Now playing ! - Retro Handheld Games -

[RetroNL]

This thread goes about what retro handheld game(s) you are playing right now.
It is mainly based on Nintendo GB/GBC and the GBA, you can also discuss about other handheld games as long as it is retro ofcourse. If you want to talk specifically about newer handhelds like the DS and PSP it is best to drop your info and comments in these (sub)threads:

DS: http://www.vc-forums.com/nintendo-ds-f38.html

PSP: http://www.vc-forums.com/playstation...e-psp-f61.html

Note: It doesnt necessarily have to be something you are actively playing right now, you can always talk about the games in general as long as its related to retro handheld gaming.

[RetroNL]

Just finished Zelda Links Awakening DX. Loved the Mario character mix in it and should say that its a great game, maybe even one of the best Zelda games.

Even if it was just a 'dream' .
9,0/10 from me.

[RetroNL]

Was a bit tired yesterday so started it again today with finishing Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins for GB, nice game but a bit shortsided. The weird thing is that the whole game is mediocre in difficulty while the last castle is harder at first but when get used to its ok.

Based on the whole game its definitely worth to have it in your collection if you dont have it yet (which I doubt with most handheld owners).

My Score: 8,0/10.

[pdRydia]

I'm playing through Chuchu Rocket on GBA right now. It's a pretty sweet puzzler. It's got just about a perfect difficulty curve. Each time I come back to it, I can beat the puzzles I couldn't the previous time I played.

CCR isn't talked about a lot--it has a small but devoted following. That's enough to get me interested in a puzzle game, though. I can't help but think it'd do well with a DS sequel. Given that it's a puzzle game, and not a "how fast can you move the cursor" game, the stylus would have been very nice on some of the special challenge stages.

[Mickeymac]

I'm playing Sonic Advance 3(got to Cyber Track Act 2), Mega Man & Bass(Got halfway through now), and Castlevania: Circle of Moon(got it for Xmas, just starting out).

[RetroNL]

Going to start with Metroid Fusion (GBA) soon, cant wait to load that missile stock again.

[Betagam7]

I shall be partaking in some Warioland 4 over the next few days.

[RetroNL]

Just completed Kirby's Dream Land 2 for GB. At first I have to say that this game has more durability than a game such as Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins and in my opinion also is a very good platform game to begin with because of the many extra's and the Rainbow Drops you have to collect to get to the real boss in the game: Dark Matter.

I also like the animals in it although mostly they arent necessary at all, the only times that they do matter is when you need them for a few (hard to get) Rainbow Drops at the end of the game.

Still the game has really gotten to me and feel like playing it again somewhere in the future.

My score: 8,5/10.

[Refa]

I just rebeat Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney. Before you cry foul about it not being "retro", keep in mind that it is a port of a GBA game. Anyways, I really loved just about everything about it. Now I'm replaying the sequel (another GBA port), which is just about a trillion times harder than the prequel. I'm on the third case at the moment. After I rebeat these 2 games, I can go onto the third game, which everyone who likes the Ace Attorney series seems to regard as the ****.

[Mr. Cheez]

Originally Posted by pdRydia

I'm playing through Chuchu Rocket on GBA right now. It's a pretty sweet puzzler. It's got just about a perfect difficulty curve. Each time I come back to it, I can beat the puzzles I couldn't the previous time I played.

CCR isn't talked about a lot--it has a small but devoted following. That's enough to get me interested in a puzzle game, though. I can't help but think it'd do well with a DS sequel. Given that it's a puzzle game, and not a "how fast can you move the cursor" game, the stylus would have been very nice on some of the special challenge stages.

Aww, man you're lucky! I've looked for that game ever since it came out, and never found it anywhere! Where did you find it, out of curiosity?

I've been playing a lot of Castlevania: Circle of the Moon lately. Just got to the observation tower, and I'm trying to get to level 45 so I can face Hugh. Unfortunately I'm getting my ass kicked by the tough-as-sh*t enemies...

[RetroNL]

I am playing Metroid Fusion GBA at the moment (couldnt resist it ! !) And man this game kicks ass, still at the beginning at sector 3 and just got my missiles/maru mari/bombs/charge beam and high jump. Cant wait to continue soon.

[pdRydia]

I just beat Rayman 3 for the GBA. It's a fun 2D platformer, and pretty solid throughout. I didn't care much for the design of the final half of the battle with the Big Bad, though.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by Mr. Cheez

Aww, man you're lucky! I've looked for that game ever since it came out, and never found it anywhere! Where did you find it, out of curiosity?

I've been playing a lot of Castlevania: Circle of the Moon lately. Just got to the observation tower, and I'm trying to get to level 45 so I can face Hugh. Unfortunately I'm getting my ass kicked by the tough-as-sh*t enemies...

Just remember, it's a flaw with the game, not you.

[RetroNL]

Am still playing Metroid Fusion and am past Ridley, it has taken a few hours of time for the weekend because of the collecting (Missiles, NRG Tanks etc.).

Edit: Finished it a few days ago and to me a very solid game, though a shame that the 2nd half of the game is more boss rushing than exploring.


My Rating: 8,5/10

[RetroNL]

After playing Metroid Fusion I am now ready to take on Metroid II: Return of Samus. Hope it will be good.

Edit: Finished the game in 6 hours and a few mins. (first run) and have to say it did above expectations. I think this game is heavily underrated by some critics. Its not top notch or something but definitely not bad.

The thing(s) that bug this game are the same as with Metroid on Nes: No Mapping and sometimes very difficult to find hidden paths and directions because of the similar surroundings, but with some use of maps on the net this game is very playable nonetheless.

What I enjoyed the most about this game is the music, I think some of the best Metroid music I heard till now (no kidding).
As for difficulty; The game wasnt very difficult nor easy, the last Omega Metroids and Queen Metroid can be a bit hard at the beginning, but when you know their patterns its a job that can be done.

Conclusion: Not the best, but still a very good game (Even for a Metroid game). Imo a must try, especially for Metroid fans.

My Rating: 8,0/10.

[pdRydia]

Playing FF Tactics Advance. I love it. The law system is annoying, but not nearly as game-destroying as many have claimed. The thing I hate most about judges is that they slow down battles by taking turns, moving corpses, running around, etc.

[Refa]

Originally Posted by RetroNL

What I enjoyed the most about this game is the music, I think some of the best Metroid music I heard till now (no kidding).
As for difficulty; The game wasnt very difficult nor easy, the last Omega Metroids and Queen Metroid can be a bit hard at the beginning, but when you know their patterns its a job that can be done.

Really? I thought the original Metroid had a far better soundtrack. Kraid's Lair is my favorite Metroid track so far. It is all subjective though. I do find it hard to enjoy Metroid II's soundtrack because I found it repetitive.

[RetroNL]

Originally Posted by Refa

Really? I thought the original Metroid had a far better soundtrack. Kraid's Lair is my favorite Metroid track so far. It is all subjective though. I do find it hard to enjoy Metroid II's soundtrack because I found it repetitive.

I heard the same with Zelda games, I also love Zelda II Nes overworld music more than the original one, its all about tastes. Though I also love Brinstar and Kraid music especially the remakes on Smash Bros. games.

[Pocketim]

Playing Dragon Warrior I on my GBC (from Dragon Warrior I & II). Only just started it, but it seems to be a very nice RPG, and I loved Dragon Quest IV on DS, so I have high hopes for this one. Plus, I wanted to play a lengthly RPG to keep me occupied until my Master System comes in the mail, and if I finish Dragon Quest I, I have Dragon Quest II to play.

[Mickeymac]

I'm playing Mega Man Xtreme 2 for the GBC. I just started today, yet I'm already on the Final Fortress in X Mode.

[RetroNL]

Next game I will be playing is: Castlevania Harmony of Dissonance (GBA), still I dont know when it will be because Im going to take my hands on some Wii games again the next few weekends.

[link64]

Originally Posted by RetroNL

Just finished Zelda Links Awakening DX. Loved the Mario character mix in it and should say that its a great game, maybe even one of the best Zelda games.

Even if it was just a 'dream' .
9,0/10 from me.

The only thing I did not like about that game was the fact that my copy broke

Also this tread needs more Neo Geo Pocket love

The last blade (NGPC) 9.5/10 this game is one of the best beat em ups I have ever played (that includes main console games)
Its really easy to get use to but has a decent amount of moves.

[RetroNL]

Originally Posted by link64

The only thing I did not like about that game was the fact that my copy broke

Also this tread needs more Neo Geo Pocket love

The last blade (NGPC) 9.5/10 this game is one of the best beat em ups I have ever played (that includes main console games)
Its really easy to get use to but has a decent amount of moves.

Thats a damn shame (the broken copy). Btw, nice that you throw in some classic games from another classic pocket console. I dont know much about the Neo Geo Pocket, so you got me informed with news. (and maybe some other people too)

Like I mentioned at the beginning of this thread: that all retro handhelds are allowed so that also includes the Neo Geo Pocket.

Ps. I am playing Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn (Wii) atm. so it may take some weekend(s) till I play handheld again, will inform about progress when the time is there. Greets !

[Mickeymac]

I'm playing Mega Man Xtreme 2 for Digiki...unfortunately, it's taking longer than I'd hoped to beat it.

[pdRydia]

Still on FFTA. My soul--!

[kawaiipikachu]

Originally Posted by pdRydia

Playing FF Tactics Advance. I love it. The law system is annoying, but not nearly as game-destroying as many have claimed. The thing I hate most about judges is that they slow down battles by taking turns, moving corpses, running around, etc.

I allways find the law system managable .
First i use the law cards to cancel out unwanted laws & also each step in the world map replaces the oldest of the list with a new law which you can easily check up on via one of the games menu's during the world map .
Most of the time there won't be any laws that bothers me & the few times that it does i usally find a workaround to coposate like white magic isn't allowed so i use healing items instead .

its only FFTA2 on the DS that has a frusting law system where the laws a set for each mission as opposed to it chaging as to walk thru the world map .
Plus no law cards .
Also unlike FFTA'S lawbreaking where the worst case senario where the law breaker goes to prision in FFTA2 once a law broken you can't revive a fainted ally .
soo FFTA= good law system
FFTA2= broken piece of poo poo platter .


Before i finish i would like to say that FFTA is a great game probably the best game i have for the GBA its my First Final Fantasy & i enjoyed every minute of it .

[pdRydia]

Originally Posted by kawaiipikachu

I allways find the law system managable .

Easily manageable, for every reason you mention. Furthermore, I've found it sometimes interesting. In most FFs (and similar games) I rely on bashing the enemies into submission, with the occasional healing or offensive magic. Laws have caused me to explore every skill set.

I don't use law cards too often. I tend to keep [X Steal] on hand so I can steal abilities and equipment in any battle I want, and I have a stash of [X R1-6] cards to cancel out random laws. Unfortunately there are just too many cards to be able to stock them strategically, IMO.

Originally Posted by kawaiipikachu

Also unlike FFTA'S lawbreaking where the worst case senario where the law breaker goes to prision in FFTA2 once a law broken you can't revive a fainted ally .

When breaking a law in FFTA you can earn permanent stat downs or lose any item in your inventory or any item equipped on the law breaker. That's pretty harsh. I always save before a battle and reset when I accidentally break a law, because I'm not gonna deal with a permanent stat down.

[link64]

Just got Wario Land 3 easily one of the best platformers ive ever played although im still not sure if its better than WL2. 10/10

[pdRydia]

Finally beat FFTA. It really irritates me that special characters can't be recruited till the post-game. I'm doing some of the post-game missions, but now that I've basically finished it up, I'm kind of eager to drop the game for its sequel. Might do a run of min/maxing for both the games in the future.

[Betagam7]

I just picked up Dark Arms and SNK vs Capcom Cardfighters Clash for NGPC. Will look forward to playing them when they arrive.

Takes my collection up to 5 now but sadly eliminates my one and only system complete on backloggery

[RetroNL]

Well well. . sorry for being away for some time . But after the modifications on my Retro NES GBA SP being an AGS 101 on the day of today (I will add some pics soon to my personal profile) Its time to rock again !

I see that this threat is almost biting the dust and its me of all people who is reacting again ! Dont be afraid to post some progress or other experiences on retro handheld gaming, dont forget that its also of very important value to retro gaming as consoles.

Castlevania Harmony of Dissonance is the game that I will eventually finish between other games.
The games that are the main target for the coming weeks for me are the Mario Advance games, I will take my time and enjoy it on the long road !
Hope to see some more reactions again soon in this thread in any case I will say: Happy retro handheld gaming !

[Jogurt the Yogurt]

Originally Posted by RetroNL

But after the modifications on my Retro NES GBA SP being an AGS 101 on the day of today (I will add some pics soon to my personal profile) Its time to rock again !

Just wanted to say that this kicks ass. An AGS-101 NES-model GBA SP is like all of the awesome things you can get in a SP rolled into one. (I prefer the NES model to the Triforce model.)

[Betagam7]

I been playing a fair bit of Xybots on the Atari Lynx. I really like this game even though I know its impossible to complete.

Playing it is part of my new quest to enjoy gaming again instead of treating it as work.

[RetroNL]

Well here it is, its a bit of a blurry photo though. I took it with a bit of a cheap cam but I think it shows enough . Im very happy I did it.

And yes I changed it with the other GBA SP.

[Pocketim]

Been playing quite a few different games recently.

First off, I've been playing R-Type DX, which is fantastic. It has R-Type 1 and 2, which have been ported pretty well, and run with little to no slowdown too. It's basically the same R-Type, only on a handheld, but that isn't a bad thing now, is it? Only down-side is that it doesn't have all the music. It has the first two tracks from each game, but then it just starts repeating those tracks for the rest of the levels.

I just recently also got Wario Blast, which is a crossover between Wario and Bomberman. I haven't played it too much yet, but from what I have played, it offers one of the much better 1-player Bomberman experiences, along with 2-player.

And finally, I've been playing Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3. This game is fantastic, and is easily one of my favorite games on the system. It feels kind of like Super Mario Land 2, but at the same time, the gameplay mechanics feel completely different for the most part. If I had to pick between Mario Land 2 and Wario Land, I'd probably actually pick Wario Land. It's easily the best platformer on the Gameboy (Mario Land 2 is very close though!)

[Betagam7]

Originally Posted by Pocketim

Been playing quite a few different games recently.

First off, I've been playing R-Type DX, which is fantastic. It has R-Type 1 and 2, which have been ported pretty well, and run with little to no slowdown too. It's basically the same R-Type, only on a handheld, but that isn't a bad thing now, is it? Only down-side is that it doesn't have all the music. It has the first two tracks from each game, but then it just starts repeating those tracks for the rest of the levels.

I just recently also got Wario Blast, which is a crossover between Wario and Bomberman. I haven't played it too much yet, but from what I have played, it offers one of the much better 1-player Bomberman experiences, along with 2-player.

And finally, I've been playing Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3. This game is fantastic, and is easily one of my favorite games on the system. It feels kind of like Super Mario Land 2, but at the same time, the gameplay mechanics feel completely different for the most part. If I had to pick between Mario Land 2 and Wario Land, I'd probably actually pick Wario Land. It's easily the best platformer on the Gameboy (Mario Land 2 is very close though!)

I have the R-Type DX game too. It's a nice package with the original GB games and the colour remakes.

Wario Blast is one I've been wanting to pick up for a while now too. I think if I'm not wrong that it has Super Gameboy compatibility.

[MerlinDrazziw]

Nice thread

Currently I'm playing TLoZ:Minish Cap (on my GB-micro). Still have Yoshi's
Universal Gravitation (or Topsy-Turvy) inserted in my GBA-SP and I still have
to pick up my GBC sometime to continue with the TLoZ:Oracle of ... games.
A little while ago I've been playing Metroid II with the GameBoy Player (NGC).

I have to agree with Pocketim on Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3. It was the
best Super Mario Land imo. and different from the following Wario Lands.

[Betagam7]

Originally Posted by MerlinDrazziw

Nice thread

Currently I'm playing TLoZ:Minish Cap (on my GB-micro). Still have Yoshi's
Universal Gravitation (or Topsy-Turvy) inserted in my GBA-SP and I still have
to pick up my GBC sometime to continue with the TLoZ:Oracle of ... games.
A little while ago I've been playing Metroid II with the GameBoy Player (NGC).

I have to agree with Pocketim on Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3. It was the
best Super Mario Land imo. and different from the following Wario Lands.

Wario Land 2 was one of my fav GBC games back in the day. I got the third one recently but can't really get into it as much.

[Pocketim]

Originally Posted by Betagam7

Wario Land 2 was one of my fav GBC games back in the day. I got the third one recently but can't really get into it as much.

Wario Land 3 was a bit more confusing with the puzzles and such, but it didn't stop me from overall enjoying it. I'm stuck at this one area where you have to go back to a level where a snake is now coming out of a pot, and you have to use it somehow to find a new treasure chest. I think it was "The Bigsa Greenlands" or something like that.

[Betagam7]

Got a little Boktai in today while travelling to the retro game shop I found and suspect the evening will be consumed with lashings of the Manic Miner I bought there.

Mmmmm...taste that coal.