Greetings all,
I regret to inform you that the blog I was going to post this week-- "a tribute to one of the greatest masterpieces in cinematic history, and some of the video games it inspired"-- has been postponed due to illness. I picked up a really bad chest cold a few days ago, and am presently riding it out. It's the first cold I've had in over two years, so its severity is no surprise for someone who usually gets two a year. It's so bad, I've resorted to using something I absolutely despise: Vicks VapoRub. So you know it's serious business.
Anyway, I'd like to convey my most profuse apologies, and I hope to get the tribute blog up some time in the next couple weeks when I'm no longer under the weather. Thank you for your understanding.
'Late
SEVEN-DAY SCORE CARD:
HARDCORE HANDHELD HARDWARE HAVOC AND THE GREAT RETRO GAMBLE
Week of 4 May to 10 May 2014
No big blustery fanfare this week; let's just get right down to it.
Sunday 4 May & Monday 5 May: I started the week with a meal-break run to my workplace Goodwill, which yielded a crimson DS Lite with charger along with Mario Kart 8, Pokemon SoulSilver, New Super Mario Bros., Nintendogs Lab & Friends, Lego Star Wars, and Lego Batman, for $19.99 all told.
More handheld hardware fell into my... um, hands the following day as I hit the local Savers and grabbed a loose PSP with Lumines UMD for $19.99, along with a Mattel Hockey handheld for $2.99. Also found was a CIB Metroid Prime 3 for $2.99.
[img width=597 height=514]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-4amp5-5_zps7892fdf9.jpg[/img]
But if you think the first two days had impressive handheld hardware scores, just you wait...
Tuesday 6 May:: This was the day for $1.99 CIB PC game pickups, as I grabbed Giants: Citizen Kabuto, KKND X-Treme, and a sealed LucasArts Archives release of Star Wars Force Commander. The latter pickup was especially odd, seeing as how I just got the original version at the same Savers the week before...
I also discovered a sealed Wheel of Fortune TV Games plug-and-play dealie for $3.99. Then there were the four books for $10: strats for Mass Effect 3, Halo Wars, and a limited-edition Final Fantasy XII, along with The Making of DOOM 3.
[img width=683 height=486]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-6-2014_zpsc13f2557.jpg[/img]
Wednesday 7 May & Thursday 8 May: After taking a breather on Wednesday, I resumed the hunt and discovered a Special Edition copy of Perfect Dark Zero for $3.95, CIB Borderlands 2 for $1.99, CIB Thunder Strike: Operation Phoenix for $3.99, and a Sega Genesis Super Pad for $4.99.
[img width=556 height=471]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-8-2014_zpsab2d905c.jpg[/img]
Friday 9 May: A lunch break trip to my fave Goodwill yielded a black 3DS with charger for $69.99, and a Korean Onyx DS Lite for $13.49. Also included with each handheld was a flash drive card and Micro SD card.
[img width=612 height=468]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-9-2014a_zps77aae83b.jpg[/img]
[img width=414 height=287]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-9-2014b_zps4a4a04ba.jpg[/img]
Saturday 10 May: It was back to my fave Goodwill, where I took a big risk on this grab that I teased on Small Scores a few days ago:
[img width=548 height=484]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/mystery_zps84edc1ce.jpg[/img]
At a penny under $70 and non-returnable, it's the biggest thrifting gamble I've made this year.
[img width=606 height=387]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-10-2014c_zps4e092766.jpg[/img]
And now, the full reveal...
[img width=343 height=581]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-10-2014a_zpse074add8.jpg[/img]
...a compact junior-sized Atari 2600 with three joysticks, AV cord, and twelve game carts.
While I felt the asking price was fairly high, I'd just gotten my state tax refund check the day before, and I figured why not treat myself. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that all twelve games in the bundle were not in my collection previously, not even Centipede, Dig Dug, or Ms. Pac-Man. I coulda sworn I had Pole Position, but after checking my collection page before updating it... um, nope. So if nothing else, at least I significantly expanded my personal library of 2600 carts.
[img width=649 height=518]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/score5-10-2014b_zpse717b166.jpg[/img]
Now you probably noticed that this bundle of retro madness was held together with packing tape... which kinda sucked. The tape was so sticky that my initial attempts to remove it from the paper labels on the console and cartridge end labels didn't go over too well:
[img width=484 height=371]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-10-2014g_zps89e4bd2f.jpg[/img]
[img width=419 height=306]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/score5-10-2014i_zps1add2428.jpg[/img]
So I decided to quit before I did more damage, grabbed an X-Acto blade, and carefully cut around the edges of the labels that got taped.
[img width=487 height=275]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-10-2014h_zps6b65d05d.jpg[/img]
BTW does anybody know if the plastic covering the rainbow part of the console is lamination, or just a protective plastic film to be removed by the user? 'Cuz I've got some major bubbling action goin' on, and it's not very attractive:
[img width=681 height=231]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-10-2014f_zps873523e1.jpg[/img]
And now the million-dollar question minus $999,930.01: does it actually work?
You'll find out soon enough... 
NON-VIDYA BONANZA: It's the usual suspects again; I just hope Mr. Nupoile can practice some self-control this week...
[img width=424 height=483]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Nonvidya5-8-2014_zps36853043.jpg[/img]
Hawt.
- TI-82, TI-83, and TI-83 Plus graphing calculators, $9.00 for all
- HDMI cable, $2.99
- Electronic talking pokedex thingy, $2.49
Well, that's about it for now. But before I go, please note that there will be no Seven-Day Score Card blog next week. Instead, a tribute to one of the greatest masterpieces in cinematic history-- and some of the video games it inspired-- will be presented. Be sure to check it out, and I'll see you again in two weeks with a double-sized episode of Seven Fourteen-Day Score Card, only on the RFG Network!
Byee
Zagnorch Productions
in association with
[img width=234 height=60]http://www.rfgeneration.com/left.gif[/img]
presents
SEVEN-DAY SCORE CARD:
NINTY MEGA-HAULS
Week of 28 April to 3 May 2014
This week's episode sponsored by
Leon's Firewater and Boomstick Emporium
Now with two locations in downtown Cincinnati to serve you
Monday 28 April: The first day of this thrifting week commenced with the acquisition of a grape Game Boy Color with nine kiddie-game carts and carry case for $19.99 (the case's back zipper pocket stored a Disneyland autograph book for some reason). Then it was off to the local Savers, which yielded a loose GBA SP with F-Zero: GP Legend cart for $6.99. Rounding out the day's finds was a sealed box of ten 5.25" floppies for my C64 for $1.99.
[img width=700 height=552]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-28-2014_zpsfa7886f6.jpg[/img]
Tuesday 29 April: This day belonged to PlayStation, as I picked up three back issues of PlayStation: The Official Magazine for $0.29 each, as well as the CIB PS2 games Barbarian, Defender, Jumper: Griffin's Story, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX for $2.99 a pop.
[img width=700 height=517]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-29-2014_zps1b1beb75.jpg[/img]
Wednesday 30 April: "Hump day" was a fitting term for this day, as it plateaued with a mighty stack of Ninty goodness. The timing was absolutely perfect as I caught the Goodwill clerk rolling out a large assortment of N64 and Genesis carts on its way to the electronics showcase. From that assortment I dug out Super Smash Bros., GoldenEye, Pokemon Stadium, Yoshi's Story, Diddy Kong Racing, and Banjo-Kazooie, along with Out of This World and Earthworm Jim 2 for Genesis, all for $2.99 each. I also snapped up Pokemon Gold and Silver for $1.99 each, and a CIB Dream Pinball for $2.99.
[img width=569 height=498]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-30-2014_zps17ea52b2.jpg[/img]
Then it was off to Savers, where I discovered a complete hardcover Piggyback CE Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag strategy guide for $4.99 $3.49. This was a rather surprising find, considering how recently the game was released. Then there was the GameCube unit with memory card and WaveBird receiver that I grabbed for $6.99 $4.89. I'll take any and every opportunity to make sure WaveBird components don't fall into the hands of a certain deranged individual whose name rhymes with Gus Beeman.
[img width=640 height=478]http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/23/a3y7unab.jpg[/img]
Force yourself to gaze upon the man's horrific handiwork, and be sickened.
[img width=110 height=96]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/BillSickGif_zps393cfd32.gif[/img]
Thursday 1 May: Starting this rather light day was a grab bag of video-game-related tchotchkes including several Skylanders dog tags and a couple Marioverse character dangly-charm thingies. Then there was the GameShark Game Codes for PS2 box that contained an odd assortment of code discs for both PS2 and PS1. Ending the day was a CIB Flashback and Techno Clash I spent some trade credit on... along with a pack of Chuckles. Which I didn't know they even made anymore.
[img width=648 height=480]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-1-2014_zpscf9db74e.jpg[/img]
Friday 2 May: Another light day as I managed to wrangle a CIB Medievil Resurrection and XBox Live Arcade Game Pack at one place for $4.99 each. Then it was off to Savers where I discovered a Skylanders Book of Elements: Magic and Tech for just $0.69.
[img width=573 height=428]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-2-2014_zpsb37afc0c.jpg[/img]
Then there's the showcase find of the day: a loose Tiger Mega Man 2 handheld for $2.99, a score that's likely bumming Crabby and RetroRage out something fierce right about now. Just wait 'til they see the next day's scores...
Saturday 3 May: The week concluded with the picking up of several NES carts at my workplace Goodwill for $4.99 each, including Donkey Kong Classics, Donkey Kong 3, Mario Bros., Xenophobe, Seicross, Kirby's Adventure,, a gold Legend of Zelda,...
[img width=469 height=501]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score5-3-2014_zpsd61a7b93.jpg[/img]
...aaand Mega Man 1,3,4,and 5. That's right, I got the first 5 Mega Mans (Mega Men?) in just two days!
[img width=645 height=478]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/MegaRun_zps0a90bf10.jpg[/img]
Whattaya have to say to that, Crabs and Rets? Hmmm?
Oh, I also grabbed a CIB Sega Superstars Tennis for DS... not that you care or anything.
NON-VIDYA BONANZA: Just the usual suspects, including a Yamaha YT-2200 Tuner device for $0.79, and a slipcased HP 15C calculator for $4.99.
[img width=586 height=368]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/NonVidya5-3-2014_zpsb745183b.jpg[/img]
The big number-crunching hit of the week however, was this HP 48G...
[img width=251 height=488]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/nupetease_zpsb2cc130b.jpg[/img]
...which came with all this other stuff...
[img width=401 height=573]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/NonV5-2-2014a_zps180ed446.jpg[/img]
...all for just $25.00.
Hey Nupes, whattaya think of that, huh? Pretty impressive, isn't-- whoah, what the hell are you-- oh, that is just disgusting! Stop that right now! What the hell is wrong with you?! G0dd@mn, get a room next time!
Until next week, this is your Thriftmaster Admiral signing off.
'Late
The week began with a promising Easter Sunday, and ended with a meek whimper. Them's the breaks, you know? Fortunately, there were more than a few neat non-vidya scores to pick up the slack. If you want to know the details, then read on as
Zagnorch Productions
in association with
[img width=234 height=60]http://www.rfgeneration.com/left.gif[/img]
presents
SEVEN-DAY SCORE CARD:
SCOPING OUT THE EASTER SUNDAY
FINANCIAL MELEE GUESSING GAME
Week of 20 April to 26 April 2014
This week's episode sponsored by
The Bil-O-Meter Video Game Rating System
[img width=110 height=96]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/BillKawaiiGif_zpsa8660fe5.gif[/img][img width=110 height=96]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/MadBil_zps96feb814.jpg[/img][img width=110 height=96]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/BilDisptd_zps70c91f0a.jpg[/img][img width=110 height=96]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/BilWat_zpsa9b4b1a0.jpg[/img][img width=110 height=96]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/BilHappy_zpsebe88522.jpg[/img][img width=110 height=96]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/BilEcstatic_zpsbab8626a.jpg[/img][img width=110 height=96]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/BilCAME_zpsdcf8284e.jpg[/img][img width=110 height=96]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/WorryBilGif_zps68a15de2.gif[/img]
Patent Pending
Sunday 20 April: I usually take a breather on Sundays, as they are usually pretty dead thrifting-wise. But since all the Goodwills in the area were open until 5 PM for Easter, I figured why the hell not. It's exactly what Jesus would want me to do to celebrate His big comeback, right?
[img width=610 height=411]http://themaresnest.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/jesus-facepalm.jpg[/img]
Errrr...
So I hit a couple locations on my way to work. Lo and behold, I discovered a few pleasant surprises, like the complete GameCube titles Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Super Monkey Ball for just $1.99 each. Also found was an Excalibur Pitfall LCD handheld for $0.99, a white DS Lite for $12.99, and a CIB Tomb Raider Anniversary for the Wii for $5.99.
[img width=525 height=502]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-20-2014_zps84e933f8.jpg[/img]
Monday 21 April The thrifts yielded nothing, but I did get something in the mail as part of a trade with a certain crustacean-obsessed RF Gentleman from the Great White North:
[img width=645 height=474]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-21-2014a_zpsca902fed.jpg[/img]
[img width=700 height=397]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-21-2014b_zpsce2e86bd.jpg[/img]
[img width=513 height=457]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-21-2014c_zps74da850a.jpg[/img]
My loose SNES Super Scope light gun is now complete, as you can see here:
[img width=659 height=387]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-21-2014d_zpsb2f8b3cc.jpg[/img]
I can only hope he likes what I sent him as much as I liked what he sent me.
Tuesday 22 April and Wednesday 23 April: These two days marked the high point of the week, as I discovered three Computer Gaming World and three Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine back issues for $0.29 each, Prima Pac-Man World 20th Anniversary guide for $1.99 $1.39, and a couple PlayStaton Hot Shots Golf Fore! promo golf balls. Also found were CIB copies of Heavenly Sword and Rune Factory Frontier for $2.99 each.
[img width=486 height=601]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-22amp3-2014a_zpsce517bb6.jpg[/img]
[img width=328 height=328]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-22amp3-2014b_zps36a6ca86.jpg[/img][img width=292 height=298]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-22amp3-2014c_zps22badb2d.jpg[/img]
Oh, I'm ever upper-class high society...
I also grabbed a complete Red Baron for the PC. While it isn't the original Atari vector-graphics version that I so dearly loved as a wee 'Norch, for $0.69 I can't really complain.
[img width=616 height=568]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-23-2014_zps2b290dc2.jpg[/img]
The pre-Snoopy mod edition.
Thursday 24 April through Saturday 26 April: The only thing I discovered during this three-day stretch was a CIB Player's Choice Super Smash Bros. Melee for $12.99, and a Capcom lanyard.
[img width=700 height=354]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-26-2014_zps04f7ffda.jpg[/img]
Now you're probably wondering why, when considering my rep as a total cheap*ss, I shelled out so much for a game. Well, it's because I discovered how much it was going for online, which is retardedly high as of this writing. I'm guessing the uptick in Melee's value is due to the fanboys wanting to catch up on the series before the latest Super Smash Bros. hits the retail shelves. If that's the case, I'm only too happy to help 'em out-- just like I'm too happy to give Pokemon players the hookup. Call me a philanthropist...
[img width=299 height=219]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1ZW0dtKjdU/T_mhX1IRQLI/AAAAAAAAAPA/lvGVLbRSouw/s1600/dogma%2B-%2BBuddy%2BChrist.jpg[/img]
Just trying to get back into the Lord's good graces.
NON-VIDYA BONANZA: While the week was quite sparse video game-wise, it was a different story when it came to other things. For example, I acquired a plethora of electronic number-crunching devices.
I am using "plethora" correctly here, right?
[img width=700 height=401]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/NonVidya2xx_zpsc6a1aa73.jpg[/img]
For starters, I grabbed a packaged TI BAII-plus financial calculator for $9.99, an HP 10BII for $1.59, and another HP 10BII with slipcase and quick-ref guide for $2.49.
[img width=438 height=555]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/NonVidya4-22amp3-2014a_zpsf83d7a35.jpg[/img]
Also uncovered was a TI-55-II scientific calculator for $3.99 $2.99, a slipcased HP 32SII RPN scientific calculator for $6.99 $5.25, an HP 12c for $2.49, and a Value Line Stocalc 1/8 for $2.99. I also couldn't resist picking up a boxed Radio Shack Video Enhancer/Stereo Audio Mixer console for $6.99 $5.25. Rounding out the electronic grabs was a Sony Watchman for $3.99 $2.99, which I just can't wait to hook up to my Wii U. The graphics are gonna be mind-blowing!
[img width=567 height=584]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/NonVidya4-22amp23-2014b_zpsdab4ebfe.jpg[/img]
I've also been finding a few interesting board games lately, including The Omega Virus, Black Box, and Can't Stop, for $2.99 $2.24 each. Of course, the latter game describes my thrifting jones to a "T", because I have absolutely...
Melty-face guy understands my pain.
Speaking of games...
TAKE A GUESS for a prize! So, what do you think this is:
[img width=516 height=314]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Guess4-23-2014a_zps253a583c.jpg[/img]
This is the only hint you're gonna get.
Just type and submit your guess in the Comments section. The first person to answer correctly wins a nice little assortment of mystery trinkets from yours truly.
And no, you don't have to put your answer in the form of a question.
Until next week,
'Late
Greetings from Terra...
Zagnorch Productions
in association with
[img width=234 height=60]http://www.rfgeneration.com/left.gif[/img]
presents
SEVEN-DAY SCORE CARD:
LONE STAR NUMBER-CRUNCHING AND FANTASTIC
RISING SUN FUN WITH THE COUNTERFEIT KOOPA KIDS
Week of 14 April to 19 April 2014
This week's episode sponsored by
The Psychotic Knight Fanfic Drama Dinner Theater
Your favorite songfics performed by Mary Sue and the Yaoi Wowies every Friday night
and
McKnight's (no relation) Preposterously Panoramic
Palace of Perilously Powerful Peripherals
The gloves are off now
Take it away, guys...
Monday 14 April: Nothing to speak of vidya-wise. However, I did dig up a sizeable batch of other geekin' goodness, with Texas Instruments products dominating the lot. Products like a complete boxed TI-37 Galaxy Solar, a TI-83 Plus, and a couple small mono speakers that put out surprisingly good sound. Also discovered was a Panasonic combo mini-piano/AM radio, a Rokenbok controller pad, and a Radio Shack EC-4051 calculator.
[img width=548 height=580]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/NonVidya4-14-2014_zps8f68f0bb.jpg[/img]
Tuesday 15 April Sweet f*ck all was to be had on this day.
Wednesday 16 April: This all but dead week sprung to life a little when I discovered the first TurboGrafx 16 games I've ever encountered at a thrift: CIB Boxxy Boy and Devil's Crush Pinball for $2.49 each. I even picked up Keith Courage in Alpha Zones, 'cuz it's never a bad idea to have a backup copy of this ultra-rare gem.
I also discovered a couple NES 18-cart shelves for $3.29 each. Each one holds 18 sleeved NES carts. I tried to place the bare NES carts in the case slots, but they were too loose.
[img width=400 height=506]http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzjrwjajhz1qb7555o1_400.gif[/img]
Huh-huh-huh, the slots were too loose.
Then I checked to see if my full boxed carts fit in there, but they were too tight.
[img width=515 height=354]http://www.thelaughbutton.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/cornholio.jpg[/img]
Heh-heh-heh, yeah, tight slots! FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!
Sleeved carts, however, were just right.
[img width=300 height=169]http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091216060548/uncyclopedia/images/a/a9/Jizz-in-my-pants.gif[/img]
Ohhhh yeeaahhh *UNNNGGGH*
Rounding out the day's scores was a CIB Frogger's Adventures: the Rescue for GameCube and a Duke Nukem: Zero Hour N64 cart with manual for $2.99 each.
[img width=700 height=329]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-16-2014_zpse2774286.jpg[/img]
Thursday 17 April: Picked up my very first Japanese PS1 titles for $4.99 each, including JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Master of Monsters: Akatsuki no Kenja Tachi, and Torneko no Daibouken 2: Fushigi no Dungeon (AKA Torneko: The Last Hope). I also scored a platinum GBA SP for $8.99, a grab bag of PlayStation promo tchotchkes, and the greatest, most awesomest Star Wars game of all time, Knights of Teras Khasi for the PS1! W00T!
[img width=626 height=552]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-17-2014_zps14f7e48e.jpg[/img]
Friday 18 April: Totally dead today.
Saturday 19 April: A light week ended with a nice uptick, as I nabbed a Skylanders Swap Force Wii U starter kit at Toys-R-Us for half price. I picked it up so I'd have the regular versions of Wash Buckler, Blast Zone, and Series 3 Stealth Elf in my collection. I was also curious to try the Wii U version of the game and all the different controller schemes it supports. While I was there I also grabbed an Easter Fryno, and a Series 2 Jet-Vac. I finished my thrifting day when I hit a Goodwill that's not exactly known for good game prices, and was pleasantly surprised to discover the CIB PS1 titles Final Fantasy VII, VIII and IX, as well as Resident Evil 2, for just $3.99 each.
[img width=700 height=456]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Score4-19-2014_zps591052fa.jpg[/img]
Oddball Score of the Week: The Grow Your Own Monsters manual from Scholastic.
[img width=429 height=558]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Monsters1_zpse441f14a.jpg[/img]
The guy on the front cover up there looks kinda familiar, doesn't he? You don't suppose... nahhh, it's just gotta be a weird coincidence. Probably just a case of deja vu... which got progressively stronger with the turn of each page:
[img width=700 height=439]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Monsters2_zpsb5bc78e4.jpg[/img]
[img width=573 height=452]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Monsters3_zpsa305838b.jpg[/img]
[img width=700 height=199]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Monsters4_zps2c317c2a.jpg[/img]
[img width=624 height=373]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Monsters5_zpsb2966600.jpg[/img]
Japan is presently planning another Pearl Harbor attack to avenge this outrage... and who can blame them.
Until next week,
'Late
And now for your April Fools punishment entertainment, give it up for hardcore comedian/gamer extraordinaire, Andrew "Dragon Dice" Clay!
[img width=570 height=568]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/Andrew-Dice-Clay-at-TAO-red-carpe-570t_zpsd4c92af5.jpg[/img]
You're into Pole Position, huh? Well, how about you position yourself on THIS pole! OH!!! Yeah, position yourself right over THIS friggin' pole! OH!!!
Hey, Princess Peach! You want a REAL plumber, you should call on me! I'll snake out your pipes for ya! I'll even pump your septic tank, if ya know what I'm sayin'! OH!!! Just grab hold of my analog stick and I'll barrel-roll your arwing ALL NIGHT LONG! OH!!! I got the mega-mushroom you've been longing for!
Into Tetris, are you? Well, I got the long block you need right here! OH!!! I'll drop it down right into your gap!!! Yeah!
[img width=320 height=480]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/0_0_3362824_00_320w_zps8cd00d12.jpg[/img]
Man, I'd love to break Chun-Li's combo with my hadouken! OH!!!
Hey Samus, I got a ball or two you can morph on! Yeah! I'll give you a screw attack that'll have you walking funny for a whole week! OH!!!
[img width=451 height=467]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/AndrewDiceClayAndrewDiceClayPerformsDdBrhAGeOI0l_zps1959012e.jpg[/img]
Why don'cha cast a shadow on this colossus! OH!!! Yeah!
Yo Kirby! I got something for you to suck down! OH!!!
Hey Ms. Pac-Man! I got a banana and some cherries for you! OH!!! I gave 'em names, even: Inky, Blinky, and Clyde! And they'd just love to meet your "Pinky," if ya know what I'm sayin'! OH!!!
[img width=300 height=225]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/ustv_andrew_dice_clay_zps27182ba0.jpg[/img]
Yo, Zelda, I got a Link for ya right here! Yeah, I'll link you to your past, present, AND future with my Master Sword while you work my hookshot! OH!!!
Why don't all you Sega fanboys do what Nintenwon't, and use your lock-on technology to blast-process my master system! OH!!!
Hey Master Chief, why don'cha reach for this Halo! OH!!! Make a covenant with this freakin' Halo! Yeah!
[img width=500 height=574]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/andrew_dice_clay_has_lunch_at_cafe_roma_2176278_zps02ac9ac7.jpg[/img]
Hey, why--
--ahhhh, screw it, I can't do this crap anymore. This is easily the stupidest blog I've ever posted on this site-- which, if you've seen my other blogs, is REALLY saying something. I easily lost 25 IQ points just coming up with all those gawdawful jokes. It's said that artists have to suffer for their art, but this is downright ludicrous. Looks like I'm the real April fool here.
Anyway, thank you for your time, and enjoy the rest of your day.
Until next time,
OHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
Errrr, I mean...
...'Late
Season's Greetings from Terra, fellow RF Gentlemen!
I am announcing the end of this year's Not-So-Secret Santa give-away.
A big thanks to the participants-- I wish you all the best for the holiday season and the new year.
Catch you on the boards...
'Late
DISCLAIMER: The following presentation has content that may be offensive to some... and a turn-on to others.
[img width=700 height=525]http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/087/3/4/parental_advisory_by_angel4500-d4u8vhc.jpg[/img]
you have been duly warned.
PREFACE: hey now, fellow RF Gentlemen. The following presentation is the second of what I plan to be an annual Halloween series (view the first one at http://www.rfgeneration.c...Giants-and-Booze-2318.php ). Before you dive in, however, I would like to apologize for posting it so late. Between work, editing my drunken ramblings into something remotely coherent, thrift runs, and-- well, you'll find out in the postscript-- I wasn't able to put this out in as timely a fashion as I'd have liked. I only ask that you forgive my blatant tardiness as
The 'Norch Porch Presents
HALLOWEEN HANGOVER: BEYOND A SHADOW OF SOBRIETY
Hey now...
Well, it's that time of year again. Just me in my humble domicile, all by my lonesome, with a big bag of Skittles and Starburst that'll never see the inside of a trick-or-treater's goody bag, a few choice libations, some Detroit-based snacks, and a certain game to (hopefully) enjoy as my BAC increases throughout the night. This time 'round, I've decided to go with a fellow who'd fit right in with the whole Halloween scene. He's got the whole goth/emo thing down pat, from the black color scheme (with red trim), to his bleak and tragic half-remembered past. The furry fanboys adore him for his stoic, grim-and-gritty demeanor. The fangirls just can't stop writing really creepy ship-fics about him. And, after seeing him in action in this game, the NRA is still trying to get him to be their next chairman.
Of course, I'm referring to...
[img width=696 height=264]http://images.wikia.com/sonic/images/1/1f/S.T.H._-_Artwork_-_4_(Logo).png[/img]
[img width=480 height=640]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/29838f7f6286da5dae175fd340191eb50d1201d1a2b03dba3d72259e0f82b1c76g.jpg[/img]
Oh, for--NOT THAT SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG! Dammit, I thought I burned every last copy of that picture! CURSE YOU, INTERNET!
[img width=640 height=479]http://images.wikia.com/sonic/images/8/86/EGGTROLLBALL2.JPG[/img]
You're freakin'-a right I'm mad! And I'm NOT your bro!!!
Nope, I'm talking about THIS Shadow the Hedgehog:
I could go into exhaustive detail about how the opening teaser alone represents all that is wrong and just plain absurd about this game, but that territory has been trod upon so much over the last eight years that it's rather hackish to discuss it any further. Besides, my nerdball musings on the matter will cut into my fitshaced playing time. Which reminds me: for this foray into one amnesiac, emotionally unstable hedgehog's fight for his Second Amendment rights...
[img width=639 height=449]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/ShadowPlaya_zps1166aab6.jpg?t=1383976682[/img]
[img width=562 height=291]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/ShadowGun_zps80d0f907.jpg?t=1383976742[/img]
HEY! Get your own damn firearms, d!ckweed!
...I've decided to go with absinthe, which is the preferred drink of the goth/emo crowd, according to the internet. And if nothing else, the internet is the ultimate bastion of truth and accuracy.
][img width=384 height=288]http://www.segabits.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/1244451-sonic_facepalm_super.jpg[/img]
...what?
Ummm... I also grabbed a six-pack of Redd's Apple Ale. Why this particular pick-up, you ask?
[img width=364 height=325]http://robotninjazombies.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/power_glove.jpg[/img] [img width=400 height=300]http://cravins.powweb.com/atarifun/TurboGrafx/TurboGrafx%20Pics/TurboGrafx%20Console.jpg[/img][img width=384 height=200]http://image.gamespotcdn.net/gamespot/images/box/8/4/2/915842_13540_front.jpg[/img]
Oh... no particular reason at all, nopey nope nope.
Also on hand, courtesy of my main man Razor Knuckles: Reese's Pieces and Better Made BBQ flavor potato chips. Oh, and Faygo cream cola and strawberry soda, which has inspired me to take a listen to my fave ICP album while playing this bad boy.
WHO'S GOIN' CHICKEN HUNTIN'? WE'S GOIN' CHICKEN HUNTIN'!
And, bless his little heart, Raze also provided the game. Which means I have the perfect scapegoat to place the blame on should this not go well. If that isn't the mark of a true friend, then I don't know what is.
[img width=700 height=465]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/ShadowPlay2_zps795c410f.jpg?t=1383976710[/img]
If only you knew what you were getting yourself into, my good man.
Oh, and I decided to get in costume for this little electronic excursion:
[img width=483 height=400]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/SharpieHand_zpsca60ca4c.jpg[/img]
How's this for edgy?
All right, let's get this show on the road.
STAGE 1: Westopolis
I started by taking out just about anything that shot at me, and then decided to limit my kills to the alien freakos, and the GUN robots. The aliens have the cooler weaponry, anyway, with zap-zap-shooty-lazor-beams. Not as cool as, say, a nice chaos-spear energy blast from my hands, but hey, you gotta make do. And why is Sonic "helping" me out? Who does he think he is, Tails from Sonic 2?
[img width=640 height=480]http://info.sonicretro.org/images/archive/e/ea/20100629202122%21Westopolis.png[/img]
More like Sonic the Glory-hog.
Stage 2: Glyphic Canyon
Oh great, now I got Knuckles helping out now. So much for that rugged loner rep. And he's a bit toofriendly here, too . and even dopier than usual.man, I miss the days when he was trolling Sonic and Tails something fierce. Now hes just a comic-relief punching bag in the cutscene backgrounds. Well at least his voice is more pleassnt than that Dr. Claw-sounding dude.
Geezus, the controls are like, Im trying to get Shadow to move and aim at the right taraget, but its like the surface of every level is greased with Crisco... and Shadows coping with a brain injury. Hell, I must be coping with a brain injury to be playing this. Maybe you should dump the jet skate things and just run like that faker. With any luck I'll get hosed to the point of blacking out and not remembering any of this.
Stage 3: Prison Island
Charmy, just goway . Your anything but charming to... well to anyone really. nobody likes you.. Go have a duel to the death with omochao or something. Hopefully youll kill each other and Big the Cat gets offed in the crossfire. I know the Chaotix had to make some budget cuts, but why did Mighty have to be one of them?
Ooh here comes my fave ICP track gotta turn it UP
Hey, hey wait a minute, I made you! Get them not me--WAIT A MINUTE MUTHAF*CKA
Stage 4: Sky Troops
Okay, now I got eggbotnik helping out. Well at least it gives me his robots and ships to shoot at. And I gt to use a canon to shoot at the eggships. Just like skylanders niiiiice. BTW I found a way to make this game a lil more enoyble: imagine the guys im shootin at wrote some really pervy Shadow fanfics, or poretend theyre Rule 34 artists, and Im getting revenge on em by KILLIN THEM DEDD.
[img width=320 height=240]http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view4/3952449/shadow-shooting-a-gun-o.gif[/img]
Let me show my appreciation for your inflation art
of me by INFLATING YOU WITH LEAD!!!
STAGE 5: Don't know dont care
Wow this games growin onme for some reason. Im achuallygettin into it. Hold on, Gonna pause th game for a mome an give our hero a lil talkin to. Um, Hey... hey shadow? I knw youre fictional an stuff, but Im surprised you haven't put th moves on Rouge yet. I mean come on it'sno secret you really dig her.
[img width=494 height=357]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v461/rouge11/confirm4.jpg[/img]
Or certain parts of her, anyway.
Seriusly ou really goota let maria go man. Your relationship comes off less like a close friendship, and more like some creepy furry-pedo-necrophilia thning.
An ode to Shadow's depraved obsession.
It really gives me the dooch chils. I mean You don't see Sonic-- er I mean that faker caught up in such shenangians--
[img width=600 height=346]http://segabits.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/mst06.jpg[/img]
Oh. Riht never mind.
Look, all Im tryin to say is... HEY F*CK THE STUPID GAME! IM TRYIN TO HELPS OU HERE, @$$HOLE!
...
Lokk im sorry man, I didn mean to yll atcha. You... you know... you know is till love you right? Right? Yeah yeah, no homo, hee heeee... hey wait a minute
[img width=640 height=479]http://soniccagedome.com/shadowflash/visual/sonicx/0014.gif[/img]
Um, why are you staring... there? An grining?
[img width=474 height=353]http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh314/vandesdelca/Silly%20Pics/raeptime.png[/img]
Holy crap youre not gonna do what I think you're
[img width=320 height=240]http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view3/1551519/tails-rapes-shadow-o.gif[/img]
Tails gives a new meaning to
the term "getting some head."
OH MY FREAING GOD IM GONNA SPEW FFWOIDHWERFOERDPWEBDEHGBIPEHOPFREOIHDIFIEU[9AWE
*GASP* Oh god the taste and smell of half-digested reeses pieces mixed wih absinthe is so disgusting here comes a second wave fjrefroiffoitgbhrog;flhlfofohhf[ioja[sehgde
*GUUUUHH* sweet haysoose h. some of that last heave went out through my nose that's just gross oh no not agai-- fmfrfmlrefmerlfmre-wq329r43jroinefrefmrlfrlf
*UUUURGH*GASP* okay im good now... all emptied out. Gonna need some gatorade though, and
Wait whats this
OH JESUS FU-- MDTMNFWKJLEVNBFLDHN NHXICU HTDFOIDFCJ GIG LNFAHD VIUF HFO SIFGHRIS;O FHD FOUGOUSCHFCMKLVDHGMSCOFHVDMFCDJACNIVOGHROIOCFSHDVG OR HCFSVGHRSEOICFHGCSECFRVDFHCEAOFG RHVOCFE NSAMOIVGRI
*THUD*
POSTSCRIPT: In case you're wondering: no, I did not regain consciousness in a puddle of my own sick the next morning. I took the precaution of keeping a high-capacity wastebasket within reach. It's a lesson I learned the hard way. Speaking of learning the hard way:
[img width=578 height=427]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y409/Zagnorch/sHADdRUNK_zps19781ac8.jpg[/img]
Passed out after just one Redd's?! Faker...
ANYway, a few days after playing Shadow the Hedgehog on an Allhallow's Eve bender, I decided to go at it sober. And I don't know what it was, but... I actually kinda liked playing this nonsensical game with the absurd missions, slippery controls, and annoying interchanging "sidekicks." Hell, I'm STILL playing it as of this writing, trying to unlock and complete every mission, beat every boss, and access every single good stage, evil stage, ring, key, damned fourth chaos emerald, computer room, and weapon! I even ordered the Prima strategy guide for goodness sakes! Meanwhile, I've hardly touched my new copy of Sonic Lost World. Good lord, what the hell is wrong with me?!
[img width=459 height=496]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/bc6dcca838df6fa43078c6bcbd1a92667e7ef646606449288212cb854d6c9b106g.jpg[/img]
Oh, where to begin...
All right, time to wind this up. Yes, Shadow the Hedgehog is dumb... but it's dumb in a way I find oddly entertaining and compelling. If I were to give it a cinematic parallel, it would be Dude, Where's My Car? which, despite being downright idiotic, I couldn't stop watching from start to finish. Sure it insulted my intelligence, but, dammit, it was fun to watch. And when you get down to it, the most important thing about gaming, or watching movies, or any other hobby or pursuit, is to have fun while doing it. Shockingly and improbably, Shadow the Hedgehog delivered for me...
...and it's all Razor Knuckles' fault.
I hope you're proud of yourself, "friend." 
'Late
Hey now!
I've been alluding to a significant retro pick-up for a couple weeks now, and I figured it's time for the big reveal:
[img width=500 height=398]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/0ebc30e28c308d2a2b2506b1993cbcd2ae4a7ff4a5e661f6a808e14156107f786g.jpg[/img]
A complete boxed Magnavox Odyssey2 system with hardwired controllers, and CIB Speedway! / Spin-Out! / Crypto Logic! pack-in game, along with:
[img width=435 height=594]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/d7ef4052b7cfa0a05444dc8e4675e8834d21ec5adc5f5145782ccae8575f8d936g.jpg[/img]
CIB games:
- Match-Maker! / Logix! / Buzzword!
- Cosmic Conflict!
- Bowling! / Basketball!
- Pac-Man K.C. Munchkin!
- Computer Golf!
- Football!
- Space Alien Invaders Plus!
Loose games:
- Baseball!
- Blackjack!
- Blockout! / Breakdown!
Um... why do all the game titles end with exclamation points? That''s kinda annoying, you know? It's like the ALL CAPS of the pre-internet era or something.
But I digress. Here's the topper:
[img width=526 height=411]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/2b49c7518749f2e5f5ebcd844d8beb4e48b11ff44f6dfeefba7e8e9bb53ef8536g.jpg[/img]
- An almost-CIB Quest for the Rings set (one piece is missing). Finally, an O^2 game whose title doesn't end in an exclamation point. That's because it's so cool, it doesn't have to shout about how cool it is. Of all the games I got with the system, this is the one I'm most interested in giving a whirl.
While the entire collection's cosmetic appearance could use a fair deal of cleanup, I figured I got a decent deal paying $80 for the lot.
Where did I find all this, you ask? Well, it originally belonged to my best friend, who kept it locked away in his attic for a couple decades. Weird thing is, I knew he had it ever since I've known him, but never thought to ask him about it, even after seriously getting into vidya collecting. Then, a few weeks before Christmas, he told me he was planning to sell it, and asked if I could offer it for sale to "those guys on that video game site you hang out at" on his behalf. I told him I'd think about it.
Well, I DID think about it-- which quickly turned into me thinking of other O^2 collectors on the site and how they love to gloat about their ownership of such an interesting bit of retro hardware, and lord it over the have-nots at every opportunity (you KNOW who you are). That's when I realized that I wanted to lord it over the have-nots too, and laugh at them for being the underprivileged little peons that they are. Because I'm nothing if not compassionate.
Anyhoo, I called my bud to let him know my interest, he mathed out a price, I agreed to it, we tested it out to see if it still worked, I threw him the four Andys, he threw me the whole shebang, and now I'm better than all you pathetic non-O^2-owning losers in every single way.
[img width=300 height=250]http://r0.sgsr.us/imgs/250/ssim121.gif[/img]
The cold, hard truth hurts, doesn't it?
'Late
Greetings from Terra!
I was gonna do some garage-sale'ing this last Saturday, but due to poor weather conditions, I knew there would be few prospects. Instead, I decided to do a thrift crawl all the way down to Gilroy-- the garlic capital of the world, as it were-- and hit a few hiking trails down there while I was at it.
My first Goodwill stop yielded two wrapped Super Mario 3D Land posters for $0.99 each. Not much to be sure, but a decent start.
Next up was the Morgan Hill Goodwill which, until recently, I'd pretty much given up on due to its extortionate asking prices. But over the last couple months, I've been pleasantly surprised by not only the things I've found there, but also the asking prices. Sadly, the only thing the place yielded this day was a Laser Line CD storage tower for $3.99. Ever since my PS1 game collection went into triple figures, I needed something in which to store my displaced Dreamcast, TG16, and PC titles, and this should fit the bill. Now I just need to rearrange a few things to make room for it somewhere...
Up next was a nearby Target, where I answered the call of nature, washed my hands, and grabbed the Target-exclusive Skylanders Giants lightcore triple pack on special for $19.99.
On to the Gilroy Goodwill, which yielded what I thought would be the deal of the day: a CIB Kingdom Hearts Re:coded DS game for $2.99. However, when I opened the case up, it contained...
...a copy of Eragon instead.
But, I figured what the hell, and bought it anyway. I'm willing to give Eragon a shot, and I'm confident I can find a Re:coded card somewhere to make it complete. Lemons into lemonade and all that.
Then it was on to the Gilroy Salvation Army store... where I have NEVER found any games, game hardware, or accessories worth buying, EVER. Some times it was due to high asking prices, but usually it was because of a total lack of anything. Today, however, was far different-- not only did the place have a small cache of games in which I was interested, there was a half-off sale in effect. So I picked up the following CIB PS2 titles, normally priced at $3.49 each, for just $1.75 a pop:
- Gauntlet: Dark Legacy
- Secret Agent Clank
- Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
- Super Bust-A-Move
- Jak and Daxter
- Sega Gt 2002 / JSRF double feature for Xbox
But the big pickups were a couple PS2 GunCon bundles that had red-bar price tags on them. At the Salvation Army nearest me, this type of tag indicates that the item is considered a collectible, and is not subject to any kind of discount, even on sale days. I lamented this fact to the cashier, who replied that the Gilroy store didn't share that policy, and even the "collectible" stuff was on sale! So I asked him to free those bad boys from the display case. I gave 'em a look, liked what I saw, and threw 'em on the ring-up pile. And that's how I picked up the Vampire Night and Time Crisis 3 GunCon2 bundles for just $6.25 each.
My final grab of the day was at a newly-opened Savers, which had a sealed copy of Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy for PS2 for $1.99. The place also had a few DS titles for $1.99 each that I would have bought, had they actually had any cards in them. Somebody's gotta tell the Savers folks that they should probably do the same thing most of the local Goodwills do, and keep all the game discs and cards in a binder under the checkout counter. But hey, I'm just a customer, what do I know?
[img width=437 height=768]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/9d2fe711309a2ffdfd41efd11bd1feddd6083e2af2910fd5a34f4e09a3ab82686g.jpg[/img]
On Sunday, I did a relatively short thrift-crawl on the way home from work. The first stop yielded the biggest Target-salvage cache of Wii U titles yet: 2 copies of New Super Mario Bros. U for $29.99 each, ZombiU for $24.99, and Rabbids Land for $24.99. Although I've never had an interest in the whole zombie deal, ZombiU appealed to me with its "Unique Death Mechanic", where "If you die, you wake up to play an entirely new character who is another survivor in the same terrifying position," according to a blurb on the Amazon.com product page. I also read that you can kill your zombified former self and get your stuff back. No, I don't know why I find this particular aspect of the game appealing, but at least Im willing to give it a shot.
My last stop yielded a Target-salvage Mario Kart 7 for $14.99.
[img width=628 height=480]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/0cd0cf760d26e84023f048cd9e46bafe6ab6eb78ad2e3cf2e41d4f6c1f47e39f6g.jpg[/img]
TL;DR Sidebar:
My big miscellaneous pick-up of the weekend: a Tomy Pop-Out Pirate set for $1.99. As you can see, Japan comes up with some pretty offbeat NON-video games, too.
The weekend's biggest crack-smoking moment: the new Savers pricing loose NES carts at $9.99 each. While there were a couple titles I'd have loved to add to my stack, none of 'em were even remotely worth a sawbuck. And with a no-exchange policy in effect on them, I wouldn't have been able to return them if they didn't work properly.
The weekend's biggest "I'll Pass" item: a Mortal Kombat Tournament Edition fight stick for the PS3.
Although I'm not into fighting games, I thought this bad boy looked pretty sweet, and was in surprisingly good condition. I dug how you could open it up, and store stuff inside it. Well, not a lot of stuff, just a little stuff. Stuff like some illicit substance* to help take the edge off when you're playing. But, I don't own a working PS3, so who knows if it worked properly. Also, the $40 asking price seemed a wee bit steep to me, especially seeing as how it didn't come with the game. Oh well, its not like there aren't other great finds out there for me to discover...
...and tell you all about.
Until then...
...'Late
*Illicit outside of Washington and Colorado that is.
UPDATE:
Hey now, everybody!
Whelp, that pretty much does it for this year. Congrats to mumboking for calling first dibs and taking it all!
-'Late
Post Script: Thanks to a quasi-suggestion by NES_Rules, starting next year the "Holiday Give-Away" will be called "Not-So-Secret Santa." That is, granted I have any extra video game-related junk to offer by then.
Until next year...
...'Later
Hey now, everybody!
A big thanks to everyone who participated in this year's give-away!
As of this posting, all but three of the claims have been shipped.
Happy winter solstice celebration, everybody!
-'Late
Greetings from Terra...
Inspired by http://www.rfgeneration.c...m/index.php?topic=10499.0 , I decided to celebrate Halloween by gettin' my drink on with some of the freakiest critters around--
[img width=480 height=640]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/29838f7f6286da5dae175fd340191eb50d1201d1a2b03dba3d72259e0f82b1c76g.jpg[/img]
AAAAIIEEEE!!!
NOT THAT FREAKY!!!
*GUUUUHH*
Geezus, I just about had a heart attack there. What the hell, man! No way I'd hang with a weirdo like that!
[img width=459 height=496]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/bc6dcca838df6fa43078c6bcbd1a92667e7ef646606449288212cb854d6c9b106g.jpg[/img]
I have standards, you know.
Moving on: I decided to spend Halloween night knocking back a few of my fave libations-- Disaronno and Strongbow cider-- while playing Skylanders Giants, and pausing occasionally to jot down my thoughts on the game as they come to me. There's no possible way anything could go wrong with this little experiment.
[img width=624 height=435]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/ba091800932ad97ae1d3696796a201625ecf1d096159ad6ddf652aa7d456fda06g.jpg[/img]
Nothing like gettin' tanked to a video game aimed at 'tweens, lemme tell ya.
On the upside: no trick-or-treaters have darkened my front door in years, which means distractions are all but nonexistent. Best of all, I can keep this bag of fun-sized Butterfingers for myself.
[img width=480 height=360]http://i.ytimg.com/vi/24gvMY0GR5w/0.jpg[/img]
Hey, Bart, I got'cher edible shorts right here.
On the downside: I have no close friends to invite me to their cool Halloween shindigs. Which means I'm all alone, with only my thoughts to keep me company.
My dark, depraved, disturbing thoughts.
And now you know the real reason why I drink...
But let's dispense with the self-pity, and get this mofo started:
[img width=571 height=395]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/cf54ffca9308594049dd5dfa7635069ce08f6ebd92dacc6f846a9d1399cc725c6g.jpg[/img]
A shot for my homies-- except for Pop Fizz (he's had more than enough).
DIFFICULTY LEVEL SELECTION:
There's the "pussy-ass nancy-boy" setting:
[img width=485 height=287]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/df20e911ec0d56fab91ab7b2ec7c453dabc0e2aba0e8bbc522e8b4fb3bf6e2654g.jpg[/img]
The "you're still a nancy-boy, but I still have a little respect for you" setting:
[img width=502 height=296]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/7898320d3e6fb31efcc8d15def8d8fcac479a9893f35435cb5c652b1767f37a84g.jpg[/img]
Aaand "the super-macho manly-manchild)" setting.
[img width=513 height=305]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/bd454008721717afb4bf498ddf7cbbe2b839e71d940806307a00f90b0eefae2d4g.jpg[/img]
Whattaya think of that last one, Flynn?
http://www.youtube.com/em...I?start=1525&end=1527
My thoughts exactly!
CHAPTER 1 (Drinks tote board: Two shots of Dis and half a Strongbow)
I'm starting this one with the Giant Bouncer, and alternating with a few of my Series 1 faves. He ends up taking out a giant robot voiced by Mr. Sulu on this level. Which kinda sucks, 'cuz I really like that Sulu guy. (NOT in that way, though; besides, he's off the market)
[img width=514 height=287]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/4fd90a6951a1d081781f0185c08ce6b7c306f9a71771009c967bc1602ca144764g.jpg[/img]
OH MY!
Hey, I know: I'll just pretend he's the evil mirror-universe Sulu. You know, the one with the scar?
[img width=371 height=278]http://glitterrock.org/2007/tb-2007-03/tb-2007-03-033.jpg[/img]
Yeah, thas the yticket. Now I don't feel so guilty abut killin him here.
CVHAPTER 2 (3 Dis, 1.5 SB)
I jusyt realized that Bouncer's voice is done in a stereotypical black urban fashion, reminiscent of Jazz from the first Transformers flick, but a bit more subtle. But if youthink that's bad, whenever Hex eats something, she sounds just lik Oprah Winfrey doing thast mmm-hmmm sound..
CHAPTER 3 (4 DIS 333 SB)
HEE HEEE WHOA WHERES THE CAPS LOCK WHAT THEfu found it yaay
When I saw the new Hotdog chara for this gam I thought he lokt kinda lame. I mean even his name has absolutl no imagnatin behind it at all. But then I found his soulgem 'ultimate' powerup.
[img width=514 height=304]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/3feeb43e2572b568e4cbca58acbfc5a4d0244f43cd38d0d6fb31a5ec39fac1f54g.jpg[/img]
A FLAMING BAG OF DOG POOP heh hee now I gortta add him to my collection when hecoms out juswt so ican use that power that's just so awesome
CHAPTER 4 [6 DIS / 4 SB)
Hpoly crap bad sulu is still alive! sorta yay and sorta boo too I guess.
The skystones minigames are waaay better than the cardmatch crap in the 1st game I mean theyre much more challenging cuz I actally lost a few of em
dAMN Stelf elf is hot, holy crap did I really just type that. That is SOOO GAY ha heeee
[img width=430 height=386]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/275297065cb91b638386e0fc14d066dc655c882ded99ecd1102b9bf2460c1b9d4g.jpg[/img]
Aw no she brought her kid sister with her.
What a freakin c0ck-blok, right guys?
CHAPTER 5 [98 dis 51n sb]
Nooo I got kild for the 1st time, and my fave skylander too oh why, Eon whyyyyy
[img width=370 height=386]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/52ce237aee7227aabf51b3e102df1440b7adbaa3e5a7e88ac681bac1ae57dd5a4g.jpg[/img]
I dint man to killya Trigs, Im so sorty
Okay finally completd th levl. But I think ill go through the 1st 5 levels again to complewe all the challenges. Better check the strat gide first tho. But I'm havin a hard time flipping the pages, and it hard to reed
[img width=514 height=377]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/20835db133910d84f732a6eceefba1d1a348c97ddc63b280833d51bfd98437254g.jpg[/img]
this things written in martian or something
Need to use the littl3 boys room brb oops never mind. Back to th game
BACKTRAcking CHAPS 1-5 (booz level OVAR 9000+ THIS... Is... SKYLAAANDS!!!)
MMM these are gooood butrfingers. Got some prunes too dont ask.
I kinda feel bad for Kaos' sidekick glumshanks. I cn tell from his dmenor n expresons that he knows his boss is gonna fqail hard in the end, but he goes along with the deal anyway. His loyalty to his buddys lost causes iz so beautifl an yet so sad.But Im NOT gonna cry, Im not gonna cry--- oh god im totally cryin. Im such a fruit
[img width=300 height=342]http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/6/63257/2190412-glumshanks_large.jpg[/img]
Hes just tryin to get by in this cold cruel wrld
the best he can. Is that so rong?
DAMN I wish this was a M rated deal so I can see bllod guts & body parts fly when I fight da baddies just thatd be the coolst thing evar! And the kids would lov it too
Woohoo just got my first Sklyander levled up to 11 goddan it took frekun long enuf
Why cant this game support th wii classic contllr id lov to have tha opshin
Hah I just killd a horde of elfthings eat me you douches
getting sleepy
[0joL:M?
[img width=700 height=450]http://www.mediafire.com/conv/850459c4436d45a7ae8547493c5ef23bad1efea3afa7dad02ccb777698bb04e36g.jpg[/img]
To be continued?
Hey now!
I know what'cher thinking: I must be scoring the primo crack to be claiming that, back in the day, Sega released a completely legitimate, licensed Mario game for wide commercial release that could be played on the Genesis or Mega Drive console. And I must admit, if I hadn't actually seen a CIB copy of it at a local thrift a few weeks back, I'd have the exact same attitude you do right now.
But I assure you, it is very real. And, thanks to the miracle of the internet, I have highly compelling photographic evidence:
[img width=225 height=300]http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Mario-Lemieux-Hockey-Case-Sega-Genesis-CASE-ONLY-Box-/00/s/MTYwMFgxMjAw/$(KGrHqJ,!nYE8YpZ!PbnBPg2UJ5ujg~~60_35.JPG[/img]
I'd like to know what all you doubting Thomases have to say now!
...
Hee heee... sorry, I simply couldn't resist. I really did see this at a thrift a few weeks ago, which inspired me to write and post this silly blog. I briefly considered holding this back for April Fool's, but I just couldn't sit on it for that long. Besides, I thought it'd be a novel way to celebrate the start of the NHL season.
So, no hard feelings, guys?
Um... guys? What are you--
Hey, wait a minute-- can't you take a little-- NO, PLEASE, NOT THE FACE!!!
Hey now!
Yikes... I've been working on this off and on for almost a month now. What can I say: the demands of work and other high-priority things kinda slow down the whole blog-writing process.
In any case, I'll now reveal to you my Tuesday finds from May, which was fairly weak right up to the final Tuesday... and then the floodgates opened somethin' fierce.
May 1: I hit a couple places after work and came away with:
- Super NES console $5.00
- Namco Museum 50th Anniversary (Greatest Hits) PS2 $2.99
- Super Mario Ball (AKA Japanese Mario Pinball Land) $1.99
- Super Donkey Kong 2 (AKA Japanese Donkey Kong Country 2) $1.99
[img width=514 height=382]http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/929e/zobo93f2bp8kx815g.jpg[/img]
Weird thing about the Japanese GBA games: I bought 'em at a place that usually premium-prices imports and rare second-hand games. I was so sure they'd be priced above what I'd be willing to pay, I almost didn't bother to ask the clerk to pull 'em outta the display case. For the first time in a blue moon, going against my better instincts actually paid off...
May 8: I found no games or hardware, just a lotta reading material.
- Fourteen Nintendo Power, GamePro, and EGM back issues, $0.29 each
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 strategy guide, $1.99
[img width=700 height=471]http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/6791/8er3xdccddarndx5g.jpg[/img]
May 15:
- TMNT: Mutant Melee (Xbox) $3.19
- Nintendo 64 12-cartridge cabinet $2.60
[img width=283 height=385]http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/a7df/kz87fl3jgj9srjs5g.jpg[/img]
I'm actually using the N64 cabinet to store my loose SNES carts in; apparently they were designed to hold either type.
May 22:
- Official PlayStation Magazine back issue $0.29
- Prima Conker: Live & Reloaded strategy guide $2.00
- BradyGames GTA: San Andreas strategy guide $2.00
[img width=700 height=290]http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/2e01/eocbumux83vs5qn5g.jpg[/img]
May 29: Now, THIS is more like it:
- Four Nintendo Power back issues $0.29 each
- Six Official Xbox Magazine game demo discs with sleeves, $1.99 $0.99 each
- Joytron Strap Touchpen for DS, $0.79
- Pokemon Battle Revolution Nintendo Power strategy guide $1.50
[img width=515 height=298]http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/d8cb/f0n376p458qcvfd5g.jpg[/img]
- Populous (SNES) $1.99
- Namco Museum Remix (Wii) $5.95
- Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness (GC) $0.95
- Guitar Hero (PS2) $3.99 $0.99
- Guitar Hero II (PS2) $3.99 $0.99
- A trio of CIB Master System games for $2.99 $2.09 each:
- Choplifter
- Alien Syndrome
- Missile Defense 3D
- A pair of CIB PSP games for $1.95 each:
- Crush
- Crisis Core: Final Fantasy
[img width=700 height=378]http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/df00/lj2xwlcb4x5nj2p5g.jpg[/img]
The biggest pick-up of the day, however, was:
- Blaze Twin Shock Home Arcade 2-player controller for PlayStation (and PS2), $11.99.
[img width=475 height=385]http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/2f18/6w5nwkn55hutmwn5g.jpg[/img]
Finally, then there was this $1.99 grab:
[img width=232 height=251]http://www.mediafire.com/convkey/a1c1/p444ypacpj7jylz5g.jpg[/img]
(Don't tell You-Know-Who about this one)
The TL;DR Sidebar
May's biggest non-gaming Tuesday score: I found a boxed Nerf Vortex Praxis disc-shooter for just $5.99.
[img width=640 height=399]http://paradisdesbebes.com/home/wp-content/uploads/products_img/hasbro%20nerf%20vortex%20praxis.jpg[/img]
Like this, only the box wasn't in as good a condition.
I'm pretty sure someone messed up on the pricing at the Goodwill where I picked this up. Now, that is some crack-smoking pricing I can actually get behind! Speaking of which...
May's biggest crack-smoking moment almost went to the Gilroy Goodwill, which was asking $19.99 for a standard-ish GameCube controller. That's right, just the controller; I asked about it, and they confirmed it.
But the Morgan Hill Goodwill claimed victory when I discovered a sealed pack of three Game Boy Advance 3-cartridge cases like these...
[img width=393 height=500]http://i2.listal.com/image/productsus/1000/B00095LMJY/games/3-pack-game-boy-game-case-game-boy-advance.jpg[/img]
...for $19.99.
Yes, you read that price correctly.
$19.90-freakin'-9.
For plain ol' plastic cases.
Without any games in 'em.
Needless to say, they're really hittin' the pipe down in Morgan Hill...
'Late
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