Recent Posts

21

Video Game Bored / Re: Random Gaming Talk Thread

« Last post by Polident Hive on January 13, 2025, 09:42:14 PM »

Got the TrimUI Brick from Amazon. May return it.

For what it is, it’s great. Controls are good. Screen is good. Solid build quality. But I don’t think these vertical handhelds are for me. Went in expecting if I didn’t use the shoulder buttons, it’d be fine. Nope.

You might just want to swap it out for the Smart Pro instead.  Seems like that form factor may be better for you.  While the screen isn't as good IMO, it's still excellent for the price.  I  also still think that it's one of the most comfortable handhelds out there.

Would’ve gone with the Smart Pro if it shipped in time. But I’m quite happy with this purchase. I’d only change having six large buttons. That’s my issue with all sega style controllers where I end up remapping it. Big A/B/C mapped to Y/B/A, X/Z are both X for button combos.

Rocknix seems good. Glad I could drag my old Batocera data over and all the scraping, images, and even favorites lists were compatible. Every system you’d want play without analog sticks run well.

Also funny how the TrimUI and this came with SD cards full of roms and pirates portmaster games. The Trimui must’ve been used or they just use the same image for all units. Retroarch showed Nintendo roms in the play history tab that were deleted. It’s a mess of different naming and formats. Wiped all of it and put my own sets on there. Couldn’t find a spare 128GB card so I’m using their random shenzen one.

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Video Game Bored / Re: What are you playing?

« Last post by chronovore on January 13, 2025, 09:15:02 PM »

(…)
Erased my save file and started RDR2 over.  JFC these controls make no sense.  I’m supposed to hold X to move/ride, then tap X to go faster/keep up while riding…. But you have to press L1 to slow down, not slowing your tapping.  It’s like QTE type inputs when there’s no QTE.  Who came up with this egregious gameplay?  I just can't.

My particular bugaboo when going back to RDR2 is the weapon and equipment wheel. The radial menu is one of the best solutions for navigating with a controller, but Rockstar managed to galaxy-brain their way into fucking it up. At one point I figured out that if I want to change my current longarm/rifle or its ammo, I need to press something like four buttons, with three of them being pressed as a chord. Was it L1 for menu, Right analog stick to point at weapon type, d-pad L/R within the weapon type, another different button to change ammo type, and then X to select - or maybe it was just release to dismiss the menu?

Deplorable.

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Video Game Bored / Re: Dynasty/Samurai/Orochi/Whatever Warriors Thread

« Last post by bork on January 13, 2025, 11:05:51 AM »

While Dynasty Warriors Origins is looking awesome and already getting some good reviews, I think I'm passing on it for now- the main reason being that I really don't want to be stuck playing as 'generic NPC dude' for the entire game.  It's a big head scratcher to me why a series known for a huge number of playable characters and custom characters in its Empires games now has you just playing as a single one who can't be customized. 

Although he can use different weapon types, apparently it's limited to only 10 weapons total.  This sucks.  And it sucks even more because I really liked the demo a lot.  It's pretty fun to play and a big step forward for these games, but the campaign is supposed be something like 30 hours long for one full playthrough (and there's a point where you need to align with one of the three kingdoms, which changes the story up, so it's a huge RPG-like campaign that you need to play at least three times to see everything) and I'm just not really sold on the idea of playing as NPC dude for that long. 

I hope they patch it to allow for you to play as anyone, add in CAW options, or play as your partner character for as long as you want.  That might help.  But to me this seems more like a "wait for the XL version or sequel" type of game.  Supposedly no XL version or equivalent DLC will be coming, but this is Koei we're talking about so I'm inclined to not believe them on that.

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Video Game Bored / Re: Nintendo Anounces Switch 2

« Last post by james on January 13, 2025, 10:54:43 AM »

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Im manifesting

Successfully

https://bsky.app/profile/wario64.bsky.social/post/3lfn2cqqntn2h

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Video Game Bored / Re: Random Gaming Talk Thread

« Last post by bork on January 13, 2025, 09:43:13 AM »

Re: TV-out on the Retroid Pocket 5.  To be fair, I only tested it on one TV, but had issues.  It would not work with a USB-C hub that should have been just fine for it (it kept freezing up when HDMI was plugged in) and when I tried using the Asus ROG "dock" it worked, but seemingly was trying to run at 4K 30 FPS and was way too slow.  I've had this type of thing happen before on this particular TV, but on a Windows device I could just change the refresh rate.  Saw no way to change that or the resolution in the Android settings.  Can't say I'm disappointed because apart from higher-end tablets, this always seems to be more of an issue than it should be.

Will keep messing around- am wondering if the HDMI cable I was using could be the problem, but that same cable worked just fine with my Tab S9.

Messed around with this a little more over the weekend.  The issue with the RP5 and TVs is a bit widespread and seems to affect a number of 4K displays.  Whether or not it can be fixed seems to be depend on the TV settings.  I tried the RP5 on a portable monitor this time around.  Whereas with the Razer Edge I had a lot of issues getting it to work (particularly with video out and charging at the same time), the RP5 just worked with no problem.  I connected a 100w charger to power the display and then tried both using a small dock with HDMI and just connecting the RP5 directly to the monitor via USB-C.  No issues either way and was happy to see it also charging.

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Video Game Bored / Re: What are you playing?

« Last post by Svejk on January 13, 2025, 09:30:25 AM »

Continuing trophy hunting in Dragon’s Dogma 2.  Working on getting all the Meister teachings.  The Mage and Sorcerer ones are more tedious for sure searching for all the grimoires.  Following a guide though to make sure I can get them all in this playthrough, making forgeries and whatnot.  Also working on topping off Archer and Thief vocations.  Going straight archer is way more fun than I thought.  Sliding, kicking off enemies, curb stomping and even tackling enemies just feels so fluid and varied (of course, this is Dragon's Dogma after all). Also, I thought I’d dislike the non-over shoulder shooting option, but it works so well during the brawl sessions to unleash a volley of arrows mid action.  Saw a new cutscene with Wilhelmina that I missed before somehow too, which was cool (and hot). 

Came to realize that I never witnessed any Dragon's Plague the first go round.  Also messed up the entire Princess kitty story line, so there's so much I still haven't seen.  Did the first 5 Sphinx riddles again.  Glad I remembered to grab a screen shot of my seekers token and saved a load of stress.   Game rules so much, I almost can't wait for MH Wilds to come and go, so Capcom can move onto DD2 DLC presentation.  I agree with Cyber that it'll probably be April-ish when they're announcing something.  We needs it!   Still can't believe Itsuno just dipped out so quick though... wth.  Guess he left on a high note, because DD rules them all.

Erased my save file and started RDR2 over.  JFC these controls make no sense.  I’m supposed to hold X to move/ride, then tap X to go faster/keep up while riding…. But you have to press L1 to slow down, not slowing your tapping.  It’s like QTE type inputs when there’s no QTE.  Who came up with this egregious gameplay?  I just can't.

Dead Space Remake – Game comes across frustrating at times, but after 6 hours, it’s sloooowly sinking in.  Just got the flamethrower.  It hasn’t created a sense of dread or fear just yet, but it does have a interesting atmosphere and production value. 

The Stanley Parable – Pretty interesting game experience.  Get Portal type vibes, but with more mind fuckery.  Played through it about 4 times now, each time loading up differently.  Curious how far it goes.

Exo One – Neat little trippy space traveling physics based game.  It’s like Interstellar meets Marble Madness.  Has a story of sorts, but pretty graphics. Probably about 80% through.

Randomly downloaded Resident Evil (HD GC Remake) also, and this game just does it right.  It still instills fear like no other.  I almost want to play it instead of Dead Space, but trying to play through stuff I haven’t yet played.  Got Dino Crisis too, as I never played through it either, but RE is just straight dope atmosphere drip.

Dragon Quest VIII (PS2 emu on phone) - I can't believe how golden this game is.  I feel I completely missed out on it back then.  I was a bit turned off from DQVII back then (was too spoiled by Square games at the time), but the scope, challenge, detail, music, voice acting, and classic JRPG gameplay just captivates and has aged wonderfully.  Makes me consider trying DQXI again.... Almost.

Really trying to just stick to one game to completion, but a frustrating sense of FOMO makes me jump around every 30-60 minutes of play time.  Having fun with everything (except RDR2).  Glad I have no Day 1'ers that I need Q1 2025 so far, so backlog chip away continues.

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Video Game Bored / Re: Random Gaming Talk Thread

« Last post by bork on January 13, 2025, 09:26:22 AM »

Speaking of the Trimui Brick.  The replacement I ordered a few weeks ago finally got delivered yesterday.



The seller didn't do a very good job of protecting the box and it arrived a bit banged up.     The Brick itself has some light scratches on it and there's a small dent on one side.  The buttons and dpad are also way too loose and make rattling noises.

So back it goes.  The good news is that Bricks are now available on Amazon with Prime shipping, so I have another one on the way already that's supposed to come on Wednesday.  Decided to try a different color this time, too.  Third times's the charm, I hope.

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Video Game Bored / Re: Random Gaming Talk Thread

« Last post by bork on January 13, 2025, 09:21:00 AM »

Got the TrimUI Brick from Amazon. May return it.

For what it is, it’s great. Controls are good. Screen is good. Solid build quality. But I don’t think these vertical handhelds are for me. Went in expecting if I didn’t use the shoulder buttons, it’d be fine. Nope.

You might just want to swap it out for the Smart Pro instead.  Seems like that form factor may be better for you.  While the screen isn't as good IMO, it's still excellent for the price.  I  also still think that it's one of the most comfortable handhelds out there.

The Anbernic? Saturn style handheld is cheap and can get send in time. Considering picking that up.

Updating to avoid double post: got the Arc-S and prefer it. Not “pocketable” or compact. It’s likely as large as a Vita or Retroid. Main thing is it’s comfortable to use. Basically the 8bitdo M30 Sega style controller, widened, with a screen slapped on. Whether this is a plus depends, but it’s toy-like. Light, hollow, cheap-ish plastic. Feels like I can dump it in a bag without case and it’ll be fine.

I want this, but I'm waiting on it because supposedly an improved version will be released soon.  Nothing confirmed but photos of a supposed prototype "leaked" a little while ago.  The other reason I haven't picked it up is because CFW options for it aren't the best and the best one for it has seemingly had its development abandonded. 

Two downsides I’ve read about. You need a cheap USB C charger for it. Somehow decent fast USB C chargers don’t work? Limited alternative OS options. The MinUI analogue pocket clone OS looked nice. Some of these support Batocera. There’s Onion and Garlic for others. This only seems to support something called roxnix.

The charger thing is pretty typical for a lot of these handhelds.  You need to use a much lower-powered one or you could damage the battery or even cause it heat up so much that it starts melting the plastic/catches fire.  This seems to be pretty rare but I'm not taking any chances, lol.  For the Trimui stuff, people have said that chargers up to 20w work OK.  I have some slim 17w GaN chargers that I've used that have been fine. 

This is something where the Retroid Pocket 5 has a definite advantage- it has fast charging and you can use pretty much anything to charge it up with.  The official charger is 35w!   Also shoutout to the Miyoo Mini.  It also seems to be fine when charging it with anything.

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Video Game Bored / Re: What are you playing?

« Last post by Polident Hive on January 12, 2025, 05:07:17 PM »

Planning on playing Startropics on some upcoming travels. Always heard the reason given for why it’s ignored is it never released in Japan?

Can’t recall why I have a note saying to play Radia Senki NES. That’s the other game I’m gonna go through.

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Video Game Bored / Re: What are you playing?

« Last post by demi on January 12, 2025, 02:21:19 PM »

Recent gaming:

- Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion (GBA) https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2343688285

After playing about 33 out of 34 games in the series (waiting for the final one to go on sale like a real pc gamer), I chose to play this. A GBA port of one of the older PC games (released 2000, GBA released a year later) so I was very curious how the experience would be. Overall I'm pretty impressed, it does a good job emulating the PC experience, but there are a lot of cuts and resource crunch to make it fit. Backgrounds looking like 1KB JPEGs, horrendously crunchy music, and misc. scenes and puzzles were cut. But it's the PC game! (this was played on my gamecube w/ game boy interface, which is funny since the stream looks like its being emulated. its not!)

I signed up for a little Twitch series where streamers play "jank" games and I figured this would be a good one to present. It's a short game at least.

- Ganbare Goemon! Karakuri Douchuu (NES) https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2345789476

The start of the Goemon journey. This is a simple NES game where the goal is to find 3 "passes" to be able to exit the level. How you do this is up to you - you can find them in hidden dungeons, or just buy them at the store, which requires money and goes up in price every time. There are neat little "dungeon crawler" segments that don't have any actual combat or anything, but navigate in that fashion. I did a single loop (there are about 8 full loops to actually finish the game, but it just restarts anyway).

- Ganbare Goemon 2 (NES) https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2345790396

The next Goemon title, this is similar to the first but with several improvements in the UI mostly. This has a single path so there is no looping, but it plays functionally the same as the first game with the same mechanics, just improved visuals for the most part.

- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (Xbox One)

I bought this for $5 for the super digital version (priced $100 lol) and I played through the campaign and got all achievements. The presentation is really good, captures that goofy ass movie feeling. The gameplay is fine, you basically bounce around metropolis, shoot your guns, and hear lots of one liner quips from the gang. It ends in a way to promote DLC/updates, but that side of things is done horrendously. For example, in the first "episode" you are required to literally just play the same missions you did over and over in the story to level up an "episode rank" to be able to be high enough to fight the same boss as the story to unlock Joker. This repeats for about... 6 more episodes, but the game is officially dead so there will be no more updates so who knows if the story will even be finished. I dont care, I deleted the game after getting all achievements.

- Genma Onimusha (Xbox) https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2351125788

Onimusha is coming back, so time for a series replay. First up is Genma Onimusha, the exclusive Xbox version of Onimusha, which has a series of improvements and additional content not found in the PS2/PC versions. Still a fun game, it's short, about a 5 hour completion if you don't bother with the side content like the Dark Realm or Ogre Tower.


Some stuff I played before 2025 as well:

- StarTropics 1&2 (NES) https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2340474813 | https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2340970777

Just felt like playing them again. One of my all time favorite NES games, will StarTropics come back for Switch 2? Probably not

- Viewtiful Joe 2 (Gamecube) https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2336959872

Played now that Kamiya is back with Capcom, I need to prepare myself for VJ3, since VJ2 ends on a cliffhanger!!!! (no the DS version does not continue this story)