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They haven't deleted my login yet!
Oh well, while I'm here...
First off - hello all. Hope you're all having spiffingly wonderful lives. Well, most of you... ;-p
Now that's out of the way...
I have my PSP on pre-order with a certain other online retailer, and I need to get some games for it too. So any of you importers got any recommendations? I'll be buying official UK versions first off, but importers may be in a position to advise, having played the games. Yes, I have read reviews, but personal opinions can give a better balance.
What I'm thinking of so far are Ridge Racer, Mercury, Virtua Tennis, Metal Gear Acid, Ape Academy and Coded Arms. I know some of these are out in other regions, others may not be. Anyone have them and care to share their opinion?
Obviously there are a few must-have games which will be out shortly after launch (I'm thinking GT4 Mobile, Daxter and Pursuit Force specifically), but what of the current games? Is Mercury as much fun as it looks? Does Metal Gear really work as a 'card game'? How does Coded Arms play with only one analogue stick? Is Ape Academy fun? Should I choose a racer other than Ridge?
Also, as PSP is region-free for gaming, what websites would you recommend for cheap import games? Now I know some people at SR get particularly arsey about naming competitors here, even when they sell a multitude of things that SR don't... so feel free to e-mail me (about this only) - address on my profile page. And thanks in advance.
Oh well, while I'm here...
First off - hello all. Hope you're all having spiffingly wonderful lives. Well, most of you... ;-p
Now that's out of the way...
I have my PSP on pre-order with a certain other online retailer, and I need to get some games for it too. So any of you importers got any recommendations? I'll be buying official UK versions first off, but importers may be in a position to advise, having played the games. Yes, I have read reviews, but personal opinions can give a better balance.
What I'm thinking of so far are Ridge Racer, Mercury, Virtua Tennis, Metal Gear Acid, Ape Academy and Coded Arms. I know some of these are out in other regions, others may not be. Anyone have them and care to share their opinion?
Obviously there are a few must-have games which will be out shortly after launch (I'm thinking GT4 Mobile, Daxter and Pursuit Force specifically), but what of the current games? Is Mercury as much fun as it looks? Does Metal Gear really work as a 'card game'? How does Coded Arms play with only one analogue stick? Is Ape Academy fun? Should I choose a racer other than Ridge?
Also, as PSP is region-free for gaming, what websites would you recommend for cheap import games? Now I know some people at SR get particularly arsey about naming competitors here, even when they sell a multitude of things that SR don't... so feel free to e-mail me (about this only) - address on my profile page. And thanks in advance.
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Ah, excellent! I have a little USB stick (twas only a free one, but can carry about 16Mb), so I might give that a go! Assuming I haven't got the wrong end of the USB stick, I should be able to give it a try next week (away over the weekend visiting home) and will definitely bear in mind what you said about the exposure.
This is kinda unrelated, but I recently got into photography a bit more after buying a digital camera (Canon Powershot A95). I'm not particularly good with it yet and tend to take photos of things that interest me rather than things that make good photos, but I have a small gallery if you're bored (just made it this morning), [URL]http://www.maths.bath.ac.uk/~ma0pnt/photos.html [/URL].
There are only a few photos so far, but I thought I'd give it a test. Do you do much photography outside of GT4?
This is kinda unrelated, but I recently got into photography a bit more after buying a digital camera (Canon Powershot A95). I'm not particularly good with it yet and tend to take photos of things that interest me rather than things that make good photos, but I have a small gallery if you're bored (just made it this morning), [URL]http://www.maths.bath.ac.uk/~ma0pnt/photos.html [/URL].
There are only a few photos so far, but I thought I'd give it a test. Do you do much photography outside of GT4?
You just need a USB pen drive. Plug it in to one of the USB ports on your PS2 and you can save directly to it. Then transfer it to your PC and copy them off. Simple as that!
I got a 512Mb Sony (obviously!) Micro Vault ( [URL]http://www.sony.net/Products/Media/Microvault/usm-e.html[/URL] ), but any brand should work, as it's standard hardware.
If you give it a go, I'd suggest that when 'taking' photos on the PS2, you set the exposure level as high as it will go - the images look fine on the TV screen, but can be a little dark when transferred to the PC.
I got a 512Mb Sony (obviously!) Micro Vault ( [URL]http://www.sony.net/Products/Media/Microvault/usm-e.html[/URL] ), but any brand should work, as it's standard hardware.
If you give it a go, I'd suggest that when 'taking' photos on the PS2, you set the exposure level as high as it will go - the images look fine on the TV screen, but can be a little dark when transferred to the PC.
Woah! There were some amazing photos in that collection! I just went through them as a slideshow and they were absolutely excellent! Great stuff! Out of interest, how did you upload them? Do you need to have your PS2 online, or can it be done via a USB cable of some kind, straight to PC? (This is one of the many occasions where I don't know what I'm talking about). I'd love to give it a go, but won't be able to if its going to involve network adaptors etc...
ssxpro wrote:
> I'd recommend just buying the game first hand (the e-bay prices are
> often more expensive than amazon/play/Special Reserve at the moment
> when postage is added). Sorry, its just too good!
No problem!
> I haven't actually tried that yet! I think it said something about 5
> credits so I was put off :D I will definitely have to give it a try
> though. Is it pretty flexible and capable of getting some decent
> shots?
It's brilliant! I've uploaded some shots to Photobox - feel free to check them out - just [URL]http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/1651903[/URL]
> I'd recommend just buying the game first hand (the e-bay prices are
> often more expensive than amazon/play/Special Reserve at the moment
> when postage is added). Sorry, its just too good!
No problem!
> I haven't actually tried that yet! I think it said something about 5
> credits so I was put off :D I will definitely have to give it a try
> though. Is it pretty flexible and capable of getting some decent
> shots?
It's brilliant! I've uploaded some shots to Photobox - feel free to check them out - just [URL]http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/1651903[/URL]
I had to admit, I quite liked Daxter too, but I'm going to be missing the PSP step I think. I might think differently if I gave it a go, but I just can't picture myself in any situation where I'd be able to use a PSP, other than at home where I might as well stick to PS2. I might keep an eye on what you guys think though and could change my mind if everybody really loves their PSPs.
WòókieeMøn§†€® wrote:
> Sounds like my kind of game! If you decide to sell your copy, let me
> know! ;-)
To be honest, that could be a long time from now. Finishing the game on "hero" mode, which is the normal difficulty setting, unlocks new modes like God mode. Its a serious challenge that could take months and I intend to give it my best shot. I'd recommend just buying the game first hand (the e-bay prices are often more expensive than amazon/play/Special Reserve at the moment when postage is added). Sorry, its just too good!
> I'm also looking forward to Tomb Raider Legend. I know many people
> are sick of Lara, but I've always loved the games. Angel of Darkness
> was by far the weakest link, but I still enjoyed it. Legend is
> supposed to be a return to form, though, so I'm hopefull.
I agree totally there and am one of the few people other than yourself who enjoyed Angel of Darkness. As you say, if Legend can get back on form, then it could be well worth a look. I've only seen a small feature in PSM2 so far, but I'm several issues behind on my reading at the moment. Lara herself definitely looked more modernized...
> I've been playing around with the Photo Mode a little too much!
I haven't actually tried that yet! I think it said something about 5 credits so I was put off :D I will definitely have to give it a try though. Is it pretty flexible and capable of getting some decent shots?
> My all-time favourite car since the very first GT game is the Nissan
> Skyline. I currently have a 96 R33 version, modified to 705bhp
I do like the Skylines and for some reason I quite like the bigger bulkier ones, they just look really powerful. I remember you saying previously (on GT3) that you'd found a couple of Nissans, including a skyline in the two player mode that were very evenly matched and ideal for two player racing - any suggestions on this game? If you're really bored, I've tried that tiny Citroen (with something like 30bhp) around the Nurburgring - tense stuff in two player mode!
> My fastest car at the moment, though, is the 1989 Toyota Minolta
> 88C-V at 1143bhp.
Ah, a familiar one that! I don't know if they're all the same colour, but mine is sort of blue and white which works quite nicely for the car. I find the tyre wear is terrible on that compared to newer models, but its also faster so its a tough balance.
> My over-all favourite course is still Tokyo Route 246, though of the
> new tracks, Fuji Speedway 90s is my favourite, with Twin Ring Motegi
> a close second. Citta di Aria is my favourite rally course.
I've always liked Laguna Seca and Grand Valley, the first because of the corkscrew and the second because of that fantastic bridge. I agree on Citta di Aria though - its a very pretty course. On the Fuji speedways, I like the one with the easy corner cut at the chicane best :D not that I'd ever do that, honest.
Anyway, likely to be my last post of the day this, but will try and catch up tomorrow. Take care Wooks.
WòókieeMøn§†€® wrote:
> Sounds like my kind of game! If you decide to sell your copy, let me
> know! ;-)
To be honest, that could be a long time from now. Finishing the game on "hero" mode, which is the normal difficulty setting, unlocks new modes like God mode. Its a serious challenge that could take months and I intend to give it my best shot. I'd recommend just buying the game first hand (the e-bay prices are often more expensive than amazon/play/Special Reserve at the moment when postage is added). Sorry, its just too good!
> I'm also looking forward to Tomb Raider Legend. I know many people
> are sick of Lara, but I've always loved the games. Angel of Darkness
> was by far the weakest link, but I still enjoyed it. Legend is
> supposed to be a return to form, though, so I'm hopefull.
I agree totally there and am one of the few people other than yourself who enjoyed Angel of Darkness. As you say, if Legend can get back on form, then it could be well worth a look. I've only seen a small feature in PSM2 so far, but I'm several issues behind on my reading at the moment. Lara herself definitely looked more modernized...
> I've been playing around with the Photo Mode a little too much!
I haven't actually tried that yet! I think it said something about 5 credits so I was put off :D I will definitely have to give it a try though. Is it pretty flexible and capable of getting some decent shots?
> My all-time favourite car since the very first GT game is the Nissan
> Skyline. I currently have a 96 R33 version, modified to 705bhp
I do like the Skylines and for some reason I quite like the bigger bulkier ones, they just look really powerful. I remember you saying previously (on GT3) that you'd found a couple of Nissans, including a skyline in the two player mode that were very evenly matched and ideal for two player racing - any suggestions on this game? If you're really bored, I've tried that tiny Citroen (with something like 30bhp) around the Nurburgring - tense stuff in two player mode!
> My fastest car at the moment, though, is the 1989 Toyota Minolta
> 88C-V at 1143bhp.
Ah, a familiar one that! I don't know if they're all the same colour, but mine is sort of blue and white which works quite nicely for the car. I find the tyre wear is terrible on that compared to newer models, but its also faster so its a tough balance.
> My over-all favourite course is still Tokyo Route 246, though of the
> new tracks, Fuji Speedway 90s is my favourite, with Twin Ring Motegi
> a close second. Citta di Aria is my favourite rally course.
I've always liked Laguna Seca and Grand Valley, the first because of the corkscrew and the second because of that fantastic bridge. I agree on Citta di Aria though - its a very pretty course. On the Fuji speedways, I like the one with the easy corner cut at the chicane best :D not that I'd ever do that, honest.
Anyway, likely to be my last post of the day this, but will try and catch up tomorrow. Take care Wooks.
Chr1s wrote:
> Why? The rally driving is hopeless. In GT3 it was finely tuned and it
> was a challenge but you always knew what the car would do at a corner
> so you could prepare. GT4 however is a different matter.
Practice, practice, practice! Then practice some more.
I found that too, at first. But it's not that it's 'weaker', just more responsive - the handling has been tweaked in GT4, and it's much more apparent in the rally sections than anywhere else.
Like you, I was all over the place at first, but have discovered that success in the rally sections is extremely dependent on car setup and throttle control. With new courses thron into the mix, it makes it all the more tricky.
I found that plenty of practice on the old courses (from GT3) was the best way to go, tweaking the car setup until I got the handling to an acceptable level for respectable lap times. Then I took the car to the new rally sections and went round and round learning the course.
Trust me, you can get the car handling as well as GT3.
> Why? The rally driving is hopeless. In GT3 it was finely tuned and it
> was a challenge but you always knew what the car would do at a corner
> so you could prepare. GT4 however is a different matter.
Practice, practice, practice! Then practice some more.
I found that too, at first. But it's not that it's 'weaker', just more responsive - the handling has been tweaked in GT4, and it's much more apparent in the rally sections than anywhere else.
Like you, I was all over the place at first, but have discovered that success in the rally sections is extremely dependent on car setup and throttle control. With new courses thron into the mix, it makes it all the more tricky.
I found that plenty of practice on the old courses (from GT3) was the best way to go, tweaking the car setup until I got the handling to an acceptable level for respectable lap times. Then I took the car to the new rally sections and went round and round learning the course.
Trust me, you can get the car handling as well as GT3.
ssxpro wrote:
> Are you looking ahead to Ratchet: Deadlocked?
What are you, stupid? ;-p If it's got Ratchet, Clank, Jak or Daxter in it, I'm interested!
I have to say, my most anticipated game featuring any of those characters at the moment has to be Daxter on the PSP, as mentioned in a previous post. I loved the look of it from screenshots, but I've since watched video clips on Gamespot (had to download rather than stream, but still), and I can't wait! I love the character, and the game looks superb. Just a shame it's not due until next year. :-(
> Just finished it last night, enjoyed it from start to finish and
> would recommend it to anyone who isn't going to be sick everytime
> they see a little blood
Sounds like my kind of game! If you decide to sell your copy, let me know! ;-)
I'm also looking forward to Tomb Raider Legend. I know many people are sick of Lara, but I've always loved the games. Angel of Darkness was by far the weakest link, but I still enjoyed it. Legend is supposed to be a return to form, though, so I'm hopefull.
> I remember from our GT3 days that you used to be quite a master at
> these games (getting golds on many, many licence tests for example)
I'm actually not as far through the game as I should be - just around the 30% mark I think. But I've not played it as much as I'd like to. I've been playing around with the Photo Mode a little too much!
> Any favourite races or cars so far?
My all-time favourite car since the very first GT game is the Nissan Skyline. I currently have a 96 R33 version, modified to 705bhp, and I love racing it on the Infineon Speedway - I can get some amazing controlled powerslides on the winding downhill section at the back of the course.
My fastest car at the moment, though, is the 1989 Toyota Minolta 88C-V at 1143bhp. Racing that around the Circuit de la Sarthe is just mindblowing.
My over-all favourite course is still Tokyo Route 246, though of the new tracks, Fuji Speedway 90s is my favourite, with Twin Ring Motegi a close second. Citta di Aria is my favourite rally course.
> Are you looking ahead to Ratchet: Deadlocked?
What are you, stupid? ;-p If it's got Ratchet, Clank, Jak or Daxter in it, I'm interested!
I have to say, my most anticipated game featuring any of those characters at the moment has to be Daxter on the PSP, as mentioned in a previous post. I loved the look of it from screenshots, but I've since watched video clips on Gamespot (had to download rather than stream, but still), and I can't wait! I love the character, and the game looks superb. Just a shame it's not due until next year. :-(
> Just finished it last night, enjoyed it from start to finish and
> would recommend it to anyone who isn't going to be sick everytime
> they see a little blood
Sounds like my kind of game! If you decide to sell your copy, let me know! ;-)
I'm also looking forward to Tomb Raider Legend. I know many people are sick of Lara, but I've always loved the games. Angel of Darkness was by far the weakest link, but I still enjoyed it. Legend is supposed to be a return to form, though, so I'm hopefull.
> I remember from our GT3 days that you used to be quite a master at
> these games (getting golds on many, many licence tests for example)
I'm actually not as far through the game as I should be - just around the 30% mark I think. But I've not played it as much as I'd like to. I've been playing around with the Photo Mode a little too much!
> Any favourite races or cars so far?
My all-time favourite car since the very first GT game is the Nissan Skyline. I currently have a 96 R33 version, modified to 705bhp, and I love racing it on the Infineon Speedway - I can get some amazing controlled powerslides on the winding downhill section at the back of the course.
My fastest car at the moment, though, is the 1989 Toyota Minolta 88C-V at 1143bhp. Racing that around the Circuit de la Sarthe is just mindblowing.
My over-all favourite course is still Tokyo Route 246, though of the new tracks, Fuji Speedway 90s is my favourite, with Twin Ring Motegi a close second. Citta di Aria is my favourite rally course.
Hi Wookie, long time no typey, hope your well and stuff.
I don't have a PSP yet as I didn't know enough about it, however this thread and a bit of researching will soon change that...!
I don't have a PSP yet as I didn't know enough about it, however this thread and a bit of researching will soon change that...!
Bonus wrote:
> I get perfect streaming of video reviews and clips from Gamespot, 1Mb
> Telewest connection.
I should also. I'm on a 2Mb NTL connection! Everywhere else is just fine.
> I get perfect streaming of video reviews and clips from Gamespot, 1Mb
> Telewest connection.
I should also. I'm on a 2Mb NTL connection! Everywhere else is just fine.
I agree that the rally sections are definitely weaker, but I haven't got quite such a problem with it. Perhaps it depends slightly on the car we are using? The only thing that annoys me is those stupid 5 second penalties that apply only to the player and not the computer cars.
As for getting to 75%, I've had it a while, but don't seem to have been playing it all that intensively. I find that it gets quicker as you go along - once you start getting decent cars, its easier to win more tournaments, which lead to more cars and so on... Also, and this might be a big one, I've concentrated on the manufacturer's tournaments a lot, rather than the bigger extreme league tournaments. This makes your percentage artificially high because the races are quite short by comparison.
As for getting to 75%, I've had it a while, but don't seem to have been playing it all that intensively. I find that it gets quicker as you go along - once you start getting decent cars, its easier to win more tournaments, which lead to more cars and so on... Also, and this might be a big one, I've concentrated on the manufacturer's tournaments a lot, rather than the bigger extreme league tournaments. This makes your percentage artificially high because the races are quite short by comparison.
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