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Non-NEC Console Related Discussion => Console Chat => Topic started by: BlackandBlue on August 24, 2010, 10:10:25 AM
Title: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: BlackandBlue on August 24, 2010, 10:10:25 AM
So, after missing the dead line for the prosperity pack by a couple weeks, I pre-ordered my JP copy of Pier Solar. That was around October of '08. Month after month I checked the site for an update and it felt like I was getting dragged along for a ride. Hell, I was even thinking about selling my pre-orders so I didn't get burned by some masterful scheme. But alas, I got an email from the developers to confirm my shipping address!
Is it true, is this friggin game finally going to be released? :pray: I've had this thing pre-ordered for 2 years already!
I really hope they aren't just trying to delay longer and figured they needed something to remind us of the game's existance....
So anyone else get the email (that ordered the game of course!) Thoughts? Think it might finally be released soon or think there will be another year of delays? :x
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: TheClash603 on August 24, 2010, 11:19:06 AM
LAME!
Message to homebrew developers that put a lot of time into making your games...
MAKE ENOUGH OF THEM!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: RoyVegas on August 24, 2010, 11:53:17 AM
I really hope they aren't just trying to delay longer and figured they needed something to remind us of the game's existance....
I really doubt this would be the case. If they wanted to delay it, they easily could have just said nothing at all.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: BlackandBlue on August 24, 2010, 12:00:14 PM
That is true, but people on those boards basically attack them when they dont post an update for a month. Last I knew they were still working on some of the language translations, so hopefully that is all they have left. Either that or just need native language speakers go through the game to make sure it doesn't sound like an instruction book from a knockoff Chinese manufacturer.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Dalder on August 24, 2010, 06:29:27 PM
I got the same e-mail ! hope it comes out !!! cannot wait !! :D.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on August 24, 2010, 08:04:41 PM
It's coming, but they are still wrapping up the last round of beta tests to squash the final bugs. I have heard from the co-programmer that now is a particularly stressful time trying to get everything finalized for once and for all.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on August 25, 2010, 07:55:29 AM
Yep, I got mine too! :)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on August 29, 2010, 06:10:12 PM
I started a "thank you" thread dedicated to all the hard work Water Melon did developing this game. There has been a lot of unfortunate pitch-fork raising over them cutting out the Japanese language option that was promised, so I thought they needed to be reminded that we are extremely grateful. If any of you have pre-ordered this game or have just been watching from the sidelines then please head on over to show your thanks. Joe, I know your a Sega-16 guy, so you have probably known about this project since it began. I bet they would love hearing from you. :wink: Thanks all!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Colossus1574 on August 29, 2010, 08:01:22 PM
Oh wow!!! I still got my trusty Genesis/32x in a box somewhere, maybe I'll have a reason to unpack it soon??? The visuals are amazing!!! They actually can rival most of the PS1 / Saturn RPG' graphics! (at least the ones that are 2D based). Great Work guys! :clap:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on August 29, 2010, 10:01:13 PM
I've known about Pier Solar for a loooong, time, yes. It is, by far, the most ambitious hombrew project I've ever seen. It does something that no other game has done. If you have a Sega/Mega CD, put in the disc and you get PCM-generated music during the game (the game still boots and runs from the cart). No Sega CD? Cart-based music which is still very, very good. The game's main programmer once took a video I made and digitized it so it would play back on the Sega CD. That was crazy-awesome.
As for the lack of Japanese language in the JP-styled package, who cares? If it really mattered to people that much, then someone who is good at Japanese would have stepped up as a proofreader (a lack of one is why the language got canned). So I doubt there will be too many Japanese players.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: TheClash603 on August 30, 2010, 04:24:20 AM
I've known about Pier Solar for a loooong, time, yes. It is, by far, the most ambitious hombrew project I've ever seen. It does something that no other game has done. If you have a Sega/Mega CD, put in the disc and you get PCM-generated music during the game (the game still boots and runs from the cart). No Sega CD? Cart-based music which is still very, very good. The game's main programmer once took a video I made and digitized it so it would play back on the Sega CD. That was crazy-awesome.
As for the lack of Japanese language in the JP-styled package, who cares? If it really mattered to people that much, then someone who is good at Japanese would have stepped up as a proofreader (a lack of one is why the language got canned). So I doubt there will be too many Japanese players.
Most ambitiously poorly planned...
"Did you read that review of Pier Solar? It looks like it is great! Maybe I will pick one up?"
"You can't, it sold out a year ago... and it just came out this weak."
That team of guys should be ashamed of themselves. I honestly assume they made 100 extra copies they are gonna sit on and then ebay for $300+ a pop, and their profit strategy is anti-community 100%.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on August 30, 2010, 04:35:13 AM
I've known about Pier Solar for a loooong, time, yes. It is, by far, the most ambitious hombrew project I've ever seen. It does something that no other game has done. If you have a Sega/Mega CD, put in the disc and you get PCM-generated music during the game (the game still boots and runs from the cart). No Sega CD? Cart-based music which is still very, very good. The game's main programmer once took a video I made and digitized it so it would play back on the Sega CD. That was crazy-awesome.
As for the lack of Japanese language in the JP-styled package, who cares? If it really mattered to people that much, then someone who is good at Japanese would have stepped up as a proofreader (a lack of one is why the language got canned). So I doubt there will be too many Japanese players.
Most ambitiously poorly planned...
"Did you read that review of Pier Solar? It looks like it is great! Maybe I will pick one up?"
"You can't, it sold out a year ago... and it just came out this weak."
That team of guys should be ashamed of themselves. I honestly assume they made 100 extra copies they are gonna sit on and then ebay for $300+ a pop, and their profit strategy is anti-community 100%.
How much of your statement is based on fact?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on August 30, 2010, 11:30:19 AM
I doubt their strategy is profit when the final product, which consists of a 64m cart, CD and box + shipping cost only $35. I'm sure some will pop up on eBay. Users who beat the game will try to profit for sure. Some may have purchased multiple copies just for this reason. There are also rumors it might eventually find its way to XBLA or PSN or WiiWare or whatever.
But yeah, it is widely acknowledged that the whole presale thing was kind of a disaster. They did it really early. Then a graphic artist left the team and they had to redo some stuff (of course, this is what they WANT us to believe because like the moon landing, everything is a conspiracy). But what I mean by most ambitious homebrew is that they are doing things no other homebrew product has attempted (that I know of) and the quality also seems much higher than all other homebrew attempts (that I have thus far seen).
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on August 30, 2010, 06:09:40 PM
I doubt their strategy is profit when the final product, which consists of a 64m cart, CD and box + shipping cost only $35. I'm sure some will pop up on eBay. Users who beat the game will try to profit for sure. Some may have purchased multiple copies just for this reason. There are also rumors it might eventually find its way to XBLA or PSN or WiiWare or whatever.
But yeah, it is widely acknowledged that the whole presale thing was kind of a disaster. They did it really early. Then a graphic artist left the team and they had to redo some stuff (of course, this is what they WANT us to believe because like the moon landing, everything is a conspiracy). But what I mean by most ambitious homebrew is that they are doing things no other homebrew product has attempted (that I know of) and the quality also seems much higher than all other homebrew attempts (that I have thus far seen).
profits cant be on their list of ideas. The money would be split among at least like 6 people last I checked.... and the market for new sega games isn't really too great.
Any homebrew group thats trying to profit off of physically manufactured software for old consoles, is dumb.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on September 14, 2010, 10:07:06 AM
But yeah, it is widely acknowledged that the whole presale thing was kind of a disaster. They did it really early. Then a graphic artist left the team and they had to redo some stuff (of course, this is what they WANT us to believe because like the moon landing, everything is a conspiracy). But what I mean by most ambitious homebrew is that they are doing things no other homebrew product has attempted (that I know of) and the quality also seems much higher than all other homebrew attempts (that I have thus far seen).
Pier Solar is almost legendary in its pre-order disaster. But if the final product is worth the wait, then so be it. The new artwork is great... their artists really have done an amazing job. I just hope that the coding doesn't suck like so many other Sega homebrews... the 68k is not a hard CPU to code for, so I don't understand why virtually every other Genny homebrew is a steaming pile of bug soup.
Any homebrew group thats trying to profit off of physically manufactured software for old consoles, is dumb.
Why? A market is a market is a market. If there is a market for new games, then why shouldn't someone want to make some profit off of their hard work? Companies don't survive on favors.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on September 14, 2010, 12:09:12 PM
Quote from: Rover
I don't understand why virtually every other Genny homebrew is a steaming pile of bug soup.
Probably lack of ambition and dedication. They get something up and running in some sort of basic form and are so excited to release it right away. That's only a guess, but that's what it seems like.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on September 14, 2010, 01:23:21 PM
Well, considering how long this game has been in development, it had better not disappoint.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 13, 2010, 03:45:23 PM
Now shipping!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on December 13, 2010, 05:05:34 PM
Yep! :D I gots the email of goodness.! Yay!!!!!!!!! :dance:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on December 13, 2010, 05:48:36 PM
ok who will sell me their extra copy?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on December 13, 2010, 05:56:37 PM
Man, Duo_R, I would love to hook you up, but alas I have only one copy coming. :( But, keep watching the site, join in the discussions, and you may score one. They are rumored to have a second run of copies. And, if that falls through for you then an XBOX Live release is very probable. :wink:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: oldskool on December 13, 2010, 09:35:38 PM
YAY it's been shipped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been waiting YEARS for this. Have a USA copy coming! Got my CDX all hooked up and ready to go.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on December 14, 2010, 01:01:24 AM
Their new website is set up to sell copies @$45/each, and says "Sold Out, Come back latter". Looks like they plan on a second batch.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: BlackandBlue on December 14, 2010, 02:57:22 AM
Yay, mine is on its way as well. I think they plan to sell any copies they have left after everyone receives theirs. They want to have some in stock as replacements if there are shipping issues. I hope they make a second batch so douches dont turn around and sell their copy on ebay for $300.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: oldskool on December 14, 2010, 09:09:34 AM
I hope they make some sort of a change in their second batch, so the people like me that have waited for over 2 years have something unique and special for their patience. Even if it's just a sticker that says version 2 or something like that on the box.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: BlackandBlue on December 14, 2010, 09:12:44 AM
I hope they make some sort of a change in their second batch, so the people like me that have waited for over 2 years have something unique and special for their patience. Even if it's just a sticker that says version 2 or something like that on the box.
I know how you feel. I preorder in Oct 08 (like a month after the prosperity pack were cut off). We deserve a way to show our early adoption :)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: TheClash603 on December 14, 2010, 11:06:44 AM
I don't care if my game has a second edition sticker, I just wanna play it.
Game looks great, but the developers really dropped the ball on this. I assumed they would want many people to play the game and experience their hard work, but apparently they'd rather just see me have to spend an unfortunate amount on their game.
If anyone had a lead on getting a copy, please lt me know!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on December 14, 2010, 12:58:17 PM
thanks man! well I will try to score an extra copy from someone since I would rather play this on original hardware instead of XBLA. =)
Man, Duo_R, I would love to hook you up, but alas I have only one copy coming. :( But, keep watching the site, join in the discussions, and you may score one. They are rumored to have a second run of copies. And, if that falls through for you then an XBOX Live release is very probable. :wink:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 14, 2010, 01:02:41 PM
I don't care if my game has a second edition sticker, I just wanna play it.
Game looks great, but the developers really dropped the ball on this. I assumed they would want many people to play the game and experience their hard work, but apparently they'd rather just see me have to spend an unfortunate amount on their game.
If anyone had a lead on getting a copy, please lt me know!
I didnt bother preordering because the project was delayed like crazy, in true Lunar-inspired fashion....
now that its out, its scarce. Lame.
Oh well. Someone will dump the rom probably so that theres enough for everyone.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nat on December 14, 2010, 01:45:42 PM
I didn't buy it because, well, I don't actually have a physical Genesis anymore. Any Genesis games I need to play I do via the Wii VC or emulation on the Dreamcast.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: oldskool on December 15, 2010, 10:48:41 AM
Well, from what the authors have said in the past. They did everything in their power to encrypt it so that any dumping device that's around couldn't do it. And even if someone did figure out a way to dump it, no emulator will be able to support it either because of some things they've done to keep that from happening. Not sure what they did, but they basically mentioned that it would take A LOT to get it to be dumped and working on an emulator. Basically someone would have to make a custom dumping device that decrypts the data, AND program a special emulator just to run it. Not only that, but what emulator can play a ROM and an ISO at the same time.
I don't care if my game has a second edition sticker, I just wanna play it.
Game looks great, but the developers really dropped the ball on this. I assumed they would want many people to play the game and experience their hard work, but apparently they'd rather just see me have to spend an unfortunate amount on their game.
If anyone had a lead on getting a copy, please lt me know!
I didnt bother preordering because the project was delayed like crazy, in true Lunar-inspired fashion....
now that its out, its scarce. Lame.
Oh well. Someone will dump the rom probably so that theres enough for everyone.
I don't care if my game has a second edition sticker, I just wanna play it.
Game looks great, but the developers really dropped the ball on this. I assumed they would want many people to play the game and experience their hard work, but apparently they'd rather just see me have to spend an unfortunate amount on their game.
If anyone had a lead on getting a copy, please lt me know!
I didnt bother preordering because the project was delayed like crazy, in true Lunar-inspired fashion....
now that its out, its scarce. Lame.
Oh well. Someone will dump the rom probably so that theres enough for everyone.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 15, 2010, 11:22:09 AM
Hey Arkhan, give me your game for free.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on December 15, 2010, 01:35:29 PM
I thought I did. I distinctly remember saying HEY, ANYONE HERE WHO DOESNT HAVE INSANITY, HIT ME UP, I SEND FREEBIES.
What were you doing?
Gimme your address. i'll fire one out to you.
In any event, I think its bad practice to make a game, hype it for YEARS, and then fail to make sure theres enough for everybody. What the hells the point. If they aint doing this for profit, and they aren't making sure they have enough for everyone, what are they doing it for?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 15, 2010, 05:12:55 PM
The preorder thing was a really bad situation and probably not a great idea for anyone to do in the future as a result because the homebrew scene is full of unpredictable stuff that can happen. As far as future copies of the game goes, who can say right now? But they can't make sure to have enough for EVERYONE, that's impossible. Should Nintendo be damned to hell for not having enough Wiis for every single person who wanted one on launch day? More copies may come or they may not. We'll see. A short supply of stuff like this is great marketing, works for Nintendo. They kept that "low supply" nonsense up for a long time until most people were like "Who cares, whatever". It builds hype and urgency. Not sure if this is what they are doing, but it works.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on December 15, 2010, 08:44:29 PM
Arkhan me wants a copy of insanity too! :-)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 16, 2010, 06:25:54 AM
DUDE were you all blind when I was hockin free copies lolol.
PM address to me.
We're talking homebrew targetting like, 500 people or some shit. They could have covered everyone but didn't. If they dont print more, theyre going to look like huge tools.
Theyre not nintendo, and theyre not doing it for profit.... so doing blitz marketing hype horse shit seems kind of pointless.
Also, preorders work just fine if you do it right.
I did it right.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 16, 2010, 07:01:18 AM
I don't read every thread or even every sub-forum here. No idea where or when you were hocking free copies.
As to Pier Solar, they made more than 500 copies. Hell, it took them a very long time to even get the preorders done. It was still available for preorder until close to a year ago, maybe even more recent. Anyone who whines that they didn't get one should have acted faster or they can patiently wait to see what happens. If pre-orders work great, then why did Super Fighter Team stop doing them?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 16, 2010, 08:06:13 AM
The problem that can come from preording is, people do the preorder hype/dick waving before they're ready, and make a giant disaster because the hype reaches its peak, and then falls down... with no game in sight still. Its like getting a blowjob and having the chick walk away 10 seconds before launch.
and then she comes back in a month and does it again. etc. etc.
Not many people love putting their money down on an unsure thing.
As for SFT and why they don't do it, *shrug*, I don't really care. Lets leave it at that.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: TheClash603 on December 16, 2010, 10:19:14 AM
Hell, it took them a very long time to even get the preorders done. It was still available for preorder until close to a year ago, maybe even more recent. Anyone who whines that they didn't get one should have acted faster or they can patiently wait to see what happens.
Well now I feel like a real dick. I should've had my preorder in at the reasonable one year before realease cutoff...
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: oldskool on December 16, 2010, 07:47:06 PM
Well I can say that I was order 687, and that was in October or November of 2008 I believe. They basically finally sold out earlier this year, so that means that for over a year after I got mine they were still selling them. Now mind you, I did get mine not long after the pre-order was open, so there was probably that initial surge in the first few months, but - I wouldn't be surprised if they sold 1500 copies total. Probably 500 US, 500 JPN, and 500 EURO.
Beggar Prince finally sold out after 4 years of multiple runs. SFT sold 1500 copies of Beggar Prince.
Legend of Wukong is back and in stock and you can buy it right now if you so wish to do. I would if the money wasn't tight as I've heard that it's better than Beggar Prince.
Now SFT has another unreleased RPG coming out for the Genesis called Star Odyssey.
And let's not forget the free Sonic Mega MIX Sega CD ISO that anyone can download. It's too bad that the Turbo doesn't get the homebrew releases like the Genesis does. It's a shame really, considering how awesome the Turbo is.
Free Insanity? Shit I guess I missed out since I have not frequented the forums much lately. :( I would still be willing to purchase it really, if I was not so broke all the time.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 17, 2010, 05:49:11 AM
They better print more runs of the game. SFT touts themselves as being the best homebrew publisher ever, so youd think theyd be all up on it.
I didn't preorder Pier Solar, because I didn't want to send my money somewhere for something that'd possibly take a long time. It did take a long time. So no worries. I'll buy it when its readily available, like I did with Wukong
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 17, 2010, 09:38:15 PM
Quote
SFT touts themselves as being the best homebrew publisher ever
Bradon Cobb, president of SFT, will have you believe that he is the retro-gaming Jesus. He does think very highly of himself, touting his "natural abilities" in interviews and the such.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: _joshuaTurbo on December 18, 2010, 02:12:57 AM
Ark is so damn generous he actually sent me two copies of Insanity, One of which I am planning to pop on eBay for a million dollar profit! ;)
just kidding, but if any of you dudes want my spare Insanity hit me up with a PM and I'll send it your way!!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on December 18, 2010, 03:40:36 AM
Bradon Cobb, president of SFT, will have you believe that he is the retro-gaming Jesus. He does think very highly of himself, touting his "natural abilities" in interviews and the such.
yeah, I think its all pompous BS, to be honest.
There are MSX cartridge publishers overseas that have published alot of games. I've purchased them, and can attest to the professional quality of the games. http://www.msxcartridgeshop.com/ http://www.matranet.net/
And then theres the NES stuff...Battlekid is legit, as are all the other carts http://www.retrousb.com/index.php?cPath=30
And FFS, even self published C64 releases like Knight n' Grail, which was probably the most extremely well put together homebrew, ever. Thats alot coming from me considering I can't stand the C64.
also, some jackass self published this shitty game called Insanity last year.
I get a kick out of BC's bi-annual visits to retrogaming forums to promote his latest publication.... and then he vanishes into the night, missing out on all the retrogaming talking goodness.
Yeah, SFT has put out some good games, but flailing about acting like you're the only one who can do it when you clearly aren't, is well,... dumb.
Also, I think the clamshell cases they use for the Genesis games blow dick, but whatever. I swapped out some crappy Genesis games I got for 1$. Yay for real quality cases that don't shatter if you close them wrong.
Publishing games is retard-simple. Especially since the target audience in retrogameland is PRETTY MINIMAL, and especially if we're talking CD games. Shit, for CD games, you fill out an order form on a site, mail them a master disc and some artwork and wait for a truck to drop a box of jewel cases off on your front porch. Then you shove them in envelopes and mail them to people.
Publishing cart games is almost as simple. You buy bulk boards, and carts, and manually assemble them all. It's grunt work, but it's still not like its some cryptic riddle. If you're the programmer of the game, I would sure hope you can handle burning and installing roms on boards. If not, lets be honest, theres someone who will gladly help.
It's no different than when you've got retro computer clubs assembling NIC's, or other cartridges and mailing them out to people... only instead of being a communication device, or storage cart, its got a game rom in it! I think the hardest part is putting the frigging sticker on the cartridge neatly.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on December 18, 2010, 02:52:01 PM
Bradon Cobb, president of SFT, will have you believe that he is the retro-gaming Jesus. He does think very highly of himself, touting his "natural abilities" in interviews and the such.
yeah, I think its all pompous BS, to be honest.
There are MSX cartridge publishers overseas that have published alot of games. I've purchased them, and can attest to the professional quality of the games. http://www.msxcartridgeshop.com/ http://www.matranet.net/
And then theres the NES stuff...Battlekid is legit, as are all the other carts http://www.retrousb.com/index.php?cPath=30
And FFS, even self published C64 releases like Knight n' Grail, which was probably the most extremely well put together homebrew, ever. Thats alot coming from me considering I can't stand the C64.
also, some jackass self published this shitty game called Insanity last year.
I get a kick out of BC's bi-annual visits to retrogaming forums to promote his latest publication.... and then he vanishes into the night, missing out on all the retrogaming talking goodness.
Yeah, SFT has put out some good games, but flailing about acting like you're the only one who can do it when you clearly aren't, is well,... dumb.
Also, I think the clamshell cases they use for the Genesis games blow dick, but whatever. I swapped out some crappy Genesis games I got for 1$. Yay for real quality cases that don't shatter if you close them wrong.
Publishing games is retard-simple. Especially since the target audience in retrogameland is PRETTY MINIMAL, and especially if we're talking CD games. Shit, for CD games, you fill out an order form on a site, mail them a master disc and some artwork and wait for a truck to drop a box of jewel cases off on your front porch. Then you shove them in envelopes and mail them to people.
Publishing cart games is almost as simple. You buy bulk boards, and carts, and manually assemble them all. It's grunt work, but it's still not like its some cryptic riddle. If you're the programmer of the game, I would sure hope you can handle burning and installing roms on boards. If not, lets be honest, theres someone who will gladly help.
It's no different than when you've got retro computer clubs assembling NIC's, or other cartridges and mailing them out to people... only instead of being a communication device, or storage cart, its got a game rom in it! I think the hardest part is putting the frigging sticker on the cartridge neatly.
WaterMelon is using a high quality cardboard shell case for Pier Solar. Based on the pics I've seen it looks pretty sweet. :)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 18, 2010, 03:08:47 PM
Yeah I saw.
Wukong's case cracked when I opened it, and shattered when I closed it.
Goodjob.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 18, 2010, 05:26:33 PM
Wukong was OK at best. I agree about the quality of the clamshells (there are actually 1 or 2 people over at Sega-16 who seem to think they are better than the original Genesis clamshells... OK whatever). Wukong (and Beggar Prince) had awful character dialog and the main characters came off as very immature and I hated them both. Wukong started out crazy hard and got really easy at the end. The final bost was the easiest boss fight in the game. The first boss was the toughest. Beggar Prince had bugs that wouldn't let it work properly with a Sega CD and/or a 32X attached. They patched the game to resolve that issue, but left existing owners like myself high and dry. They didn't even offer to reburn the ROM with the new version if I paid to send it back. It had other bugs that were game breaking, such as boots needed to cross a certain part of the desert, you can only get the boots in a castle and once you exit the castle, you cannot re-enter if you did not get the boots. Game over. You have no choice to restart. You simply can't be releasing games with bugs like that and charging people.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 18, 2010, 06:39:50 PM
Wukong was OK at best. I agree about the quality of the clamshells (there are actually 1 or 2 people over at Sega-16 who seem to think they are better than the original Genesis clamshells... OK whatever). Wukong (and Beggar Prince) had awful character dialog and the main characters came off as very immature and I hated them both. Wukong started out crazy hard and got really easy at the end. The final bost was the easiest boss fight in the game. The first boss was the toughest. Beggar Prince had bugs that wouldn't let it work properly with a Sega CD and/or a 32X attached. They patched the game to resolve that issue, but left existing owners like myself high and dry. They didn't even offer to reburn the ROM with the new version if I paid to send it back. It had other bugs that were game breaking, such as boots needed to cross a certain part of the desert, you can only get the boots in a castle and once you exit the castle, you cannot re-enter if you did not get the boots. Game over. You have no choice to restart. You simply can't be releasing games with bugs like that and charging people.
Yeah. I had me some Beggar Prince bugs and never touched the game again. Its sitting on a shelf. Waste of cash.
I liked Wukong because it was obnoxious, wonky, and cheesy. Cheesy being the big selling point.
But overall, the buggy Beggar Prince, and brittle clamshell made me kind of meh about SFT...
Along with the pompous attitude.
Insanity may not be a visual masterpiece, or the most intense, elaborate game ever, but at least its bug free, fun to play, and the quality of the thing overall is nice. I replace broken jewel cases if they show up broken for people. For a first time project, I think I exceeded my own expectations of what I was going to accomplish.
SFT has been doing this for awhile. There's no excuse.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on December 18, 2010, 07:34:31 PM
Can't wait to try insanity out!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on December 19, 2010, 06:34:15 AM
I think it's great that Pier Solar was finally completed. Score +1 for homebrew.
But jumping in bed with SFT is a recipe for disaster. Every PCE developer knows it. It's just too bad that the Genesis scene doesn't know it, and are buying into Cobb's hype. I smelled the bullshit a mile away, so did Garner and so did Shadoff.
But hey, I don't tend to be concerned with build quality of this. If it's coming from China, you already know it's gonna suck. From a consumer point of view, I care more about the quality of the game itself. Pier Solar better not be another buggy POS, because SFT already has two Genesis failures to their credit. So for me, it's either going to be third time's a charm or three strikes you're out.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 19, 2010, 10:34:06 AM
I think it's great that Pier Solar was finally completed. Score +1 for homebrew.
But jumping in bed with SFT is a recipe for disaster. Every PCE developer knows it. It's just too bad that the Genesis scene doesn't know it, and are buying into Cobb's hype. I smelled the bullshit a mile away, so did Garner and so did Shadoff.
But hey, I don't tend to be concerned with build quality of this. If it's coming from China, you already know it's gonna suck. From a consumer point of view, I care more about the quality of the game itself. Pier Solar better not be another buggy POS, because SFT already has two Genesis failures to their credit. So for me, it's either going to be third time's a charm or three strikes you're out.
true dat, but I really despise getting homebrew that costs a pretty penny, and having it come in shitty packaging.
An MSX game cart cost me 18$ or something (Caos Begins), and it came in a nice little high gloss cardboard box w/ a nice manual. Sure its cardboard, but its damn fine cardboard. The goonies one cost more (40$?) but it has an SCC in it, and it is an MSX2 game. It came in similar quality packaging.
Cobb is way too hype-like. Full of himself even. I'm glad he doesn't specialize in CD publications and never approached me about Insanity, probably because the whole thing was done and out before anyone expected it. If he would have fed me the BS I've seen him feed to other people, I would have probably made fun of him.
I really hope for Pier Solar's designer's sakes, the game isn't a buggy disaster. The games been put off/etc. for so long, if it finally comes out and doesn't deliver, its going to disappoint/anger alot of people.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on December 19, 2010, 11:17:47 AM
I will repro a nice game case once I get my hands in one of these.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 19, 2010, 01:48:59 PM
Yeah I used old sport game boxes.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on December 19, 2010, 02:34:07 PM
They spent about 3-4 months testing for bugs, so here's hoping. :pray: I haven't heard any connections between SFT and WaterMelon. :-k
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on December 19, 2010, 02:37:08 PM
So what is the history of SFT, I am out of the loop on the homebrew news.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on December 19, 2010, 02:53:15 PM
So what is the history of SFT, I am out of the loop on the homebrew news.
Basically, Brandon Cobb and SFT publishes other peoples work for them.
Cool. Good service for people who want to get their games out there....
Except he does it in the most pretentious way possible. Its alot of "we do it the best" and "noone else can do what we do", which lets be honest, we know thats not true at all. look at the NES releases, or the C64 releases. OR ALL THE MSX ONES. It was done before SFT and will be done after SFT. With, to be honest, better quality overall. I've bought homebrew for tons of systems. The SFT genesis releases are a disappointment. Knight n' Grail for C64 is a better overall release, and again, I hates me some C64.
Then you got this kind of shit:
Quote from: SFT
Beggar Prince is proudly presented through the partnership of Super Fighter Team and C&E, Inc. Developed by C&E, the game was then localized, debugged, partially reprogrammed and otherwise prepared for official worldwide release by Super Fighter Team.
Except, its buggy. So maybe it was partially reprogrammed in the sense that they didnt finish fixing bugs? ... and this means it wasn't properly prepared for a release.
Quote
Beggar Prince ships complete with 32-megabit game cartridge, 27 page full color instruction manual and plastic clamshell case with color insert. All parts are brand new, custom produced by our factory for the highest possible quality.
Except, the case shattered like glass and looks all goony to begin with. Actual sega cases are alot nicer. They might as well just go buy a bunch of
And "our" factory? Really? I doubt its THEIR factory. Its probably, given the quality, some chinese BS.
So I hope Pier Solar is great and knocks SFT off their defective high horse. A nice Sega release needs to come out.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 19, 2010, 06:34:00 PM
Announcement: Pier Solar has nothing to do with Super Fighter Team. There is an eBay auction or two, however, that says otherwise. Watermelon is releasing the game themselves.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 19, 2010, 06:37:45 PM
Oh. I didn't even realize people thought SFT was doing Pier Solar.
I just thought we were on a whats so great about SFT anyway tangent. lol
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 19, 2010, 06:40:33 PM
SFT is great, shut up you! Or face the wrath of the CobbWeb.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 19, 2010, 07:11:10 PM
I know! I had a staff of writers help me with that one.
I picture a bunch of popped collar, visor wearing Chad McBroskies dropping down from the ceiling, throwing shards of their clamshell cases at me like ninja stars while shouting WE ARE THE COBBWEB. WE FIGHT FOR SFT.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on December 20, 2010, 04:09:00 AM
Hahahaha! That was hilarious, you two. :lol:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 20, 2010, 05:00:58 AM
Wukong and Beggar Prince's sites are like cookie cutter clones of each other. Classic.
and at the top of Star Odyssey's page
Quote from: The CobbWeb Commander
“We're proud to bring yet another first to the classic gaming market: Japanese partnership!” - Brandon Cobb President, Super Fighter Team
Sorry, no you're not, putz. That was done on the MSX w/ Bazix/Woomb already around like, 2004-2006. Good job. Did you think all the commercial translations of RPGs just fell out of the sky?
It should say "We're proud to bring yet another first to the classic gaming market: Ignorant Leadership!"
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on December 20, 2010, 05:12:11 AM
Remember, kids... when you've got to push an agenda, facts don't matter.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 20, 2010, 07:06:47 AM
You will throw plastic shards of shattered clamshell cases at all the other publishers in a race to get to the Japanese market first.
Except when you get to the end, everyone else is already there laughing.
at Beggar Prince's bugs in particular.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 20, 2010, 11:25:53 AM
Yes, they through bugs (represented onscreen as gibberish symbols) at you, too. Gotta dodge 'em all!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 20, 2010, 11:28:49 AM
THis could be a sleeper hit for the Turbob
do you think SFT would publish it for us!?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 20, 2010, 01:46:30 PM
LOL!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 20, 2010, 02:05:57 PM
How hilarious would that shit be, seriously.
it would be even funnier if he had no idea what we had just done.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Emerald Rocker on December 21, 2010, 03:09:39 PM
It's funny how certain crybabies whine so much about "homebrew never gets support" and "homebrew doesn't get love" -- as though it's a crime to show the least bit of pessimism -- and then go around insulting other homebrewers.
Arkhan: "Hey guys look at the Pier Solar preorder disaster hur hur hur. By the way, you'd better not insult Mysterious Dong because that would be a deathblow to the entire Turbo homebrew industry. Implode rulez, Genesis homebrew RPG droolz. Homebrewers need our unconditional love and support! Well, not that Cobb guy. Noone.... NOONE"
Rover: "Those Genesis guys actually release games. I hate them."
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 21, 2010, 06:26:43 PM
Yay Emerald, right on schedule.
You're putting words in my mouth. Theres a difference between complaining that a pre-order thing was handled poorly but still having high hopes and expectations of the game..... and bashing one just because you don't like the person involved and have some kind of irritating vendetta against the person. The mysterious song ordeal went above and beyond plain complaining.
I like the Sega RPG homebrews. Star Odyssey especially. I'm actually jealous that the Genesis has gotten so many well put together games. I've said that numerous times now. It's even been published in a magazine now.
I'm looking forward to Pier Solar, and think it sucks that the game got hyped/delayed/repeat so many times that people kind of became leery about the whole thing... and as it stands now, there isn't enough for everybody, so people who didn't take the leap of faith will be missing out for the time being. Lunar's one of my favorites, so a game obviously inspired by it is <3 for me. Here's to hoping for a second run. I am pretty sure Pier Solar is going to take the current bar for homebrew RPGs, and uppercut it to the moon. Games going to kick more ass than Segal, Van Damme, and Norris combined.
ANYWAY
Beggar Prince has bugs that potentially ruin your playthrough. That's fine. Mistakes happen. They fixed them eventually... but people who were pre-fix got hosed.
Cobb isn't a homebrewer. Hes a guy publishing peoples work and being a severe mook about it. Thats my problem. If you're going to wave your dick around like you're the king, you better have your shit together. You can't go approaching homebrewers asking to publish their games, act like you're the messiah, and the best ever at it..... when you do things like:
Releasing games with bugs (despite saying they were debugged, reprogrammed and prepared for public release). It is bad mojo. Fixing it is good mojo, unless of course you don't even offer some sort of discount/fix for people who already bought the buggy one. Bad customer support, yeah?
Releasing games in crapass cases when you're saying they're of high quality. High quality shouldn't crack/shatter as easily as the Wukong case.
...and
Making outlandish claims like "We're bringing another first! Japanese partnership!". It's simply not true. What was the other "first"? Publishing a game? I don't think they hold the claim to publishing the first homebrew. That's just stupidity if that's what their "first" was. Claiming stuff doesn't make it true. Maybe he means they were the first to turn it into an overplayed mess. Something as simple, and cool as releasing homebrew for old consoles has been turned into a popped collar affair over at SFT.
Cobb's not a very humble guy, and seems to have convinced himself that hes 2legit2quit, etc. etc., basically implying in conversations that if SFT isn't the one doing it, it's not going to be done right. Except so far, the quality of his publications haven't been so great. The games themselves are great. It's like a gem shoved into a pile of shit though.
Once you swap out the case for a real one, and ignore the fact that SFT was involved, it starts to get better.
BTW I dunno if Mysterious Dong was intentional, or a typo, but i LOLed either way.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on December 21, 2010, 06:35:52 PM
Maybe with WateMelon's publication/development of Pier Solar 'ol Cobbwebbie will be humbled a bit. It's easy to say you're the best at something in a nearly empty room, but when that room starts to fill up chances are someone there will 1-up you.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on December 21, 2010, 06:40:44 PM
Announcement: Pier Solar has nothing to do with Super Fighter Team. There is an eBay auction or two, however, that says otherwise. Watermelon is releasing the game themselves.
Awesome. :D Who'd they get to manufacture the carts?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 21, 2010, 06:56:56 PM
Maybe with WateMelon's publication/development of Pier Solar 'ol Cobbwebbie will be humbled a bit. It's easy to say you're the best at something in a nearly empty room, but when that room starts to fill up chances are someone there will 1-up you.
True dat. I don't think any of the other publishers have much interest in turning things into a business-style thing. Everyone else, including myself, seems comfortable with it being a casual/laidback/f*ckyeah sort of thing.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on December 21, 2010, 07:12:58 PM
Though there's nothing wrong with approaching it from a business point of view... some companies are just plain arrogant and proud of it. I hope SFT chokes on their own vomit.
Well, now that I know that Pier Solar has nothing to do with SFT, I'll be looking forward to snagging a copy of my own. Now, someone sell me a Genesis. :D
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 21, 2010, 07:17:47 PM
arrogant. Thats the word I couldnt think of.
i hope Pier Solar's launch de-thrones the cobbweb for sure though. Maybe it will give them the message that they're not the only frigging people publishing homebrew. Cause apparently they've never seen any MSX, NES or 2600 releases.
Or C64.....
if they dont look, it doesnt exist, maybe?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on December 21, 2010, 07:36:18 PM
Yes, the old monsters-in-the-closet defense. :)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 21, 2010, 10:57:07 PM
According to someone on the Pier Solar forum who has received his copy, the game is packaged like this:
(http://i.imgur.com/jxgIa.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/r6U6u.jpg)
Interesting. The box is supposedly high quality cardboard (better than Sega's cardboard used for the late US games). I guess it also comes with an apology letter. Not an apology for the game sucking, but for being so ridiculously delayed.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 22, 2010, 12:38:46 AM
And thus, the cobbweb begins to fall wither away.
<3 f*ck yeah. Vacuum sealed box, sweet looking case and shit, and a were sorry we done goofed letter. Sweet
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on December 22, 2010, 01:54:51 AM
Ooh, looks nice, all official-looking and whatnot. 64 MEGA POWA!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Necromancer on December 22, 2010, 01:58:17 AM
Man, that does look nice. Almost makes me wish I had a Genny.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Emerald Rocker on December 22, 2010, 05:39:30 AM
Theres a difference between complaining that a pre-order thing was handled poorly but still having high hopes and expectations of the game..... and bashing one just because you don't like the person involved and have some kind of irritating vendetta against the person. The mysterious song ordeal went above and beyond plain complaining.
Pick your favorite response from the below -- they're all applicable!
* Did it? Most of my comments were about missing preorder dates or failing to provide promised refunds. 30% of people said I had "gone too far" and 70% said I had a good point. Those odds are in my favor. * Did it? I don't recall insulting Frozen Utopia's other works-in-progress -- after all, I know nothing about them. If Mysterious Song looked like it would actually be a good game, then there would be no "ordeal". Regardless of how I feel about one particular individual, my "irritating vendetta" has always revolved around Mysterious Song. * Did it? The "ordeal" started on GameFAQs. It was brought here by a member of Frozen Utopia, not by me.
My point is that a couple people who claim to be "pro-homebrew" and decried my complaints as "anti-homebrew" and "this is why people just give up"... are bashing someone because they don't like him (shock!), and they're even bashing other projects under the assumption that said unlikable person is connected. And then, when they find out Cobb isn't connected to Pier Solar, they suddenly support the project? What's up with that? If it were revealed tomorrow that superman rockstar Stan Bush is the true secret programmer behind Mysterious Song and Rover has nothing to do with it, then I'd still think that particular game looks bad.
Quote from: Arkhan
The problem that can come from preording is, people do the preorder hype/dick waving before they're ready, and make a giant disaster because the hype reaches its peak, and then falls down... with no game in sight still. Its like getting a blowjob and having the chick walk away 10 seconds before launch.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 22, 2010, 06:57:02 AM
Uh, I have been pro Pier Solar the whole time? I knew it wasn't SFT's publication. I thought that was clear from the DigitPress days when they were showing their cartridges in use. Its even more apparent since SFT makes no mention of the game on their site.
I was pro-pier solar like 2 years ago too when people were bitching on IRC that it wasn't going to be downloadable. That doesn't change the fact that I think they dicked up the pre-order stuff. They themselves must agree, as they were legit enough to include apology letters. So, *shrug*.
You should re-read what I said about SFT. Its nothing personal. I don't know the guy on a personal level. It's all complaints about actual things that have occurred. It could be ANY person in his position acting like that. Maybe the guy is alright when hes not pushing his SFT nonsense the way he does. Like I said already: releasing buggy games with crappy cases, and making incorrect claims with a "my shit dont stink" attitude the entire time, is pretty decent grounds for complaint. His track record doesn't match his arrogant claims at being the best.
I never directly bashed the Sega games either. Yeah the Beggar Prince bug sucked ass, but the games still good. So is Wukong, and Star Odyssey. Its not the Beggar Prince teams fault the bugfix was handled poorly. I myself, if I were the one doing the rom burning, would have totally offered for people to send theirs in to get fixed. Kinda like how C64 cartridge people usually let you send in for updates, or offer discounts on the updated roms.
In that big mess about MSR, you did at one point admit/imply you had a problem with rover, and you do make obvious attempts to troll him on here. Also, the ordeal on Gamefaqs was still you. So it sure seems like most of the time you're just razzing Rover because its Rover. You even made comments about other games before. I believe you ended up deleting them. FU dicked up the preorder stuff too, and received a hard time for it for the wrong reasons. It went beyond the normal realm of complaint. Don't forget, most of the complainers didn't realize you could see updates on FU's site. There are sites for homebrew people. It doesn't all go down on forums. :).
What I want to know is why you didn't ride the Pier Solar teams ass like you did with MSR. I don't recall you bashing demos of Pier Solar that had stand-in artwork, or making lame attempts to troll whenever you possibly could.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on December 22, 2010, 11:33:15 AM
Like many others, I assumed that Pier Solar was in the grips of SFT for two reasons: the obsession with cartridge security, which SFT hails as their holy grail, and the fact that they were doing carts as opposed to strictly CDs, which is SFT policy. Cobb has convinced the world that he and he alone is capable of having cartridges made, so anyone who makes a Genesis cart is going to be associated with SFT by default since Cobb has created this image for himself.
Now that I know that SFT doesn't have their filthy hands anywhere near Pier Solar, it's a lot easier to appreciate it. One minor fact really CAN change one's opinion of something.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 22, 2010, 05:07:58 PM
Yeah, Commodore groups sit and solder together cartridges and distribute them, atari and NES games are produced.......
its not really rocket science, especially if you programmed a game.
Its just a bunch of bitchwork, really.
burn roms, shove in carts, put cart in shell, etc. etc.
Personally, I'd much rather be able to say I'm the one that sat and assembled the carts and sent them out. If I'm going to sit and do all that work programming a game I don't want some putz throwing his copyright crap on my title screen and making an arrogant mess of things.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on December 26, 2010, 06:38:33 AM
As far as a second run:
Quote from: retrocollect.com
You originally offered both a Standard and Posterity edition of the game, for PAL, NTSC and JP gamers. How many copies of the game exist for each region and has a second print run been planned for those that missed out?
Zebbe: The number of copies is currently confidential. Perhaps it will be revealed in the future. Regarding a second print run, we have a surprise coming in January...
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 26, 2010, 07:02:54 AM
You originally offered both a Standard and Posterity edition of the game, for PAL, NTSC and JP gamers. How many copies of the game exist for each region and has a second print run been planned for those that missed out?
Zebbe: The number of copies is currently confidential. Perhaps it will be revealed in the future. Regarding a second print run, we have a surprise coming in January...
Surprise: digital download!
:D
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on December 26, 2010, 03:47:46 PM
That would be hillarious
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 27, 2010, 10:42:20 AM
Here's what the Japanese packaging version looks like:
The digital download will come with a pdf of the boxart to print off and make yourself!
:D
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on December 31, 2010, 09:01:12 AM
Ok it is official - 2nd print is now up for grabs. I just placed my order :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
Here is an email that I received:
Quote
contact@piersolar.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To all the fans and supporters of Pier Solar:
This year has been a great year for all of us. We finally finished our work on Pier Solar and released the long-awaited game. We would like to thank you all for your support and belief in us throughout the years. We sincerely hope Pier Solar lives up to your expectation and beyond.
For those who have missed an opportunity to buy a copy of Pier Solar, we are pleased to let you know that you have another chance to buy a new version of Pier Solar. It will come in a special Reprint Edition package and here is everything you need to know about it:
*The game is exactly the same as the original versions. Languages included are: English, French and German. *The box is a original clamshell case similar to those used back in the day. The design is an homage to the "black grid" layout. *The manual, in English, comes in b/w and is shaped in the pure 16-bit tradition. *An awesome sticker sheet is included, so you may have the chance to win our contest if you order quickly (please see on our homepage: http://www.piersolar.com/). *The price is US$45, including shipping and handling to anywhere in the world! You can buy it now. Payment is made with PayPal only. We shall be able to start shipping this ”reprint edition" within next 45 days!
There are only a limited number of copies for this new version, so don’t miss your chance.
May you all find peace and joy in the upcoming New Year.
Happy 2011!!
Yours truly, WaterMelon Development Team
-- Thanks, The Pier Solar Team.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on December 31, 2010, 09:28:59 AM
I'm only gonna order a 2nd print copy if I can't order a warrantee first print. The 2nd print cart is ugly and it doesn't come with a pressed CD.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: TheClash603 on December 31, 2010, 09:32:57 AM
I got the second print order in, it looks pretty good to me.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on December 31, 2010, 10:07:08 AM
Nik where are the pics of the reprint edition? Is it the cartridge that u think is ugly? Also can someone make me a nice copy of the Enhanced CD?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 31, 2010, 11:31:59 AM
Kinda blows it doesn't come with the enhanced CD considering pressing ajillion CDs is f*ck-all easy to do... they should have over-run the CDs if they'd planned on doing more cartridges. ](*,) ](*,) ](*,) ](*,) ](*,)
500 CDs was like, 600$. 1000 CDs was like, 900$ where I went....
Id assume whoever is pressing theres could've done something similar.
I ordered it, since at least its a definite purchase this time. No ifs/buts/sorry for the delays we swear we're making a game over here.
I wouldn't mind a copy of the CD too if someone would be so kind. maybe with scans of the disc art, and packaging art.
Oh well. Everyone lives and learns. If they do another game, maybe they won't goon up the production part
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on December 31, 2010, 11:33:18 AM
(http://piersolar.com/skin/bg0_3.jpg) Thats the cart label. (http://www.piersolar.com/skin/order/mini_pack_r.gif) Box art.
It's the wire grid on the label that I don't like.
They are also kind of being elitist a$$holes on their forms about the whole reprint thing. "You guys don't deserve the CD or the fancy box art because you didn't wait 6 years and pre-order in 2008 etc etc etc"
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 31, 2010, 12:34:30 PM
They are also kind of being elitist a$$holes on their forms about the whole reprint thing. "You guys don't deserve the CD or the fancy box art because you didn't wait 6 years and pre-order in 2008 etc etc etc"
*note, all quotes here are from Pier Solar team members
"If you want the audio disc, go back in time and pre-order the first edition or just head over to eBay and cough up the cash."
Sorry that's some horse shit right there. Apparently, the lack of the CD in run #2 was kept under wraps, like most of the news about the game during its development. So people that held off for print 2 got hosed. I know for a fact pressing a shit load of CDs is no problem. Pressing houses ENCOURAGE you to press a ton, as opposed to a little. Its easier for them. Dicking off with the process for a low run isn't as great for them.
"CD do not fit easily the plastic cases and its too complex to produce." Lol. You can put a CD in a paper sleeve and stick it in a sega box. I just did it right here with the Insanity soundtrack disc. Oh, they even fit in the cardboard boxes. Castlevania Bloodlines and Altered Beast were used to test this. So, its easy to press CDs, and they fit in the boxes. I don't get it. What is the problem.
Why is run #2 more expensive than run #1, and comes with less things? That makes no sense. Is this them trying to compensate for losing $$ since stuff was hocked onto eBay for rediculous amounts?
Thats what happens when you don't produce enough the first time. desperation and demand = eBay hilarity. I'm sure given their tone, saying "thats what we should have charged for the game" , they're really pissed off that they pulled what 35$ a copy for the game and then take out mfg costs and dividing it between the entire team...., and it's going on eBay for WAY MORE.
They should have kept up with demand. If you know you're selling at least the preorders (since you already have the $$), and you know more than the preorderers want the game....... MAKE MORE THAN YOU NEED. Duh.
Apparently they have the means to produce more, so why not just do it all the first time instead of doing "preorders only, take the leap of faith, we swear a games being made, its coming". They knew they didn't have enough the first time, but planned on a second run? Uhhhhhhhhhhh. Its like forward thinking, without actually doing it.
Its kind of common sense, people are leery about giving money to people they don't know and then basically being told wait a bunch of years, itll get made. Abandoned projects are all over the place. People are cautious.
Its like they treat the preorder people as actual deserving fans, and the rest of the people as pissants that don't actually matter.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on December 31, 2010, 01:11:27 PM
Quote from: clessy
Quote from: Electricb7
I just hope we can get the same treatment the first time buyers got. I want the fancy packaging and poster. Art book plz
I honestly don't think you guys deserve it. You guys didn't wait 6 years for the game. You also didn't invest your money to make the games production possible.
This honestly the opinion for almost everybody on the forums. If you pre-ordered you think that anyone who didn't doesn't deserve the full game. If you waited like Arkhan and I because:
Quote
22:46:43 Arkhan: i wasnt gonna give [them] $30 for an unsure thing 22:46:51 Nik: i know 22:46:59 Nik: which is why i never got to it 22:47:21 Nik: i kept thinking, "i've got better things to spend $30 on" 22:47:25 Arkhan: yeah me too 22:47:30 Arkhan: i bought f*cking sweet pants
You are left out in the dust, being made to pay more for less or nothing at all. I'm sorry we were skeptical in an actual release of anything, but that doesn't mean you can treat the people who waited to buy at release like shit.
Quote from: Mr. Neil
Good thing I got a pre-order edition, then! :D
Quote from: Zebbe
Yeah. Your two years of waiting paid off in the end, I hope.
Quote from: Aaron
Not if you were expecting the same package. -.- Ugh. :(
This poor guy was waiting for the release, but has also been screwed.
"If you want the audio disc, go back in time and pre-order the first edition or just head over to eBay and cough up the cash. A LOT of things happened during the two years of pre-orders. People paid their price of waiting so long with their money on our account. Now, the game is released and you can safely get a copy of the new run in February, but the price is higher. The exclusion of the enhanced soundtrack disc has many reasons, but some things must be kept confidential for the company." -Zebbe, Game Designer
"If you guys didn't keep all this top secret I'd understand, I could have ordered the Japanese and European versions when I found out, but I thought it would be in the 2nd run like it should be. You shouldn't be so secretive and leave customers in the dark, thats how you lose trust. Just advice for the future." -Aaron, Poor Guy Screwed because he waited.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 31, 2010, 02:09:55 PM
I can see the buy at releasers missing out on the poster, or some other little freebie gimmick, like how I did those lightscribe soundtracks....
but to give them less of a game, and charge more, thats just retarded.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 31, 2010, 02:20:00 PM
I think that comment that you quoted, Arkhan, is supposed to be a joke. Watermelon doesn't mind if you copy the CD and use it with the reprint. In fact, reports are that CD-Rs are working a bit more reliably than the pressed disc. WM claims the issue is with faulty CD lasers, but I think they just had a bad pressing that makes it kind of hard for some units to read well. They've been getting inundated with complaints on the issue and CD-Rs are usually the solution. I'll be happy to make a copy of the disc and upload an ISO or whatever. The game is exactly the same. There is no "less game". I like the clamshell and the black grid design.
If the packaging was the same as the original run, people who pre-ordered and waited years would bitch and whine like you guys are doing now. Watermelon simply cannot win. Hell, I may just buy myself a reprint as well. At least you're getting the game. It's no more expensive than Super Fighter Team's games, includes more and is a better game than anything they've released thus far. But please, continue to feel the victim.
FYI the original run of Pier Solar was over 2400 copies. 800 for each "region" design.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on December 31, 2010, 02:27:40 PM
At this point I don't care about the CD as much. I just want regioned art and a colour manual.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 31, 2010, 02:30:47 PM
I can't believe the art and manual matter so much. They are nice to have but by no means a deal-breaker. Give people more options and they complain when some are taken away. Don't give people any options (like SFT) and people never complain.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on December 31, 2010, 02:32:21 PM
I just care about the game. Hopefully someone copies one for me soon and I will make a nice label for it.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on December 31, 2010, 02:33:44 PM
It's just part of the gaming experience for me
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 31, 2010, 03:49:55 PM
I think that comment that you quoted, Arkhan, is supposed to be a joke. Watermelon doesn't mind if you copy the CD and use it with the reprint. In fact, reports are that CD-Rs are working a bit more reliably than the pressed disc. WM claims the issue is with faulty CD lasers, but I think they just had a bad pressing that makes it kind of hard for some units to read well. They've been getting inundated with complaints on the issue and CD-Rs are usually the solution. I'll be happy to make a copy of the disc and upload an ISO or whatever. The game is exactly the same. There is no "less game". I like the clamshell and the black grid design.
Given the tone of everything else thats been said, I don't really know. It sounds like they wanted to be verbally pleasured all around upon release and are getting crabby about the displeased feelings and problems people are having.
As for less game, "enhanced CD" being omitted = less game to me, especially since it costs an extra like 10$ to get print #2.... I don't mind the sticker difference, but the b/w manual kinda blows. Maybe I'll color mine myself.
I still don't get the "its hard to make CDs" and "its hard to put them in cases" part. Its not hard to do either of these things.
Quote
If the packaging was the same as the original run, people who pre-ordered and waited years would bitch and whine like you guys are doing now. Watermelon simply cannot win. Hell, I may just buy myself a reprint as well. At least you're getting the game. It's no more expensive than Super Fighter Team's games, includes more and is a better game than anything they've released thus far. But please, continue to feel the victim.
But, I don't see how throwing the 35$ up and waiting for years for what may have possibly been a disaster/unfinished project entitles those people to entirely different packaging and the "you shoulda preordered, you didnt so you don't deserve it" attitude. I can see the free poster gimmick and crap like that for the preorderers..... and maybe the lack of a CD for second prints as another kickass bonus... but thats still a stretch.
If they had said WHEN WE DO A SECOND RUN WE WILL BE DOING DIFFERENT PACKAGING/CRAP, AND NO MORE CD'S... that would have been a nice heads up to people holding out for a sure thing, and maybe would've helped people decide better.
straight up changing the labeling and everything seems like more work really. same for the color manual, etc. Adding more to the first wave of printing seems like it would have been a much simpler process. Overshoot the initial wave, and have enough for a second run later.....
Quote
FYI the original run of Pier Solar was over 2400 copies. 800 for each "region" design.
So they couldn't spring for 600 more CDs to go to an even 3000 and have spares to either give out with the second print, or to sell off separately at some point in the future? Where I pressed CDs, going from that kind of amount to 3000 would've cost like no more than like 300$.... and it would result in less complaining.
Still confused as to how they decided on charging more for the second print and offer an inferior package. Really strange. Maybe the first run was costly, they didn't make enough $$ and found a different method for run 2 thats faster/cheaper/gets them some $$ since theyre probably mad the games going on ebay for insane prices? I dunno.
It seems like a last minute solution to shut up everyone who missed out. :) Like they weren't planning on doing any more prints or something
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on December 31, 2010, 04:12:01 PM
I think I'd still buy it, even at the higher price and sans CD. Although, I personally would have felt much more confident if the game had been on CD to begin with, rather than a cart... the overall price would have been lower, and they could have really made great use of the extra capabilities of the Mega CD hardware. The game looks like it really does some good things with the original hardware, but you do eventually reach some ceilings that the additional hardware can help get past. Doing additional runs as a CD would have been a hell of a lot easier as well, and would alleviate a lot of the drama currently going on with the 2nd run. Just my 2c.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 31, 2010, 04:20:03 PM
yeah, I agree it would've been cooler/easier to just do a CD game from the get go. CD homebrew is super-easy to make! So easy an obnoxious 21 year old assclown can do it! :dance:
I bought run #2, I just think its kinda shitty how run #2 turned out.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: BlueBMW on December 31, 2010, 04:50:55 PM
I just ordered one of these second print copies.... anyone care to share the enhanced CD iso or MP3 files? :P
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on December 31, 2010, 04:57:07 PM
I just ordered one of these second print copies.... anyone care to share the enhanced CD iso or MP3 files? :P
I think as people actually get the first print it's gonna pop up all over.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on December 31, 2010, 05:08:26 PM
I am just glad they didn't delete the support for the CD in the 2nd print. That would have sucked.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 31, 2010, 05:11:24 PM
Yeah that would have been a nice kick to the pills, lol.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on December 31, 2010, 05:17:00 PM
Joe, what program would I use to rip the Enhanced CD to a CD-R? I tried Windows Media Player but only 3 tracks showed up. I didn't even try to burn it thinking that I needed to use a different program. You gotta excuse me as I am slightly computer illiterate. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 31, 2010, 06:29:55 PM
Joe, what program would I use to rip the Enhanced CD to a CD-R? I tried Windows Media Player but only 3 tracks showed up. I didn't even try to burn it thinking that I needed to use a different program. You gotta excuse me as I am slightly computer illiterate. :mrgreen:
ALCOHOL 120%!
or, CDRwin if you're insane.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 31, 2010, 06:30:55 PM
How does that CD not fit in a clam or cardboard box?
I mean I already know it DOES fit, but if its <manual size, and that fits in the case....
duhrp
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on December 31, 2010, 07:01:05 PM
The CD cannot fit into a standard size MD clamshell case. And that is what the second run is. The CD obviously fits in a cardboard box because there it is in the image you posted.
The CD is not an audio CD. It is a weird CD with streaming audio which runs through the Mega/Sega CD PCM chips. It also has extra crap on there if you put it into your PC or whatever. The three audio tracks are something else. I will not do an ISO + MP3 even if it were an audio CD as I would never compromise the audio into MP3 form like some a$$hole. Instead I will do a full ISO, uncompressed all the way and as one image. I don't know what program on Windows I'll use. Maybe Nero. But I'm sure someone will beat me to it, so we'll see.
As to the people who were waiting for the "sure thing" I still don't see the mega-unfairness that seems to be the issue here. The the package is different, cry me a river! You don't get a pressed CD? Like I said, it should be easy to download a fully working ISO image and burn your own CD-R which will have better reliability than the actual pressed disc. I guess people will whine no matter what. "Waaaa, they didn't make enough for everybody who wants it. Oh wait, they're making more? Oh shit. What do I complain about now? Waaaa it's not exactly the same as what everyone else got!"
And Arkhan, I know Zebbe and I know he wasn't doling out an official company statement with that line you quoted. More than likely he was frustrated by those such as yourself who were complaining over the little things they felt entitled to. I always knew Pier Solar was a sure thing since I know a lot of the guys who made it. And if it was to never be, they would have refunded. These are good peeps. They are making the game available to those who want it. The CD will not be hard to acquire. Next to no Genesis manuals were in color. It's the same price as an SFT game. No reason to whine! I just don't get it. Oh, and CD games are super easy to pirate, that's why the game is not on CD. Also, not everybody has a CD unit. Everyone in the Turbo community has a CD unit because you NEED one to get most of the good games, but the MD platform is the opposite.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 31, 2010, 08:10:33 PM
The CD cannot fit into a standard size MD clamshell case. And that is what the second run is. The CD obviously fits in a cardboard box because there it is in the image you posted.
Yes it can. I'm sitting right here staring at a CD in paper sleeve sitting in a closed Altered Beast clamshell. I already said that. It fits in a castlevania bloodlines cardboard box too. No problemo.
Quote
As to the people who were waiting for the "sure thing" I still don't see the mega-unfairness that seems to be the issue here. The the package is different, cry me a river! You don't get a pressed CD? Like I said, it should be easy to download a fully working ISO image and burn your own CD-R which will have better reliability than the actual pressed disc. I guess people will whine no matter what. "Waaaa, they didn't make enough for everybody who wants it. Oh wait, they're making more? Oh shit. What do I complain about now? Waaaa it's not exactly the same as what everyone else got!"
Well, it is kinda bogus that they charge more and don't give the CD or the color manual. Were already not getting the poster. Did they give a serious reason as to why they didn't make the reprint as nice?
What sucks is, there was never a "release" copy. It went from preorder to reprint. Its a definite step down in comparison, for more money. That's pretty complain-worthy. We may not be entitled to the color manual, but we should be entitled to the CD, since it was a big bragging point for a long time. It was kind of an expected part of the game. CDs aren't hard to make, yes. So why the shortage?
That's all I want to know. It's going to get posted up and CD-R'd for sure, but still, why the shortage? It should've been no big deal to overproduce and stock up on the CDs.
Quote
And Arkhan, I know Zebbe and I know he wasn't doling out an official company statement with that line you quoted. More than likely he was frustrated by those such as yourself who were complaining over the little things they felt entitled to. I always knew Pier Solar was a sure thing since I know a lot of the guys who made it. And if it was to never be, they would have refunded. These are good peeps. They are making the game available to those who want it. The CD will not be hard to acquire. Next to no Genesis manuals were in color. It's the same price as an SFT game. No reason to whine! I just don't get it. Oh, and CD games are super easy to pirate, that's why the game is not on CD. Also, not everybody has a CD unit. Everyone in the Turbo community has a CD unit because you NEED one to get most of the good games, but the MD platform is the opposite.
Not everyone is buddy buddy with the team, and so not everyones going to be willing to take blind leaps of faith especially with how preordering seems to work in the homebrew world.. Its a simple fact, people don't trust people they don't know. I'm sure they are good peeps, but not everyone is that relaxed.
I don't see this as whining... since I, and others all gladly forked over the 45$ for the new run and can't wait to get it and play it. I just think it sucks the way the second print run turned out, with no really good reason why. Everyone seems disappointed.
I think there would be less complaining if there was a good reason as to why.... and maybe if the preorderers weren't being such twats about it.
YOU DIDN'T FORK THE MONEY OVER AND WAIT 6 YEARS, SO YOU DON'T DESERVE IT.
GET A TIME MACHINE! GO REWRITE HISTORY! GO BUY ONE ON EBAY, THATS WHAT WE SHOULDVE CHARGED FOR IT!1!!1
I'm pretty sure a "We're sorry the 2nd run is different and here are good reasons why, etc. etc." would solve alot of the problem.
if 35$ a pop invested by the 2400 preorderers covered the fancyass copy, wtf are they doing charging 45$ to reprint a plain version. That's what I really seriously want to know.
They said they weren't in this for a profit, so whats the deal?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on December 31, 2010, 08:39:09 PM
Im sorry I just had to post this
Quote from: Clessy at Pier Solar forum
To all you whinny noobie douche bags.
You're out of your f*cking mind.
Fonzie live in f*cking China for a year without a job using his own saved money to make this game a reality.
The pre order money didnt even cover the full cost of production.
People where allowed to buy multiple copies because they deseperately need money for devolopment. a$$holes doutbed it would come out and didnt wanna waste $35. As if 35 dollar even matters.
Half you shits didnt just find out about it. You where the ones who where to scared to put some faith in them in the first place and now your punished.
$45? A rip off? Get real it comes with free world wide shipping? 45 is still a break even cost.
Think of Bagger Prince and Legend of Wu Kong. Those games suck compared to this and didnst cost nearly as much to make. They are $55 plus shipping.
Get you shit together new guys and realize these basics.
1) They dont owe you shit 2) You dont deserve shit 3) If you dont like it you dont have to buy it 4) They still arent making shit for profit off this game
This is what all the devolopers wanna tell you but wont say.
That's some str8 hood shit right there. Bagger Prince sounds like a grocery store RPG.
and then
Quote from: 108 Stars
and it was mentioned numerous times and agreed on by the team that if there was a second run it would be not as full of extras.
AS FULL OF EXTRAS.
It's not full of any extras unless you count stickers. Oh boy.
One would assume extras would mean the reprint is no poster+stickers. Those are what seems "extra" in all honesty.
Oh well.
I'd register and say this crap over there, but it's kinda lame to make a new forum account just to fuel the fire. They'll stumble across this stuff over here eventually. Someones bound to go HEY THEY'RE COMPLAINING AT PCEFX.
So far the reasons given are "tough shit, shoulda preordered" and "we didnt want to"
Quote from: 108 Stars
I´d like to see any other team sharing info with the customers as we do.
*waves* :dance:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: TheClash603 on January 01, 2011, 04:18:05 AM
It seems the CD didn't work, the developers are a little ashamed that the most flaunted part of the production is broke, and that is why they are not including it. Cart sound is better anyway to me.
They tried and f*cked up, so now we move on. This seems pretty obvious to me, and the lack of reason is they don't want to admit they goofed.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 01, 2011, 04:30:10 AM
There is no CD shortage. In case you missed it earlier in my post, the pressed CD doesn't work so well and CD-Rs work better. The CD works, but not well in all machines. In case you missed those last two sentences, I can post it again. There is no shortage.
Here is the ISO (not from me):
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=T47VTT2X
Now stop it.
Also, Arkhan, your game is nowhere near the level of Pier Solar. How many people even know about it? I visit these forums every day and I barely even know about it.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 01, 2011, 07:48:20 AM
There is no CD shortage. In case you missed it earlier in my post, the pressed CD doesn't work so well and CD-Rs work better. The CD works, but not well in all machines. In case you missed those last two sentences, I can post it again. There is no shortage.
So they have the CDs, they're just not including them since they're broken? and charging more? Ok then.
Quote
Also, Arkhan, your game is nowhere near the level of Pier Solar. How many people even know about it? I visit these forums every day and I barely even know about it.
Thank you captain obvious.
Thats because you don't pay attention too much I don't think. You missed out on free Insanity's.
Also, gimme 6 years and a huge team and I'm sure Insanity would have been a bigger, different, better game.
Its a 1 man college project turned finished game, done in <12 months. Wtf were you expecting. That was a really pointless jab.
At least I tackled the PSG beast, damn well.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on January 01, 2011, 07:54:48 AM
Ark did u ever get my PM about insanity? Love to check it out.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 01, 2011, 08:01:47 AM
Ark did u ever get my PM about insanity? Love to check it out.
yeah! no worries, is coming.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 01, 2011, 08:09:42 AM
Quote
You missed out on free Insanity's.
No I didn't, you said you'd send me one!
Quote
That was a really pointless jab.
If it was a pointless jab, then it was pointless to compare yourself to them.
Quote
So they have the CDs, they're just not including them since they're broken?
Would you like a broken CD?
Quote
and charging more?
I really don't have much of a response to this and I can understand the reason for this particular complaint. However it has been continuously said that Pier Solar was being sold AT COST. In fact I imagine they overran their costs a bit. This may be an attempt to make up for it and gain actual funds to make another game.
Also, ignore the user Clessy or whatever his name is on the Pier Solar boards. Even I think he is a self-important a-hole.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 01, 2011, 08:21:27 AM
Yeah. I know. But, you missed the first huge LOL FREEBIE post/stuff, lol. and then you were like HEY GIMME FREE GAME sarcastically, not even realizing I already had, to like 15 people, haha :)
Quote
If it was a pointless jab, then it was pointless to compare yourself to them.
Comparing the games themselves was not done. Comparing the smoothness/turn out of publishing was, sort of. It's f*ckall easy to press CDs, and it sucks they got a bad batch. They were flaunting their shit for awhile, so I really expected better, I guess. Quality wise, I guess they outdid SFT, but as far as meeting their boasting, I think they kinda slipped up. They should get with their presser and bitch about it. If the master disc worked fine and the pressed ones don't, they should be entitled to a rerun, or a refund of pressing costs.
I basically did a "do it out of my garage" and peddle it at conventions sort of thing and it turned out just fine. They got the cart part down great, and botched the simple as hell part.
Quote
Would you like a broken CD?
Yes, actually. Considering they're charging 10 extra dollars and not even packing them into a case they will fit into. It'd be nice to at least have the artwork, even if the CD is broken/dodgy. WTF do they have to lose? Coasters for their workspace?
Quote
I really don't have much of a response to this and I can understand the reason for this particular complaint. However it has been continuously said that Pier Solar was being sold AT COST. In fact I imagine they overran their costs a bit. This may be an attempt to make up for it and gain actual funds to make another game.
Also, ignore the user Clessy or whatever his name is on the Pier Solar boards. Even I think he is a self-important a-hole.
Well if it's being sold AT COST, and the new run is less quality, sans CD, even if they kept the price at 35$, they'd be making extra money, right?
and yeah, Clessy is a huge bag o dicks, and should really stop.
Its kind of funny now that you look at it.
The preorder dicks are like
YOU DONT DESERVE THE BROKEN CD, WE WAITED 6 YEARS SO ONLY WE DESERVE THE BROKEN CD.
:D
If the CDs werent gimpy, is it safe to assume they WOULD have been packed into the reprint, and wed just be missing out on the colored manual, and poster?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 01, 2011, 09:12:04 AM
Fonzie is kind of dodging the issue a bit since the CDs work fine on some machines and not on others. He blames the machine. I agree with him that if a machine is in 100% perfect working order, the CD will probably work fine. But if there is even the slightest miscalibration or whatever, you may experience dodgy effects. I don't think he wants to admit that he has a bad batch. The CDs are authored in such a way that the title screen track is on the outside of the disc which is hardest to read and also the first screen where anyone will encounter problems. I also don't think he has a bunch of spare CDs laying around. A few (or a few dozen), probably, but not hundreds. He has said on the Pier Solar boards a few times that there will be A LOT of complaints with the discs not working and my guess is not including them is his way of fixing things since he seems conviced the hardware is 100% at fault. I don't know where he had them pressed. He is French and the game was manufactured in China. The discs were probably pressed abroad. Where was Insanity pressed? In the US?
If the discs hadn't been gimpy, would have have included them in the reprint? Good question. I would think so since that was a major bragging point for them for this whole time. At least they are keeping the ability there. I think the CDs would have worked more reliably if they went with redbook audio instead of seeking and streaming PCM.
I am curious how the plastic clamshell box will turn out. I was disappointed in the cardboard release as I much prefer the plastic box. I almost want to buy a reprint for the box, but that seems kind of stupid especially when I have a nice color laser printer and a few sports games that cost $1 or so at Goodwill I can sacrifice.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 01, 2011, 09:37:31 AM
I pressed my stuff in Texas. They were really professional about it. The delivered a good product, as anyone with the game can attest to.
I mailed one master disc, they said it had a slight imperfection so I sent 10 more and said pick the best one. They said okie dokie,
and a week later 500 Insanity's showed up at my house.
It seems like there is a mixed opinion about the CDs, The pompous preorderers (Clessy) seem to think THEYRE NOT GIVING YOU IT BECAUSE YOU DON'T DESERVE IT, ONLY WE TRUELY DESERVE IT......and then theres the people who are like "no, the CD is broken so we aren't bothering to ship them again".
Alot of what has been going around is, "the reprint doesn't have the CD, so maybe you should have preordered it. We knew the reprint wouldn't come with a bunch of extras. The CD is ENHANCED, so it doesn't really need to be there for the game. It's an extra feature"
Well if that's truly the case, they shouldn't have bragged and hyped that point for the past couple of years. The should have expressed that it is optional, and any additional runs may not include the CD
The CD's DO fit in clamshells though. So it'd be great if they would just come out and say look, our disc is dodgy. Our bad.
Then, post the ISO themselves on their site and let people make their own.
That's what I woulda done if Insanity showed up f*cked up and couldn't get a repress.
They need to just come out with an official statement about the reprint. Explain the 10$ price increase with lesser quality packaging, and explain the CD mixup. Do it right out in the open to shut up all the whining, speculating, and people like Clessy speaking for them and making them look like a bunch of cockpumps
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: termis on January 01, 2011, 11:22:52 AM
I gotta say, I don't understand the whining either. I totally side with developers on this one. I mean, it's true - they DON'T owe anyone anything, especially when it's done pro bono. If they never wanted to manufacture a second batch, well then, so be it. People are whining and saying they don't want to buy the second batch because of the things not included in the first batch (WHATEVER the extras may be -- that's for the developers to determine - whether it be part of a game/packaging)... well, the preorder folks are the ones who gave up their money first -- you should know about all this very well, Ark.
To be clear, I'm not ordering either batch, as I no longer buy/collect Genesis carts.
All that said, this ordeal definitely could've gone smoother, and there's something to be learned here for homebrew folks. 1) Only take preorders JUST before you go into pressing/manufacturing so you don't get into these delays. 2) You do need to give incentives for those who cough up the cash first, but not enough of it that the folks who didn't preorder/misssed out won't order the second batch. 3) Do something so that you can easily circumvent people from ebaying the first batch to make a profit off your work.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 01, 2011, 11:41:07 AM
Termis, you should really at least try the game out if there is an XBOx Live release. It really is truly spectacular. All I was disappointed with was the lack of color (I thought there would be more ooohs and ahhhs), and the small sprites.
Clessy really does need to think before he opens his mouth. He is a somewhat cool guy about 1/4 of the time though.
As for the whole picture I think this will be a great learning experience for any homebrew projects in the works. Many mistakes were made, but there is just as many lessons learned.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 01, 2011, 12:03:12 PM
I gotta say, I don't understand the whining either. I totally side with developers on this one. I mean, it's true - they DON'T owe anyone anything, especially when it's done pro bono. If they never wanted to manufacture a second batch, well then, so be it. People are whining and saying they don't want to buy the second batch because of the things not included in the first batch (WHATEVER the extras may be -- that's for the developers to determine - whether it be part of a game/packaging)... well, the preorder folks are the ones who gave up their money first -- you should know about all this very well, Ark.
Yeah the thing of it is, they flaunted their CD feature as the biggest showcase. So to not include it in print 2, along with a downgraded quality booklet, for TEN EXTRA BUCKS, really does suck. Mix in the tone that is mostly being given, and yeah it definitely sucks. They need to give concrete reasons for what they've done on print 2 instead of just saying "tough shit".
Why no CD? Is it because you don't want the print2 people to have it, or is it really just because the CD didn't come out right, and you don't want to deal with it Why 10$ more? Is this to turn a bit of profit since people are doing this on eBay with copies? If it was sold at cost, the new print can't possibly cost more. It's less quality, and no CD. A 35$ pricetag for print 2 should still be profiting them.
The no poster, I get. That and the color manual, or the stickers being omitted in print 2 would be a nice way of saying heres print 2, you don't get posters/stickers because you didn't preorder. Those are the kind of extra preorder incentives the entire world is used to. Goony little gimmicks that don't have anything to do with the actual game experience. I gave out lightscribed soundtracks. That's it. They look cool, have the tunes on it, and if you didn't get one, oh well. Burn a copy off your friend! Rip it out of the game disc itself. :)
I'm not really ticked beyond belief about print 2. A b&w manual is fine, and I prefer the clamshell also. Who cares about the poster, someones going to scan it and ill just kinko's my own poster. I still get the stickers. The lack of CD sucks, but if its because theyre really just badprints, OK then. I'd still like one for posterity.
They need to just EXPLAIN wtfs up.
the 10$ price increase though, yeah thats pretty lame. I don't like that part.
Quote
All that said, this ordeal definitely could've gone smoother, and there's something to be learned here for homebrew folks. 1) Only take preorders JUST before you go into pressing/manufacturing so you don't get into these delays. 2) You do need to give incentives for those who cough up the cash first, but not enough of it that the folks who didn't preorder/misssed out won't order the second batch. 3) Do something so that you can easily circumvent people from ebaying the first batch to make a profit off your work.
Done, Done, and Done.
:dance:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Emerald Rocker on January 01, 2011, 12:33:35 PM
I paid money for Insanity, and now I find out a bunch of people got it for free.
Boy, I feel ripped off.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: BlueBMW on January 01, 2011, 12:39:34 PM
I paid money for Insanity, and now I find out a bunch of people got it for free.
Boy, I feel ripped off.
you paid 25$ for a promo CCAG copy to review it back before I even lowered the pressed release price, or started giving them away for free.
Do you want a free one? I don't think you ever got a white case copy. Just say the word, lol I know you'll just get it and make fun of it with your pals, but its cool. You can do what you want with it! Use as a coaster!
Throw it at a wall! Sell it on ebay ! I dont care :)
I know you're trying to troll since that's your favorite PCEFX passtime, but you DO fall under the criteria of "PCEFX forum member who didn't get one yet", so.....
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: termis on January 01, 2011, 03:35:45 PM
I gotta say, I don't understand the whining either. I totally side with developers on this one. I mean, it's true - they DON'T owe anyone anything, especially when it's done pro bono. If they never wanted to manufacture a second batch, well then, so be it. People are whining and saying they don't want to buy the second batch because of the things not included in the first batch (WHATEVER the extras may be -- that's for the developers to determine - whether it be part of a game/packaging)... well, the preorder folks are the ones who gave up their money first -- you should know about all this very well, Ark.
Yeah the thing of it is, they flaunted their CD feature as the biggest showcase. So to not include it in print 2, along with a downgraded quality booklet, for TEN EXTRA BUCKS, really does suck. Mix in the tone that is mostly being given, and yeah it definitely sucks. They need to give concrete reasons for what they've done on print 2 instead of just saying "tough shit".
Why no CD? Is it because you don't want the print2 people to have it, or is it really just because the CD didn't come out right, and you don't want to deal with it Why 10$ more? Is this to turn a bit of profit since people are doing this on eBay with copies? If it was sold at cost, the new print can't possibly cost more. It's less quality, and no CD. A 35$ pricetag for print 2 should still be profiting them.
The no poster, I get. That and the color manual, or the stickers being omitted in print 2 would be a nice way of saying heres print 2, you don't get posters/stickers because you didn't preorder. Those are the kind of extra preorder incentives the entire world is used to. Goony little gimmicks that don't have anything to do with the actual game experience. I gave out lightscribed soundtracks. That's it. They look cool, have the tunes on it, and if you didn't get one, oh well. Burn a copy off your friend! Rip it out of the game disc itself. :)
I'm not really ticked beyond belief about print 2. A b&w manual is fine, and I prefer the clamshell also. Who cares about the poster, someones going to scan it and ill just kinko's my own poster. I still get the stickers. The lack of CD sucks, but if its because theyre really just badprints, OK then. I'd still like one for posterity.
They need to just EXPLAIN wtfs up.
the 10$ price increase though, yeah thats pretty lame. I don't like that part.
Quote
All that said, this ordeal definitely could've gone smoother, and there's something to be learned here for homebrew folks. 1) Only take preorders JUST before you go into pressing/manufacturing so you don't get into these delays. 2) You do need to give incentives for those who cough up the cash first, but not enough of it that the folks who didn't preorder/misssed out won't order the second batch. 3) Do something so that you can easily circumvent people from ebaying the first batch to make a profit off your work.
Done, Done, and Done.
:dance:
I dunno, the lower price for preorder version makes good sense to me. Think about it this way -- you know those 3 learning points I put up for homebrewers above? Well, a lower price just for the preorder version easily takes care of points #2 and #3. The lower price entices people to put their money up for manufacturing costs, and rewards them with a lower game cost for the faith that they put in to the developers.
I don't know if that's actually the case for Pier Solar, but you know what, you can consider doing something like that for your next release. Besides, EVEN IF they're releasing the 2nd batch for profit, bottom line is, it's their prerogative.
And though Emerald has a bit of a sharp tongue, he does have a point. Perhaps you just want to start clearing some of your extra stock, and you'd rather have people have your work than not, even if it means no extra $$ for you. That's mighty cool of you and all, but can/will irk some people that paid good money for it (especially those who paid for "regular" editions) -- Think about a way to make it to these folks that paid $$$ if you're giving copies away now - perhaps a small discount for later releases? And continuing on that, for the arcade release, why not price it at a much lower point where you can clear stock without having to give shitloads of copies away later? That'd be a win-win situation for all involved.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: TheClash603 on January 01, 2011, 04:38:22 PM
I paid for a copy of Insanity, and I got to participate in the contest because of it. Although I didn't get the soundtrack, but I'll live.
I assume Arkhan will blow me if we ever meet?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on January 01, 2011, 05:14:29 PM
On a slightly different topic, ...am I the only one here that hasn't received there Genesis version yet? I don't recall seeing a tracking number in any of my emails, did anyone else get a number to track? :-k
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 01, 2011, 05:15:47 PM
On a slightly different topic, ...am I the only one here that hasn't received there Genesis version yet? I don't recall seeing a tracking number in any of my emails, did anyone else get a number to track? :-k
No I don't believe that they are tracking them. I am sure your copy will arrive soon. :)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 01, 2011, 06:01:49 PM
Paranoia Dragon, I have not received mine yet, either. I think quite a few US people haven't.
Anyway, a lot of stuff here has been posted since I last visited, but I'm not going to address or even read everything.
Quote
The CD's DO fit in clamshells though.
A naked disc without a sleeve BARELY fits in the case. Put a standard paper sleeve on it and it will not fit. You'd have to get a damn tiny sleeve.
Quote
post the ISO themselves on their site and let people make their own.
I doubt they want to pay for all of the bandwidth. Plus, they'd have to have different versions for different programs. In my experience, an ISO created with TOAST may not burn properly on Nero or Discjuggler or whathaveyou.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 01, 2011, 06:12:43 PM
I dunno, the lower price for preorder version makes good sense to me. Think about it this way -- you know those 3 learning points I put up for homebrewers above? Well, a lower price just for the preorder version easily takes care of points #2 and #3. The lower price entices people to put their money up for manufacturing costs, and rewards them with a lower game cost for the faith that they put in to the developers.
I don't think that was really the case though. This would be a good point if some of the first wave was available post-preorder also, for say, 45$. These weren't preorders per se. These were the whole stock, buy in advance.
Quote
I don't know if that's actually the case for Pier Solar, but you know what, you can consider doing something like that for your next release. Besides, EVEN IF they're releasing the 2nd batch for profit, bottom line is, it's their prerogative.
Yeah, it is their prerogative. Its just kinda bleh. If they were at cost the first time at 35, and this one has less cost than the first, upping it an extra 10$ is a nice punch to peoples faces. Yeah they can do it, it just looks kinda lame since they were all WERE NOT DOING IT FOR PROFIT.
It seems like the ebay shenanigans have changed their mind about that.
The only reason I threw my shit up on eBay is because of Roy being a jackass. People I've never heard of (ie not PCEFXers) emailed me asking wtf was going on. It wasn't even to "profit". It was to stop people from being duped by a retard.
That and, the real copies are up now because apparently some people don't go to here, and have nfi you can just buy the game off my site.
Quote
And though Emerald has a bit of a sharp tongue, he does have a point. Perhaps you just want to start clearing some of your extra stock, and you'd rather have people have your work than not, even if it means no extra $$ for you. That's mighty cool of you and all, but can/will irk some people that paid good money for it (especially those who paid for "regular" editions) -- Think about a way to make it to these folks that paid $$$ if you're giving copies away now - perhaps a small discount for later releases? And continuing on that, for the arcade release, why not price it at a much lower point where you can clear stock without having to give shitloads of copies away later? That'd be a win-win situation for all involved.
Well, I gave alot of free ones away to the contest people,and anyone on PCEFX who asked post-RoyVegas retardation. Consider it a PCEFX perk. To those who BOUGHT it here, most of you were preorderers and got your special incentive one w/ soundtrack. If anyone on here is really that irked, let me know, and we can figure something out.... though I really doubt the PCEFX crew is going to be like WTF, DICK.
and uh, I believe you were the one who suggested/agreed on the 30$ price point, lol.
I have some ideas in store for the Retrocade, I really do. Awesome ideas.
I know who preordered/bought stuff, its all on record. So we will see what happens.
I'm not getting rid of the Insanity's to clear the stock out. The stack of boxes makes a nice end table, so i'd hate to see it go. Some people just really wanted to play the game and were like DANG MAN I CANT AFFORD IT, and to be honest, the PCEFX forum here is too legit to not hook people up, especially when we get shafted constantly.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 01, 2011, 06:35:36 PM
Quote
This would be a good point if some of the first wave was available post-preorder also, for say, 45$.
The posterity edition preordered for $50, I believe. That gets your name in the game and a box that says "posterity edition" underneath the cart. That's it, I believe.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 01, 2011, 06:39:49 PM
This would be a good point if some of the first wave was available post-preorder also, for say, 45$.
The posterity edition preordered for $50, I believe. That gets your name in the game and a box that says "posterity edition" underneath the cart. That's it, I believe.
Oh yeah I forgot about that one. So that one is the actual real incentive, the 35$ one was the real game, and whats coming in February is the we done goof'd edition?
Something like that?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 01, 2011, 06:54:13 PM
I think maybe WM is just trying to break even with the $45 price tag for the 2nd run. Like Joe and others said the WM crew used a lot of out of pocket money just to get this thing done. I like to see it as us giving a little back for the gift that they gave us. I have no qualms with doing just that. WM gave me the gift of being 13 years old again, and I hope that when all the dust settles you guys will be blessed with the same feeling.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 01, 2011, 06:58:00 PM
Fonzie said the game ended up being more expensive to produce than expected.
And Arkhan, your photos show what I found out as well. I don't think it is a good fit, seems pretty ghetto, but whatever.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 01, 2011, 06:58:24 PM
theyre bein kinda crabby/sketchy about why the hell theyre doing shit though.
well, they were like 12 hours ago, I dunno wtf theyre doing now, and dont really care anymore at this point. I'll get my ghettoFab edition in February, and see if the games even any good.
wouldnt that suck if after all this the game is friggin garbage?
I hope its not. I really do. Im sort of pretending its a Lunar 2 sequel. Anyone else doing that?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 01, 2011, 07:00:07 PM
Everybody has been saying that the game is a piece of shit and they can't even find the ambition to press START at the title screen the first time they turn it on. It is rumored that there isn't even anything beyond the title screen. But it is a Genesis game, it is SUPPOSED to be garbage!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 01, 2011, 07:04:55 PM
Everybody has been saying that the game is a piece of shit and they can't even find the ambition to press START at the title screen the first time they turn it on. It is rumored that there isn't even anything beyond the title screen. But it is a Genesis game, it is SUPPOSED to be garbage!
dang, its that bad?
at least it isnt as shitty as that one Berzerk clone.
:)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: termis on January 01, 2011, 08:09:17 PM
and uh, I believe you were the one who suggested/agreed on the 30$ price point, lol.
Nah, dude. You got me mixed up with someone else (as far as *suggesting* $30). I know the thread you're talking about -- I suggested the preorder way of doing things, but never a particular price point - look it up. :) To be completely honest, I thought your the initial price was on the high end for a mostly 1-man homebrew effort, but that's *one* consumer's opinion. I tried hinting to you that I believed some of the suggested sums were on the high end by telling you that the pricing opinions of most on that thread were for people who were ready & willing to pay a high sum -- the supportive community members, and you should take that into account when pricing for the *general* community, but maybe the hint didn't quite get there. :)
Now you have experience at your price point and how much volume that moves, so you can use that info for the Retrocade release.
I'm not getting rid of the Insanity's to clear the stock out. The stack of boxes makes a nice end table, so i'd hate to see it go. Some people just really wanted to play the game and were like DANG MAN I CANT AFFORD IT, and to be honest, the PCEFX forum here is too legit to not hook people up, especially when we get shafted constantly.
Don't get me wrong, like I said, it's mighty cool of you to develop, publish, and then even share your copies of work. I don't think anyone can deny that's awesome generous of you. I'm just saying how *some* humans generally react in situations like this (Emerald being one -- I know you don't think much of him, but if one person is a bit annoyed, others can certainly feel the same way).
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 01, 2011, 08:25:22 PM
ah, well, SOMEONE suggested 30, so I went with it, lol.
Now its 25 (shipped) , so 20$! (Domestic). Its like 30$ shipped international.
As for Emerald, eh hes just trollin' as usual. He approached all coolface.jpg asking for a review copy for his site, so I sold him a CCAG one. He got one of the copies valued at like, 200$! whats he complaining about! He's got a goldmine sittin under him.
:D
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 02, 2011, 04:14:00 AM
(http://www.nodtveidt.net/trolls.jpg) I'm not really following the drama of this one for now but it looks interesting anyways. It doesn't matter what you do, you're always gonna have haters and whiners. Nothing you can really do about it except ignore them, because engaging them is always fruitless... even if you're to remedy that which they're hating and whining about, they will simply come up with something new to hate and whine about. Maybe WM is going the right route by keeping things on the low for now and not engaging the wall of noise.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Emerald Rocker on January 02, 2011, 09:05:24 AM
My point is that times change, offers change, and there are a lot of ways to look at things. The people who supported Pier Solar from the start got a better deal. Did the people who supported Insanity from the start get a better deal?
Arkhan's complaints sound like sour grapes, just as it would sound like sour grapes if I were seriously complaining about having paid money for Insanity. Every game eventually goes down in price; if I'm bitter about anything, it's about spending $60 on Tekken 6.
30 for a guy's first homebrew Turbo game, I'm cool with that. 35, 45, or even 60 for a homebrew Genesis cart -- I'm cool with that, too. What I'm not cool with is being called "anti-homebrew" and then reading the stuff I'm reading in this thread. Arkhan, I can understand being skeptical about something after years of delay. But now you know Pier Solar exists and now you know that you'll get yours, so how about letting the copies get out the door before you complain? Look at your posts -- is this what you would want to read about your own games, especially if you had lost money on the project? Communication is great, but would you really feel like you owed an explanation to people who hadn't ponied up for a pre-order?
Save the drama for people who don't deliver.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 02, 2011, 09:28:59 AM
My point is that times change, offers change, and there are a lot of ways to look at things. The people who supported Pier Solar from the start got a better deal. Did the people who supported Insanity from the start get a better deal?
No, the people who paid for Insanity preorders got a CD and a scribble on the case, kinda like when you preorder a game at gamestop and get some goony meaningless little doodad to stick on a shelf, as incentive to help out. Its like a nice little gesture. "Hey you helped get things rolling, heres a light scribed soundtrack!"
Quote
Arkhan's complaints sound like sour grapes, just as it would sound like sour grapes if I were seriously complaining about having paid money for Insanity. Every game eventually goes down in price; if I'm bitter about anything, it's about spending $60 on Tekken 6.
Nah its not really sour grapes, its more like "wtf!". The CD was the big centerpiece of the games bragging, and the second print doesn't have it, and it costs more. Its kinda rare for a game to go UP in price on the second print, especially since it comes with less stuff. If the second print cost the same, (seeing as it costs less to print run 2), and wasn't all fancy, no big deal. I don't think there'd be alot of pissing and moaning.
Since we're now pretty aware the CD is borked, I can see why it isn't coming. I still wouldn't mind having a borked CD just to look at. I bet the art looks nice on the disc. So print 2's lack of CD isn't really a huge miss-out for anyone. We miss out on a broken CD. I think EVERYONE might as well piss and moan about that part, even the developers. They should seriously give the pressing house hell. It sounds like a shitty press. Wasn't it pressed in China? That would explain alot.
Quote
30 for a guy's first homebrew Turbo game, I'm cool with that. 35, 45, or even 60 for a homebrew Genesis cart -- I'm cool with that, too. What I'm not cool with is being called "anti-homebrew" and then reading the stuff I'm reading in this thread.
Nah you havent been called anti homebrew, just anti PCE homebrew for whatever reason... unless you troll all the homebrew scenes the same way, lol.
Remember your 8pack mega shooter thread? :) hah.
Quote
Arkhan, I can understand being skeptical about something after years of delay. But now you know Pier Solar exists and now you know that you'll get yours, so how about letting the copies get out the door before you complain? Look at your posts -- is this what you would want to read about your own games, especially if you had lost money on the project? Communication is great, but would you really feel like you owed an explanation to people who hadn't ponied up for a pre-order?
Its got nothing to do with the game itself. I bet the game rules. Its the packaging/delivery of everything. I wouldn't want to read this about my stuff, so that's why I'd make sure it doesn't happen. I'm too OCD/careful about that crap. I tested a bunch of the arrived Insanity discs out on 3 different machines and emulators to make sure it worked. I just randomly grabbed ones from various boxes that they arrived in to make sure the pressing went right.
I beat the game myself before I shipped any out.
If there was this much dissent, yeah, I would owe an explanation. That's how it works. You don't leave the potential players of the game in the dark just because they didn't fork out preorder money first. Every potential players opinion matters, even if its not positive. They'd deserve straight answers as to what the hells going on, and why its going on. If you're not doing it for the players of the game, who the hell are you doing it for? If its for yourself, you wouldn't make 2400 copies and send them to people.
Whats going on with PS, is a bunch of conflicting/sketchy statements from various team members. If it were me, I'd just come out and explain the lack of CD even if its me admitting I f*cked up (Or, the pressing house, as the case may be), and explaining why the second print isn't as fancy, and why the cost went up. There has to be SOME sort of explanation, so what is it?
"You didn't pay for the preorder, so tough shit, go get a time machine", is not an explanation. its rude dismissal of the problem.
Id prefer
"The CD is broken, so we aren't doing that again. Maybe we'll get the CD repressed and offer it in the future. The first print was too costly since it was fancy looking. We lost personal funds in the process, so we are doing a cheaper second run that is standard, rather than over the top quality. The price increase is to help recuperate, and its still on par with every other genesis homebrew"
or something, over
"YOU DONT DESERVE ANYTHING. YOURE LUCKY WERE EVEN DOING PRINT 2. IF YOU WANT THE FANCY ONE, GO ON EBAY , THATS WHAT YOU SHOULDA PAID. GET A TIME MACHINE, GO PREORDER IT. STOP WHINING"
It wouldn't take much to clear the air.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 03, 2011, 06:17:44 AM
Hrm... I actually expected a lot more "industry buzz" about this game but a lot of indie sites are seemingly absent from comment (or even news of the release), and the few reviews I've read thus far don't say a whole heck of a lot of positive things about the game as a whole. I get kind of a "this is a run of the mill RPG" vibe from people who've written reviews. About the only thing I've seen that is consistently positive is the variation of the environments... screenshots I've seen seem to back this up.
It seems that what's happening here is something of a hype effect. WM hyped the game up long before release, basically making it out to be the killer app that the Mark V has always needed. The fans pushed the hype further (this always happens, for better or for worse). What happens is that this creates an artificial level of expectation that no one can fulfill no matter how hard they try... people are going to wish it was "just a little better", and the detractors will take this and grind it down to "the worst game ever". People will then pick apart anything the original developers/publishers say and use it on 'their side' of debates, which ultimately prove and accomplish nothing except to waste everyone's time when they could be just playing it and enjoying it for what it is... a game.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 03, 2011, 09:48:01 AM
I havent heard anything bad about the game itself, just the publication-shenanigans.
The game looks pretty damn good. I cant wait to get my overpriced standard quality game in February complete with burned CD.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 03, 2011, 11:32:37 AM
Actually, the preorders were underpriced since they lost money on them.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 03, 2011, 12:44:24 PM
I haven't read anything specifically bad, just nothing particularly good. The general feel is that of "meh"... it's a pretty-looking game that feels average. I saw a couple of people on the neo-geo forum citing gameplay issues, but you gotta take what people there say with a grain of salt, especially when they're not specific about what those issues are.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 03, 2011, 01:28:11 PM
It's definitely not as good as the RPGs on the Neo Geo, so it is no wonder they are not impressed. :)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 03, 2011, 02:15:25 PM
Actually, the preorders were underpriced since they lost money on them.
ahhh... well I wonder why they said they were being sold at cost and weren't trying to profit, lol.
Good game makers, bad marketers, methinks
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 03, 2011, 03:58:47 PM
I have been avoiding reviews just to get my own feel of the game. What I can definitely say is that it's the best RPG that I have ever played on the 'Ol Genesis. I know that isn't saying a whole lot, but I am damned impressed.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 03, 2011, 04:01:59 PM
how would you compare it to PS2 and PSIV?
Also the best RPG on the Genesis is Super Hydlide, :) Go play it
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 03, 2011, 04:24:01 PM
I don't suppose being the best RPG on the Genesis is much to ask for considering the low number of RPGs the system got. :D Being the best RPG on the SNES or the PCE... now there's a goal to shoot for. :) I mean honestly, what are you up against? PS4, Lunar, Landstalker... anything else?
Super Hydlide isn't much dude, sorry. It just has a few interesting concepts to it, but as a game, isn't really all that remarkable.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on January 03, 2011, 04:30:08 PM
Both Lunars and Vay are two of my favs
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 03, 2011, 04:36:04 PM
Vay gets a lot of heat for being unremarkable but at least it's fun and doesn't have a lot of forced grinding. Lunar TSS is definitely the quintessential Genesis RPG.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 03, 2011, 05:10:37 PM
As much as I have tried I never could get into PSII or PSIV unfortunately. I do enjoy Lunar SSS though. But, the only one I have played is the Playstation version.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 03, 2011, 05:14:12 PM
The Playstation version is *nothing* like the Sega CD version. At least not for Silver Star... dunno about Eternal Blue, since I returned the Playstation version to the store after only playing it for 10 minutes, and that was 10 minutes of pure suck... never got to try the Genesis version though.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on January 03, 2011, 06:42:51 PM
Loved Lunar Eternal Blue, never cared to finish the PSX version although the packaging was nice.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 03, 2011, 08:44:32 PM
Some people like some games better than others. Deal with it. :P hehe
shhhhhh!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: TheClash603 on January 03, 2011, 10:52:29 PM
I recently picked up Virtual Hydlide for the Saturn, and that game is... hmmm..
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 04, 2011, 04:57:32 AM
Quote
well I wonder why they said they were being sold at cost and weren't trying to profit
Probably because they underestimated the cost. I imagine that inflation also occurred since it had been so long. :)
As far as Genesis RPGs go, Phantasy Star 2 was good, Phantasy Star IV was friggin' awesome! Lunar Silver Star was good and Lunar Eternal Blue was friggin' awesome! To be honest, I didn't like ANY of the SNES Final Fantasys (or any from that series in general). I played through Super Hydlide mainly because of the awesome soundtrack, but I did not like how I walked super slow if I had too much money or whatever.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 04, 2011, 06:12:02 AM
I played through Super Hydlide mainly because of the awesome soundtrack, but I did not like how I walked super slow if I had too much money or whatever.
Thats what the coin exchanger is for, and the bank, lol.
what adventurer needs to walk around with 23923040234 gold anyway, :D
I liked how you had to sleep at night, not carry too much shit, and not shank good creatures.
and yeah, the soundtrack to that game is easily like my favorite Genesis soundtrack. They rock the FM so hard.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on January 04, 2011, 02:04:50 PM
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Senshi on January 04, 2011, 03:10:44 PM
Quote
It has been confirmed by the Dev team that it cost way more to produce then the pre-order price.
I would expect a game like Pier Solar to be sold for at least $75 a copy. Especially since it is in a cartridge format which I'm sure is much more difficult than a CD to make, and being made by a small group of people in a relatively small quantity compared to the releases of genesis games in the past.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 04, 2011, 05:27:16 PM
There is no CD shortage. In case you missed it earlier in my post, the pressed CD doesn't work so well and CD-Rs work better. The CD works, but not well in all machines. In case you missed those last two sentences, I can post it again. There is no shortage.
Here is the ISO (not from me):
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=T47VTT2X
Now stop it.
Also, Arkhan, your game is nowhere near the level of Pier Solar. How many people even know about it? I visit these forums every day and I barely even know about it.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on January 05, 2011, 10:28:18 PM
So how else am I supposed to get the CD for the game I pre-ordered? lololol
Interesting question. They were saying all this time on the forums that the CD-R/iso burned copies were working fine, so just use those......
but now, it seems like they've made a new loop hole to not look like they f*cked up.... and that is making a NEW CD (that probably wont work either if the use Chang's Speedy Fast Pressing services in good ol China)..
this CD, since it is for Run #2, will omit the extras, thus making the original 2400 preorders happy in the pants once again. Now they can go YOU GOT YOUR DAMN CD TOO, BUT YOU DONT GET ANY OF THE EXTRAS THAT ONLY PREORDERERS WERE ENTITLED TO.
BTW, DONT COPY THE ORIGINAL CD ANYMORE, ITS ILLEGAL. IT WAS COOL FOR THE PAST WEEK, BUT DONT DO IT NOW.
Classic really, as that will cost more to press. If they hadn't changed the disc contents they could just contact the presser and have them reuse the master that was made for batch #1. This usually involves a lesser pressing price as they aren't having to make a nice fancy master disc, and all of that.
Though maybe that doesn't matter since disc #1 didn't work. The pressing house still owes them a functional batch, or a refund probably. Good luck getting that from a place in China.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on January 07, 2011, 08:37:57 AM
So how else am I supposed to get the CD for the game I pre-ordered? lololol
Interesting question. They were saying all this time on the forums that the CD-R/iso burned copies were working fine, so just use those......
but now, it seems like they've made a new loop hole to not look like they f*cked up.... and that is making a NEW CD (that probably wont work either if the use Chang's Speedy Fast Pressing services in good ol China)..
this CD, since it is for Run #2, will omit the extras, thus making the original 2400 preorders happy in the pants once again. Now they can go YOU GOT YOUR DAMN CD TOO, BUT YOU DONT GET ANY OF THE EXTRAS THAT ONLY PREORDERERS WERE ENTITLED TO.
BTW, DONT COPY THE ORIGINAL CD ANYMORE, ITS ILLEGAL. IT WAS COOL FOR THE PAST WEEK, BUT DONT DO IT NOW.
Classic really, as that will cost more to press. If they hadn't changed the disc contents they could just contact the presser and have them reuse the master that was made for batch #1. This usually involves a lesser pressing price as they aren't having to make a nice fancy master disc, and all of that.
Though maybe that doesn't matter since disc #1 didn't work. The pressing house still owes them a functional batch, or a refund probably. Good luck getting that from a place in China.
The new CD is just a Bin/Cue for download on their site. They aren't pressing.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 07, 2011, 11:10:47 AM
The new CD is just a Bin/Cue for download on their site. They aren't pressing.
Oh I misunderstood that they ARE pressing new ones.
lolol so they ripped the bin/cue themselves, took out the extras and said DONT COPY THE GOOD ONE.
wow.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 09, 2011, 04:41:51 PM
Here is a vid by MN12BIRD (cool guy) giving a detailed look at the packaging is any of you are interested.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 09, 2011, 04:55:13 PM
I haven't even looked at the extras on my disc yet. It started skipping after about 5 seconds so I said "Eff dis" and made a CDR which works perfectly.
One of the team members tells me that perhaps the materials used to make CDs these days are different and can't be read as well by the Sega CD. Ummm... OK.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 09, 2011, 05:06:01 PM
I haven't even looked at the extras on my disc yet. It started skipping after about 5 seconds so I said "Eff dis" and made a CDR which works perfectly.
One of the team members tells me that perhaps the materials used to make CDs these days are different and can't be read as well by the Sega CD. Ummm... OK.
Hmm...I am starting to think that they just screwed the disc up and won't admit it. I know some of yous guys have already alluded to that fact, but I trusted them too much I guess. Don't get me wrong, I still love them for what they have done for all of us. I just wish they would be more honest.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on January 10, 2011, 01:31:20 PM
Got mine today, Blast Processing since 1988!! Awesome :D
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 10, 2011, 01:42:26 PM
I haven't even looked at the extras on my disc yet. It started skipping after about 5 seconds so I said "Eff dis" and made a CDR which works perfectly.
One of the team members tells me that perhaps the materials used to make CDs these days are different and can't be read as well by the Sega CD. Ummm... OK.
Oh ffs. What a moronic statement.
Look at Insanity.
Pressed for your playing excitement on OLDER f*ckING HARDWARE.
give me a break. a goddamn SCSI CD drive reads the discs fine.
when are they going to admit Changs Speedy CD Plessing Hut f*cked up and gave them a crappy batch of discs.
Instead of coming up with excuses why not call the guys up and go THESE ARE MESSED UP. REFUND US. SEND GOOD ONES. DO SOMETHING.
In fact Insanity is read by my Sega CD. I went and checked.
*shrug* Whatever.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: BlueBMW on January 11, 2011, 03:41:39 AM
My Sega CD plays CDRs a whole lot better than my Duo. Ill agree modern CDrs aren't as good as the old ones but how does one screw up a proffessionally pressed cd?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 11, 2011, 05:01:03 AM
Chinese CD manufacturers do not adhere to the rigid standards of pressing houses in the USA. Manufacturing CDs is a very delicate operation that has to be done under the highest level of care and expertise. This is especially the case for making the glass master... the environment in which the master is made has to be precisely controlled, and even the replication process has to always follow a strict standard of environmental conditions. One piece of dust gets in the process and the thing's f*cked... might as well toss it out and start all over again. When it comes to glass mastering, that's even more literal... one piece of dust really WILL f*ck the whole thing and you HAVE to start over... at least during replication, a piece of dust will only f*ck the current disc (though it's still ruined and has to be done over). The problem is that this issue is all too common with Chinese CD manufacturers... and they don't f*cking care. If you get a bad batch of CDs from a Chinese manufacturer, good luck having anything done about it aside from sucking it up and taking a loss. Pressing in the USA will cost you more but at least you know you're gonna get a working product.
Cart manufacturing, on the other hand, is just a matter of paying attention. Yes, manufacturing ROM chips also requires a strict environmental standard, but assembling a cart only requires that one pays the f*ck attention to what they're doing and doesn't drill a screw through the ROM chip or circuit board (or both if you're doing glop-tops).
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on January 11, 2011, 05:33:17 AM
I played it a bit on my CDX, seems to work just fine, there was maybe one time where it took the music a bit to load.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 11, 2011, 06:53:35 AM
Actually there are no ROM chips used on the board. It's ROM "Goo", kind of like PC Engine HuCards.
(http://i51.tinypic.com/ap6vpe.jpg)
(http://i51.tinypic.com/ohidm1.jpg)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Necromancer on January 11, 2011, 07:26:34 AM
Actually there are no ROM chips used on the board. It's ROM "Goo", kind of like PC Engine HuCards.
Funny pic, but what do you think is under that 'goo'? Like HuCards, that's a glob top protecting the components and allowing use of smaller (flimsier) wiring.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 11, 2011, 11:38:41 AM
You can see three things if you look closely.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: TheOldMan on January 11, 2011, 11:49:43 AM
The "Goo" is actually insulator/sealer. It takes the place of the plastic carrier you normally associate with chips, protecting it from harm.
And, if you are real careful, you can peel the goo off, and see what the actual chip die looks like. You can also split a plastic carrier (hot razor knife works) and compare them. But either operation will most likely rip the tiny wires off the die, rendering the chip useless.
At least, the chips I used didn't work afterwards... :-)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: oldskool on January 11, 2011, 05:36:35 PM
My Pier Solar US edition has been working flawlessly for me in BOTH my CDX, and my X'Eye. Not sure if I am lucky, or if people just have worn out hardware.
And to those who have not played it yet, I assure you, it's an AWESOME game. And I am not even a big fan of Japnese style RPG's. It has some unique features in the game that I have yet to see in other RPG's. Not to mention the graphics and the sounds are amazing.
Did anyone here post a link to an official ISO copy of the original disc? If not I can dupe mine. And if it doesn't work in your hardware, then maybe it does have something to do with worn out lasers - since I know mine works great.
As one of those people that "patiently waited" for over 2 years - I do have to agree that it kind of sucks for the people that are still interested in it to have to pay more and get less. But it is what it is. And what it is, is an awesome Genesis game for $45 (Shipped).
While I do agree that the few of us that actually had faith in them do deserve "extras", I don't believe that we should have got that many extras to those buyers of the second print. I think the omision of the color manal is no big deal really. But I do think that everyone deserves the enchanced CD. It is nice that you still have the option to burn one off if you want to experience it, but I also do agree.
I do think that some people are going a bit overboard about the whole situation too, that's for sure.
I think there is WAY too much homebrew slamming around here, it's pretty pathetic really.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 11, 2011, 05:53:13 PM
Well, when you got people like what was his name, Clessy? Yeah when theres people like that, it really doesn't help the "pro homebrew" side of things.
The games not even the problem here, its really just the way in which the publishing was done. Lots of people got a nice kick to the sack, and a "tough shit" from the dev. team.
The game itself looks kick-ass.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 11, 2011, 05:58:58 PM
Oldskool, maybe some of the discs turned out OK. They can't ALL be bad.
Anyway, the game design is really starting to frustrate me and I am going out of my way to let the developers know it. Way too many random battles that you can't run from and it takes a very long time to level up. You are trying to solve a riddle and you keep getting interrupted by battles, none of which are ever quick. They need to know that their work has begun to annoy and frustrate me. And not because I suck at gaming as I've beaten tons of RPGs. Instead it is due to design flaws. I have noticed that homebrew games tend to be more difficult than real games, not sure why that is.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 11, 2011, 06:05:12 PM
Yeah, I have noticed that it takes FOREVER to level up in PS. It took a took an eternity to go from level 2 to 3. Level increase should come fast in the beginning, and then level out.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 11, 2011, 07:18:12 PM
I often wonder why games that take so many years to complete have problems such as this.
Like you mentioned basically, if you've PLAYED RPGs before, you should know what works and what doesn't, especially if you are talking Genesis RPGs.
There are do's and don'ts.
Anyone remember that awesome mirror maze in Lunar 2? f*ck that. With random battles in between? it was a lesson in patience.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on January 11, 2011, 07:21:09 PM
I guess when I got an offer to beta test it I should have took it.
"This shit's too hard! Make it easier!"
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 12, 2011, 12:26:13 AM
While I do agree that the few of us that actually had faith in them do deserve "extras"
Emphasis mine. Never put faith in anything. Ever. EVER. And that goes for everything.
And furthermore, that statement is arrogant and self-serving, which is really what people are opposed to. I don't see any homebrew-slamming in this thread at ALL. Do you even know what homebrew-slamming looks like? No one's ragging on the game because it's homebrew, it's because of the ultimately idiotic things that some of the dev staff and die-hard zealots are saying. It's no different than when people (although this happens in the magnitude of MILLIONS, not just dozens) rag on Blizzard for whatever they f*cked up this week. If it was homebrew-slamming, it would involve people making half-assed comparisons to commercial games, saying that this game sucks because it wasn't made by a licensed third party, etc etc etc.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Necromancer on January 12, 2011, 02:36:39 AM
Never put faith in anything. Ever. EVER. And that goes for everything.
I have faith that I'll get a copy of Mysterious Song... eventually..... probably before I die....... maybe. :lol:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 12, 2011, 04:56:19 AM
yeah theres a difference between bashing the game itself, and bashing the pretty moronic publication events that are transpiring.
Honestly, they've done no better than SFT because of this. The initial print may be of a higher quality, but the broken CD and events that followed post-launch along with the planned quality of run #2 don't really set them above SFT.
Maybe slightly, since the cart itself has the neat little guy on it and stuff, but..... yeah.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 12, 2011, 07:13:11 AM
Well, I'm not so sure if WM's people are approaching SFT-level nonsense, but it seems as if people are getting more and more upset. That's never a good thing.
Necromancer, we might have found someone to fill in for B_T while he's away, so put that faith away because you don't need it. :P
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 12, 2011, 10:47:57 AM
All I have to say is don't wave your dick around if you don't plan to deliver, or at least be humble when you've screwed up.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 12, 2011, 11:40:45 AM
Fonzie says there are many reasons why a CD-R would work better. No reasons were provided. But the fact that a pressed disc is no longer offered says something about it. It would be more reliable to download and burn your own. As for the extras, I finally popped in my disc and checked them out. Basically it is an HTML file that opens in your web browser and plays some flash images and music. It shows a few pics from the development and lets you play back a few of the PCM songs (probably re-encoded to play in Flash). You can also "download" wallpapers to your desktop. There are 3 redbook audio tracks, one long one saying that the game only works on Sega CD in many different languages and then CD versions of a couple tracks. The extras are kind of cool, but not really necessary. I'd put the HTML on my site for people to see/use, but I don't think they'd like that very much. Eliminating this stuff probably made the ISO a smaller download, though I have heard reports of people "padding" the image so it fills the whole CD thus making it behave more reliably, but that doesn't make any sense to me.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 12, 2011, 11:51:09 AM
A CD-R is going to work better because most CD-Rs are not made in China, but in Japan (extremely strict quality control) or Mexico (under supervision by a company in the USA, so again, extremely strict quality control). Sad, really.
And if anyone actually says that "padding the image so it fills the whole CD makes it more reliable" then you need to shoot them in the face with a bazooka. Ugh... the stupid, it burns...
If I ever make a Sega CD game (don't count on it... I can't stand the graphics limitations, I'd rather do a Dreamcast game), I'd at least have it pressed domestically.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: bluespeed on January 12, 2011, 11:57:11 AM
I'm one of the lucky ones, in the game my CD works on all my Sega CD systems, music plays flawlessly. But here's the strange thing, the redbook audio tracks don't work on my Sega CD or CD player... they skip. I've NEVER had that problem before.
I guess when I got an offer to beta test it I should have took it.
"This shit's too hard! Make it easier!"
The game IS easier compared to the beta. But the game design and layout and everything was already finished by the time beta testing started.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 12, 2011, 12:42:03 PM
It really amazes me what kind of stupid reasonings people come up with for why a CD isn't working.
Padding the ISO? Whuuuuuht? Real CDs are made with things a Sega CD cant read?! whaaaaaaaaat? So how are cheap ass CD-Rs working fine then?
Here is the REAL reason why the CD doesnt frikkin' work.
1) China sucks at pressing CDs
Also, did the master work on multiple machines? If so.. HMMMM, maybe they got a bad pressing. 2400 CDs, JUST the CDs with no booklets and such, would have cost <1$ a disc from where I got things pressed. 500 discs was around 600$ w/ jewelcases and inserts. If you're just printing off CDs with no cases, maaaan is it cheapcheap.
Why they picked CHINA, land of low quality horse shit, is beyond me.
Someone better scan the frigging enhanced CD artwork so I can make my own for my burnt copy.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on January 12, 2011, 01:24:29 PM
Why they picked CHINA, land of low quality horse shit, is beyond me.
Local Shipping. Possibly no shipping.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 12, 2011, 01:31:03 PM
Quote from: The Old Rover
And if anyone actually says that "padding the image so it fills the whole CD makes it more reliable" then you need to shoot them in the face with a bazooka.
Yeah. I think the person who did it said something like "The Sega CD tries to seek in areas which have no data, causing issues". That doesn't make any sense. You'd have to have a horribly broken TOC or directory to do that.
And Arkhan, I'm sure they picked China because it is el-cheapo.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 12, 2011, 01:41:46 PM
Yeah. I think the person who did it said something like "The Sega CD tries to seek in areas which have no data, causing issues". That doesn't make any sense. You'd have to have a horribly broken TOC or directory to do that.
Yeah, if the ripped ISO of the pressed discs works fine..... odds are its not the layout of the disc and its just the quality of said disc.
Quote
And Arkhan, I'm sure they picked China because it is el-cheapo.
Well, you get what you friggin pay for.
Did they get pressed in a straw hut and delivered via rickshaw?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: oldskool on January 12, 2011, 01:55:53 PM
While I do agree that the few of us that actually had faith in them do deserve "extras"
Emphasis mine. Never put faith in anything. Ever. EVER. And that goes for everything.
And furthermore, that statement is arrogant and self-serving, which is really what people are opposed to. I don't see any homebrew-slamming in this thread at ALL. Do you even know what homebrew-slamming looks like? No one's ragging on the game because it's homebrew, it's because of the ultimately idiotic things that some of the dev staff and die-hard zealots are saying. It's no different than when people (although this happens in the magnitude of MILLIONS, not just dozens) rag on Blizzard for whatever they f*cked up this week. If it was homebrew-slamming, it would involve people making half-assed comparisons to commercial games, saying that this game sucks because it wasn't made by a licensed third party, etc etc etc.
Yada Yada Yada. Thanks for the attack calling me arrogant and self-serving. Because that is SO me. I appreciate it. Can't ever even get a word in this f*cking place without people f*cking attacking you.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Emerald Rocker on January 12, 2011, 02:05:14 PM
Some people here have big mouths. Especially people who promise things for years and, after all that time, aren't even capable of delivering a refund.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 12, 2011, 03:30:11 PM
Yada Yada Yada. Thanks for the attack calling me arrogant and self-serving. Because that is SO me. I appreciate it. Can't ever even get a word in this f*cking place without people f*cking attacking you.
Sorry oldskool but that was an arrogant statement and that's the kind of thing that so many people are pissed off about... that particular attitude. It's basically saying that the only people who deserve "the real thing" are the ones who held onto faith, and that those who wanted the proof before the purchase were screwed. That is SO not the way to do things, and as someone who appreciates the real thing more than anyone on this forum, you of all people should understand that.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 12, 2011, 03:33:16 PM
well all the people going WE DESERVE THE CD, NOT YOU, look like real idiots since the reason the 2nd printers arent getting the CD isnt because theyre not deserving, its because they dont frikkin work.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 12, 2011, 04:44:19 PM
I think everyone who has a Sega CD and this game should have the CD. The cart music is good, but it doesn't sound as good as the Genesis is capable of.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 12, 2011, 06:31:50 PM
I think everyone who has a Sega CD and this game should have the CD. The cart music is good, but it doesn't sound as good as the Genesis is capable of.
I don't have any idea on how to upload an ISO, but if anyone wants a CD-R copy I can send yous guys one if you cover shipping. :)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 12, 2011, 07:25:05 PM
I think everyone who has a Sega CD and this game should have the CD. The cart music is good, but it doesn't sound as good as the Genesis is capable of.
I don't have any idea on how to upload an ISO, but if anyone wants a CD-R copy I can send yous guys one if you cover shipping. :)
give plz.
you know my address, I think? :D
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 12, 2011, 09:21:56 PM
I can upload the ISO (I have the FTP space), but I am not sure the ISO I create from Toast on a Mac will be compatible with other burning programs. I could take it over to the Windows side if I had specific instructions on what to use and how to do it. But Mathius' offer sounds good for most because you know he won't burn anything at 100x.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 12, 2011, 09:26:02 PM
ISO is supposed to be a standard format... it should be universal.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 12, 2011, 09:29:58 PM
Hmmm.... well Toast won't let me. It has its own proprietary ".toast" image, which is just stupid. Also, the disc mounts as two images. One is an audio CD with three tracks, the other is the data stuffs. Burning a CD-R copy is easy, making a combined ISO is not, at least from my shitty Mac end.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 12, 2011, 09:57:15 PM
Hmmm.... well Toast won't let me. It has its own proprietary ".toast" image, which is just stupid. Also, the disc mounts as two images. One is an audio CD with three tracks, the other is the data stuffs. Burning a CD-R copy is easy, making a combined ISO is not, at least from my shitty Mac end.
MAC IS WAC.
SEE WHAT I DID THERE?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 13, 2011, 04:35:51 AM
I am going to need addresses through PM. I know you live in Ohio, Ark, but that's all I remember. :)
Edit: It may be a few days before I can respond to any PMs. My computer has to go into the shop for a small repair.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on January 13, 2011, 04:41:39 AM
It's basically saying that the only people who deserve "the real thing" are the ones who held onto faith, and that those who wanted the proof before the purchase were screwed. That is SO not the way to do things...
Well, I don't know about that. If you want the latest greatest limited edition Ferrari you have to have already been a customer, be "cool" (in their opinion) and put down a huge non-refundable deposit...and then give them half a mil when they are actually produced. If you wait to see if its a good car, you'll never get one (at least not at the original price).
Of course, Ferrari has a rather good reputation, and they've been around since the 40s, so the amount of "faith" required is considerably less than what you need to believe in a couple of guys making a guaranteed-unprofitable Mega Drive game...but my point is sometimes:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 14, 2011, 07:16:15 PM
Pier Solar reprint ghetto homeless edition is now sold out. The 3rd edition will be cart only, no boc, no manual, no label. Maybe some scratches or nicks... or soldering iron burn marks. Game name will be scratched into the plastic with an X-acto knife.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nectarsis on January 14, 2011, 07:28:42 PM
Pier Solar reprint ghetto homeless edition is now sold out. The 3rd edition will be cart only, no boc, no manual, no label. Maybe some scratches or nicks... or soldering iron burn marks. Game name will be scratched into the plastic with an X-acto knife.
Will it be $10-20 more? :P :twisted: :lol:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 14, 2011, 07:50:39 PM
Pier Solar reprint ghetto homeless edition is now sold out. The 3rd edition will be cart only, no boc, no manual, no label. Maybe some scratches or nicks... or soldering iron burn marks. Game name will be scratched into the plastic with an X-acto knife.
Will it be $10-20 more? :P :twisted: :lol:
YEAH AND IT WONT WORK.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nectarsis on January 14, 2011, 07:52:46 PM
Pier Solar reprint ghetto homeless edition is now sold out. The 3rd edition will be cart only, no boc, no manual, no label. Maybe some scratches or nicks... or soldering iron burn marks. Game name will be scratched into the plastic with an X-acto knife.
Will it be $10-20 more? :P :twisted: :lol:
YEAH AND IT WONT WORK.
Hey..what do you expect for 85% NEW :P
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 14, 2011, 08:46:01 PM
I was wondering, is it Pier Soul err, or pier soul are, in the spirit of Lunar?
Also, this game wouldve been better if it was for PCE. :)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 15, 2011, 07:30:41 AM
Gears of War would be better for the PCE.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 15, 2011, 07:41:15 AM
I was wondering, is it Pier Soul err, or pier soul are, in the spirit of Lunar?
If it's in the spirit of Lunar, then it's Pier Soul-er.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 15, 2011, 05:43:26 PM
The battles are in the spirit of Lunar, yes. In fact I often get Lunar vibes when playing the game. But it is still unique unto itself. I don't think anyoen will call it a "Lunar rip-off".
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 15, 2011, 07:05:15 PM
I know how it's pronounced in the game. In case it wasn't clear enough, I'm talking about what real people call it. You have not disproved my point.
So you're saying the creators of the game, the story writers, the voice actors, the advertising people, and anyone who listens to them are retards. Cool. Hows that meth working out for you?
Quote
As far as worthiness of post content, sometimes there's more worth in under 337 than in a whole 3370.
Sometimes. One day we might see that instance. This certainly isn't it, considering the majority of your posts are trolling your two favorite PCE people for whatever stupid reason you've got.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: bluespeed on January 16, 2011, 05:25:43 AM
I think everyone who wanted the game did preorder print 2.
Which goes to show you they should have just done a larger print 1 instead of being dipshits.
I think they made 2400 of the first production run, that's way more than most other homebrews.
Also, I think the cardboard boxes were printed WAY ahead of time before the game started to sell out while it was still in the pre-order stage. If you read the text on the boxes it makes a huge deal about the "20th anniversary". The Sega MegaDrive was released in 1988 in Japan. Initially based on other homebrew sales they probably never expected to sell all 2400 so quickly.
So if they already had a set number of boxes finished and ready, that would explain why pre-orders started to "sell out".
The RePrint was only on sale for about 2 weeks before it sold out, and that won't ship until February. In the past *i think* they said it takes about 1 month from when they put in a production order at the factory to when the cartridges are finished. So if it's shipping in February they probably put in the production order right around the time it went on sale 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately it looks like they underestimated demand again. But they said on twitter they'll be making more.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Emerald Rocker on January 16, 2011, 05:43:09 AM
Quote
This certainly isn't it, considering the majority of your posts are trolling your two favorite PCE people for whatever stupid reason you've got.
Trolling? No -- I am a mirror that reflects your hypocrisy.
Have you become such a publishing expert that you can so relentlessly, so mercilessly, attack the manner others choose to structure their releases? On matters of design, have you demonstrated the ability to be a critic, or have you simply demonstrated the ability to have an opinion? Are you a positive force in gaming, or are you the poison that pollutes the well of homebrew?
Rhetorical questions. There's no point in answering, because your answers will be wrong. You label me a "troll" because you don't like to be challenged. You have created games, therefore you are a game creator. You have played games, therefore you are a game player. You should be able to face others armed with sense and experience. Instead, you desperately try to make your peers and competitors look like bugs.
If your peers and competitors are bugs, then what are you?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 16, 2011, 12:10:37 PM
Trolling? No -- I am a mirror that reflects your hypocrisy.
What hypocrisy. I don't go around directly bothering other people. That doesn't actually accomplish anything. Sometimes you may pose a valid point, but here at PCEFX you let your personal opinion of someone get in the way and make it less effective via being a tard. Voicing concerns/opinions against a thing/event is different than just bothering/attacking the person responsible for the thing. Learn how to separate the two!
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Have you become such a publishing expert that you can so relentlessly, so mercilessly, attack the manner others choose to structure their releases? On matters of design, have you demonstrated the ability to be a critic, or have you simply demonstrated the ability to have an opinion?
Well, I didn't screw up my first publication, so if I suggest others do what I did (press somewhere that isn't China?), it's probably a safe bet I'll be right. Its not an expert opinion, but its a safe bet.
Even if I did screw up, thats fine. That would give me the right to tell others "Hey I did this and it didn't work, you might not want to do that". Again, not an expert opinion, but a safe bet.
Pressing CDs in China, getting a crap batch, and then coming up with all kinds of excuses for the bad discs, is bad mojo. Don't do that. Just admit you messed up.
They f*cked up pre-orders, and people weren't happy. Still, theres a right way and wrong way to complain. You let your I-don't-like-roverness get in the way of griping about MSR's messed up preorders. What could have been relatively painless got flared up because you wanted to make Rover look stupid. If you didn't mostly just make little jabs towards people, people wouldn't constantly have the wrong idea about what you're doing.
Yeah its a bit hypocritical to defend MSR and complain about PS. The reason I defended MSR is because you made it pretty clear you had a personal problem. Noone griping about PS has some personal grudge with the team, as far as I can tell.
Theres nothing relentless or merciless about what I said. You act like I made everyone cry themselves to sleep and throw in the towel forever. I don't think anyones that big of a sissy. I hope the PS guys learned from the debacle and can avoid a problem for print 2, and if there is a problem again, be better prepared to address said problem.
Quote
Are you a positive force in gaming, or are you the poison that pollutes the well of homebrew?
Speak for yourself? It depends how you look at it anyways. I'm a loudmouth. I'm blunt/abrasive. That being said I get shit done, and try to involve the community as much as possible. I'm generally pretty obnoxious and like to f*ck around. Eventually maybe you'll realize this crap and we can stop with the back and forthing and get along. Look at me and nectarsis! I went from f*ck THAT GUY HES A DICK to Hey, hes alright. I think he did the same (I hope? hah)
Also, when I'm arguing a point, it seems others are usually saying/thinking the same thing... so it's not like I'm just waving my dick around and being an a$$hole for nothing. Not everything in life has to be sugar coated.
You are a positive force with your review site, etc., when you aren't doing shit like bugging people just because you think you need to.
Quote
Rhetorical questions. There's no point in answering, because your answers will be wrong. You label me a "troll" because you don't like to be challenged. You have created games, therefore you are a game creator. You have played games, therefore you are a game player. You should be able to face others armed with sense and experience.
Wrong? You don't get to pick whats right and wrong, lol.. What are you challenging me, or anyone with? Pointless jabs, and threads like GUYS IMA MAKE A 8 PART SHOOTER GAME FOR THE PCE ITS GONNA BE AWESUM, aren't really challenges. You yourself pose no challenge to anyone. You're just a reviewer guy that likes to instigate. Before I knew that's what you were doing, I actually thought you were going to be working on a game, and got excited. I was like "oh f*ck thats going to be alot of work I hope they actually do it". Way to go. Its things like that that sorta ruin your credibility.
I do face others armed with sense and experience, I just do it in a way that probably tends to piss people off. Oh well. People toughen up.
Quote
Instead, you desperately try to make your peers and competitors look like bugs.
If your peers and competitors are bugs, then what are you?
I'm not trying to make anyone look like bugs. You act like I am full on assaulting developers across the board. Theres nothing desperate about what I am doing. Most of what I stay remains here at PCEFX. If it were desperate, I'd be flailing around at every other forum possible, saying everyones an idiot. I support homebrew for better or worse. When people f*ck up like this, you get in there and get dirty, and everyone learns from it. I try to get others involved in homebrew, I try to encourage new people, I support the stuff locally (Like Zaku), I buy SFT's games even though I think the guy in charge is a jackass. I'll be getting print run 2 of Pier Solar even though I think the second print is kind of a ripoff and they screwed up.
That being said, I understand WHY they screwed up and why they're charging more. The discs are broken, they underestimated costs, they lost money. That sucks. They deserve my 45$.
Theres a difference between trolling the same person over and over like a pissant (you do this, unfortunately), and voicing pissed off concerns about a game you've been interested in for awhile that had a pretty bad release... and once its over, its over, move on to something else.
You don't see me at Pier Solar's forum jabbing at the team, calling them retards, or making posts meant to instigate. Thats all you dude. We all know you just post little one liners to bother people you have a problem with.
I voiced reasonable concerns that others agreed with both here, and on PS's forum. I mentioned things that should've been done, and questioned wtf they were doing. The team in question was giving some pretty dickhead responses for whatever reason, and even danced around the problems like they were trying to cover it up. But now, all of the cats are out of their respective bags, we know what happened and why print 2 is happening like it is.
I don't see you bothering people like Clessy, who are on the other side of the fence. That guy, whoa man. He ain't right.
anyway, I got this crazy idea. Why don't you post on PCEFX in general, instead of just to do stuff like this? Maybe we can all get along and agree on crap. I see you finally got a forum avatar. Maybe you planned to do this already?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nectarsis on January 16, 2011, 06:06:55 PM
With a CD-R. You can switch back and forth from Genesis music to CD music at any time (except in the middle of a battle) if the CD is loaded.
Oh coo coo, so its kinda like DS6 on PCE?
How is the FM tunes. I heard from alot of people that it wasnt very good, but the CD music was.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 17, 2011, 03:38:42 PM
The FM music certainly isn't bad mainly because the composition itself is very good, however the sound QUALITY isn't as good as the Genesis can do. You hear the FM music slow down whenever the game slows down. What's weird is that Tiido Primagi did the sound engine, but this one must be made to fit in a much smaller space or maybe the composer didn't use a good sound set with it, because Tiido's sound engine is usually really, really good.
Anyway, here is an example which compares the FM and CD title screen music: Whoever made this video must have a model 2 Genesis as it sounds pretty scratchy, especially in the high frequencies.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 17, 2011, 04:04:06 PM
Oh, thats some nice FM stuff actually. The person I saw blabbing about it made it sound like it was fartfest9000.
I think I might even like the FM more than the CD...
So the game *isnt* a 6 year long project that turned out a flashy looking but generic game? right?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 17, 2011, 04:04:57 PM
If you see no irony, then that means you truly have no faith -- which is ironic in an altogether different way.
You've hit the nail on the head. I am an absolutely faithless person. It's cold but it's reality.
Anyways, I'll wait till the third run to order, or just snag one off of ebay or ctc/gg when I have some $$$ to blow. Which will probably be never.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 17, 2011, 04:23:40 PM
Quote from: Arkhan
the game *isnt* a 6 year long project that turned out a flashy looking but generic game? right?
No, if you like JRPGs from the 16-bit era, you should really enjoy this. It's 16-bit through and through and the "feel" is like that of Lunar 2 (the way sprites move, the look and feel of the towns, etc).
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 17, 2011, 06:30:42 PM
the game *isnt* a 6 year long project that turned out a flashy looking but generic game? right?
No, if you like JRPGs from the 16-bit era, you should really enjoy this. It's 16-bit through and through and the "feel" is like that of Lunar 2 (the way sprites move, the look and feel of the towns, etc).
oh so this is Lunar 3, just like I was hoping.
yay.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: RoyVegas on January 18, 2011, 06:36:59 AM
Anyway, here is an example which compares the FM and CD title screen music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dudBuSkj_QY
Those chip tunes are pretty dang good, and the CD tunes are even better - I'd definitely have to get a CD if I was gonna play this puppy. If anybody else has some comparison recordings, please share for everyone's ears to enjoy.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 18, 2011, 07:18:30 AM
I might make some comparison recordings of a few other tunes. The chip tunes are all over the map. Some are fantastic while others are a bit mediocre. None are terrible, though. Right now I just got to the giant town of Verhahshana (or something like that) and I can't decide if I like the chip or PCM music better.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 18, 2011, 07:52:22 AM
From what I've seen now... this game is nothing like Lunar in terms of battling. It's more akin to FF7. Lunar has a very specific style where the entire field is utilized; this game clearly doesn't do that from the footage I'm seeing. I don't get the Lunar reference at all.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 18, 2011, 08:00:29 AM
Oh and so much for unhackable... the CDROM has already been decrypted. :D Someone on IRC who shall not be named has just taken it apart and figured out the audio format. :D
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 18, 2011, 08:29:21 AM
The battles are definitely not like FF7. The special attacks and magics don't go into a 2 hour special effects frenzy when used.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 18, 2011, 09:25:21 AM
That's not what I mean. I'm referring to the game mechanics. The game mechanics are very much like FF7... base character positions, attacks that sprawl the battlefield, and then return to base position. Lunar doesn't play like that.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 18, 2011, 11:13:58 AM
That's not really gameplay. Where the character ends up on the field doesn't really have much to do with anything from what I recall. In Pier Solar you can move characters to the back so they are less likely to be attacked.
Also, who said the CD was "unhackable"?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 18, 2011, 11:37:35 AM
That's not really gameplay. Where the character ends up on the field doesn't really have much to do with anything from what I recall. In Pier Solar you can move characters to the back so they are less likely to be attacked.
Also, who said the CD was "unhackable"?
Lunar definitely used the full field. If, for example, alex has 3 attacks but the enemy is too far away, he'll waste an attack walking far enough to get to the enemy. :)
Its a mechanic alot of people miss. Its subtle and sometimes not really noticed.
As for the hackable CD.. I dunno, but I know they said the cart is undumpable/hard as hell to do. They shouldnt have said that. Theyre gonna look really goofy when someone dumps it. Its going to happen. Its inevitable.
Quote from: Roy
No hypocrisy? If you subtract your posts about myself or Digit Press, I imagine you post count would lose about 1/4 of them. Get real.
ER is talking about a different context. but...
If you subtract your posts about whining about price gouging (Hypocrisy to the max!), and the ones where you screw people over, you wouldn't even HAVE a post count.
I dunno what posts about Digit Piss you're talking about though. I think you're just making stuff up and being a retard, as usual. You and Alex should hang out.
Anyway, whats the point in rehashing your failevents. Noone cares.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 18, 2011, 11:54:34 AM
That's not really gameplay. Where the character ends up on the field doesn't really have much to do with anything from what I recall. In Pier Solar you can move characters to the back so they are less likely to be attacked.
Also, who said the CD was "unhackable"?
That is *exactly* gameplay. Where the character ends up on the field in Lunar is extremely important. It's half the battle strategy! And the "move characters to the back" thing is another thing that FF7 has... many RPGs have that feature, really.
WM implied that their game was unhackable/undumpable. Well, the cart is only a matter of time, but the CD's already been figured out. It wasn't easy but he figured it out anyways. The audio is really interesting... it uses negative dB sample inversion and possibly sample dropping, and is likely processed by a subprogram that runs on the slave processor on the Sega CD 68000. They really went to some lengths to ensure that the audio wasn't ripped... it's just too bad that the more you claim it's "unhackable", the more someone's going to prove you wrong. :D
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 18, 2011, 12:07:11 PM
it's just too bad that the more you claim it's "unhackable", the more someone's going to prove you wrong. :D
Which is why you might as well just say f*ck it, and have faith that the collectory types will buy the game even if its a free rom floating around.
No point in going all turbo covert ops with the hardware, someone will crack it. Always.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 18, 2011, 12:20:47 PM
It won't run in Fusion, that's for sure.
EDIT: I got bored with FF7. I only made it a couple of hours into the game, so I am not overly familiar with its battles except that they were sloooooow.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 19, 2011, 11:06:40 AM
Damn, there is a puzzle in the game (a bit past midway, I think) that is based on Sokuban games. I've gotta hand it to Tulio, it had me stumped BAD. I was pissed. I finally figured out the solution and it was simple. I want to kick my ass for not seeing it sooner.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nodtveidt on January 20, 2011, 04:22:39 AM
The CD audio has been fully decoded. (http://www.monova.org/download/4162298/2011-01-20/b81a94b4733892373fddaa153ef7d30c4aef77c2/Pier Solar decoded audio (BGM).torrent)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 20, 2011, 07:35:07 AM
Thanks for the link, but I'm wondering how this is much different than just recording from the audio outputs.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on January 21, 2011, 09:01:22 AM
I was finally able to pick mine up from the post office... this is beautiful packaging.
does it have the erotic new game smell, or no.
Don't worry Ark. It'll get a "rise" out of you. :wink:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 21, 2011, 02:47:40 PM
I loooooove new game smell!
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It will be simpler, with no need to edit your recordings.
Actually you will need to edit them more because they end abruptly since they are made to loop. You'll have to loop them yourself as well as add a fade at the end.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 21, 2011, 03:32:02 PM
Neo Geo AES games have the muskiest smell of them all IMO. Those things never lose it! Sometimes I find myself cracking one open just to breath the fumes. :)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 21, 2011, 07:48:16 PM
It's the soft boxes. You don't find that smell very much in the "shock boxes". Those boxes are... shocking.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on January 21, 2011, 08:14:07 PM
The video game smell always seems to bring me back to Super Mario Bros. 2. I know there are other games I bought new bitd, but, that one...& it's glorious smell are what I'm reminded of.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: esteban on January 22, 2011, 02:56:21 AM
I might make some comparison recordings of a few other tunes. The chip tunes are all over the map. Some are fantastic while others are a bit mediocre. None are terrible, though. Right now I just got to the giant town of Verhahshana (or something like that) and I can't decide if I like the chip or PCM music better.
Joe, please do so! And, I know it might be more tedious, but have the tracks play for at least ~ a minute? Even if a song loops, I always need at least a minute. :)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Pcenginefx on January 22, 2011, 12:42:44 PM
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: BlueBMW on January 22, 2011, 02:34:07 PM
ooooh purty :P I'll be curious to see what the 2nd run looks like (especially since that's the one that I ordered)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on January 22, 2011, 03:44:52 PM
Im kinda glad I will be getting a clamshell.
That box dont look like itll last long. :(
They definitely went all Working Designs with it though.
(including the long ass delays.... ^_^)
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: esteban on January 22, 2011, 04:29:15 PM
Indeed, the overall presentation of Pier Solar has been meticulous.
Of course, Aaron's carefully composed pictures make everything look that much nicer.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Keranu on January 22, 2011, 04:50:19 PM
Has anyone made printable cover sleeves with the old style Genesis cases? You know, the ones that are black with the grid lines over them, similar to Master System's!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on January 22, 2011, 08:49:23 PM
the grid lines over them, similar to Master System's!
I look forward to that the lest with the 2nd print. I could care less about the lack of CD. I wanted the Damn JPN artwork, not this "ugly" multi region art crap.
It will be simpler, with no need to edit your recordings.
Actually you will need to edit them more because they end abruptly since they are made to loop. You'll have to loop them yourself as well as add a fade at the end.
Good point.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Emerald Rocker on January 23, 2011, 02:29:56 AM
It's a sturdy box -- much hardier than the other cardboard Genesis releases. As far as "not lasting long", even a clamshell could be broken in the hands of a gorilla.
It's the prettiest Genesis or Sega CD package ever made, but can't be replicated in clamshell packaging. I think that's why they went with cardboard for the first release.
It's a sturdy box -- much hardier than the other cardboard Genesis releases. As far as "not lasting long", even a clamshell could be broken in the hands of a gorilla.
It's the prettiest Genesis or Sega CD package ever made, but can't be replicated in clamshell packaging. I think that's why they went with cardboard for the first release.
Is it sturdy like the old days of PC game cardboard boxes, like Ultima and stuff, where its pretty damn nice?
Or the D&D basic set ? Ones where you could stack it with some books and not worry that itll die?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Pcenginefx on January 23, 2011, 03:40:05 AM
When I opened mine up, I had no idea they were going to go all out on the packaging and was absolutely amazed by the quality. I felt like not even playing the game yet that I had got my money's worth, so I'm glad i was able to snatch up this version.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on January 23, 2011, 04:39:21 AM
Ark, you'd be surprised by the quality of the cardboard edition. It's shockingly beautiful, as well as shockingly strong.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 23, 2011, 05:52:32 AM
I got the Posterity Edition which comes with a FREE issue of Size Magazine!!! Everyone loves Size magazine and in this issue they gave us some strategies on a new game called Pier Solar! I think it was a great coincidence that the super-popular Size magazine just happened to have a strategy section of the very game it came with. It has a picture of a REALLY COOL Japanese dude on the cover so you know this is serious business.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: TheClash603 on January 23, 2011, 08:18:28 AM
I'm not going to lie, that edition is pretty damn cool looking. However, I also know I would've sold it for $350-400, and then bought the second edition instead. It doesn't look $400 cool.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 23, 2011, 08:26:07 AM
Yeah, it looks $50 cool which is what I paid for it. Most people paid $35.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Keranu on January 23, 2011, 09:47:13 AM
I got the Posterity Edition which comes with a FREE issue of Size Magazine!!! Everyone loves Size magazine and in this issue they gave us some strategies on a new game called Pier Solar!
I've never heard of Size Magazine... is that one of those "male enhancement" catalogs?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: nikdog on January 23, 2011, 10:13:47 AM
I got the Posterity Edition which comes with a FREE issue of Size Magazine!!! Everyone loves Size magazine and in this issue they gave us some strategies on a new game called Pier Solar!
I've never heard of Size Magazine... is that one of those "male enhancement" catalogs?
xD
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on January 23, 2011, 06:01:21 PM
It enhances your worth as a human being, as without Size Magazine you are less of a person, inferior and less favored by whatever god you worship.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on March 21, 2011, 07:53:12 PM
My "unboxing" of reprint edition:
BTW - I say Pier Solar like Pier "Soul-ar".....I blame this thread for putting that in my head. :lol:
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on March 21, 2011, 08:02:47 PM
That's how I pronounce it too. I thought that's the proper way. :-k
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on March 21, 2011, 08:06:02 PM
Ok I am pissed though, I have printed like 4 CD's. Wasnt sure if I was burning correctly or not. The last burn the music played, but when I restarted the system later it again fails to recognize I have a CD loaded. Any idea what the issue is? It is like the system has no clue I have a Sega CD. Should I clean the pins that connect Genesis > Sega CD???
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Mathius on March 21, 2011, 08:28:30 PM
Ok I am pissed though, I have printed like 4 CD's. Wasnt sure if I was burning correctly or not. The last burn the music played, but when I restarted the system later it again fails to recognize I have a CD loaded. Any idea what the issue is? It is like the system has no clue I have a Sega CD. Should I clean the pins that connect Genesis > Sega CD???
Do you have any other games that act this way? A good cleaning never hurts either way.
FYI- I used Nero to copy my disc.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on March 21, 2011, 08:31:24 PM
No plays games perfectly. I wish they just made this game on disk lol
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Duo_R on March 22, 2011, 08:56:44 AM
Ok I did a full cleaning on my system, cleaned the cartridge port (was very dirty) and the expansion port on the Genesis 2 (just a little dirty). Booted up the game and disc and it recognized. There must be a pin check on the cartridge and with the system being dirty maybe it didn't detect the CD? Ok well Going to play, and I am also going to make a case for the CD (and hopefully a label). If someone has a lightscribe burner that would kick ass if you could send me a good copy.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: TheOldMan on March 22, 2011, 12:01:07 PM
Quote
If someone has a lightscribe burner that would kick ass if you could send me a good copy.
Kick Arkhan. He did lightscribes of Insanity, and we KNOW he just got Pier Solar....
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: BlackandBlue on March 22, 2011, 12:11:29 PM
PM'd
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: TheClash603 on March 22, 2011, 12:23:16 PM
Can anyone send me a copy of the disc? I am not good at finding such things, and I'll pay for shipping and your troubles. Thanks!
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on March 22, 2011, 12:35:06 PM
The Premium CD only has extra shit on it like JPGs, a few MP3s and crap like that.
that you only deserve if you ponied up money years ago with blind faith for a bunch of people that turned out to be liars, dicks, or dance-around-the-issuers.
or all 3.
just sayin.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Joe Redifer on March 23, 2011, 12:46:32 PM
I'm not so sure I feel special for having the extra stuff on the CD. It's all fairly forgettable. Where is the lying part?
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on March 23, 2011, 01:37:17 PM
well, the term lying may be used a bit loosely. I see it as lying by omission about the enhanced CD.....and then about the reasoning for the reprint being like it was.
It took awhile for the real reasons to finally come out, after they'd already danced around it and some pretty uncool shit was said.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Necromancer on March 24, 2011, 02:23:25 AM
Teh Pier Solar disks sux cuz it habs no comtents. Googler teh facts fro the truths.
Title: Re: Pier Solar may be released soon?!?
Post by: Arkhan on March 24, 2011, 12:02:36 PM
I GOGGLED PEER LUNAR AND LIEK, THIS GAEM NOT EVN REAL.