All posts by Jax
Jax

Game History, Retro Gaming

The Two Button Street Fighter Arcade Game.

Leave a comment

Picture credit: Arstechnica

Street Fighter is well known to have popularized the fighting game genre. It was the first fighting game to have a light, medium and heavy kick or punch instead of just a single punch and kick. It was a revolutionary idea at that time.

Most pro gamers of Street Fighter will have one of these; a six or eight button arcade stick.

Not many people know about the two button Street Fighter I arcade machine. When Street Fighter was first launched, there were two variants, the first one has a six buttons control while the other only have two buttons.

Both buttons of the two buttons variant were pressure sensitive. Depending on how hard you smashed the buttons, you would get different level of punch and kick (one button for kick and one button for punch). So to do a hard punch, you would have to literally throw a hard punch onto the punch button.

Capcom subsequently remove the two buttons variant and the rest is history. The six buttons variant is now what you see in arcades around the world. The removal was allegedly due to injury by fervent players who started smashing the buttons too vigorously.

Have you ever played the two button arcade machine before? If so let us know about it in the comments.

General, Retro Gaming

Who is Street Fighter M.Bison?

Leave a comment

Who comes into your mind when you see this name?

Does the evil psycho kinetic general comes into your mind first or the heavy punching slugger type boxer?

For most people, they may associate the name with the former. However for some, M. Bison is a boxer.

Take a look at the screenshot from Street Fighter 2. It was a match between E.Honda and Vega. Yes Vega, not M. Bison. So who is M. Bison then?

This is M. Bison, the all-too-familiar boxer from Street Fighter. But wait…

M. Bison is now the General and Balrog is the boxer?

Both versions of the Street Fighter II are authentic. The first version we have shown you is the Japan version while the other is the US version.

The boxer in Street Fighter was originally named M. Bison. The ‘M’ refers to ‘Mike’ and hence Mike Bison. Sounds familiar? Because it is. Mike Tyson, Mike Bison, both names even rhymes.

When Capcom localized Street Fighter II for the US, they decided to rotate the name of the bosses in Street Fighter II for fear of legal liability of M. Bison the boxer. So the name of the boxer was changed from M. Bison to Balrog. In fact three characters name were swapped.

Photo credit: ringsandcoins.com

In the latest Street Fighter V, the Japanese version still keeps the same naming convention.

So don’t get confuse by the names. Just understand the history.

Event, Game News, General

GameStart 2017 – Every Game You Can Imagine, It Is There.

1 Comment

Main Stage of GameStart 2017

Board game, card game, console game, retro console game, mobile game, indie game, VR game or any type of games you can think of, you can find them at this year GameStart 2017. Let’s take you through a tour of the highlights at this year GameStart 2017.

Bandai Booth

Dragon Ball FighterZ

The much anticipated Dragon Ball FighterZ has previously received many positive reviews from media when the trailer was first released at E3 2017. It is touted as one of the most faithful adaptation of the anime into game.

The game itself looks as promising as the E3 trailer. At times, you would even think you are watching the anime. The queue to try out the game was constantly long but it was definitely worth the wait especially for the Dragon Ball fan.

Taiko no Tatsujin (太鼓の達人)

Taiko no Tatsujin game was also available for visitors to try out at the Bandai booth.

PlayStation Booth

The biggest booth of all, a multitude of PS4 games were opened up to everyone. If you tried out all four booth, you can get to win a small token prize much like this year IT Show 2017 PlayStation Booth.

PlayStation Booth

Get behind the wheels of Gran Turismo Sport in a futuristic Tron-like pod.

Gran Turismo Sport

By now, most of you might have tried out PlayStation VR before. We tried out Farpoint VR. While refreshing to try out a FPS on PlayStation VR, the combination of running and shooting in the VR world was too much for me to take. After a 3 minutes gameplay, I’m already feeling dizzy.

PlayStation VR

Doujin Market

Another of our favourite was the Doujin Market. There are many great artists in Singapore. There is where we can support them by buying their work. Rachta Lin is one of artist whom we really like her work and her works were  available at this year GameStart

Doujin Market

eSports

SEA Mobile Major

There are two main stage for the eSports lover. SEA Mobile Major took place at one of the stage featuring ShadowVerse. Mobile gaming has indeed come a long way in eSports from the days of Angry Birds.

At the other stage, players battle each other at many popular fighting game such as Street Fighter V, Marvel VS. Capcom Infinite and Tekken 7.

SEA Major 2017

Hitting the groin is allowed in the world of eSports!

SEA Major 2017

Tabletop Game

A huge area was dedicated to tabletop games. Even if you are not a fan of tabletop games, you can just check out some of the impressive miniature models in games such as Warhammer.

And of course there are many fun-loving cosplayers at the events itself that makes the whole experience even better!

FF XV Cosplayers

 

Event, Game News

Nier Creator Yoko Taro and Square Enix Producer Yosuke Saito at GameStart 2017

Leave a comment

 

One of the highlight of this year GameStart 2017 is the main stage appearance of Yoko Taro, father of Nier, and Yosuke Saito, Square Enix Producer.

As usual the eccentric Yoko Taro has his Emil Mask on only for a short period of time before being ushered into a Yoko box where he takes off his mask. Nope you can’t see him from outside the box. It’s his own way of keeping his identity secret (though his real life photo can be found on the internet).

The interview session was entertaining with legion of fans participating actively throughout the entire session. Many shouted vehemently at the end of the show “人類に栄光あれ” in Japanese which mans “Glory to Mankind”. A pledge that is made famous in the game Nier Automata.

A set of pre-submitted fan questions were selected beforehand. Some of them are your standard fan questions, some elicit really funny answer from Yoko.

*Q&A below is not the actual transcript but a translated version from Japanese.

Fan: Are there certain movies or books that inspire you for the game.
Yoko: I get my inspiration from some of them. Evangelion is one from anime and the American Drama 24 is another one. I will try to avoid taking ideas from major titles as other would easily spot it. So usually, I will steal from the more minor title.

That’s Yoko Taro for you. Straight, honest answer with a tinge of humour.

Here’s another one:

Fan: Why did you include an ending where you have to delete the gamer’s save file?
Yoko: When I was young, my save file for Dragon Quest 3 was deleted. I was devastated and disappointed. But my parents do not understand what I was going through. Hence I make my players go through the same experience.

So that’s it?! While this sounds brutal, it is also really amusing to me. For the longest time, I always thought that there is a stronger meaning behind asking the user to delete the save file at the ending. So the truth is simply this. Advice to you when you play Yoko Taro’s game, don’t read too much into why things are how they are in the games.

The final section is a compilation of the fan’s answers to a list of Nier Automata related questions. Here are some of the results

Seems like long hair A2 is more popular…hmm…

Next question. Slightly controversial.

You would have guess it’s the (*AHEM) Tits as what Yoko Taro thought. But the result is…

Butt? Ok…let’s not discuss why and respect the crowd’s vote.

This is the funniest question yet. I wonder who came out with the questions…

And you guessed it…

Adult Game! Yoko Taro says he will seriously consider this. We will just have to wait for the Nier Automata sequel if there is going to be one.

There are many more things to see at GameStart 2017. Tomorrow will be the last day (15th Oct 2017). Be sure to visit if you have not!

 

 

Retro Gaming

The curious case of the front loading Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

Leave a comment

If you ever own a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), you would have encountered the problem where the system cannot read the game cartridge. Sometime all it takes is a few quick blow into the console. Otherwise, you would likely need to send the unit for repair. only to encounter the same problem a few years later.

The reason for this is due to a design decision made by Nintendo when they launch the NES in America. Unlike many gaming console, both before and after NES, the NES was likely the only console with front loading cartridges.

Most other consoles loads their cartridge from the top. The mechanism needed for front loading known as the Zero insertion force (ZIF) connector, was prone to wear and tear unlike the simpler connector used in the top loading consoles such as Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

A NES ZIF Connector Credit: thevintagegamers.com

So why did Nintendo op for that design which was in fact a pricier option then?

When Nintendo was launching the NES in America, it was during the 80s video game crash . Basically, it was a time when there was an oversaturation of video game consoles in US. Even Mattel (the maker of Barbie) has a gaming console of their own. Games were not selling well and Atari even resorted to burying their unsold game. It was not a good time to launch a video game console.

In order to entice retailers to carry the NES and for buyers to be more acceptance of the console, Nintendo tried to masquerade it as a toy. Being front loading would mean people can stack it up just like a regular VCR. It looked less like a game console at the same time. Eventually Nintendo did try to fix this issue by releasing the NES 101 which is top-loading.

So the next time your NES breaks, blaming it on the design decision that was made 20 years ago.

 

Event

Nier Creator Yoko Taro coming to Singapore

Leave a comment

Yoko Taro (center) at PAX 2017

Nier Automata is arguably the most talk about game of 2017. Even if you have not played the game, you would surely have heard about it. The soundtrack of the game has also received praises. There is even a Nier Automata Concert held in Japan.

Then there are the cosplayers. 2B, one of the main protagonist of the game, is very popular among cosplayers. Googling Nier Cosplay and you will see many wonderful work of these cosplayers.

2B cosplayer at Charaexpo 2017 Singapore. Photo credit: GameTrader.SG

Like what Kojima is to Metal Gear, Yoko Taro is the father of the Nier/Drakengard. The enigmatic and perhaps eccentric game creator is well known for wearing a mask during interview. He is known for making games that often surprises the gamer. You can watch his PAX 2017 interview video below

We are all very excited that he will be coming to GameStart 2017 which is happening on the 14 and 15 October at Suntec City Convention Center. More details here.

Nier Cosplay Contest

GameStart will also be holding a special Nier Cosplay contest. So come cosplay as your favourite Nier Character at GameStart 2017. More details can be found at GameStart Facebook page.

Event

GameStart 2017 – Gaming Tournament

2 Comments

If you think you are good at games, it is time to prove yourself. Fight your way to glory (and attractive prizes). Games ranging from FIFA 2018 to Street Fighter V are having their very own tournament that spans the entire weekend of GameStart 2017.

More casual gamer can try out the speed run mobile game contest called the GameStart Pixel Battle Speed Run Challenge. More details here.

Mobile gamers can also take part in Shadowverse and Vain Glory tournament of the Southeast Asia Mobile Major 2017.

GameStart Asia is happening on the 14-15th Oct 2017 at Suntec City Convention Centre.

Sign up now at

gamestart.asia/gamestart-2017/tournament-hub

Event

Are you ready for GameStart 2017?

Leave a comment

Credits: GameStart Asia

We are less than a month away from GameStart 2017. One of the best Gaming event in Singapore, GameStart 2017 is happening on the 14th and 15th Oct at Suntec Convention Centre. GameStart has grown from a small gaming convention since its inception to a gaming convention that is not to be missed.

Who should go to GameStart?

Credits: GameStart Asia

If you are a gamer, be it console gaming or PC gaming, you must not miss GameStart. There isn’t many convention dedicated to gaming in Singapore and GameStart is definitely one that you should not miss. This is the closest thing you can get to E3 or the Tokyo Game Show in Singapore.

Even if you are not a hardcore gamer, the event will also feature Retro and Indie game for the more casual gamers. Table top games will also be given a special area. More information on the GameStart Tabletop activities can be found at www.gamestart.asia/tabletop. Or if you like Doujin, the return of the Doujin Market will definitely delight you.

What can you expect at GameStart 2017?

Playstation and GameStart

Credits: GameStart Asia

Sony is back with twice the booth size compared to last year.  This means more PlayStation booth for us to try out the latest games.

Sony Interactive Entertainment Singapore will be one of the major sponsor for the Southeast Asia Major (SEAM), the largest fighting game tournament in Asia. See players fight their way to the top in these top fighting games; Street FIghter V, Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite, Tekken 7 and more.

More details on Sony’s participation here.

Doujin Market

Back by popular demand, Doujin Market at GameStart 2017 now has almost double the number of artists.

You can read more about last year Doujin Market at GameStart Asia here.

Credits: GameStart Asia

Cosplayer

Cosplaying is a mix of art and craft. Guest cosplayers, Astro Kerrie and Yasemin Arslan from Australia will wow you with their stunning game cosplay as if your gaming characters pop out into the real world. You can also come in your cosplay and take part in the Cosplay Runway.

GameStart Tabletop

Credits: GameStart Asia

The Table Top dedicated zone for all things Table Top. You can buy any Table Top game your fancy or if you are not ready, rent and try out the game before making your Purchase.

Competition will also be held for table top games like Citadel, Exploding Kittens, Love Letter and Sushi Go. More details here.

We can’t wait for the event! You can now get your early bird ticket now at their website.

Meanwhile check out the highlights from GameStart 2016

Event

Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention 2017 – Walk into your fantasy

Leave a comment

 

The 10th Singapore Toy, Games & Comic Convention (STGCC) held this year at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre has manage to outdo itself yet again. A new dedicated gaming zone called the Good Game Experience and a Star Wars Experience Zone that lets you walk into Star Wars literally, this has to be the best STGCC yet!

Small Toys and Life-size Toys

Toys. That’s the reason why you go to STGCC. Upon our entry into STGCC 2017, Thor and Hulk greeted us. We knew at that moment that this convention is going to be great. Too many toys to see, too little money to buy them all.

War Machine Cosplayer

Ok he is not a toy but this cosplayer definitely brings War Machine to life with his larger-than-life armour.

Iron Man in Iron Man

So Iron Man has a Iron Man suit which has another Iron Man suit and … Ok this is getting complicated. This could be a variant of the Hulk Buster. The intricacy of the model is just amazing. I can stare at it for hours just admiring the level of details in this model.

Optimus Prime

Transformer, robots in disguise. Lots of Transformer toys ranging from the more contemporary ones to the retro version.

Hulk Buster

Thor

Street Fighter

Toys that put your Street Fighter in ‘pause’ mode for eternity. Again, 3 hours gone staring at it.

Walk into Star Wars

Entry to Star Wars World

[Cue Star Wars Opening Music] Fans of Star Wars must have been thrilled at this year STGCC. The dedicated zone to Star Wars included a plethora of things to do and see. You can take picture with life-size fan-built Rey’s Speeder, or sit down inside the Millennium Falcon and imagine you are Han Solo.

Rey’s Speeder (Rey sold separately)

I have asked myself multi-times. How can this be fan-built? It looks exactly like the one in the movie. Lucasfilm please hire them.

Storm Troopers guarding KYLO REN’S TIE SILENCER

Kylo Ren’s Tie Silencer was heavily by his storm trooper. Where is Kylo Ren?

He was spotted on board the Millennium Falcon. Visitors can take picture with this set too. Kylo Ren included.

And of course, we have Star Wars Models and toys. Loads and loads of them to satisfy the Star Wars fan in you.

Good Game Experience

This year, the gaming arm of STGCC has an entire dedicated hall that resembles the atmosphere of an E3 convention. On the main stage we have Esports screening while there are many games for you to try out in the other parts of the hall.

VR Boxing

There are multiple VR gaming station for your to experience. Provider includes HTC VIVE and PlayStation VR.

The Chillax Zone provide bean bags for your to laze on while playing games. An oasis for your tire body.

Table top games are held at the special Colosseum area of the Good Game Experience Zone.

Akiba Town Rocking STGCC

Akiba Town has a mini stage where we can all gather and release our inner Otaku through anime music.

Bye STGCC 2017, See You Next Year

And so, our STGCC 2017 adventure is over. We hope you enjoyed our coverage of the event! If you miss it this year, make sure to go for the next year event.