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So I finally got (mostly) everything in order. I got my friend to meet me at Home Depot and we picked up our first batch of supplies. It was very exciting for me becuase its definately feeling like its "happening" now. We brought them to my place and did one last look over what we wish to accomplish, to make sure we were on the same page. After hammering out some details and mixed messages we had I think we've got it figured out. But before we could start putting anything up, since we are mounting right on the wall, we decided it would be best to paint the room first. Or at least the closet where the shelving it being mounted.
So on Monday I took my son back to Home Depot with me and we bugged the painting department for a good 40 minutes asking questions, getting tips and buying paint and supplies for the walls and trim. I've painted about 4 rooms in the last year and a bit in preperation for painting this room, so I'm feeling more confident about it than I would have before.
Spent some time on Tuesday (with my little helper featured in a picture or two below), and cleared out the room, sanded the shelving boards, removing closet doors and taping off sections of the room with painters tape. The plan is to prime the room tomorrow night, first coat on the walls Thursday night, and hopefully a second coat during the day sometime on Thursday. I will find time to do the trim later on, its just important to get the closet painted first so we can get the shelves up this weekend.
Here are some "in progress" pictures of the game room:
[img width=700 height=525]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1434.jpg[/img]
Room has been emptied out except for shevling and painting supplies
[img width=700 height=525]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1435.jpg[/img]
Closer look at the supplies
[img width=700 height=525]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1436.jpg[/img]
A very helpful man. He saw me sanding the boards so he brought his "wipes" so that he could help also.
[img width=700 height=933]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1437.jpg[/img]
A lengthwise look down the closet after its been cleared out. It doesnt look big in the picture but it is 11 feet long and about three feet wide.
Now I wasnt sure how games did when left around paint fumes so I did the safe thing and cleared them all out of the room for now. Here are some even sadder pictures of games in storage 
[img width=700 height=525]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1438.jpg[/img]
Just outside the game room. I had to cover the records because my stupid cats wanted to claw them.
[img width=700 height=933]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1439.jpg[/img]
Its horrible I know.
[img width=700 height=933]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1440.jpg[/img]
Living in the laundry room temporarily. So sad.....
Some of you forum members that have an especially keen eye and good memory for silly things may recognize some of the boxes shown above. So I just wanted to thank Logical123, Cverz, Izret, Tholly , NES Rules, Feechy and Antimind again. Not only did I play and cherish the games I got from all of you, but your boxes came in quite handy too!!
My wife was at the local pool hall with some clients last night and noticed the Arcade Repair guy was there and swearing at some of the machines. She started talking with him and he said he had a house full of working and half working pinball/arcade machines and he wanted to get rid of some of the for cheap. She got his number and I gave him a call today.
He lives about an hour away so we arranged that I come check his stuff out next wednesday or thursday to see what he's got. His idea of cheap sounds a lot different than mine, but who knows he may have something I can get for a reasonable price for my new game room.
Wish me Luck!!
I've got some bad news. When I called the guy who was going to help me do some shelving today, and told him to come hungry cause we were going to make him a steak dinner, he said some roofing material that he had been waiting on for 3 weeks finally came in today. That meant he had to pull some overtime at work and couldnt make it to my place today. We reshceduled for Sunday afternoon, so now I've got my fingers crossed.
Its like Christmas has been postponed
The plans for the Saturday shevling consultation fell through, but luckily he was free Sunday afternoon. He Came over and I showed him the room and told him what I had in mind. He said it was all quite doable.
So if everything goes well next Wednesday we will be purchasing materials and starting to peice things together. We are going to line the entire back wall of the closet with adjustable shelving so that I can change the heights as my collection grows. There will be a solid, unadjustable board running along the top and bottom to give it a proper shelving look, but everything in the middle will be adjustable.
One of my concerns was the water shut off being along that wall, but he was come up with a suitable solution for that problem. We are going to build a box around it to keep it looking tidy and clean, but leave a small door with access to the shut off valve. This will take up some of the shevling space, but it only means I'll have to place large items in that particular area rather than rows of games.
Since we got done drawing and pricing everything out a little earlier than planned we had some time left over to play Contra, Sky Shark and Battletoads. A good afternoon!!
I'll try to draw up a rough outline of what I've got planned in Paint over the next few days just to give you an idea of what we will be doing next week.
Sidearms (TG16)
One look at this game nowadays and you would swear it came out around 1993/94ish. Its really hard to believe such a great looking, sounding and playing game came out pre 90s.
[img width=340 height=337]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/z2-2.jpg[/img]
Gameplay:
Sidearms plays similar to the earlier game Section-Z, where you not only shoot forwards but backwards as well. This isnt however a huge focus of the game and it is rarely used. Just kind of adds a little extra flavor.
One of the biggest assets Sidearms has to offer is the many different weapons at your disposal. There are 5 different weapon types that can be collected and upgraded. These range from quicker shots to giant lasers to spread shots. Nothing new, but to find them all in the same game is great. Now the best part is that once you collect said weapon you can swap between any of them at any time by pausing the game and choosing which one suits your situation. If youre the kind of guy that likes to kill bosses as quick as possible the turbo shots or giant laser would suit you best, however if you prefer to play it slow and safe you can keep your distance with the 3-way spread or shotgun which eliminates enemy fire.
Another nice touch is that when your ship is destroyed you dont start out with nothing. You only lose the weapon you were using when your ship was destroyed. You can keep all 4 other weapons if you have them and start blasting away right off the bat.
The last upgrade, Alpha Upgrade, is found secretly in each level. It is uncovered simply by shooting an area or specific enemy. They are quite easy to find on most levels as long as you shoot anything and everything. The Alpha Upgrade causes another piece of ship to attach to you and lets you shoot a spread that covers the entire screen, front and back, in addition to your already equipped weapon. Also when you get hit you simply lose the Alpha upgrade and not a life. It is extremely handy in later levels when enemies are coming from all directions more often.
Graphics:
This game looks great not only for a game from 1989, but for a SNES/Genesis game. Very vibrant enemies stand out well on the dark mechanical backdrops. This contrast helps a lot in most shooters so that stray shots and enemies dont blend in with the background and cause unnecessary deaths.
Not once did I experience any slowdown even during the later more frantic levels. It always ran smooth.
Sound:
Sidearms boasts some really great and catchy tunes. If youre a fan of the music in other games like Mega Man, UN Squadron or Gyruss you'll love the music in Sidearms as much as I did. I must have played the first level 20 times in a two day period when attempting to beat this game and not once did the music feel repetitive or annoying.
Sound effects were your standard shmup guns and explosions. Not bad, but didnt stand out from anything else.
Replay Value:
If youre a high score junkie you'll have a bit of a reason to keep playing. There isnt a whole lot of room for massive scores, but it is quite a challenge to destroy everything near the end which could greatly boost your score.
If youre not a highscore junkie the only replay this game may get are quick plays once in a while for fun. There is no extra unlockables or better endings. It is however a great game to pick up and kill 20 minutes with.
[img width=314 height=221]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/z1-2.jpg[/img]
My only real complaint with this game is that they simply have 3 boss types in the game. 2 of them get recycled throughout the game repeatedly, but the last boss is a new one not yet encountered. Because you fight the same bosses over and over again even the later versions get very easy because they are only slight variation of what you have already beaten and mastered.
If youre a fan of horizontal scrolling shooters and missed out on Sidearms do yourself a favor and pick this one up. It is really a solid game with only one real flaw.
Final Score
8/10
Finally got an email back from my shelving guy. It reads like so:
"Hey. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Congrats on the newhouse. I would love to hang out. Build some shelves and shoot stuff.The next couple weeks are a little busy but I can stop by on Saturdayfor a bit and we can come up with a plan for the shelves and set up atime to hang and build them. It will be fun. Let me know if thisSaturday work. And what time."
So i'll know more on Saturday after we discuss things a bit. Just a bit of positive news I thought I'd share with you guys.
Hey guys. I finally got everything in order (camera, batteries charged, pics loaded onto laptop and photobucket, some spare time, etc.) and have some pics of the new game room. We have spent our focus during the last week getting most other rooms set up for a family visit tonight and therefor left the gameroom in dissaray for now. I am also trying to get a hold of someone who can help me put up some proper shelving before I unpack everything. Anyway here it is at last:
[img width=700 height=525]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1234.jpg[/img]
Door leading into the new room. I took a pic of this because I may change out the door in the future depending on a few things.
[img width=700 height=525]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1235.jpg[/img]
Picture from the door looking in
[img width=700 height=525]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1236.jpg[/img]
Left of the door. Full of Records and speakers which wont be in the final product but are being kept here for storage until our visitors leave.
[img width=700 height=525]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1237.jpg[/img]
Futon, which will eventually be upgraded into a proper gaming couch.
[img width=700 height=525]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1238.jpg[/img]
This is the majority of my collection. It makes me a little sad not being able to see it.
[img width=700 height=525]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1239.jpg[/img]
I took this picture of the far right corner to show the alcove. It looks like the perfect size for an Arcade Cabinet......
[img width=700 height=933]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1240.jpg[/img]
[img width=700 height=933]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/Crabmaster2000/IMG_1241.jpg[/img]
Pictures of the massive closet from both sides.
It doesnt look like much now, but I've got a lot of plans for this room. All the music stuff will be in another area of the house so that will free up a lot of room. I've been playing around in Paint for the last few weeks with possible ideas to paint the room. I would like to get some custom shevling installed lining the entire closet. An Arcade Cabinet in the corner alcove. Custom entertainment center to hold all my consoles and have them hooked up simultaneously. Maybe some carpet and other things as they come to me.
First and most important goal is the shelving. I've had sub-par shelving for the last 2 years and really need to step it up. I've had a carpenter friend offer to help me build something once we got a house so now Im just trying to track him down and work out the details. After the shelving is up I'll have to see what I've got for money to spend and figure out what will come next.
NES_Rules also sent me some helpful info to make my Blog posts look a little spiffier so as the room comes together I'll hopefully be making improvements to my Blog posts at the same time. This one was kind of a rush job to get the pics up before our family comes to visit so I'll put more time into making the next look more unique.
Well we were able to get the moving truck a day earlier than expected. We wanted it for Sunday, but they are not open on Sunday so I grabbed my little brother to help and we picked up the truck Saturday at 11:30 and have it until early Monday morning. Yet we only have to pay for a one day rental which rocks!!
I was to eager to get moved in so instead of waiting for my wife to get off work and my dad to get home to help and a friend to get off work, my brother and I loaded and unloaded boxes all morning. My wife met up with us when we were just finishing up unloading our first full truckload at the new house. Shortly after that my dad got home and helped us load the heavier stuff (couches, dressers, etc.) onto the truck. We waited a little while (my first break all day, and I worked a graveyard shift the night before so I was tired). Hung out with my son for a bit, whom my mother had been taking care of all day so we could work on getting into the house.
My friend and father-in-law both came to help so we went and unloaded almost everything else. On Sunday we only have a very small amount of stuff left to move and then we can focus on painting/unpacking.
I've been playing around with Microsoft Paint for the last couple weeks and I think I know what I want to do with my game room paintwise. Im not very artistic, but I think I can handle what I have in mind with my skills (and maybe some help from my much more artistic wife). The only other room we are painting is my son's bedroom which has priority over my game room so I probably wont start painting the gameroom for a while yet.
Once I unpack my camera I'll take some snapshots of the game room in its current condition with all my games boxed up inside the room. I'll also try to take snap shots of any improvements I make to the room including painting, shelving, setup and any other adjustments I may make.
I may be getting my "dream" a little earlier than expected. We got a call from our realitor today saying that the couple we are purchasing the house from found a new home and will be out on the 15th and we can move in early. Thats two weeks earlier than before!!!
We currently are living with my parents and are almost completely moved out of our old place which we lose possession of on the 14th. As much as I love and appreciate my family for letting us bunk with them for august I cant wait to get out into our new place.
Well we just got a call back from our Mortgage Broker and our financing has been confirmed!!! The house is ours to move into August 29th!!!
Here is the listing if anyone is interested in checking out some pictures of the house:
http://www.realtor.ca/Pro...=0&PropertyID=8482876
Its pretty exciting and once we get in I'll by starting a Blog, with pics, to chronicle the setup up this game room. I'll also be asking for advice on many things im sure.
After having our trailer on the market for about 10-11 months we finally have an offer that we are accepting. The paperwork is done and signed so its a done deal. We get the money for it on August 14th.
We are going to be temporarily moving in with my parents for a month or two while we look for a house. Unfortunately about 90% (probably more) of my collection will be boxed up until we find a new home. But the positive side is that I will finally get my own game room!!!
I'm very excited about this and will be sure to blog the set up of the new room. I think I'll do something like before/during/after pics and may also be asking you guys for help when I think I need it.
Thanks for all the positive comments last time I posted something similar to this. This time its on paper so im set though.
This list is only going to be top 5 for two reasons
1) There are barely over 10 options to choose from
2) Im feeling lazy today
So on with the list!!!!
5) Mega Man 5 - Super Arrow
From Mega Man 5 the Super Arrow is almost useless.... but at least they tried something kinda different. It is a lot fun to play around with and use to climb walls however.
4)Mega Man 3 - Rush Coil
The original Rush Coil, much like the original Rush Jet rocks all other versions. Its pretty simple. Jump on your dog and a big spring bounces you way higher than you can jump on your own. Some of the other versions get annoying when the dog bounces with you and stuff. I like it simple.
3) Mega Man 2 - Item 2
This little gem lets you shoot out a long beam that sticks around for a few seconds. This is to help Mega Man by letting him run across a long pit, avoid enemies that have limited range or climb to higher areas by using several small ones. While its not necessary to use this item to complete the game it damn well makes it alot more bearable.
2) Mega Man 3 - Rush Jet
You get to fully control the Jet unlike some of the later versions of the Rush Jet that propel you forward without choice. Not only is it incredibly handy for passing over challenging areas, but useful for fighting certain bosses, because it gives you the ability to hover in one spot temporarily and just unload your arm cannon into them.
1) Mega Man 6 - Rush Jet
This personally is the highlight of the whole game for me. Rush transforms into a huge backpack that attaches to Mega Man and give him is own Jet boosting abilities. Plus he looks so badass.
Sorry for the long delay if anyone was actually waiting for these. I went on vacation for one week and then we had the server change last week. This one kinda felt uninspired so I'll try to make it better next week.
I currently have my game collection partnered with some of our computer/filing/storage/odds & ends in our house. And to top it off there is no wall to enclose the room. Its not my ideal set up.
Today we finally got a reasonable offer on our Trailer. The person just has to wait for a response from the bank to see if they can get approved for the loan. If everything goes well we will be able to purchase our first home.
This will finally allow me to have the space to have a room dedicated to my hobby/collection. Wish me luck!!!
Im not in an overly productive mood this week so I'm going with an easy blog entry this time. Best Mega Man weapons. Im not going to include the Rush/Item upgrades because I feel they deserve their own spotlight at a later time.
10 - Charge Kick
This move is obtained from Charge Man (gasp) and seems like it does nothing at first. I played around trying to get something to happen, but it just seemed useless. I was mashing the fire button and jumping around like an idiot. Finally I decided to do a slide and like magic I had a powerful sliding attack. This move makes it onto the list because its got style, its fun and its very unique compared to a lot of the other weapons that just get rehashed over and over throughout the series. Its not all that useful, but who cares about that when your Charge Kicking Wave Man in the face.
9 - Top Spin
This is possibly the only other move that can be compared to the Charge Kick. Its probably also the most powerful move in any Mega Man game when used on the right foe. Mega Man sticks out his arms and spins around..... yes, like a 3 year old. Its kinda scary to use at times because you have to get so close to your enemies and often take damage while inflicting it, but its satisfying to beat Shadow Man or the last boss with only 1 or 2 hits from the mighty Top Spin.
8 - Hyper Bomb
The Hyper Bomb is quite useless for many levels, but the times it does come in handy can't be emulated by any other weapons in the game. It really shines while traversing Dr. Wily's Fortress. Dropping you bomb down to clear out enemies instead of jumping down all guns blazing helps to save you alot of health during this fortress.
7 - Magnet Missle
This is probably the most fun weapon to use period. As long as you are facing the right direction you pretty much cant miss your target. The Magnet Missle shoots forward until it has an enemy either over top of it or below in and then dives (or rises?) straight for that target. Because of the lack of aim (or skill) require to use it you can just keep running through the level shooting away without a care in the world.
6 - Search Snake
This handy little weapon is pretty weak, but as long as you collect enough powerups to keep it full you'll be laughing. It shoots out a little tadpole (common they dont really look like snakes) that race across the ground and climbs up and around obstacles until it hits something or leaves the screen. Its very helpful when trying to conserve your life meter and hurting enemies from a distance.
5 - Leaf Shield
Another handy weapon when trying to conserve health, but this one is helpful in a lot more situations. It puts a protective barrier of leaves around Mega Man and can also be shoot forward as a projectile. Uses a pretty large amount of power to use, but as long as your picking up powerups it shouldnt be to much of a problem.
4 - Time Stopper
This move stops everything on the screen except your little blue man. Very useful in any level that has a difficult spot to overcome that is full of enemies. Just make sure to keep it full for Quickman, otherwise you'll be using some much needed E-cans.
3 - Gemini Laser
This weapon is a blast to use aswell. It shoots a thick laser beam straigh a head that bounces at an angle when it hits the wall. Very fun to use in tight areas and does a pretty decent amount of damage without breaking the power meter's bank.
2 - Metal Blade
I bet no one is surprised to see this weapon so high on the list. I mean common you can shoot in any direction including straight up. And it uses so little energy that you can use it as your main weapon and just forget about the Mega Buster in most cases.
1 - Pahroah Shot
This move only beats out the Metal Blade by a small amount. It has one great advantage, and that is the ability to charge it and then run with the charge. Nothing beats running around with a huge ball of energy over you head and simply jumping into enemies. This makes beating the last Wily fight possible in less than 10 minutes. Could you really imagine how long it would take to finish him off with regular shots from anything?? Thank God for the Pharoah Shot.
Hope you guys enjoyed this list. I'm going to be away from a computer for most of next week, because I'm taking my wife to Edmonton as a surprise birthday gift (I know, I'm the best). I will be back to work on Saturday so I may write up another one so that I dont miss a week, but I just may not get a chance. So if you don't see a new Top 10 Mega Man just be patient and I should have one the following week.
Anyway I was thinking of doing either Rush/Item upgrades or maybe my favorite Mega Tunes next time. What do you guys think??
This list will showcase my favorite Master Robot levels from Mega Man 1-6. I will do a later article for Wily's Fortress Levels as I feel they have a different feeling than these ones and therefor should be rated seperately.
Continue reading Top 10 Master Robot Stages
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