Sega Mega Drive Mini II

 

Now it looks almost right!

It arrived, the second mini console from Sega made by M2, the first one I wrote about back in 2020 just before the global pandemic hit all supply chains stopping productions on most things. Now it's 2022 (as of writing) and it looks that the world economy is about to tank after post-pandemic cuts in the welfare states, housing crashing, inflation rising and the Ukraine-Russian war still continues. So why wouldn't I get the console that looks like the one I owned as a kid and let nostalgia surround me and just hide from the world outside? I also spent some time waiting for confirmation of any European pre-order and when it was released I put in the pre-order for it on the British Amazon and got it without problem during my autumn holiday week. Thought I would have some problems with the Brexit deal, but I think I lucked out since then the British government imploded sending the £ falling meaning I might have got it a bit cheaper since the order was in £. Thanks Liz Truss! (Topical Political Humour, the brand of a political scientist)

More serious, what was in the box? The console, some cables and only one controller, but it was a 6-button one, so If I ever want to play Street Fighter I have a perfect controller. The best button is the mode-button which that takes you to the system menu so that you can save your game, restart or get back to the main menu and choose another game. The games then? It has 60 games total, 12 being Sega CD games and 7 being unreleased games (I think, it says presenting on the back but Space Harrier II is on both mini consoles and I don't know why). Not that many games that haven't shown up before in compilations or virtual consoles, especially the CD-games. The only games I got before are Phantasy Star II, Shining Force II, Shining in the Darkness, Sonic CD, Golden Axe II, Alien Soldier and I think I got Ristar on a Sega compilation. They even got ToeJam and Earl 2, famous from the Clan of the Grey Wolf-review!

In actuality, the game selection isn't that grand and I was a bit happier with the first console. There are some omissions that I would have liked, for example the Lunar games, but I understand that it didn't get added for the western release since the owner of the english localisation wanted a bit more payment for the english translation and you got them on the japanese version. As stated in my post on the PC Engine mini console, I would have liked the Sega CD version of Snatcher so that I actually could play it in english. Neat with some of the CD games that I only seen on youtube reviews, like Night Trap and Sewershark... but they look awful. Night Trap I get is re-released not that long ago that makes it look good and probably a better purchase than the original Sega version.

Still, I gotta say I like this song.

Is there anything else that the console does? There is some games that have gotten updates. For example Phantasy Star II that got an easy mode where EXP and gold is given out in higher amounts, diminishing the grind, which makes that probably the best version to play since I've heard that is one of the problems with the original version (that I now own 4 versions of, Wii Virtual Console, PS3 compilation, Switch compilation and now this mini console).

Is there something else? I don't like that the manuals are locked on the web, should have been accessed from the menu so I could read it directly on the console (especially when certain games need it to understand what the hell I'm doing), but didn't happen on the first console either. As mentioned above, I already got the Space Harrier II (and on the Switch compilation as well) and it's a bit of a cop-out with with Ecco CD since they gave me Ecco on the last mini console as well, but that is 2 out of 60 games so I can overlook that. And I assume the CD version have better music. I would say to me I will probably play most games on here before any other version (at least Wii and PS3 due to simpler save functionality and ease off start and quit the console, which goes for all mini consoles, only my Switch would be easier).

Sega Mega Drive Mini

Sega Does What Nintendon't

Here is the real deal, the Sega Mega Drive Mini (Genesis for the Americans). 42 games, 2 controllers, lucky for Nintendo this came a couple of years after their consoles so that they won't have to be ashamed about their product. So this was probably the mini console that made me get the others out of nostalgia and really wanting to get my hands on some of the games that haven't been released in any other way. The Mega Drive was the very first console I personally owned and I got it from my parents by learning to ride a bike... which I pretty much stopped doing after getting the console to play games... they didn't think that through all the way I feel. All in all I got five games for it, Sonic 2, Dynamite Headdy, Castle of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mania and Empire of Steel (Steel Empire in America). Sonic 2, Dynamite Headdy and Castle of Illusion is on this console with Castle of Illusion being the one game that haven't been released in its original format before except as a bonus for the 3D remake of the game for the Playstation 3 (which I missed). 

Most games I already owned either as part of the Sega Mega Drive Collection for the Playstation 3 or downloaded for the Wii Virtual Console. Only ones I see that haven't been released before are the Disney games, the Mega Man Collection (which contain a new mode so it isn't completely reselling me Mega Man 1-3 yet again without anything extra, and for those wondering I've gotten those games 6 times now). There are also 2 unreleased games so Sega went double on the SNES Mini. The games are Darius, a shooter and Tetris. Castlevania: Bloodlines would have been special if the Switch didn't get in on the Castlevania Anniversary Collection. 

Overall a great package, I even enjoy the specially composed menu theme that just ooze the Mega Drive. I guess some complained that the controllers weren't the 6-button ones, especially if you where gonna play a lot of Street Fighter II (which I probably won't). The one thing that also makes it stand out is that you can access the menu from within the games by holding down the start-button for a couple of seconds... genius! Some of the complaints I would personally express is that it's a model 1 Mega Drive. I got the Mk II so it's not hitting all the nostalgia components it could have. That also includes the fact that the controller isn't completely black as my controllers. Of course, last I tried the original console at my parents one of the controllers wasn't working... so this is probably the best alternative. Really, out of the three the Mega Drive is the one I have played the most so far, but it could also be due to not having that many experiences with all the games, I mean, how many times could one play the Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past anyway?

So I've bought this game... 6 times as well, but played oh so many times more.

SNES Classic Mini

Can't stop with just one!

Of course, the SNES Classic Mini was probably more valued right from the get go with both Star Fox and Yoshi's Island being part of the package together with the never released before Star Fox 2. Star Fox and Yoshi's Island where games we got for the SNES back home but never was rereleased on virtual console. We got Yoshi's Island from the Game Boy Advance port released on the Wii U virtual console as well as the ambassador program for the 3DS and it has its merits, but it just feels nicer to have the original. All in all 21 games and two controllers in the package. No need for an extra product to buy to enhance the experience. The only games I haven't bought and played before is the 2 Kirby games and Street Fighter II. Of the games we had as a kid the only one missing is the Super Mario All-Star (the others being Zelda, Super Mario World, Yoshi's Island and Star Fox called Star Wing in Europe). Games I would like that isn't here might be the other Donkey Kong Country-games, Chrono Trigger, Actriser, Illusion of Gaia... well, rather many fantasy JRPG that would really tick off some people I guess. 

We got the SNES back in 1998 as dads 40th birthday come... mostly due to him complaining that I got a Mega Drive instead when I got the chance and on one hand I had a bit of buyers remorse since I'm more of a Nintendo player, but it was black, had Sonic and probably the first sign of independence for myself. Still, this one was the one I was intended to get anyway. Same problem as the NES Classic and that is that the Classic Controller is preferable when I can switch games without leaving the couch. And yet, the controllers are really nice. 

NES Classic Mini

Childhood memories packaged for your convenience!

So growing old and turning 32 means you stop getting presents from your parents meaning you gotta do it yourself so I went on a shopping spree on mini consoles. First out was the Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Mini... or NES Classic Mini for short. When it was announced and released I didn't wanna get it. First the shortage making it impossible to find and then the game, most I've already got on the Wii U, 3DS and several other versions (for example Mega Man anniversary collection on Switch and so on) meaning the games doesn't really sell it for me. What changed my mind? Well, after checking it, 15 of the 30 games I don't actually own in any version. I mean, I'm not that interested in getting Galaga, Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, Ninja Gaiden is a game that doesn't speak to me and Star Tropics was kinda weird... and why is Ballon Fight a classic? I'm never gonna buy those alone and the package is nice so why not get it for a bargain?

Secondly, the games I own? How long will the Wii U survive before collapsing? Upgrading every second generation is probably a good one. Thirdly... it's nostalgia. The NES was the very first console my parents bought and that we played. It's just fun with the grey little box, and the controls just feels right in my hands. Also, the controls work with the Wii U/Wii controls by connecting so even better. Although a minus is I had to get a special package with an extra controller, 2 extra extension cords for the controllers and a charger to power the console... which doesn't work and apparently it's common issue with the mini consoles that the most reliable power source being the TV's USB-port. Don't know why. Still, it works as a recharger for my iPod so I don't have to charge it through the computer. Overall the package enhanced the console so I didn't have to sit to close to the TV and also allow 2-player plays... if someone ever would like to play with me. On the other hand always good to have a spare. 

So a fine and fun package. Apparently several have modded the console to get it to put other games on it which feels tempting to get all the games I played as a kid, like the Smurfs, Moon Ranger, Faxanadu and Bionic Commando for example. Games that probably won't get a rerelease either by being unlicensed from the beginning or licensed games that wouldn't be released due to tangled copy rights or just obscure (though Faxanadu I got on Wii virtual console and Bionic Commando have a remake on the PS3 I bought... but the original is still more nostalgic). One thing I found out though was that I can change controller to the Wii Classic Controller which is recommended for at least one player since it has a home-button that allows one to exit the game and go back to the console menu without needing to leave the couch and push the reset button. If I know what I want to play there is no problem, but playing Pac-Man for 10 minutes and then want to switch game to another game for 5-10 minutes can get a bit irritating with the motions. Wish the normal controller had some sort of way to reach it without pushing the button.

Overall, most games (if not all) you can get on the Wii U and some games like Kirby have an enhanced remake on the 3DS which makes it a bit better so is it necessary if you have those? No, not really, maybe for the nostalgia and just to get some controllers might be worth it, or trying out 30 NES classic games to see if some would fit you. Otherwise maybe skip it.

The Nintendo Switch: First impression

I wish I got the grey one, maybe next controller

So I got the Switch, first home console I bought at launch (handhelds I actually got the New 3DS at launch as well). And after more than a month, I like it so far. It's easy to switch between home console to handheld. I haven't changed game cards at all since I basically only have one at the time. The one everyone bought, Breath of the Wild. I like the controllers and I find the pop-in and pop-out working, wish I gotten the grey one, but they were already out of stock when I preordered mine at the local store so I had to get the blue/red combo. I read some complaints that wondered why we didn't get a separate charger with the release and frankly, just remember to put them back when you stop playing for the night and it works fine. Compare it to the Wii U where I pretty much had the charger constantly in since it drained extremely fast during my play sessions. Also, the handheld function works fine, no problem. The touch screen is fine, but since I at the moment don't have any screen protection I'm rather reluctant touching it.

Has there been any problem? It froze on me once and I can't say what caused it. Also, I wish I could transfer over the whole VC library (especially when we finally get the TG-16 games), but I like the addition of the NeoGeo-games, but I don't know if I will go beyond the Metal Slug-games at the moment. So first impressions are good, but can't say anything else as of the moment since there's hardly any games or functions on it, but since Zelda is preoccupying me for the moment and will probably to the Mario Kart release I'm rather satisfied.

Wii U: Eulogy

Of course I got the black one

So the Switch have come so it's time to remember the former main Nintendo home console. Released in 2012 I didn't get mine until early spring 2014. The 32 GB Black version. It was a console that rekindled my gaming interest into the home console since I actually could play most games whenever I wanted without even bothering with a TV or who would use it. A bit late maybe, but since I was short on cash before that, but maybe it was a great thing since I noticed everyone else bothered by the small amount of new games during long stretch of draughts. Me on the other hand had a back-log from the start with games like Pikmin 3, Resident Evil: Revelation, New Super Mario Bros U + Luigi U, Nintendoland and Donkey Kong Freeze (which I still haven't finished). And of course the Virtual Console with games like Earthbound, Golden Sun and so on (can't exactly remember which other games I got). 

And during these 3 years I've had it still got a great amount of games. Bayonetta 1 and 2, Paper Mario, Super Mario 3d World, Twilight Princess, Hyrule Warriors, Smash Bros, Rodea the Sky Soldier, Wind Waker, Star Fox, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, Xenoblade Chronicles X, The Wonderful 101, Captain Toad, Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon... I think that is all the physical releases I got. That would be 20 games and then we have all the digital ones. I'm not gonna list all of those since it's... I don't know and I can't really check at the moment.

It was overlooked by many, it was underpowered and it didn't have the necessary 3rd party support it needed and sadly things I wished would have come to this console for old time sakes like Tales of Symphonia remaster and so on, games that had a former Nintendo history, but left out or had sequels that should have appeared on the Wii U like Resident Evil 5-6 and Revelations 2. Or games that didn't make it over like Dragon Quest X (which I wonder if I would have got anyway due to its online focus). It didn't get to monopolise a brand new Zelda (since Breath of the Wild had a simultaneous release on Switch), no new Metroid, but the games we got for it was good and out of those 21 physical I would say my worst was Nintendoland... since I had no one to play with and even so not the right amount of controller of the right kind when I would have liked. And it was a wide variety of games as well. The only thing I missed was an actually fantasy JRPG (there was download games to solve that, but none was a full blown physical release since it either was Virtual Console, western developed or a port of a mobile game, should have had a Golden Sun game).

The Virtual Console was an improvement with the save state (even if it only was 1 available) enabling me to actually force myself to finish games... by save scumming. Yes, I'm not that good at games and doesn't have the patience to learn or relearn every single detail of a game to win it. The bad things was that there weren't any Neo Geo, Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System or TG-16 (well, at least not until the end) games. Most could have been helped with a Sega collection (like the one I got for my PS3) or why not the ones for the 3DS? Still, I could get most of these from the Wii mode, but it was a bit of a hassle. Also, the wait for many games to be accessible was really tedious, but there was some new games out there like Donkey Kong 64.

So how many unnecessary accessories did I get for this console? Well, one. The gamecube controller adapter which wasn't bought for playing smash, but rather a small fools hope to get gamecube game to play on it. If it's one console I would mod to get everything this would be it. Got the pro controller that worked really good and at some games like Tokyo Mirage Sessions was the preferred controller so I could put the tablet on the table for map and "SMS"-device. Other than that it was the external hard-drive I got for 1 or 2 Terrabite... which looking at the amount of data at the moment around 185 GB was definitly overkill which explain why 126 GB will suffice long enough until the microSD-cards are cheap enough to go for 200 GB and up.

Overall, to me it was a wonderful system. Best game was Wonderful 101 just for its awesomeness. Wished I gotten it earlier, but what you gonna do. Hope the Switch will be a worthy successor

New Nintendo 3DS

 

So I got myself the New Nintendo 3DS, how could I say no? Well, mostly I got it due to my original 3DS lacking memory and I thought that upgrading was a decent solution. A bit pricey, but what the hell! Got the regular size black version since I prefer my portable system to fit in my pocket. It even fitted into the old 3DS protective case (even though it might need a little added force behind it). The old model I gave away to my dad with my copy of Ocarina of Time 3D to keep him busy... sadly it appears it's me that are busy trying to teach him the controls. Anyway, back to the new one. I didn't get any face plates, because I like the black one. A good thing is that it isn't... shiny? Whatever the word it doesn't collect my fingerprints all over the surface like the old model or even the Wii U. Already a plus. 

Then the changes to the layout on the console. First of the console itself is a bit bigger with a larger screen. Start and select moved to the side of the screen below the buttons and given real buttons compared to the old model where I hardly got feedback by pressing it making pausing some games rather hard. The home button has been redesigned and the volume slide has been moved to the top screen. Both the volume and 3D slide have been given a stop setting so if you want to mute or turn the 3D of just slide it to the bottom and you hear a click and that's it. The old version could be a bit fickle when it comes to the 3D as I had to push it down to turn it off even at the bottom since it didn't quite now if it was off or slightly on. The ABXY buttons are color coded as the SNES controller and you got extra L and R buttons on the back. They also introduced the C-stick... or rather C-bump. At first it feels rather incomprehensible since it actually don't move or give any feedback, but while playing games it work rather well, surprised me. Things they taken away are the wifi-slider and you access it through the menu instead. Probably better so you don't turn it of by accident in a multiplayer match. The only thing I think they made worse is the stylus. I liked the metal retractable pen, but instead we are back to plastic which is smaller, but take more space on the console itself since it can't retract. Also the cartridge slot has been moved from the top to the bottom. Feels rather weird, but I haven't pushed out a game by accident yet so it works. Presumably it was to put ZR and ZL on top instead. The on/off button have been moved as well and at the same time making it harder to randomly push it, but at the same time needs a longer push to start up.

The interior then. It starts up faster, the wifi is stronger and you have a 3D tracking camera that follows you around while moving the console during gameplay. Works rather fine, but I noticed that you need to keep the game at the right distance from your face otherwise it doesn't quite get how to adjust your 3D experience for you. The transfer seemed to be a hassle since they recommended a PC-transfer, but I opted for the wireless and it worked fine (of course I removed most of the games on my 2GB SD card so it would go faster and had to re-download everything again). Also, I switched out the 4GB Micro SD card with a 32 GB since I feel the extra memory would work better (hopefully they don't change from Micro SD to another sort of memory card for the next 1-2 generations so I don't have to transfer everything again like this). All in all it took around 6 hours to complete the transfer and re-download all games (it might have gone faster if I let it transfer everything from the system, but I wasn't sure if it was locally transferred or over the net and the net is rather unstable around here so, and the answer is it does it locally so that was totally unnecessary, but hey, better safe than sorry. I haven't played it all that much, but the Ambassador GBA games seems to work better than in the old 3DS since it hasn't shut down or turned it self of during intense play. A bit annoying especially if you didn't quit the game from time to time since a shut down erased everything until the previous point you started it up, but as I said, I haven't played those games to long on the New 3DS.

Sadly, there will probably be an announcement in 1-2 years of a brand new Nintendo portable console, but until then it will work rather fine. A warning first though, if you are gonna transfer from an old 3DS, 2DS or 3DS XL don't write in your NNID until you do the transfer. Lastly, the console doesn't come with a charger so you either have to have one or buy a new one, which is rather stingy on Nintendo's side, but if they want to keep the cost down that is one way to do it. Also, the name. At least it works in Sweden and all non-English speaking countries and I get that it works well with the Japanese, but really, couldn't the English name have been Super Nintendo 3DS? Really, it would have been an easy sell with the button color scheme and such. Makes me wonder what they will call the next system? Maybe that will be the Super N3DS? Anyway, beyond that there isn't much to say, it play DS and 3DS games. I might update this (probably not) when they release exclusive games like Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (at the moment the only known game that must have the New 3DS to play) to see if the hardware handles it well, Then again, since I'm not the technical wizard my parents believe me to be I will not know if it was necessary or not to release that game on this updated console.

In Wait For The Wii U

So I was finally able to play the Wii U... after updating it for a couple of hours (my sisters internet connection was probably not the best, but it was all I got). So now I finally have Earthbound in my collection and it has its moments this hour or so I played. Sadly I only got two main games with me, Nintendoland and Super Mario bros U + Super Luigi U that me and my sister tried to play. Thing is I only had the gamepad and a Wii U Pro Controller with me (since all my wiimotes are locked in storage). Now, Nintendoland I can let slide since the Pro Controller may not have existed then so I don't fault it for not working. Super Mario bros on the other hand is a completely different story. The Controller worked, but the catch is that in multiplayer you must at least have two controllers other than the gamepad. Why? Well its supposed to work as a fifth player helping the others by creating blocks and distracting enemies (perfect for that annoying sibling who isn't that good at video games, at least see them as a potiential extra difficulty), but the question remain, why can't I play a normal two player with it? Seriously, shouldn't I be able to choose if I want it to work either way? Do I really have to buy a third controller for co-op? Nintendo what were you thinking?

So for our co-op gaming we had to settle for Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara, a beat 'em up based on D&D. Really fun actually, unless you replay it around 10-15 times over 4 days. Also, as it appears with most modern consoles, 24-hour internet connection recommended. During the game it decided to download two apps, which when looked upon I won't touch and be the first to go if storage get tight. I have a couple of problems with this method though, one being that in order for the download to install and update I have to watch it.  Why when I got a gamepad that highlights it's asymmetric gameplay mechanic as a plus? Maybe it needs all processing power, since I'm no expert, but couldn't I at least be able to read the manuals on the games I have to pass time? My sister solved this by turning on the TV, but still. Also, could I at least see how big they are before starting the process? Took over one hour for each app (but again, I blame my sisters internet, but it's hard to prove with no knowledge on the size of it and just some random number between 5 minutes and 100 hours to completion). On the plus side it saved the progress so when the internet crapped out it just restarted once back online.

All in all, initial reactions are mixed, but I should probably wait until I actually play some games created for the system before passing judgment. Also, playing with gamepad feels like an over-sized GBA and with sound from both the TV and pad with the same image on both screens makes it hard to focus on the TV as the pad is closer. Supposedly you can turn the pad screen of, although I haven't figured it out yet.