What do you do when you break up with your girlfriend? You go on the rebound and get yourself a new Cosplay Girlfriend, that’s what! The LeetSteet Boys show us exactly how it is done.
source: LeetStreet Boys
The Pop-Culture E-Zine
What do you do when you break up with your girlfriend? You go on the rebound and get yourself a new Cosplay Girlfriend, that’s what! The LeetSteet Boys show us exactly how it is done.
source: LeetStreet Boys
We shuddered when we saw what had become of Ryu, Zangief and Guile in the first part of Street Fighter: Where Are They Now.
Prepare yourself for part 2, as Arman Akopian (aka: I-GUYJIN-I) shows us exactly what Cyber Vega and Chun-Li have been up to and where Fei Long has been for the last three years.
By Nadia Hyeong
“It was magic!”—that’s how most gamers would describe it, after powering on their first handheld gaming console. At a time when games could only be played on desktop PCs or consoles, these devices allowed people to play their favorite video games while waiting for the bus, in summer camp, or at the dentist’s office. Thanks to companies like Mattel Electronics (now Mattel), Coleco, and Nintendo, they made gaming on the go and fun.
However, in a report published by the International Data Corporation (IDC) and App Annie for the 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo 2013; it shows that more consumers are willing to pay more for gaming applications (apps), compared to the stand-alone games released by Sony or Nintendo. With tech companies like Verizon supporting the mobile industry, game developers are starting to rethink their strategy to cope with the competition.
As sad as it may seem, I still believe that there are gamers out there who are still patronizing our beloved portable gaming devices. With that in mind, I’d like to share my old school handheld console experience, and how it shaped me as a gamer.
Game & Watch
Ask people what a Game & Watch (G&W) is, and the first thing that they’ll ask is, “Is it a smart watch?”. As funny as it may seem, this is the usual answer I get when I ask this question. Since we live in the so-called Smart Age, this could be the reason why this answer came across their minds. Fortunately for me, I was able to play one of these devices and it was awesome. At first glance, you would mistake it for a Game Boy Micro, since they look alike. However, unlike its grandchildren—the Game Boy and DS family line—it only has one built-in game in it. Even though each unit only had one game to play, I had fun playing games like Parachute, Octopus, and Donkey Kong 2. Out of these three games, I liked Octopus the best. It was really challenging to dodge the octopus’ tentacles and get as much treasure as possible. Their technologies may be simple, but each game will really eat up your time and patience (sometimes).
Game Boy Color
Basically, it’s the first handheld that supported backward compatibility, which was a real innovative move by Nintendo. Aside from its standard Berry (C), Grape (O), Kiwi (L), Dandelion (O), and Teal (R) exterior colors, it had a colored screen, which was a departure from its predecessor, the Game Boy. Well, I was fortunate enough to own its Clear Black version of the Game Boy Color (GBC) and it was used heavily for gaming, maxing out its 2 rechargeable AA batteries. I actually played R-Type DX—it was relatively slower on the GBC but fun; Donkey Kong Island, Super Mario Bros Deluxe, and Dragon Warrior III. The GBC definitely gave me the gaming fix I needed, especially during those long family road trips we usually had.
PlayStation Portable (PSP)
After wearing out my trusty Game Boy Color, I had to buy something new and better. That time, I had my PlayStation II, which was basically my main gaming device. Since I was out of the house most of the time, I needed something more portable. Thanks to my friend’s urging, I finally bought a PlayStation Portable (PSP) and went for the newer, slimmer version—the PSP-3000. It was definitely an upgrade to the older PSP-1000, which my brother owned and it featured a 64MB system software. I was also able to snag the Final Fantasy: Crisis Core ice silver-engraved edition (I’m a huge Zack Fair fan!). Yes, I played Crisis Core a lot and if some gamers didn’t like its new battle system, I loved it a lot. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to complete his sought-after Genji Equipment—I was only able to get the Genjii Helm and Glove. Another game that I loved playing on the PSP was Mega Man Powered Up, and it was in 3D. The designs may be too Chibi-like or cute, but the game-play was still very Mega Man-ish. I also loved that the developers included two new Robot Masters: Time Man and Oil Man. Another great feature of the game was its Challenge Mode, which gave you one hundred more stages to complete. Until now, I’m still waiting for news if Capcom plans to release its sequel.
Since the retirement of my PSP, I now have my smartphone to get my gaming fix. Looking back, these handheld gaming devices definitely helped me become a better gamer. These portable gaming systems may have reached their prime, but they’re still icons in their own right. As the gaming industry faces a new dawn, I’m still hoping that they won’t just fade into the pages of history. Rather, take the lead into its promising future.
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Nadia Hyeong usually writes about gadgets, apps and games. During her free time, she appreciates classic rock and art. Follow her on Twitter and Twitter.
Hey Mario, when are you going to get your **** together bro? You know this Princess isn’t worth these extra lives. Just let her go. If this catchy and feel good Mario song doesn’t become a hit, then I will eat Luigi’s hat!
source: Patent Pending TV
I don’t know why, but I never choose Guile when I play Street Fighter II. Why is that?
Anyway, watching and listening to this metal cover of Guile’s theme, I think I will give the US Air Force veteran a shot next time I go toe-to-toe with Ken. This video has everything you need : metal, cats, fights and boobs!
source: Shinray
It is always a pleasure meeting up and chatting with like minded and passionate retro gamers. One retro gamer in particular is so passionate and down to earth, he is like a magnet for other retroholics. The retro gaming magnet I speak of is none other than Aleks Svetislav (aka: Serblander or Serby), one half of the great Weird and Retro (WaR) team. I have caught up with Serby a few times during the year and it never ceases to amaze me at the things they get up to – from hunting arcade machines across the country, to running retro club days and their awesome television show segment on New Game Plus on channel 31, to name a few.
In the recent past, WaR have been involved in events bringing retro gaming to the masses. Their events caught the eye of EB Games Australia which has lead to the WaR team being invited to participate in this years EB Games Expo (October 4 – 6). We caught up with Serby to get the lowdown on all things EB Games Expo and Weird and Retro.
For those that have been living on the moon and have not heard of Weird and Retro, this is what the lovely folks at EB Games have said about them:
“Weird And Retro are Australia’s premier retro gaming gurus. Watch them on TV or game with them in person at their numerous community events. Weird and Retro are keeping the pixelated past alive by bringing weird and retro to all generations!”
Now, on with grilling Serby!
AUSRETROGAMER [ARG]: Hey Serby, take us through the details of how your involvement with the EB Games Expo came about?
Aleks Svetislav [Serby]: It all started on Twitter. Earlier this year, our good friend Susie (@SiouxsieKate on Twitter) mentioned us to the community manager of EB Games Australia (EB) answering her call for any retro collectors in Melbourne to help out with retro consoles for their EB GameAThon; a 25 hour livestream to raise money for the Starlight Foundation. I followed up, they agreed, we gave a presentation, the crowd (and EB directors watching) loved it, and the rest as they say, is retro gaming history.
ARG: Who came up with the awesome idea of a ‘Retro Gamer Garden’ theme for the Expo?
Serby: The Retro Gamer Garden theme was put forward to me at our first business meeting with EB by Kelsey Gamble. I loved it (as well as the complimentary lamb business lunch)! While we worked together on it in terms of adding extra themes and features, the credit for this awesome theme goes to EB Games!
ARG: Did you have any other ideas apart from the Garden theme?
Serby: Once I heard of their Retro Gamer Garden idea, I was sold. There was no need to explore any other themes. We were all excited about the garden theme and were on the same page, so it was full steam ahead. What we did do was add to the theme – for example, I came up with the idea to have a ‘gaming pond’ where you could play retro fishing games on a fishing controller while sitting in the comfort of a fold-out camping chair (ARG: You are so clever Serby!). Bringing a VHS player to watch old school cult classics while playing the movie tie-in games, as well as some other features that we hope you will get to see next year.
ARG: What is your main aim or what would you like (hope) to achieve with the Retro Gamer Garden?
Serby: We are very experienced with gaming events, expos, red carpet events and crowds. What we aim to achieve with the Retro Gamer Garden is the same as with all our other events: to make people aware of and excited about the rich history and great fun that retro gaming has to offer. This is not only for the bearded merchants of reminiscence from ye old times, but for all the younger generations who may not have been exposed to or have had a chance to enjoy gaming on actual retro hardware.
ARG: How will the retro systems be sourced? Are you bringing your own? If so, which ones? How are you going to cart this precious cargo? Will there be any arcade machines?
Serby: One of the reasons that Weird And Retro was chosen to run the retro event for EB Games Expo (apart from all of our event experience and good working relationship with EB) is that we can supply and run all the retro games and systems needed for the event. As such, EB offered to fly us to the expo and back and have all our retro ‘luggage’ transported by their transport company. However, due to the uber rare and expensive nature of our collection, we did not want to take any chances with couriers damaging our rarities. So, we offered to drive a hire truck to Sydney and back ourselves. This way, we not only ensure that everything will get all the TLC that it needs, but we just scored another ‘paid for’ Retro Road Trip! Oh, and there may also be an arcade machine or gaming kiosk coming with us too.
ARG: Will you be running competitions during the expo? If so, which games, what format and most importantly, what are the prizes?
Serby: As with all of our events, we will be running some WaR comps (not to be confused with ‘war camps’). Like at all of our larger events, we aim to have our regular 10-player Saturn Bomberman tournament; running on a projector in front of a large audience. We will have to see if space and facilities will permit this. Back by popular demand will be C64anabalt: the recent cartridge release from the ever awesome RGCD. This C64 release is based on the popular Canabalt game. As far as prizes go, isn’t seeing and playing with your favourite retro gamers from the television screen in real life prize enough? (winks).
ARG: If PAX Aus is anything to go by, I reckon your area will be extremely popular! Do you have helpers on hand? If not, can I sneak into your luggage.
Serby: (Laughs), thanks for the offer Alex, but EB security already have an ‘AusRetroGamer Wanted’ poster (ARG: I have been exposed!) at all entry points so smuggling yourself through them would be tougher than squeezing anything past a cavity search by the TSA (laughs). Apart from the ‘faces’ of Weird And Retro (Serby & Kano), we will almost have the full contingent of ‘WaRiors’ coming along and helping out: Pedro (aka: RetroGamerRival), Jamie, Stacey Borg, and returning to EB from our previous EB GameAThon venture: Jerry (aka: @icemanfx). ARG: No love for ausretrogamer hey. This changes everything Serby (wink).
ARG: Can you give us an exclusive on something about the EB Games Expo that we didn’t already know about?
Serby: For AusRetroGamer? Absolutely! Those that follow our Weird And Retro twitter exploits, you will know of our retro hunts. Well for this years EB Games Expo, we will be bringing the mother-load of our Retro Road Trip pick-ups! I am talking about none other than an original 1986 4-Player Atari Games arcade cabinet that is Gauntlet II! ARG: WHOA, I am fully gobsmacked! I hope she is guarded like Fort Knox.
ARG: Apart from the Expo, will you have time to go on a retro hunt while in Sydney?
Serby: Weird And Retro never goes to Sydney without visiting our friends and previous event sponsors: ‘Retro Games Top Ryde City’ and ‘The Gamesmen’ in Penshurst! If you want retro, then do not go there! Leave it all for us!
ARG: What is next for Weird and Retro?
Serby: WaR is breaking out on all fronts! Apart from EB Games Expo, we are already booked for the annual two day AFTERSHOCK event taking place at Monash University (Caulfield Campus) on Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 December. Events for 2014 are looking good with the 7-day Computer Games Boot Camp 2014, PAX Aus and EB Games Expo 2014. Monthly club meets (in Victoria) include: Retro Tuesday on the first Tuesday of every month; and AUG (Amiga Users Group) every third Sunday of each month. I was recently stopped at a Cash Converters (pawn store) while on a GameCube retro hunt by a mature couple who were big fans of our WaR segment on the New Game Plus TV show, which reminds me: we need to record more WaR TV segments! We have also set-up our Weird and Retro YouTube channel so watch out (no pun intended) for upcoming feature length segments, reviews, event videos and more! Our weirdandretro.com site is under construction – this is where you will find a host of retro related goodies in the not too distant future. In the meantime, if you cannot join us in person at any community event, you can follow our exploits on Facebook and Twitter. If you like to see a lot of ‘Retro Gaming Show & Tell’ then following us on twitter is highly recommended!
ARG: Hang on, did you say PAX? Are you joining us at the Classic Games Console crew?
Serby: Looks like it (winks).
ARG: Oh man, that is awesome! We will have a blast.
ARG: Finally, what is your all time favourite arcade game?
Serby: As a Highlander would say: “There can be only one!” But as Weird And Retro has two co-hosts, I will give you (my) two. My two all time favourite arcade games are Gauntlet II and Mortal Kombat II. Gauntlet II was the first game that introduced me to multi-player gaming. It was more than just 2 players at one time, which has led me to my love (and vast collection) of multi-player LAN games and consoles. As for Mortal Kombat II, I was a champion. Having played the game for five plus hours a day, every day, for almost a year, at a local Dandenong arcade (for free), I was bound to become a flawless champion! Anyone want to take on Kitana?
Well there you have it. Thank you Serby for your time and candid responses. We wish you all the best at the upcoming EB Games Expo. We are certain the Retro Gamer Garden will be quite popular. All the best in your future retro endeavors and adventures. We will definitely see each other again in the not so distant future.
Oh my gawd! What have the Machinima Respawn team done to us? Only a week after GTA 5 took the world by storm, they go ahead and release the 16-bit trailer of GTA 5. Oh how I wish I could play this on my Super Nintendo.
source: machinimarespawn
What does one do when all household chores are done and there is time to kill? I know, go hunting! I don’t mean hunting in the wilderness for ‘game’, I mean hunting for inanimate objects like retro gaming gear and vintage toys. Yesterday, while Melbourne turned on the charm, I made plans to go out and hit a few stores. I visited two vintage markets I had not been to in almost 10 months. A lot had changed in that time – lots of varied retro goodies were on offer.
To check out the rest of the photos from this expedition, mozy on over to our Facebook album.
Here it is, the ‘The New Super Mario Busters 2′ recipe: Add one part Super Mario Bros. with one part Ghostbusters 2. Then mix a cameo of Samus Aran, a dash of Sonic the Hedgehog with Yoshi and stir feverishly.
WARNING: This video is rated P for Parody!
source: James Farr
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