. At least it didn't have that weird, jumping graphix BS that the PSX had. Like how a wall would suddenly change shapes as you got closer to it.
The library was surprisingly lacking in many genres, though. But, there were some good exclusives like Conker's Bad Fur Day and Pokemon Snap that are must-plays.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on November 30, 2017, 06:58:51 AM
I have no nostalgia for this system, as I was strictly a PSX guy when I was in college. The N64 came out when I was about to graduate, so I never really got into it during those years where I had the most time to play games (especially multiplayer). I later played some Goldeneye multiplayer, and it was definitely fun, but the frame rate is pretty harsh by today's standards.
I was given the system back in 99 by a friend who was going to toss it, and I have neglected it since until about 2 years ago, when I realized there were some decent games you could get for 5-10 bucks loose. So I was like "hey, lets try it!" and I've been pleasantly surprised. The lack of load times in 3D games seems surreal.
Off the top of my head, here are some fun games that wont break the bank and are worth my time: -Wipeout 64 -Doom 64 -Paper Mario -Mario 64 -Star Soldier -Robotron 64 -Waverace (!!!) -Blast Corps -Mario Golf -Fzero x -Ogre Battle 64 -Excitebike 64 -Starfox
If you have cash to blow -Sin and Punishment -Bangaio
With that said, the PSX and Saturn are much better systems, even with their own shortcomings. The PSX has a much larger selection of great games, and the Saturn has one of the best shooter libraries ever. I can understand somebody rating the N64 over the Saturn, if they are not into shooters or fighters, but not the PSX.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: lukester on November 30, 2017, 07:27:26 AM
Have forgot one thing...
Region modding is a way to get past increasing game prices, similar to what some people do with the snes.
Mario 64 is a $30 game cart only, but the japanese version can be had for $5. Few people have caught on to this although I do see plenty of japanese smash bros carts for sale lately.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Black Tiger on November 30, 2017, 08:07:40 AM
Ogre Battle 64 is the closest thing you'll find to Lords of the Rising Sun.
Anyone going to spens serious time pkaying N64 games should first get an Everdrive 64 and get all of the no-filter hack patches. It makes many games playable and you can try out different versions of games before blindly buying anything and there are a lot of cool hacks/custom games out there.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Gredler on November 30, 2017, 08:31:47 AM
Ogre Battle 64 is the closest thing you'll find to Lords of the Rising Sun.
Anyone going to spens serious time pkaying N64 games should first get an Everdrive 64 and get all of the no-filter hack patches. It makes many games playable and you can try out different versions of games before blindly buying anything and there are a lot of cool hacks/custom games out there.
+1 for Ogre Battle fitting your criteria, not sure if much else will.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: SignOfZeta on November 30, 2017, 08:32:06 AM
The N64 sucked because it was supposed to be a sequel to the SFC. Instead it ended up being a completely different thing. If you were too young to have a SFC naturally you wouldn’t care about this. You’d just buy your annual driving game or Nintendo title and be happy. If you like the same game everyone else has and that game involves Zelda or looking like Cruisin’ then you’re good on N64. Otherwise jump in a f*cking lake.
A system with no RPGs or fighters during a time period when we were FLOODED with AMAZING examples of them on the other systems is just weird...weird f*cked and not as fun as a PS/SS.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on November 30, 2017, 08:47:15 AM
N64 failed to push the 3D envelope as hard as people seem to think it did, and failed to capture what games were expected to be there at the time.
The 3D experience N64 provided basically sucked.
Mario 64 is like the only great one, and it isn't even that great. The rest are mediocre.
I liked Chameleon Twist a bit, but it basically sucks too. Every 3D game on N64 had a better equivalent on PS1.
Anyone who thinks N64 had a great FPS library has never touched a computer, and has never played the PS1 FPS games.
Quake II on N64 had a lame soundtrack. PS1 Quake II peed all over it.
Doom 64 was alright, but Final Doom on PS1? Way better. and you didn't have to f*ck off with that N64 controller.
It had Hexen, Descent, Disruptor, JUMPING FLASH COUNTS TOO.
PSX had a much better variety of FPS games that all played better. It's only downside was the lack of 4 player multiplayer.
Everyone's memories of Goldeneye are always "me and my 3 friends at a sleepover on a 13" TV"
its never "man that single player Goldeneye was awesome"
They're talking about how much fun they had f*cking off with paintball mode, donkey kong big headed stupid shit while planning what they were going to do to that friend who wouldn't stop being cheap with Oddjob after he goes to sleep.
"Matts an a$$hole wait til he goes to sleep"
and then he wakes up with dicks drawn all over his face with sharpee.
That's Goldeneye.
People who really love the N64 had to have basically grew up with it in the same way that some of us grew up on an SNES or NES. They don't know what they missed out on. Ignorance is bliss, I guess.
lol, I had this one friend that was an N64 fanboy through and through. He didn't get/touch a Playstation until ~2006.
So he didn't play PS1 for what, a decade after launch? He outright REFUSED to touch it.
After he got a PS1 and some games, I literally did not see or hear from him for a month. He binged on PS1. When I finally heard from him the first thing he says is "holyf*ck I was wrong."
the dude tried to make up for 10 years of lost time in the course of a month and basically PS1'd himself stupid.
now, he only likes N64 for Jet Force Gemini, and the wrestling games.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Gypsy on November 30, 2017, 08:55:46 AM
I played a bit of Goldeneye and a shit ton of Perfect Dark but yeah I would completely agree with "Anyone who thinks N64 had a great FPS library has never touched a computer".
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on November 30, 2017, 09:08:18 AM
No doubt, putting ourselves at that point in time when the N64 was released, it was not worth purchasing as your main system. But looking at it today, it is actually a good system to have in your collection.
For example, say you want to play a quick game of Road Rash or Robotron while the wife/GF dries her hair before going out to dinner...well, you could wait a minute for the PS2 (its what I use for PS1 games) splash screen, the 20 in game splash screens and logos, then wait for the level/course to load up. Or, just pop in a cartridge and almost instantly you are there, in quite frankly better versions of those games than their PSX counterparts (Road Rash is debatable). In some cases, even if the PSX version is better, I opt for instant gratification if I feel the urge to play 3D games from that era (for whatever insane reason).
I think a lot of us judge the N64 as if we were still back in the 90s, instead of looking at it for what it is. Not an essential system, but for the price, a good one for some fun games from that era.
Also, Waverace 64 is worth the price of admission (of say, $25 for the system and $5 for the game). That game is brilliant, blurry graphics and all.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: SignOfZeta on November 30, 2017, 10:08:56 AM
Wave Race 64 is amazing. However the Cube version is even better. Even if I still had 64 I’d never play it.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Gypsy on November 30, 2017, 10:19:59 AM
Wave Race 64 is amazing. However the Cube version is even better. Even if I still had 64 I’d never play it.
You know, I've let other people's opinions keep me away from Blue Storm, although I've always though it looked great. Seems like the majority seems to like the 64 version better, but given that this game can be had for cheap, I will probably give it a shot at some point. (Not anytime soon, as although I've had the 64 version since 99, only recently did it finally clicked with me, after one of those aforementioned "waiting on woman" sessions. Once I got the feel for the game, beating it was a sublime experience.)
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: SignOfZeta on November 30, 2017, 11:32:37 AM
People like the 64 version more because they like the 64 more. As a huge fan of the original I can’t think of any other reason. The Cube one has no fog and in progressive scan you can see for miles.
The 64 one is like a trip to Hawaii...where it rained the entire time. The Cube one removes the rain.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on November 30, 2017, 11:51:57 AM
I find it funny that the N64 is only "OK" years later after it has become cheap and you just grab throwaway games for it and go "this is OK I guess"
Mischief Makers is the only thing I really feel the need to play ever.
and that could've been an SNES game basically.
I don't get why it was even on N64. It feels like a PSX game.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: SignOfZeta on November 30, 2017, 11:57:15 AM
I never did beat Wonder Project J2. I should just go watch some 12 year old super play it.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on November 30, 2017, 02:50:35 PM
speaking of superplay, I made this observation years ago that people who excel at N64 controllers basically suck at any other controller.
I watch these Smash Bros. Savants f*cking suck at basic use of a dual shock controller, and it cracks me up.
They must have brain damage that only allows them to comprehend the N64.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: SignOfZeta on November 30, 2017, 03:47:02 PM
I once got completely owned in MvC2 by a guy who’s weapon of choice was the standard Dreamcast pad.
Yeah, no kidding. I don’t even...
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on November 30, 2017, 04:05:26 PM
I once got completely owned in MvC2 by a guy who’s weapon of choice was the standard Dreamcast pad.
Yeah, no kidding. I don’t even...
The standard dreamcast pad's D-Pad is so weird.
For awhile I was super-good at using it but going back to it I am like "why is this thing so floaty"
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: ClodBuster on November 30, 2017, 05:05:13 PM
I got the N64 in 97 after I had already experienced previous Nintendo systems as well as Sega's Game Gear and Mega Drive, and a PC. I had fun with it. Regarding polys, even as a child I knew in my mind that 3D graphics shouldn't be looking that blocky as they did in that era. Also, the frame rate of most N64 games was lacking, but if you owned a PC at the time you were used to seeing crap frame rates if you tried newer 3D games that came out the next day after you bought your PC. The PC technology aged so fast once you got the machine home and set it up, it was only worth half what you paid for it. .
Wave Race 64 is amazing. However the Cube version is even better.
No. Just no.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on November 30, 2017, 06:24:49 PM
They had a commercial like that with the dated PCs actually.
Dude gets a new PC, drives by a billboard on the way home and sees the next model is for sale and hes like WTF.
N64's framerate on so many games was just shit, and the games themselves didn't make up for it.
Honestly, nothing on N64 comes close to the enjoyment I had from Metal Gear Solid or Tenchu
It's just not there.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: ClodBuster on November 30, 2017, 07:10:23 PM
I don't see many reasons to buy N64 cartridges today.
The popular games have been emulated rather well on the Wii Virtual Console, with clean 480p resolution and a somewhat steady framerate. The controls are mostly ported to the Wii Classic Controller/Pro and GameCube controller rather well, the few games that benefit from a real Nintendo 64 controller are F-Zero X and Mario Kart 64 (A-B button layout and digital shoulder buttons). And for this case, there are adaptors available that hook up either to the GameCube controller ports or Wiimote ports by Raphnet (http://www.raphnet-tech.com/). However, the original N64 analog stick durability has the same reputation as the power glove... it's so bad. Good thing there are ways to get around this, I've already mentioned them in the other N64 threads on PCEFX. Of course, there are still some BGM issues in scene transitions during loading, and neither rumble pak nor controller pak support, but it's easy to get over them.
Then, there are the ports of popular Rareware games on Xbox (Conker), Xbox 360 (Perfect Dark, the Banjo games) as well as the Rare Replay compilation on Xbox One. Some of them are completely redone graphically, while others feature just minor graphical improvements.
Then, there are other N64 ports on the GameCube, like Doshin and Animal Crossing, as well as the Zelda games, also in 480i (maybe 480p?). There's even rumble pak support, wrrryyyyyy!
EDIT: Turok 1 and 2 have been ported to PC twice, the second time they got updated to work with modern PCs. Available on GoG and Steam.
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron was also ported to PC back in the day and is available on GoG and Steam.
2D Puzzle games (Puyo Puyo Sun, Taisen Puzzle Dama, etc.) are available for PS1 for the most part and look better on Sony's console thanks to the lack of wishi-washy-filtering.
EDIT2: Regarding GoldenEye, I was more focused beating the singleplayer mode on 00 agent difficuilty. I also played with friends, but soon enough they wouldn't want to play with somebody that manages to beat them every so often. Pussies. I didn't even know about Oddjobb, and I despised Slapper's Only. Who f*cking cares, since Oddjobb is so small I think it is even more easy to pull off headshots on that little bastard. Hell, who knows why people today talking about Oddjobb and Slapper's Only as if these were the only two things worthwile to remember about GE007. Also the same goes for Mario Kart 64, don't blame me if I rip your ass in battle mode Block Fort stage if you decide to stay on the lower lanes and get shot by shells instead of moving up to the top platforms. Again, pussies.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: SignOfZeta on December 01, 2017, 02:39:08 AM
I played Goldeneye for about a half hour. I couldn’t see anything. It sucked.
I have to say, I loathe FPS so that’s a factor. I wasn’t playing them on my computer so I didn’t need shittier versions that cost more.
Also, I saw the movie Goldeneye in the theater and hated it, that may also have been a factor.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on December 01, 2017, 02:44:50 AM
N64's framerate on so many games was just shit, and the games themselves didn't make up for it.
Honestly, nothing on N64 comes close to the enjoyment I had from Metal Gear Solid or Tenchu
It's just not there.
So you honestly don't feel games like Mario, FZero, Waverace, Starfox, heck, even stuff like Wipeout, make up for frame rate issues?!? I think those (and the ones I've mentioned before) are still excellent, fun, well designed games, even with the shortcomings of the hardware. Kinda like how I feel about Atlantean; another game with frame rate issues (might not be the technical term), but well designed and fun. ;)
If we are going to compare PSX's library to N64, then of course the N64 will look like shit. But the same can be said of the Saturn. That doesn't mean the Saturn sucks. Or the N64.
And I'd rather play the real hardware rather than emulate, warts and all. If we were talking about N64 carts costing as much as Turbo, then it would not make any sense grabbing them. But given that the majority can be had for less than 20-30 bucks, if you prefer to play in real hardware, you might as well go for it.
Like I said before, to each their own. It just always seems that when it comes to talking about 16-bit and PSX/N64 eras, the 15 year old in the majority of us comes out in these debates.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Black Tiger on December 01, 2017, 03:04:10 AM
The N64 library's much narrower variety is comprised mostly of the kinds of games in which framerates have a much larger impact. Games like Riglord Sagas, Daisenryakus, Megami Tenseis, Final Fantasys, etc literally din't have their gameplay affected by lower framerates. Unlike all of those N64'ified/cart compromised versions of traditional games and genres, where everything they can get away with and too much they didn't was forced to be realtime 3D and the rest are pretty much all reliant on realtime 3D gameplay.
Framerate issues also have a much bigger impact and are much more noticeable when they're rendering visuals with minimal detail and variety, which is then distorted with several layers of filtering and reduced draw distance due to fog. It's bad enough when you're struggling to discern what onscreen is shooting at you. Anything less than a smooth framerate just kills it altogether.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: crazydean on December 01, 2017, 03:14:58 AM
As much as I enjoy the N64, I don't see how anyone could find Goldeneye to be good in 2017. In fact, every FPS on the system gives me a headache after about 10 minutes of playing.
FPS, like sports games, just don't age well. Unless the developer shits the bed, newer is better in these genres.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: lukester on December 01, 2017, 03:47:48 AM
Then, there are other N64 ports on the GameCube, like Doshin and Animal Crossing, as well as the Zelda games, also in 480i (maybe 480p?). There's even rumble pak support, wrrryyyyyy!
Majora's Mask unfortunately has a major freezing glitch on the gamecube. Framerate is also somehow even lower.
It's pretty interesting that people have extracted the Master Quest rom and put it on cartridges though.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Bloufo on December 01, 2017, 03:50:01 AM
If, for whatever reason, you're going to be maybe showing off or introducing some of your older/vintage systems and games to someone with little or no experience in the hobby, don't pick the N64.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: ClodBuster on December 01, 2017, 04:05:11 AM
Good thing I didn't encounter that MM glitch. What does it exactly do and how does it appear? Regarding the framerate, MM on GameCube runs at 60Hz exclusively even in PAL regions, so that's a plus for me who had to the PAL N64 cartridge before.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on December 01, 2017, 05:48:29 AM
The N64 library's much narrower variety is comprised mostly of the kinds of games in which framerates have a much larger impact. Games like Riglord Sagas, Daisenryakus, Megami Tenseis, Final Fantasys, etc literally din't have their gameplay affected by lower framerates. Unlike all of those N64'ified/cart compromised versions of traditional games and genres, where everything they can get away with and too much they didn't was forced to be realtime 3D and the rest are pretty much all reliant on realtime 3D gameplay.
Framerate issues also have a much bigger impact and are much more noticeable when they're rendering visuals with minimal detail and variety, which is then distorted with several layers of filtering and reduced draw distance due to fog. It's bad enough when you're struggling to discern what onscreen is shooting at you. Anything less than a smooth framerate just kills it altogether.
Maybe, but none of the games I like in the system, sans Starfox, really suffer from choppy frame rates, or at least enough to distract against gameplay (such as Waverace). The only FPS that I find playable, and it's pretty great, is Doom 64. I thought the Turoks were sloppy even when they were new, and Goldeneye/PD are unplayable today (unless you are a millenial).
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on December 01, 2017, 06:03:09 AM
If, for whatever reason, you're going to be maybe showing off or introducing some of your older/vintage systems and games to someone with little or no experience in the hobby, don't pick the N64.
Haha, as much as I'm defending the N64, it is all relative and I have to agree with you on this (although I wouldn't pick any post 16-bit systems to begin with, as I consider 32 bit the advent of modern gaming).
I'm defending it because it is so often called "shit", when it's really not that bad. I would understand you holding resentment if you got one when it was new and it disappointed with its blurry visuals and limited library when compared to it's main rival. Or you had obnoxious friends that defended it because they were Nintendo acolytes or didn't know any better. But that should no longer be valid to grown ass men looking at vintage, classic, retro or whatever the f*ck you want to call them systems.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 01, 2017, 06:05:03 AM
So you honestly don't feel games like Mario, FZero, Waverace, Starfox, heck, even stuff like Wipeout, make up for frame rate issues?!? I think those (and the ones I've mentioned before) are still excellent, fun, well designed games, even with the shortcomings of the hardware. Kinda like how I feel about Atlantean; another game with frame rate issues (might not be the technical term), but well designed and fun. ;)
I don't like Mario64 at all. It doesn't let me play Mario how I want to, which is running the entire time without stopping basically.
Starfox 64 is too easy and was a giant disappointment.
A few racing games doesn't make up for a goony console when there's also no other options.
As for Atlantean, well, it was made by one person in a basement over the course of ...3(?) years in spare time, for fun. Using the term loosely there because it often wasn't exactly fun to work on when you consider the amount of freetime I spent doing it instead of playing my own backlog of stuff for enjoyment, or doing other things.
I don't even see the point of using it in this comparison since the PCE isn't a lackluster machine that had an onslaught of mediocrity, lol.
If I was getting paid hourly to make Atlantean, and was working at an actual software company on it with an entire team, it would've turned out way better. I tried sorting out framerate issues but gave up when I realized some commercial games like LDis and crap have some slowdown. I just said screw it.
Quote
If we are going to compare PSX's library to N64, then of course the N64 will look like shit. But the same can be said of the Saturn. That doesn't mean the Saturn sucks. Or the N64.
The Saturn's JP library is amazing. The N64s is more of the same garbage. So, you can't say the same about the Saturn...
Quote
Like I said before, to each their own. It just always seems that when it comes to talking about 16-bit and PSX/N64 eras, the 15 year old in the majority of us comes out in these debates.
Its not the 15 year old in us. It's the common sense in us. It's a piece of crap. When you can only excuse it because it's cheap and has a few racing games that make you feel good, it's even more apparent that it's basically a piece of crap.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on December 01, 2017, 06:14:56 AM
Dude, I was complimenting Atlantean. The point of bringing it up was not to compare systems, but to focus on the fact that a game might have some technical flaws (either due to system limitations, 1 man development teams, etc.) but still be fun to play.
The Saturn JP library is amazing, if you like shooters and fighters, and/or are fluent in japanese. And even with those items checked, the library does not have the breadth of the PSX.
In any case, you don't like the N64, cool. I think you are underrating it. To each their own.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 01, 2017, 06:47:59 AM
Dude, I was complimenting Atlantean. The point of bringing it up was not to compare systems, but to focus on the fact that a game might have some technical flaws (either due to system limitations, 1 man development teams, etc.) but still be fun to play.
The Saturn JP library is amazing, if you like shooters and fighters, and/or are fluent in japanese. And even with those items checked, the library does not have the breadth of the PSX.
In any case, you don't like the N64, cool. I think you are underrating it. To each their own.
Yeah I get the Atlantean complement, I just don't see the point of bringing it up for this lol. I guess mostly because comparing a goony game I made to stuff made by pros back in the day just seems weird in general to me.
N64 might have had a better time if they allowed some 2D stuff to exist instead of just being hardcore 3D pushing idiots with everything.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Necromancer on December 01, 2017, 07:14:05 AM
Nobody is allowed to enjoy anything on the N64. Arkhan hath spoken. :roll:
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 01, 2017, 07:20:58 AM
The N64 library's much narrower variety is comprised mostly of the kinds of games in which framerates have a much larger impact. Games like Riglord Sagas, Daisenryakus, Megami Tenseis, Final Fantasys, etc literally din't have their gameplay affected by lower framerates. Unlike all of those N64'ified/cart compromised versions of traditional games and genres, where everything they can get away with and too much they didn't was forced to be realtime 3D and the rest are pretty much all reliant on realtime 3D gameplay.
Framerate issues also have a much bigger impact and are much more noticeable when they're rendering visuals with minimal detail and variety, which is then distorted with several layers of filtering and reduced draw distance due to fog. It's bad enough when you're struggling to discern what onscreen is shooting at you. Anything less than a smooth framerate just kills it altogether.
Maybe, but none of the games I like in the system, sans Starfox, really suffer from choppy frame rates, or at least enough to distract against gameplay (such as Waverace). The only FPS that I find playable, and it's pretty great, is Doom 64. I thought the Turoks were sloppy even when they were new, and Goldeneye/PD are unplayable today (unless you are a millenial).
I was just responding to your comment about why framerate comes up so much in N64 discussion. I didn't bother pointing out that your notion of Playstation games making Saturn games "look like shit" doesn't make sense, especially within the context of framerate.
I also selectively like N64 games that happen to have more balanced visuals to compliment what's underneath, but the N64 fans who get super defensive in these kinds of discussions always bring up lists of lame N64 games and nonsense like "only blurring" matters.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 01, 2017, 08:01:33 AM
When you respond over and over again with "It sucks!", that is what you're saying.
no, when I reply with "it sucks", that means it sucks.
That doesn't mean you can't enjoy something that sucks. The people enjoying it admit it sucks too. Taco Bell sucks and we all eat it.
If you want to imply new meanings to justify your eyeroll emoji, that's not our problem.
back to it now,
Was there ever any interviews discussing why there weren't more 2Dish games like Mischief Makers?
Why didn't they try more things like that since it was being successful on the other platforms?
There probably could have been some really well done 2D games, and the dumbassed N64 controller would've been pretty good for them.
You had Kirby/Tarzan/Mischief Makers, and that was it? I can't think of any other 2D with 3D graphics platformers.
Oh. Paper Mario.
And more Wonder Project J2-esque stuff would've probably been a great time.
It might have made Quest 64 actually good if that's how it was presented....
I just don't get it. The PS1 and Saturn were cranking out 2D games and they were still being bought left and right. Why'd Nintendo basically go "f*ck that shit. we need some really crapped up 3D instead"
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on December 01, 2017, 08:02:37 AM
I was just responding to your comment about why framerate comes up so much in N64 discussion. I didn't bother pointing out that your notion of Playstation games making Saturn games "look like shit" doesn't make sense, especially within the context of framerate.
I also selectively like N64 games that happen to have more balanced visuals to compliment what's underneath, but the N64 fans who get super defensive in these kinds of discussions always bring up lists of lame N64 games and nonsense like "only blurring" matters.
Sorry, my point did not come across clearly. When I wrote this: "If we are going to compare PSX's library to N64, then of course the N64 will look like shit. But the same can be said of the Saturn. That doesn't mean the Saturn sucks. Or the N64.", I was merely talking about the breadth and quality of the library, and not in context to the visuals and frame rates.
Out of curiosity, and perhaps to put this back in topic with the OP, what N64 games do you enjoy?
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on December 01, 2017, 08:08:13 AM
Was there ever any interviews discussing why there weren't more 2Dish games like Mischief Makers?
Why didn't they try more things like that since it was being successful on the other platforms?
There probably could have been some really well done 2D games, and the dumbassed N64 controller would've been pretty good for them.
You had Kirby/Tarzan/Mischief Makers, and that was it? I can't think of any other 2D with 3D graphics platformers.
Oh. Paper Mario.
And more Wonder Project J2-esque stuff would've probably been a great time.
It might have made Quest 64 actually good if that's how it was presented....
I just don't get it. The PS1 and Saturn were cranking out 2D games and they were still being bought left and right. Why'd Nintendo basically go "f*ck that shit. we need some really crapped up 3D instead"
I dont remember ever reading anything specific to why Nintendo did not release more 2D type games, but they also made stuff like Yoshis Story and Kirby, so don't think they were completely against it (like Sony USA during the PSX's initial run).
I think it all goes back to the decision of going with cartridges, which alienated 3rd party developers and thus limited the number of games released, which consequently limited the number of 2D games. I reckon the other factor was that sprite based fighting games, which constituted a great proportion of 2D games during that era just didn't fit into the N64's architecture and especially the controller.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 01, 2017, 08:40:52 AM
Fighting games in general on an n64 controller is a stupid life choice.
You can almost get away with it, but the C button setup is just a little too off for it to work right because the sizes change and it's just odd.
Enix was a two-hit wonder for n64, and only one of the two got released here.
I guess they might have just thought "wow f*ck this brb making Star Ocean 2 on PS1!"
The epics they wanted to make would've required giant carts. Dragon Quest 7 was two discs on a PSX.
that would've been idiotic as a cartridge probably..
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: ClodBuster on December 01, 2017, 08:41:33 AM
When I see and play 2D games like Kirby 64, Mischief Makers and Yoshis Story, I knew I had to make some harsh comments to participate in this discussion and pat myself on the back. But I'm no good at this, even though I'm trying to convince myself. Instead, I played Kirby and Yoshi on the Wii VC, with mixed feelings. But then I've got to admit that I prefer Super Mario World and all the old Super Mario Bros. games over Yoshi's Island any day (bite me).
Regarding the PS1, I use it mainly for 2D games. Shooters, Puzzle and Castlevania. The majority of them being Japanese imports. 3D? Oh well, Tekken 3, Silent Hill and Ridge Racer 4, that's it. Let me tell you that teh JP version of R4 sucks bad due to the lack of Dualshock analog stick support, I had to learn it the hard way. Now I've got both the JP and US version of that game, and no one is stupid enough to buy the JP version from me.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: lukester on December 01, 2017, 08:50:38 AM
Kirby 64 and Mischief Makers are classics. I love mixing and matching abilities in Kirby, there are some super fun combinations. Mischief Makers is fast, fluid, and the shake shake is a fun gimmick.
I'm iffy on Yoshi's story. It's a lot worse than the original, but it strangely has an arcadey pick up and play quality, with the special scores and tons of branching pathes.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: ClodBuster on December 01, 2017, 09:00:20 AM
To me, Kirby 64 is just a tad too slow and graphically unappealing, even when compared to NES' Kirby's Adventure.
I can agree with your statement about Yoshi's Story.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Necromancer on December 01, 2017, 09:20:29 AM
I just don't get it. The PS1 and Saturn were cranking out 2D games and they were still being bought left and right. Why'd Nintendo basically go "f*ck that shit. we need some really crapped up 3D instead"
Probably for the same reason Sony denied 2D games for so long to NA or why NEC pushed FMV with the PC-FX: they thought they knew what the consumer wanted and were reluctant to admit they're wrong... kinda like some people here. :lol:
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 01, 2017, 09:37:22 AM
Probably for the same reason Sony denied 2D games for so long to NA or why NEC pushed FMV with the PC-FX: they thought they knew what the consumer wanted and were reluctant to admit they're wrong... kinda like some people here. :lol:
Yeah I'm wrong about your made up scenario while the rest of us are just talking about the n64 and stuff.
lol. nailed it.
PS1 had a steady stream of 2D games from launch onward, anyways, didn't it? Were there large gaps between JP vs. NA releases for games outside of the usual translation delays?
My problem with Kirby 64 is that it was fugly. It lost all of it's crisp, cartoony look in favor of jaggedLand and the Blurbushes.
So it plays OK but looks terrible, so you wonder why you're even playing it.
I think that's one of the most disappointing things is the n64 has all the cartridgey-feelies you expect, but then you're bombarded with ass-visuals mostly.
EDIT: You know what else was disappointing?
Castlevania 64.
I borrowed my friends n64 to play that and couldn't believe how sad that shit made me feel. I wanted to like it, but it basically felt like a rollercoaster that goes up really high for a second, and then just turns into a monorail until you slash your throat and jump off the side of it
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: lukester on December 01, 2017, 09:47:06 AM
It's still kinda surprising not enough people who've played C64 have played Legacy of Darkness.
It's no SOTN but it's significantly better than Castlevania 64, adds a bunch of new levels and characters, even fixes that godawful camera.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 01, 2017, 09:57:00 AM
I have that one. It's still so sluggish and irritating to play at times.
I like what it was trying to do though, and admittedly would play that before I play f*ckin OOT.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Necromancer on December 01, 2017, 10:09:18 AM
PS1 had a steady stream of 2D games from launch onward, anyways, didn't it? Were there large gaps between JP vs. NA releases for games outside of the usual translation delays?
Google it. There's no shortage of articles about SCEA rejecting 2D games, even on PS2 and PSP.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 01, 2017, 10:25:21 AM
Yep, I totally made it up where nopepper said repeatedly "its not great but at least it's not a Jaguar" and you kept going with "wrong, it sucks."
The point is that if the only way to make something seem OK is to compare it to something worse, or go "at least it's cheap", it means it sucks.
You can enjoy it all you want. It still sucks.
It's relative greatness when you compare it to even bigger trainwrecks. That doesn't make it actually good.
Those cheap hotdogs on 1$ hotdog day at baseball stadiums f*cking suck, and everyone goes and grabs a ton of them and has fun enjoying the suck. "Who cares if they suck! ITS CHEAP! f*ck YEAH!"
It's a thing.
I think we're all in agreement that the thing f*cking sucks even if we can manage to find a few things to play on it that don't make us want to jackhammer our eyes, and the only reason we've even reached the point where we can find fleeting moments of enjoyment is because the games are dirt cheap, or we can emulate them.
If we had to pay retail, or worse, collector prices, nobody here would be like
YEAHOOOOO N64.
We'd all be wondering why people are paying 300$ for shitty games.
I think we're all in agreement that the thing f*cking sucks even if we can manage to find a few things to play on it that don't make us want to jackhammer our eyes, and the only reason we've even reached the point where we can find fleeting moments of enjoyment is because the games are dirt cheap, or we can emulate them.
Perhaps you have a different definition of what "sucks" means, but according to my definition, we are not all in agreement that it sucks. Price has something to do with it not sucking, but it's not everything.
I already mentioned the lack of loading times and its library of well designed, playable games. I also implied that for arcade racing fans, it's a great pickup, because there are a lot of quality racers in the system.
What I did not enumerate, was that I also like the controller. I was fortunate to buy a couple of those funtastic ones brand new, when the N64 was being phased out, and never really started using them until recently, so they are practically brand new, and they feel great. I love the tight, springy analog stick. It's like the evolution of the Vectrex stick. I like its uniqueness, and when utilized well, really adds a different experience. For example, I first played Bangaioh on the Dreamcast and thought it was a good game, but playing it in the N64 feels like an entirely different thing. It's great. Same can be said for Waverace 64, which is just sublime with that analog stick.
I like that it has 4 controller ports without a need for a tap and I like that it has fun accessible games that can be played very easily by a lot of casual fans, so its great for more than 2 player multiplayer games with the right crowd. Makes multiplayer Bomberman sessions a breeze (although those games dont hold a candle to the Saturn version).
Finally, I actually have grown to like the look of N64 games. I don't like the fog and its blurriness, but some games have aged pretty damn well for 3D from that generation. Mario 64, FZero, Doom, Ogre Battle, Paper Mario(!) and the 2D stuff comes to mind right away, and other than 2D stuff (and Radiant Silvergun), looks subjectively better than most of what the PSX and Saturn were churning out during the same period.
If I had to choose 5 systems to keep in my collection, it would not make the cut, but I still love having it around, and has provided great gaming experiences, of which I'm sure there might be more to be had if/when I dig deeper into its library.
I don't agree with a lot of these kids proclaiming OOT as the best game of all time, as I don't even like that game. But it must have done something to a lot of people to make them feel that way, and Nintendo generally makes great games, so I'm sure it could be great to me as well, if I had played it at a different point in time.
Going full circle to my original statement, these guys and gals described in the previous paragraph are the ones that overrate the N64, almost without fail. Hey, I get it, as I (used to) overrate the SMS because Phantasy Star was a defining moment in my game playing life. The N64 had Mario and Zelda making a big mark on a lot of people growing up.
The rest can't seem to look past the system's technical shortcomings, its quirky controller, the memory of it sucking when they played it during its heyday (or now), etc., and realize that it has a lot of good games. It's not like NES games look good, or have the best controller ever, and they are still fun to play, and most people here can look past its deficiencies. The same applies to the N64, just with a much more limited library and different type of games.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: in99flames on December 02, 2017, 04:22:03 PM
It was said earlier....but a good Japanese only N64 game worth getting is Sin and Punishment. Its basically totally playable. Only need translation for the main menu. The voice is all english.
Everyone is talking about modding the n64...dremmel out the tabs....all that...all I did was buy a cheap ass sports game(NHL 99)id never play for about 2 dollars and put the back half of the cart onto sin and punishment. No cutting or anything needed. Just pop in the cart.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 02, 2017, 05:55:29 PM
the ground textures in every game look like theyre eternally not done loading. lol
that was always offputting to me. the models look decent enough but the environments look gooned out.
chameleon twist is a great example of this issue.
i never liked the n64 controller. i tried to get used to it. i get what they were trying, but, the stick sucked and the c buttons were goony.
i did use an n64 controller with a cubestick retrofitted. it was like a brand new console...
and, OOT is dumb. its bottom of the barrel for me. that games flawed on so many levels, i think people rant about its greatness because it was all they had since quest 64 aint real.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: seieienbu on December 02, 2017, 09:03:27 PM
Perhaps I'm biased and I might only dislike it if not for the fact that everyone loves it and I have to take it to the next level for that reason but I hate OOT. I think it's terrible. I think it's ridiculous that anyone my age ever liked the game. It was Nintendo ripping off their own game and making it worse.
I played Zelda 1 and thought it was fine. It was a bit obtuse when I was 6 but as I grew up I played it again and again and eventually beat it. Zelda 2 I thought was fantastic. There's a world to explore and there's combat that's fun. The graphics and music was excellent and I can't point to many other NES titles where the enemies actually acknowledge your presence and actively try to beat you while also interacting with the environment. Anyway, I had fun with both of those 8 bit games and was looking forward to the Super Nintendo version.
After months of waiting, Zelda 3 came out. It's a masterpiece. I love the game. The combat is fun, the world is neat, the music and graphics were amazing, and the game's story was enough to keep me interested. That was something new to the series. Yeah, there's a blurb of text describing the scenario at the beginning of the first two games. And yes, the manuals had cute stories with some cartoon-y drawings. But in Zelda 3 things happen. There's a country where things are going poorly due to the government becoming corrupted by Ganon. There's a second world that you get a glimpse of where things don't quite make sense but then you come back and eventually realize that you have to go to this dark world to complete your quest. There's 3 dungeons, a weapon upgrade, then 7 dungeons, then you fight Ganon and save Hyrule.
Link's Awakening was again fantastic. It really shows off how good game design is more important than hardware when you have a game that played well enough to be a SNES game done so well but on a mini grey and green screen. I enjoyed every minute of it but was still looking forward to the next Real Zelda game.
Then Zelda 64 came out and it is a god damn mess. Between awful tutorials that take forever to get through, graphics that sucked then and are way worse now, and god awful play control I was frustrated immediately. Almost every enemy in the game is fought in one of two ways: either hit Z then hit slingshot/bow once or you don't fight, you just wait, then when it reveals it's glowing point/soft underbelly you hit it a couple of times, and then you wait for a second iteration. In dungeons you go to room after monotonous room where the doors shut and you have to kill everything to make a stupid shoot-able eye appear that opens a door to the next boring room.
The most grievous insult is how the game is, specifically, Zelda 3 again only worse. Whereas Zelda 3 felt to me like Nintendo looked at what worked in Zelda 1 and decided to revise it for a more modern feel. In Zelda 3 you collect 3 things, get a sword, turn the world crazy-times, collect 7 things, then fight Ganon. That is exactly what you do in Zelda 64 only you do it Slower. Everything is slower. It takes like 20 seconds to open a chest rather than 1. Do I really need to see another upskirt shot of Link for the 20th time I get some bombs? Do I need to do endless amounts of tutorials? When using the ocarina to teleport do I need to watch Link play it for 10 seconds? Need to push a block up a space, walk around a block, pull it a space, go back around and push it two spaces? Say goodbye to a whole minute rather than a quarter of that time.
All told, I felt like I'd spent $60 on a game that was the same yet somehow way worse than the game it was ripping off from years ago. And yet this mess is the "Best game of all time!"
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: SignOfZeta on December 03, 2017, 02:02:16 AM
I only spent a little time in OOT, maybe three hours max. Everything is brown and I spent pretty much the whole time lost. In other words I give it the same review I give Goldeneye: for someone else.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Black Tiger on December 03, 2017, 03:16:52 AM
I was overly biased to love N64 Zeldas and very excited, up until the moment I tried the first one. It did so many things wrong and laid the groundwork for too many future 3D games to be ruined with auto jumping and fighting, instead of actual 3D gameplay.
I really enjoyed Soul Reaver and Shadowman though and not only do they feature realtime jumping and attacking, they also have cool style, setting and plots. I also don't like the OoT-onward very un-Zelda story and characters.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: lukester on December 03, 2017, 04:17:40 AM
As someone who played Ocarina as a middle school teen in the 2010s, I definitely had a lot of fun with it. The biggest strength was definitely the quantity and quality of the dungeons. Overworld was a bit weak, not much to do in a big field besides run into the occasional poe or skeleton .
I believe majora’s mask is one of the best games of all time though. The overworld was fleshed out, the side quests were exponentially improved, and there was a lot to do in between the dungeons. The transformations were also fun to dick around with
Hate me all you want, but I’m not a big link to the past fan. Dark world was a nice novelty though. Give me Dawn of ys or dungeon explorer 2 instead.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: ClodBuster on December 03, 2017, 04:44:56 AM
i did use an n64 controller with a cubestick retrofitted. it was like a brand new console...
It is, but unfortunately the supplied PCBs and potentiometers of those Ebay N64 Cubesticks are lacking in range, steps and sensitivity, giving you trouble in many games. I rebuild my N64 controllers using those Cubesticks and micro's PCB + potentiometers: https://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=5803.0
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: seieienbu on December 03, 2017, 05:11:15 AM
As someone who played Ocarina as a middle school teen in the 2010s, I definitely had a lot of fun with it. The biggest strength was definitely the quantity and quality of the dungeons. Overworld was a bit weak, not much to do in a big field besides run into the occasional poe or skeleton .
I believe majora’s mask is one of the best games of all time though. The overworld was fleshed out, the side quests were exponentially improved, and there was a lot to do in between the dungeons. The transformations were also fun to dick around with
I don't like any 3D Zelda very much until Breath of the Wild. My complaint with the other 3D Zeldas is that they're all Zelda 3 only worse. They never get better than Zelda 3 and they're always way less fun to play so why would I play them? Majora's Mask though? That game is almost fantastic. I think if it hadn't been on the N64 I'd really like it. It plays like shit due to the controller and looks like shit due to the console but there are a lot of really neat ideas there. If it had been a Gamecube launch title rather than on the N64 I think it would be one of my favorites in the series.
I'm curious: did you play Zelda 64 before or after Link to the Past?
I played link to the past first but I didn't finish it at the time. I think furthest I got was the swamp dungeon.
I didn't beat it until a couple years ago. I do like the game but not in the same way as Ocarina. The dungeons in Ocarina were much more interesting, and I really like the art style.
I think Majora works well on the N64. The low poly models definitely help add to the creepy vibe. The world is also massive!
I like Wind Waker but not as much as the other two. The exploration is nice but the dungeons are not as well designed, and having to do shit such as changing the wind direction and feeding the fish get tedious very quickly. Breath of the wild is kinda similar...amazing exploration poor dungeons, but also other dumb stuff such as a lack of enemy variety and super low weapon durability.
I have not played Twilight Princess nor Skyward Sword.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on December 03, 2017, 06:05:05 AM
I only spent a little time in OOT, maybe three hours max. Everything is brown and I spent pretty much the whole time lost. In other words I give it the same review I give Goldeneye: for someone else.
That has been pretty much my experience playing that game, and I've tried 4-5 times to get into it, but just can't. I even tried the 3DS version to see if it was an improvement, but just couldn't get into it. In fact, until Breath of the Wild, which I thought was great, I've never been able to get into any of the 3D Zeldas. Granted, I've only tried OOT, Twilight Princess and Wind Waker, but they all had the same type of gameplay that I found more of a chore than anything else.
Everyone is talking about modding the n64...dremmel out the tabs....all that...all I did was buy a cheap ass sports game(NHL 99)id never play for about 2 dollars and put the back half of the cart onto sin and punishment. No cutting or anything needed. Just pop in the cart.
I did the exact same thing for the 2 lone imports I own, as I had a shitty All star baseball game that I got for free with the system and a dead Ridge Race cart. I guess if for some reason, such as bypassing rising US version prices, you want to play more than that, then it makes sense to mod the system itself.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: seieienbu on December 03, 2017, 08:07:45 AM
I like Breath of the Wild because it felt like a new game that was a modern re-imagining of Zelda. It didn't feel like I was playing "How do I make Zelda 3 This time!?" I liked that rather than having 11 dungeons to go through they spattered puzzles throughout the world. Most were pretty quick and then done. I didn't like several aspects like durability and never being able to climb during rain (I feel there should have been a rain-gear set that would let you climb as normal with all 3 pieces or something). I thought the soundtrack was awful.
But with those things said? I found the game enjoyable and quite refreshing for a Zelda. Majora's Mask is the one Zelda I can really compare it to. From Zelda 1 to 2 the game changed a lot but they weren't sure exactly where they were going to take the franchise from there. From 2 to 3 was a return to form albeit far more polished. But after that the series mostly stagnates. In fairness, I never played Skyward Sword so I'm not really taking it into consideration.
Majora's Mask though? It wasn't a simple "Zelda 3, but this time..." game. Thinking about it, it gives me the same sort of feeling as Breath of the Wild does; a new take on Zelda with the (then) modern game system in mind. Majora's Mask had a new and creepy world. It had varied enemies and playstyles. Though still wrapped in the confines of N64 Zelda, the different masks made the gameplay far more varied than any Zelda since. The gameplay didn't feel as self similar as most of the games in the series. My only complaints (listed above) with it are all N64 related and I think the game is good.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 04, 2017, 03:41:20 AM
What seieienbu said about OOT is exactly why I hate it.
Everything is "lock on and strafe"
it's so boring. Tons of lock on and do shit gimmicks.
I preferred Alundra 2 and Brave Fencer Musashi.
Especially BFM, because that's what a 3D zelda should have been.
Hell, even Mega Man legends was a better setup.
OOT just paved the way for a bunch of garbagey zelda games.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: wildfruit on December 04, 2017, 06:42:28 AM
N64 was my most disappointing purchase ever. I ended up giving it to a friend. GIVING. I could not stand the blurry mud. Real annoying that it only came with RF cable. Not that it mattered as it couldn’t do RGB scary anyway, which in PAL land was the only benefit we had. I would maybe play 4 games again Mario 64, OOT, mischief makers & rogue squadron. Plus the game carts were too expensive. Extra £10/20 premium for crappy game versus a PSX crappy game. After never having a snesss was so excited. Goldeneye with friends was ok but I don’t think it would hold my interest. A solar Jetman remake would have been nice though ;)
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: ClodBuster on December 04, 2017, 07:01:02 AM
The N64 was supplied with a composite A/V cable. An RF modulator had to be purchased separately. Dark grey consoles are able to output S-Video natively in both PAL and NTSC territories - no mods needed, just a cable (the cabls are built differently in each regions).
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: wildfruit on December 04, 2017, 07:03:16 AM
The N64 was supplied with a composite A/V cable. An RF modulator had to be purchased seperately. Dark grey consoles are able to output S-Video natively in both PAL and NTSC territories.
In uk it came with RF in the box
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: ClodBuster on December 04, 2017, 07:04:43 AM
Whut lol. Thanks, didn't know about that. Did it at least had both RF and Composite included?
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 04, 2017, 07:06:28 AM
I legit started playing N64 again just a bit ago to see if it's really that bad.
I tried RGB through XRGB3 to my BigDickTV, and also composite through my regular CRT.
Still sucks. Hybrid Heaven was so goony.
I did get some nostalgia feelies from it though, mostly stemming from remembering playing it at friends houses as a kid.
Donkey Kong 64 is awful.
I swear there was some other moronic looking platformer that wasn't glover that was good but I can't think of it.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 04, 2017, 07:10:46 AM
Here we go:
My friend had this.
It was weird as hell but kind of OK.
I'd still take Spyro or Gex.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: wildfruit on December 04, 2017, 07:19:05 AM
Whut lol. Thanks, didn't know about that. Did it at least had both RF and Composite included?
I’m afraid not. Plus I didn’t at the time have anything that could do S- video. It’s not very common here. I have a toshiba now that claims to do s-video via scart adaptor but I tried a couple with no success so I just stick to rgb scarts.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: ClodBuster on December 04, 2017, 07:27:23 AM
If your TV has just one Scart input, you have to switch between RGB and S-Video manually. If your TV has more than one Scart input, one of them usually will support RGB, while the other one will support S-Video.
This is due to the lines for S-Video and RGB being shared within the Scart standard. RGB can be autodetected if the source device sends a correct signal voltage on pin 16, but S-Video can't.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on December 04, 2017, 07:44:30 AM
I legit started playing N64 again just a bit ago to see if it's really that bad.
I tried RGB through XRGB3 to my BigDickTV, and also composite through my regular CRT.
Still sucks. Hybrid Heaven was so goony.
I did get some nostalgia feelies from it though, mostly stemming from remembering playing it at friends houses as a kid.
Donkey Kong 64 is awful.
I swear there was some other moronic looking platformer that wasn't glover that was good but I can't think of it.
Well, I have to agree that DK64 looks and plays like utter shit. In fact, although I have not played Conker, all Rare games I've tried are some of the worst offenders of blurry, low frame rate and muddy games. Even good ones like Blast Corps. Have not played Hybrid Heaven, so can't comment on that one.
I use SVid through a PVM and turn aperture all the way to the left, which makes the graphics very sharp and vibrant. Some games even look great. ;)
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: crazydean on December 04, 2017, 10:26:40 AM
You guys are wrong. N64 is great. You are dumb if you disagree with me.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Bloufo on December 04, 2017, 01:22:20 PM
Dark grey consoles are able to output S-Video natively in both PAL and NTSC territories - no mods needed, just a cable (the cables are built differently in each regions).
All N64's are capable of s-video. The only difference being is that for PAL consoles you need a specially wired cable otherwise it will produce a crappy, overly bright image.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 04, 2017, 02:52:13 PM
Hybrid Heaven is just weird in general.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: nopepper on December 04, 2017, 05:08:46 PM
Tonic Trouble is the poor man's Rayman 2, supposedly. That is one genre I have never been able to get into, the 3D platformer. Other than the Marios and Ratchet and Clank (to a lesser extent), I always leave halfway after realizing I'm having to fetch the same shit for the thousandths time and fiddling with the camera.
This is considered a "hidden gem" in the N64 library and I've always thought it looked interesting, but as it often is with these experimental type of games, the execution seems clunky. Kinda like Buck Rodgers in the Genesis.
I've learned about a lot of N64 games for this guy and he gives it glowing marks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH1UZaa0pZ4
I think I'll pass, even with the 5-6 bucks I've seen it go for, as if I'm going to sink 14 hours into a game, it better be good, and I'm not sure this one is. It also looks so barren and unappealing, even by N64 standards.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Arkhan on December 05, 2017, 05:13:51 AM
I grabbed a copy for 3$ and sometimes honestly wish I'd spent that 3$ on ice cream or a few candy bars.
It's not a bad game, it's just nothing to write home about. Playstation provided better similar-ish experiences.
and Metal Gear Solid.
3D platformers on the Playstation were great. They were far better than the N64 games, because they played more like 2D games in that you were running through levels and not playing "grab all the shit" or "why is the camera being a cunt".
Spyro was one of the greatest 3D platforming experiences of growing up, I think.
That game was just really well executed.
and Crash Bandicoot's halfbaked 3D was a great idea. Instead of fighting with a camera and screaming alot, you just played basically a 2D platformer with a camera that scriptedly moved.
Pitfall 3D was a pretty underrated 3D platformer, too. I had alot of fun with that one.
https://youtu.be/jIV1YMIgHy0?t=2015
lol this sums up Hybrid Heaven.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: ClodBuster on December 05, 2017, 07:09:56 AM
Bloufo, have you tried the trans color and Pikachu N64 consoles yet? AFAIK these at least lack S-Video lines on the Multi AV out, maybe even the graphics chip or video encoder is lacking these? Please let me know if I'm wrong about that. Regarding using S-Video cables built for NTSC N64 consoles on a PAL console, what you describe is what I experienced with a cable that I bought years ago. That's what I was talking about in my previous post.
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: Bloufo on December 05, 2017, 04:57:14 PM
Bloufo, have you tried the trans color and Pikachu N64 consoles yet? AFAIK these at least lack S-Video lines on the Multi AV out, maybe even the graphics chip or video encoder is lacking these? Please let me know if I'm wrong about that.
I have one of those Pikachu N64 systems. The blue and yellow edition. S-Video works fine on it. No issues at all.
Quote
Regarding using S-Video cables built for NTSC N64 consoles on a PAL console, what you describe is what I experienced with a cable that I bought years ago. That's what I was talking about in my previous post.
From my own stuff I have a PAL Green N64. S-Video works fine on it if you use the cables that are correctly wired for PAL N64 consoles.
A couple pics of a few years ago from an LCD TV when using that console.
Top is that saturated image when trying to use standard N64 s-video cables. Bottom pic is when using the correctly wired cables.
Ignore the stretched image. I obviously had forgotten to set it to 4:3
(https://i.imgur.com/voEB7cS.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/a5jhb3D.jpg)
Title: Re: I just "region modded" my N64, what games should I get?
Post by: ClodBuster on December 06, 2017, 07:43:48 AM