Chicken Soup for the Soul

 Just as I've finally found my groove in clearing my backlog, a cold takes me out.  And the lack of heating in my building didn't help.  Taking time off from work to recover, all I could do to power through the headaches, fever and stuffiness was to rewatch old movies on YouTube and fiddle with my modded Game Boy Color.  Now that I've recovered enough to change my profile pic for the first time in years, here's what I've been playing on a regular basis.

Tetris (ModRetro Chromatic) and Tetris DX (Game Boy Color)

Easy to play, hard to master, Tetris was easily my first choice.  I started with ModRetro's port and then for a change of pace, switched over to Tetris DX on Nintendo's online gaming service.  Playing only in Marathon Mode for a minute, I didn't see much of a difference between both ports except being treated to a space shuttle launch after reaching a certain threshold on DX.

Pocket Bomberman (GBC)

My very first exposure to Bomberman, Pocket Bomberman is a spinoff to developer Hudson Soft's mainline games.  Much like in the latter, the player plants bombs to kill enemies and clear a path to the next level.  Except it's across sidescrolling platforms vs overhead mazes.  Also like the mainline titles, this game also has a password system that lets the player pick up where they've left off.  In addition, the cartridge is backwards compatible with the original Game Boy, which I own and plan to add a backlit screen to.

Bomberman (Playstation Portable)

My first mainline Bomberman game, this version was developed by Hudson Soft and Konami.  I started playing this one when I got stuck on Pocket Bomberman.  The gameplay's the same, except for the overhead view, and I haven't checked out the extra modes yet.  And I'm still on my Game Boy kick, so I switched over to . . .

Bomberman GB (Game Boy)

As it turned out, my R36S emulator's packed with tons of Bomberman ports, so I'll be eating pretty good from here on in.  But that's if I can beat this GB port.  For an 'inferior' version of the original title, this one gets hectic fast; so much so that I blow myself up as often as I blow up a baddie.

Wario Blast: Featuring Bomberman! (GB)

Bomberman and Wario face off in this Nintendo crossover.  Whoever you choose, you try to blow up Wario or Bomberman before they do the same to you.  It's more of the same, really; I should've realized it after basically playing the same game across different ports.

That's all for now.  Next time I'll be explore fighting games for non fighting gamers, it that makes sense.  Hope to see you then as I blast my way to the Top of the Heap.

Locked On

 Sitting on entries of turn-based tactical games like Final Fantasy Tactics, Disgaea and of course Fire Emblem, I've found the basic formula of SRPG's with limited movesets and customization to be more engaging than current titles with their quality of life improvements.  Keeping it simple, in other words.  I figured as much playing several SRPG's for the Game Boy Advance, starting with . . .

Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars

A spinoff of Konami's Zone of the Enders series of mecha action games, Fist of Mars dials it down for the Game Boy Advance.  I got interested in the series after watching the limited anime Zone of the Enders 2167: IDOLO.  Though owning the original game for the Playstation 2, this was the only title I had immediate access to without half the fun of downloading ROMs and emulators.

On to the game, the player and the computer take turns moving icons across an grid-based map while attacking, using items, etc.  Standard SRPG fare, right?  But what makes Fist of Mars stand out is when facing the enemy, a targeting system pops up (above) where you have a limited time to lock on to said enemy before attacking.  The player can use this system to whittle the HP of enemy units or land that oh-so-sweet critical blow.  The in-game story wasn't worth writing home about, but most of the missions were straightforward and I beat the whole thing in a few weeks.

Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation

Another spinoff of another gaming franchise, Super Robot Taisen was developed by the good folks at Banpresto, responsible for Super Robot Wars.  Whereas the latter games squeezed in your favorite giant robot anime in a convoluted plot, Super Robot Taisen squeezes in original characters and mecha in a convoluted plot.  The gameplay's basically the same as in Fist of Mars but instead of a targeting system, the player is treated to a cutscene of their mecha dispatching the enemy in an over-the-top fashion (assuming the player doesn't just skip the cutscene altogether).  Having been exposed to the Super Robot games through merchandising, the original mecha designs like the Alteisen (above) are growing on me.  Even if I'm basically playing Fist of Mars over again, I'm eager to see how this title plays out.

Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files--Tournament Tactics

Probably the worst of the tactical games I've played for the GBA, this is a cash-grab title for the Yu Yu Hakusho anime, adapting the show's "Dark Tournament" arc.  Though not having watched the show since it aired on Cartoon Network in the early 2000's, this showed up on my R36S' list of favorites so I gave it a try.  Attempting the isometric gameplay found in games like Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre, Tournament Tactics lacks the complexity of both and works as an introductory SRPG at best.  Besides getting repetitive after a while, one other problem is that once you fail a mission, you start over from the beginning.  Even though the game has save files.  I don't know if it's an issue with the ROM or what, but thankfully the R36S has saves of its own.

Let's end it here.  For the next blog, I'm already trying out my new and improved Game Boy Color console, and maybe some new downloads.  Hope to see you then as I keep gaming my way to the Top of the Heap.

Taming of the Screw

 

If you've been following the blog, you'd know I'm a fan of the Chromatic, the overpriced Game Boy clone from ModRetro.  And speaking of price, they've just released a new, cheaper line of Chromatic handhelds.  Replacing the metal casing of the original models with see-through plastic to match ModRetro's version of the Nintendo 64.  Already owning 2 Chromatics--both setting me back $200 a pop--I questioned whether I wanted a 3rd Game Boy enough to cough up the dough.  Even if they're $50 cheaper.  Just then, I remembered I already had a 3rd Game Boy.

Years after missing out the first time around, I got this Game Boy Color for cheap from the weekend garage sales in my neighborhood.  Then I flipped it on eBay.  Years after that, I bought it back as a permanent addition to my collection.  I've always meant to replace the screen with a backlit one to play my GB cartridges on the original hardware.  But having struggled with modifying consoles before, I've put it off.  This time around, I wanted to challenge myself for a change.

Searching for a replacement shell in the color closest to the Cheapo Chromatic,  I happened upon an online store that could ship everything I needed at once.  On the upper left next to the shell is a drop-in backlit screen that didn't need soldering or trimming the shell.  Though the shell had its own face buttons, I added a Hot Pink set to match the buttons on Cheapo.  Everything down to the cover for the battery compartment was also included.

The main reason modding was such a hassle for me was that I almost always ran into a striped screw I couldn't unscrew, often on the motherboard.  Through years of online shopping I've accumulated a pile of tools to be sure I always had the right one.  I've even bought ModRetro's brand mod kit for when I messed around with their consoles.  Sure enough, I already had the right screwdrivers for taking apart the device.  Of note, I wouldn't find out until after all's said and done that the speaker on the lower left of the motherboard was busted.  But since I mostly play on mute and replacing the speaker would've required soldering, I let that go.

Here's my GBC with the new shell and screen installed.  The screen also included wired sensors to stick inside the shell to toggle the brightness and color palette by tapping the console itself.  While not an exact match to the Chromatic, the shell was more vibrant compared to the old one, and its matte finish made it smudge-free.  While testing a game, however, the new face buttons were jammed.  So I opened up the Game Boy again and sanded the A button so it fit flush into the shell.  I kept the old D-Pad along with the Select and Start buttons and the controls worked great.  No rechargeable battery upgrade; between having both rechargeable AA's and USB packs for my other handhelds, that part's covered.

For the modders you'd see on YouTube, this is light work.  This being my first successful mod, I can't put it down with how good it all looks (even if the screen's slightly misaligned).  With plenty of ModRetro carts in my backlog, I'm playing my next one exclusively on this, and hanging the included charm.  But what do you think?  Let me know if I did a good job in the comments.  And join me next time as I try out more games from the Game Boy library.  See you then!

Special thanks to Hand Held Legend for providing the products and resources that made this project a success.

Driving Blind

 Between work and gaming and reading, I've squeezed in time to dig up some blind-box toys from the back burner, including a recent pickup.  So without further ado . . .

Gundam QMSV Mini: Gold Team

Starting with the recent pickup, this my second figure from Bandai Namco's Gundam QMSV blind figure line.  Finding 2 different collections at the specialty shop Digigo, they're also the most expensive blind toys I've found at just over $27 a pop.

With 6 figs to collect, plus 2 rarities, it was clear which one I wanted.

But this one's fine too.

You'd think I've 'struck gold' with the Hyaku Shiki.  Taking a closer look, however, I've found a few things not par for the course.

Understanding that this is a mass-produced joint with about 5 points of articulation, the gold plating doesn't hide the glaring seam lines throughout the figure.  Furthermore, the included beam rifle just hangs loose on the hand, and even the clear lenses on the head camera's misaligned.

On top of that, both binders on Hyaku Shiki's back don't properly fit in the backpack either.  I guess I could trim the pegs or whatever, but why should I have to?

Here's a side-by-side comparison with my first QMSV, a promotional joint exclusive to China's McDonald's app.  I got it for about the same price from an obscure online store.  But after reviewing Hyaku Shiki, I no longer question the authenticity of this figure.

ZURU 5 Surprise: Monster Truck--Color Change

A much cheaper option and more readily available, I've bought this one on a whim from my local supermarket.  Literally months later, I finally checked it out to see how it holds up to a Rocket League capsule, which had a pull-back car and a download code for DLC.

After ripping off the seals, the plastic ball splits in half, and then in thirds . . .

To reveal an unbuilt monster truck with rubber wheels, bumpers, instructions and a spring-loaded rocket launcher.  With 7 trucks to collect, I got the rare final one.

Actually, I wanted to see if the truck could still change color with water as advertised.  Letting just the truck body soak in lukewarm water with ice cubes, nothing happened.  Dipping it in a container left in the fridge to collect leaking water . . .

Yep, this mofo works.

Upon further review ZURU 5's Monster Trucks are a fun little diversion that grabs your attention for a least a few minutes.

LEGO City: Hot Rod (60485)

For a change of pace (and cuz I didn't want to dig up more blind toys from piles of boxes), I decided to build one of several LEGO sets I've bought from Walgreens for a rainy day.  With clear skies and slightly chilly temperatures, I've settled on LEGO City's Hot Rod set.  Besides LEGO's blind minifigures, I've really gotten into building their cars as well.

Holding all the parts in multiple polybags (except the rear tires; those come loose in the box), I threw them all in a container usually reserved for my breakfast cereal.  But LEGO bricks do a number on my teeth.

After building the Luke Perry figure (left), I worked on the car itself; bit by bit, brick by brick.

Here Luke Perry lights up to show appreciation for a job well done.  I like how the hood flips open to stick the figure in.

Once the hood closes over the windshield, though, it narrows our view of the driver.  Can't imagine he can see too good either.

I just wish the set included more of those tiny flame bits to add to the car's exposed engine.

Finally, here's the Hot Rod side by side with LEGO's Sports Car (60448).  If anyone wants my first impressions on that toy, let me know.

And that concludes this toy blog.  I have more in the works as I open more of stuff, so sit tight.  As always I hope you'll join me next time as I cruise my way to the Top of the Heap.  So long, everybody.

Wingin' It

All week I've managed squeeze in Gunpla and gaming between preparing meals and cleaning up, while catching up on my reading at work.  And just when I find my groove, I catch a cold from all the electric fans buzzing around at my job.  Apparently, that didn't stop me from carrying on with my routine (except for leaving my last shift early) and I've even managed to (finally!) finish a Gundam model.

1/144 EG Wing Gundam

After working on it bit by bit every day, I was at the final assembly stage with my Wing Gundam and the Wing Unit option set from 30 Minutes Missions.  With the Gundam, I really just painted the yellow parts with gold and a clear yellow overcoat, followed by a clear gloss coat.  Then I colored the panel lines with an enamel wash and added third-party decals meant for the Real Grade Wing Gundam.  I also painted the all-white wings with gold, red and a blue mixture to match the rest of the model before sealing it all with clear matte coat.

And this is the result.  Though satisfied overall, I've come across some issues that only matter if you look real close.  The clear yellow I added to the gold was old and left smudges mostly on the wings.  And speaking of clear coats, the matte finish came from spray cans for convenience and have not only tightened the parts to wear they can break or scrape paint, but may also have been the cause of some discolored decals on the shield.

The paint, thinner and panel wash have also made the tiny 'talons' on the Gundam's arms brittle and they broke when I tried clipping them on.  And I could've modified the shield to latch onto the backpack and recreate the Wing's transformation into Bird Mode, thought obviously it wouldn't have been lore-accurate.

Whether I'm doing straight builds or a full paint job, I always seal unwanted seam lines with cement and sand the surface.  Watching closely, I didn't completely erase the seams on the legs.  In which case I could've gone over the surface with putty, sanded until smooth and painted that particular area.  Or if I really didn't want to paint, another option was to snip bits of plastic from the white runner, melt them in cement, add that to the seam and then sand the surface.  Though the results still wouldn't have looked any better than if painted.

With this model finally done, I hope to carry what I've learned onto the other Gunpla taking up my living space, starting with a certain mesh of skewered green bits you may have caught behind Wing Gundam in these pics.  As I jump on that, make sure to catch me next time as I continue making my way up to the Top of the Heap.

Washed

 Just when the humidity dropped and I could breathe again, a leaking ceiling almost flooded my bathroom.  Again.  While waiting for my super to fix everything--again--I'll run down the games I've been playing to beat the heat.

Tetris 99 (Switch)

I've played quite a bit of this lately, to take advantage of a special event in which you can buy more background themes with less in-game currency.  Now they're offering a new theme based on Nintendo's newest Switch 2 title Splatoon Raiders.  Basically an expansion of the Salmon Run minigame from Splatoon 3.  Round up 100 points, and the theme's yours.

Capcom Arcade Stadium (Switch)

Next, I was in the mood for some classic Street Fighter.  Having literally a dozen ways to play it (even the Game Boy ports on cartridge),  my Switch was just within reach.  After going a few rounds with Vega (which is actually just restarting from my last save state after losing every other round), I moved on to . . .

Capcom Fighting Collection: Vol. 1 (Switch)

Since playing thorough the Playstation ports of the original Darkstalkers on the Vita, I've been meaning to pick 'em up again.  And what better way than to download another port onto another console at a bargain, only to leave it idle for months on end.  Originally using Morrigan the succubus--a clone of Street Fighter's Ryu--as my main, Dimitri the vampire proved more my speed in my fight against ghouls and ghosts.  And a super-cheap mummy that keeps turning me into a bat.

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (Game Boy)

Starting with my completing Wario Land 2 and trying out every other Wario game for a minute, I tried to remedy that by playing through the first game in the Wario franchise.  I guess my reason for not following through is that by comparison, playing Wario 2 on an actual cartridge, on an actual Game Boy, limits me to just that game unless I have another cart handy.  Whereas playing Wario 1 on Switch Online, I can 'switch' to dozens of other games at any time and that's distracting.  Which would explain why so many gravitate towards retro and physical media.

Earthworm Jim (Game Boy)

With the re-release of a decades-old port for ModRetro's Chromatic, I tried it out on my R36S to see if it's worth owning the cart.  So far, I don't think it is.  While it plays as close to the original 16-bit version as possible with 2 face buttons and a D-pad, it's still a port of the 16-version played with 2 face buttons and a D-pad.  Plus I keep getting bounced back in place while walking on all those tires in Level 1.

Pokemon Crystal Version (Game Boy Color)

Another game buried in my backlog, I'm finally playing Crystal after hearing that Pokemon Bank will shut down next year.  My second exposure to the Gen 2 games after Pokemon Gold, I usually choose just one game from each generation, preferably the optimal 2nd/3rd version.  But I made an exception with Crystal when it released some time after Gold/Silver on Nintendo's Virtual Console.  I'm really just trying to catch whatever Johto Pokees I may not already have in the Pokemon Home app.  But with very Pokemon ever popping up in later generations, it's hard not to catch 'em all.  Eventually.

I'll stop here.  Join me again as I catch Pokemon and the anime fighter bug on my way to the Top of the Heap.  See you next time.

Wingin' It

 Reminiscent of my past summer posts, the progress of my hobbies have slowed to a crawl due in part to the fact that it's been so frickin' humid lately, I could hardly breathe and I don't feel up to it.  When I'm not watching YouTube or Tubi to kill time, I'm hanging around some establishment with adequate air conditioning but don't really do anything in part cuz I'm so self-conscious.  Every other minute, I'm thinking about my latest Gunpla project and my backlog (which should reach the ceiling by the end of the year).  But the last time I worked on Gunpla under these current conditions, some decals I've been using dried up and flew away, almost ruining the piece.  Since I've apparently found the energy to write about it, I might as well write about where I'm at right now.

1/144 HGBD Impulse Gundam Lancier

Though I'm obviously in no rush at this point, it's still embarrassing to say I'm taking so long building a 5-inch figure.  A variant of the 1/144 HGCE Impulse Gundam, I introduced the Impulse Lancier years back intending to kitbash it with another kit.  Over time, I've decided on a straight build and now a painted custom.  Which includes changing a transformation gimmick the Impulse Lancier has.  Inspired by the Gundam Wing anime, I wanted to add actual wings to change the Gundam into a fighter jet but couldn't find the right pair.

That's when I happened upon the 1/144-scale Option Parts Set 17 (Wing Unit 1) from Bandai Spirits' 30 Minutes Missions line; the first I'd ever use.  You can buy it from sites like Newtype and BigBadToyStore, but at the time eBay was the only place I could find this particular set.

Once I built the wings and tried 'em on the Gundam, I thought they didn't match.  But then something else had arrived in the mail . . .

1/144 EG Wing Gundam

Part of my latest delivery from BigBadToys, this was an opportunity to kill 2 birds with one stone.  Not only would building this kit alongside the others lighten my backlog . . .

But the wings look much better on the Impulse Lancier than the other pair.  Speaking of which . . .

Those wings look way better on Wing Gundam than the other one.  Though looking good out of the box, I've decided to paint (partially) the wings to resemble the Real Grade Wing Gundam.  And of course that became a whole thing; more on that coming soon.

And that's all for now.  I hope you tune next time when, once this humidity passes (if it ever passes), I'm finally able to finish Wing Gundam as I fly up to the Top of the Heap.