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Post by anayo on Oct 31, 2022 17:24:46 GMT -5
I don't plan on getting this one, but I am happy that it exists, if that makes sense. Sometimes re-releases like this are how younger players with an interest in older games get to experience them for the first time. For instance, Sega Smashpack Volume 1 for Dreamcast was how I learned about Streets of Rage II and Virtua Cop II.
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Post by Kazin on Oct 31, 2022 19:12:43 GMT -5
Got mine today - I like it a lot. Works wonderfully with my wireless Retrobit Genesis controller (which is nice, because I can swap between the Mini 2 and my original Genesis at will, since the controller comes with adapters for both). I noticed something weird, though - they changed the graphics in Shining Force II. Nothing major, they just changed the plain cross from the original cart to this: I don't mind it - it kinda looks nice, and looks vaguely like Mitula, the goddess from later in the game - but it's just an odd choice. They didn't change that art in the Virtual Console rereleases, so I wonder what made them change it now? As far as I can tell, the script is identical to the original Genesis one, too, so it's just a weird thing to see haha. Also, Phantasy Star II seriously has a great soundtrack. I don't know what the "easy" mode on here does, though, as my EXP gain doesn't seem to have increased, and the random battles are just as constant as ever. The walking speed is faster, though, thankfully. I might be getting more meseta from each battle, too? Can't remember. Either way, I'm enjoying myself.
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Post by Xeogred on Oct 31, 2022 21:50:45 GMT -5
I do kind of wonder now if it'd be cool to get these as emulation boxes... The slow walk speed and foreground graphics are what look iffy to me from afar with PSII, haha. Was it a red cross? That's kind of a touchy trademark design I guess. Even Doom's healthpacks were altered/censored in some modern ports. www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/video-game-red-cross-health-pack-emblem/
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Post by Kazin on Oct 31, 2022 22:00:49 GMT -5
No, it was white, same color as this angel version. Super weird!
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Post by Sarge on Oct 31, 2022 23:29:17 GMT -5
That is odd, indeed! I got mine in as well, shockingly, and I just made a burn through Splatterhouse 2.
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bosh
HRG Enthusiast
Posts: 207
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Post by bosh on Nov 1, 2022 1:53:41 GMT -5
I have one on the way as well (somehow taken an odd shipping turn from Japan to USA to Germany and hopefully back to USA by Wednesday which is delivery date).
Genesis was my first gaming console, still have it and original box.
Agreed on supporting M2 work! They always do quality stuff.
I also don't have any qualms about emulation and have it setup on multiple things. That being said I own the NES Mini, SNES mini, Genesis Mini, PC Engine Mini, PS Mini (that's a good one to hack) and soon to be Genesis 2 Mini so best of both worlds. They are nostalgia machines, but also pretty nice to hookup in any room of the house quickly or bring to a friend's house to relive some games.
In regards to this Mini looking forward to number of SHMUPs not played before as well as Shining Force CD & Warsong
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Post by Kazin on Nov 1, 2022 9:48:58 GMT -5
Another reason I like these emulation consoles is because there's an element of curation to them that makes me try games I might not otherwise have. For example, Sipheed is pretty cool, as is Truxton. I'd heard of the former, but the latter completely slipped me by as something I wasn't even aware of. Ditto Viewpoint. Sure, there's some duds - I'd known the Ecco games were terrible to play even if they have cool aesthetics (doubly so for the excellent CD soundtracks), but hey, someone might play Toejam & Earl: Panic on Funkotron for the first time on this thing, and that's cool, because that game has always been excellent. It's the first game to ever make me laugh - I still find it hilarious when the little girl runs up and kicks you in the shins lmao
EDIT: No it isn't, the first Toejam & Earl game is lol. Derp. The scientist's insane laugh in that game has always made me chuckle
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Post by Ex on Nov 1, 2022 10:00:09 GMT -5
My ideal emulation box is a mini-PC, many mini-PC units these days are comparable in size to these mini-consoles. With a PC based unit, you have access to the very best emulators (PC-based ones) and you can use whatever controllers you want with it. PC is 100% wide open with tremendous emulation possibilities and high accuracy (and you can play PC games on them too). Plus modern mini-PCs have HDMI output built right in. That said, there is a considerable degree of configuration involved and the price is higher than a specialized mini-console (which only emulates one platform mind). So that approach isn't for everybody, I understand. For me personally it's the best solution. I'm cognizant that a mini-PC is not a collectable item that looks cute on a shelf.
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Post by Kazin on Nov 1, 2022 10:17:47 GMT -5
That's what my Steam Deck is for, ultimately - it can play up to the PS3 generation with pretty high fidelity, and it's a pleasure to use. I have 14,000 games on it, though - wonderful is I feel like just picking random roms to play or for games I already know I want to, but the curation aspect is just not there. It is best for fidelity and even (imo) ease of use - setting up the emulators and controllers isn't that difficult, even without Emudeck doing most of it for you (though I suppose over 20 years of experience doing that helps lol).
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Post by Ex on Nov 1, 2022 10:41:40 GMT -5
the curation aspect is just not there
You can curate your own library for the Deck. Unless having other people curate your library is somehow more valuable? 🤷♂️
I do think the Deck is a really smart, really great idea, that turned out well the first try. Personally I intend to wait for a model that is fully solid state before I buy one. I don't enjoy fan noise and moving parts eventually break. Now I don't want to come across as beating up on mini-consoles. I've just been explaining why they don't interest me personally as a point of contrast. Seems like everyone else on HRG enjoys and purchases official mini-consoles; I realize I'm in the minority on this aspect.
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