Miscellaneous gaming questions, mostly Gamecube related

BTP

Yeah, I'm not kidding. These questions are all over the place. Thanks ahead of time for any help you can offer.

Gamecube memory cards:
I got into Gamecube only when I got a Wii, so I've been trying to catch up. Because of that, I only have one memory card, and it's pretty much impossible to find more for it now.

Is the battery (or whatever keeps the memory going) going to die out in a few years, or will it last for 50 years and by then I won't care about Gamecube games? Is it possible to repair the memory card myself, kinda like how you can replace the battery in SNES games?

Namco Museum games:
As far as I'm aware, there are only two for Gamecube. Just "Namco Museum" and the 50th anniversary version. Is one better than the other? Are there any problems with either version that should make me consider the other version?

The thing is I already have Pac-Man Collection for GBA, so some of what's offered in "Namco Museum" I already have, so that makes me lean toward 50th anniversary. But I haven't been able to see either version in action, so that's why I'm asking about them.

Sonic Mega Collection:
In terms of Games vs. Price, I can definitely see the value, but is there anything I should be wary of? Analog stick doesn't work well for those kind of games? Something screwy like button re-arraigment like in the Mega Man Collection?

Paper Mario for N64:
I've been torn on getting this because I have both PM:TTYD and Super Paper Mario in the backlog, and I don't know how much I'll like this series of Mario games (<= Isn't that weird to hear?).

I could get the VC version on the Wii for ~$10, but I've also found what looks to be a very clean N64 cart of the game for $15. If I'm going to go for it, I'm thinking of going for the N64 version simply to play it on the system and controller it was meant for and to not worry about the Wii's shrinking free memory. But maybe those with the VC version could tell me it's worth it to go for that version?

Argh! Decisions, decisions.....

So, please, talk away about this stuff. Thanks again.

PeregrineFalcon

BTP wrote: »

Is the battery (or whatever keeps the memory going) going to die out in a few years, or will it last for 50 years and by then I won't care about Gamecube games? Is it possible to repair the memory card myself, kinda like how you can replace the battery in SNES games?

Yeah, it's just like replacing the battery in a USB drive.

You know, in that you don't.

urahonky

Sonic Mega Collection:
In terms of Games vs. Price, I can definitely see the value, but is there anything I should be wary of? Analog stick doesn't work well for those kind of games? Something screwy like button re-arraigment like in the Mega Man Collection?

Nothing weird like that at all. Good value.

Paper Mario for N64:
I've been torn on getting this because I have both PM:TTYD and Super Paper Mario in the backlog, and I don't know how much I'll like this series of Mario games (<= Isn't that weird to hear?).

I loved the N64 Paper Mario, but if you're unsure try out the GCN version. It's not hard to enjoy the Paper Mario games, honestly.

h8b1llg8ts

Memory Cards - No worries unless your trying to use a Dreamcast VMU in your Gamecube.

Namco - That's a personal question but Wiki all the Namco's because they've been around since the PS/N64 days.

Sonic Mega Collection - Unless your used to playing these games on your Sega CD and Sega Saturn, I wouldn't worry about that.

Paper Mario 64 - If you like Nintendo you'll like this game. But if you want to try some cheaper try Super Mario RPG on the VC for $8. It combines Nintendo and Squire Enix. A winning combination but I personally like the 64 version better.

Xenogears of Bore

BTP wrote: »

Yeah, I'm not kidding. These questions are all over the place. Thanks ahead of time for any help you can offer.

Gamecube memory cards:
I got into Gamecube only when I got a Wii, so I've been trying to catch up. Because of that, I only have one memory card, and it's pretty much impossible to find more for it now.

Is the battery (or whatever keeps the memory going) going to die out in a few years, or will it last for 50 years and by then I won't care about Gamecube games? Is it possible to repair the memory card myself, kinda like how you can replace the battery in SNES games?

Namco Museum games:
As far as I'm aware, there are only two for Gamecube. Just "Namco Museum" and the 50th anniversary version. Is one better than the other? Are there any problems with either version that should make me consider the other version?

The thing is I already have Pac-Man Collection for GBA, so some of what's offered in "Namco Museum" I already have, so that makes me lean toward 50th anniversary. But I haven't been able to see either version in action, so that's why I'm asking about them.

Sonic Mega Collection:
In terms of Games vs. Price, I can definitely see the value, but is there anything I should be wary of? Analog stick doesn't work well for those kind of games? Something screwy like button re-arraigment like in the Mega Man Collection?

Paper Mario for N64:
I've been torn on getting this because I have both PM:TTYD and Super Paper Mario in the backlog, and I don't know how much I'll like this series of Mario games (<= Isn't that weird to hear?).

I could get the VC version on the Wii for ~$10, but I've also found what looks to be a very clean N64 cart of the game for $15. If I'm going to go for it, I'm thinking of going for the N64 version simply to play it on the system and controller it was meant for and to not worry about the Wii's shrinking free memory. But maybe those with the VC version could tell me it's worth it to go for that version?

Argh! Decisions, decisions.....

So, please, talk away about this stuff. Thanks again.

Memory is solid state. Will last a very long time. Find an offical 1049 or whatever (The 8MB one) and you'll never need to worry about space again.

There are two Namco Museums and Three Midway. Both Namco ones are slightly different.

Both Sonic collections are worth it if you like holding right.

Go VC, playing N64 with a wavebird is in most cases a total dream.

Willeth

A lot of the stuff that's on the Mega Collection is unlockable in Sonic Adventure DX. Also be aware that the PS2 one, Sonic Mega Collection+, has more stuff in it.

Norfair

Be wary of the 1049 card XoB mentioned. Some games just won't save correctly to it (the files corrupt). They're also a lot harder to find and more expensive. The 251 cards work with everything, are easier to find, and cheaper. I have two (one for backup) and it's plenty.

Paper Mario works just fine with the Gamecube controller (it's an RPG, not an action game, after all). You won't miss anything by not playing it on its original controller. I'm not quite sure why you want to buy another game in the series without trying the two you've got. Crack open The Thousand Year Door and give that a shot first. It's really fun, I bet you'll enjoy it.

Xenogears of Bore

Got any specific games? I've had no trouble with them at all.

Santa Claustrophobia

BTP wrote: »

Namco Museum games:
As far as I'm aware, there are only two for Gamecube. Just "Namco Museum" and the 50th anniversary version. Is one better than the other? Are there any problems with either version that should make me consider the other version?

The thing is I already have Pac-Man Collection for GBA, so some of what's offered in "Namco Museum" I already have, so that makes me lean toward 50th anniversary. But I haven't been able to see either version in action, so that's why I'm asking about them.

50th Anniversary is the better of the two if you like the wider selection. The other is the standard of Namco games but it does have the Arrangements which were essentially just update on the old titles.

The Pole Positions on the older version play better on a controller than the 50th collection. However, the 50th collection are out and out emulated ROMs (the Pac-Man patterns work) which can be both good and bad. Good because they're exactly like the arcade and bad because they're not optimised for analogue controls.

Neither have an actual 'museum' that details any history, but 50th does have licensed music.

Flip a coin?

BTP

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

Got any specific games? I've had no trouble with them at all.

Just found it through GameFAQ
http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/memorycard1019.jsp

It's nothing I'll need to worry about, and I do have a 1019.

The Pole Positions on the older version play better on a controller than the 50th collection. However, the 50th collection are out and out emulated ROMs (the Pac-Man patterns work) which can be both good and bad. Good because they're exactly like the arcade and bad because they're not optimised for analogue controls.

It's things like this that make me wish a lot of games that didn't require many buttons to be played properly could be controlled with a GBA using the GCN/GBA cable.

Not optimised......so it's kinda like Pac-Man on XBLA? I've tried that version, so I know what you mean if it's like that. (Or maybe I just tried using the 360's D-pad......ugh, now I'm not sure.)

Santa Claustrophobia

BTP wrote: »

Santa Claustrophobia wrote:

The Pole Positions on the older version play better on a controller than the 50th collection. However, the 50th collection are out and out emulated ROMs (the Pac-Man patterns work) which can be both good and bad. Good because they're exactly like the arcade and bad because they're not optimised for analogue controls.

It's things like this that make me wish a lot of games that didn't require many buttons to be played properly could be controlled with a GBA using the GCN/GBA cable.

Not optimised......so it's kinda like Pac-Man on XBLA? I've tried that version, so I know what you mean if it's like that. (Or maybe I just tried using the 360's D-pad......ugh, now I'm not sure.)

I actually haven't played XBLA Pac-Man. I can tell you that the controls in 50th are as if you're using a keyboard. Like a toggle switch. Push left and it's full left, that kind of thing. For most of the ROMs, that's not really a problem, but you can't really say the original Pole Positions had that kind of on/off controls.

If a decent control Pole Position is important to you, then I say you should get both. It's not like they're expensive these days and you'll get the Arrangements can be lots of fun. But if you don't care about Pole Position at all, I'd lean toward 50th due to their 'authenticity' and give a soft recommendation for the other version if only for the Arrangements.

BTP

Santa Claustrophobia wrote: »

BTP wrote: »

Santa Claustrophobia wrote:

The Pole Positions on the older version play better on a controller than the 50th collection. However, the 50th collection are out and out emulated ROMs (the Pac-Man patterns work) which can be both good and bad. Good because they're exactly like the arcade and bad because they're not optimised for analogue controls.

It's things like this that make me wish a lot of games that didn't require many buttons to be played properly could be controlled with a GBA using the GCN/GBA cable.

Not optimised......so it's kinda like Pac-Man on XBLA? I've tried that version, so I know what you mean if it's like that. (Or maybe I just tried using the 360's D-pad......ugh, now I'm not sure.)

I actually haven't played XBLA Pac-Man. I can tell you that the controls in 50th are as if you're using a keyboard. Like a toggle switch. Push left and it's full left, that kind of thing. For most of the ROMs, that's not really a problem, but you can't really say the original Pole Positions had that kind of on/off controls.

If a decent control Pole Position is important to you, then I say you should get both. It's not like they're expensive these days and you'll get the Arrangements can be lots of fun. But if you don't care about Pole Position at all, I'd lean toward 50th due to their 'authenticity' and give a soft recommendation for the other version if only for the Arrangements.

Whoops. Sorry, I somehow read "Pole Position" as "Pac-Man". NVM that last part from me.

SageinaRage

Get the VC version of Paper Mario. You can delete it and re-download it later if you need to, even though it's really not that big. The controller shouldn't even be an issue, the classic controller is great, and it's just an rpg besides. It's not like you'll be white knuckling it. And then, if you want, you can play the game on component cables if your tv supports it, possibly at progressive scan I think? (I don't remember if the vc games support that), so the video quality will be better.

Basically, just get the vc version.

Zombiemambo

h8b1llg8ts wrote: »

Memory Cards - No worries unless your trying to use a Dreamcast VMU in your Gamecube.

Namco - That's a personal question but Wiki all the Namco's because they've been around since the PS/N64 days.

Sonic Mega Collection - Unless your used to playing these games on your Sega CD and Sega Saturn, I wouldn't worry about that.

Paper Mario 64 - If you like Nintendo you'll like this game. But if you want to try some cheaper try Super Mario RPG on the VC for $8. It combines Nintendo and Squire Enix. A winning combination but I personally like the 64 version better.

Super Mario RPG is regarded as one of the best RPGs of all time. I completely and utterly agree. Of course, I love Paper Mario (64) as well, but SMRPG is incredible.

Xenogears of Bore

I love SMRPG but personally find it the weakest in the series.

urahonky

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

I love SMRPG but personally find it the weakest in the series.

Wow, really? I personally find it the best in the "series", although you can't really call them a series since SMRPG and the paper marios have almost nothing in common, except they are RPGs in a sense.

Xenogears of Bore

Mario+RPG=A series.

So SMRPG,Paper Mario,Mario and Luigi:SSS, Paper Mario:TTYD, and Mario and Luigi: PiT would all qualify.

SPM is close, but not quite.

My personal order would be:

SSS,TTYD,PM,PIT, SMPRG.

Htown

Sonic Mega Collection does have a problem.

Unlocking games in that collection is BULLSHIT of the highest caliber. I still haven't unlocked Sonic 3 & Knuckles, because I'm not gonna sit there for a half hour entering and exiting games for no reason.

BTP

Htown wrote: »

Sonic Mega Collection does have a problem.

Unlocking games in that collection is BULLSHIT of the highest caliber. I still haven't unlocked Sonic 3 & Knuckles, because I'm not gonna sit there for a half hour entering and exiting games for no reason.

What?! What exactly is required to get S3&K?

LewieP

If you are concerned about the controls in Sonic Mega Collection, pick up one of these bad boys:


It's a "Hori GameCube Pad", although I bet they are pretty hard to track down now.

BTP

Yes, they are! I've been looking to get one for a while. Same goes for the Game Boy Player.

Sheepman

ive been trying to get rid of my gameboy player for ages

eb games offered me 5 bucks

fuck that it cost like 30

Arceus

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

Mario+RPG=A series.

So SMRPG,Paper Mario,Mario and Luigi:SSS, Paper Mario:TTYD, and Mario and Luigi: PiT would all qualify.

SPM is close, but not quite.

My personal order would be:

SSS,TTYD,PM,PIT, SMPRG.

That is exactly my order, except that I would switch SMRPG and PiT.

They're all great though.

Arceus

BTP wrote: »

Htown wrote: »

Sonic Mega Collection does have a problem.

Unlocking games in that collection is BULLSHIT of the highest caliber. I still haven't unlocked Sonic 3 & Knuckles, because I'm not gonna sit there for a half hour entering and exiting games for no reason.

What?! What exactly is required to get S3&K?

GameFAQs sez: "Play Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles 20 times each."

Frankly I think Htown is overreacting.

Cymoro

Arceus wrote: »

BTP wrote: »

Htown wrote: »

Sonic Mega Collection does have a problem.

Unlocking games in that collection is BULLSHIT of the highest caliber. I still haven't unlocked Sonic 3 & Knuckles, because I'm not gonna sit there for a half hour entering and exiting games for no reason.

What?! What exactly is required to get S3&K?

GameFAQs sez: "Play Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles 20 times each."

Frankly I think Htown is overreacting.

Ristar was way more bullshit than that, and goddamnit I did it!

Xagarath

Cymoro wrote: »

Arceus wrote: »

BTP wrote: »

Htown wrote: »

Sonic Mega Collection does have a problem.

Unlocking games in that collection is BULLSHIT of the highest caliber. I still haven't unlocked Sonic 3 & Knuckles, because I'm not gonna sit there for a half hour entering and exiting games for no reason.

What?! What exactly is required to get S3&K?

GameFAQs sez: "Play Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles 20 times each."

Frankly I think Htown is overreacting.

Ristar was way more bullshit than that, and goddamnit I did it!

Ristar is, after all, worth the effort

Dodge Aspen

Seems like you're into Pac-man.

Not sure it's the best option, but I bought Pac-Man Adventure 2 (I think that's what it's called) because it came with Pac-Man versus. Turns out the main game has an arcade with what I think (I'm no Pac Expert) is almost every version of Pac-Man out there. You have to unlock them by playing the adventure, but it's actually not a bad game.

greeble

I have a gameboy player and a hori digital controller for my cube which I refuse to play since ever since my vga cable broke. (for the second time, because its a cheap piece of shit which I don't feel like trying to solder again.)

FUCK YOU NINTENDO AND YOUR COMPONENT CABLE BULLSHIT!

h8b1llg8ts

Dodge Aspen wrote: »

Seems like you're into Pac-man.

Not sure it's the best option, but I bought Pac-Man Adventure 2 (I think that's what it's called) because it came with Pac-Man versus. Turns out the main game has an arcade with what I think (I'm no Pac Expert) is almost every version of Pac-Man out there. You have to unlock them by playing the adventure, but it's actually not a bad game.

It does and the GBA connectivity was a kind of cool idea. Can't wait to see if Nintendo can improve the Wii/DS connectivity a little better next time.

BTP

Okay, so, let's see if I have it all straight.

Memory Card: I'll be fine. It won't lose its memory for a long time yet.

Sonic Mega Collection: If I have any interest in Sonic at all, I should buy it.

Namco Museum and the 50th Anniversary versions: Both good, but 50th is actual emulation (and hence more accurate?) Pick one and enjoy.

Paper Mario N64 cart or VC: Nothing really wrong with N64 cart, but VC gets component support and is cheaper. I should still try one of the others first to get an idea of the series, but I'd likely enjoy it.

---

Now for the next couple of questions:

Super Monkey Ball for Gamecube



TMNT for GBA



I've heard good things about both of these games. Wasn't there an actual thread for TMNT? I can't find it. But still, I have to ask: How good?

I have Super Monkey Ball 2 already, so would the original just be more of the same? I remember being told that some of the puzzles in 2 are very luck based (and that's right) whereas almost all, if not all, of the ones in the original are pure skill and need plenty of it. And I guess there's no story mode? It's all just like 2's Challenge Mode?

As for TMNT, after looking at IGN's video, it does seem kinda like River City Ransom. I suppose that's a good thing. :P

Anyway, if you can tell me anything about these two games, please do!

Xenogears of Bore

The original SMB is superior. I prefer everything about it, especially the flight minigame.

Turn based offered more interesting drinking games.

TMNT GBA is also good.

jothki

Arceus wrote: »

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

Mario+RPG=A series.

So SMRPG,Paper Mario,Mario and Luigi:SSS, Paper Mario:TTYD, and Mario and Luigi: PiT would all qualify.

SPM is close, but not quite.

My personal order would be:

SSS,TTYD,PM,PIT, SMPRG.

That is exactly my order, except that I would switch SMRPG and PiT.

They're all great though.

I liked PiT far less than any of the others on the list. The mechanics aren't quite as fun as in SSS, the dungeons are way too long, and the plot is just about the stupidest use of time travel that I've ever seen.

BTP

Xenogears of Bore wrote: »

The original SMB is superior. I prefer everything about it, especially the flight minigame.

Turn based offered more interesting drinking games.

TMNT GBA is also good.

How long is TMNT? I'm guessing it's somewhat like other brawlers of its kind, or Starfox 64 in that there's no real save but you can get through it in an hour or less. How close am I?

Also, what about replayability?

tsmvengy

h8b1llg8ts wrote: »

Dodge Aspen wrote: »

Seems like you're into Pac-man.

Not sure it's the best option, but I bought Pac-Man Adventure 2 (I think that's what it's called) because it came with Pac-Man versus. Turns out the main game has an arcade with what I think (I'm no Pac Expert) is almost every version of Pac-Man out there. You have to unlock them by playing the adventure, but it's actually not a bad game.

It does and the GBA connectivity was a kind of cool idea. Can't wait to see if Nintendo can improve the Wii/DS connectivity a little better next time.

Pac-Man Vs. is one of the best things ever. Seriously, I have gotten my friends' parents playing that game.