Trom's Weekly Video Game Review Thread

Trombonus said:

No worries, I have a week to recover, and most of that time was spent playing MM7 and trying to pick up all the little things I'd missed. Next week's review is going to be a nice eaasy one.

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oh alright *still worries*



what? I'm a girl!!! lol.

Lady Reiha said:

oh alright *still worries*



what? I'm a girl!!! lol.

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lol, I appreciate it.

Trombonus said:

lol, I appreciate it.

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^____________^!

I just finished downloading the entire Xenosaga Anime. It's Freakin sweet!

Also became Pokemon league Champion again (Leaf Green). Now I'm exploring the sevii Islands and catching some Johto Pokemon.

Trombonus said:

I just finished downloading the entire Xenosaga Anime. It's Freakin sweet!

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You'll need to point me in the direction of those links!

Also became Pokemon league Champion again (Leaf Green). Now I'm exploring the sevii Islands and catching some Johto Pokemon.

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Yuppers...I'm currently working my way through the ruins and collecting one of each Unown...only 12 more to go... Oh, and Trom, you should link the VR thread here and vice versa...seems to be the same target audience

Oh, and the newest Pokedex came out this past weekend! I should be picking it up tomorrow morning on my way home from work...there are now nearly 500 pokemon!!!

deathlynx said:

You'll need to point me in the direction of those links!

Yuppers...I'm currently working my way through the ruins and collecting one of each Unown...only 12 more to go... Oh, and Trom, you should link the VR thread here and vice versa...seems to be the same target audience

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The link is in my sig for the VR chain, but I guess I could link it in the first post too...

As for Xenosaga...Here

I used the torrent that says [Avalon] on the front. Now I just need to find the soundtrack to Xenosaga Episode III and I'm set. I already have the first two.

Ok, so I picked up the newest Pokedex today...$20 but I have to say, WELL worth it! If you have Dimond and Pearl or just in general...Not only does it have all 490 of the current pokemon in it, but it's also has an entire section about post game adventures for the two DS games...There are actually a number of pokemon that aren't listed in the guide for them that you can now get...Very worthwhilefor anyone who has Dimond or Pearl, or is just a pokemon enthuseist...

Week 8: Super Mario World

(Ok guys, I'm late yet again, so I'm bringing you an old review. Been really busy this past week, but I'll have more free time after tonight).

Week 8: Super Mario World
System: SNES
Genre: Side scrolling platform

In Super Mario World, Bowser is at it again. Princess Todastool as she was known at the time has been kidnapped once again, so it's up to everyones favorite plumber to save her again. Of course, being a bigger game, Bowsers pulled off an even bigger caper this time. This go around he's taken an entire group of Islands captive. This place known as Dinosaur Land is the home to a group of friendly dinosaurs, with unusually long tongues and sturdy backs, known as Yoshi's. Yep this is the debut game of Yoshi, another of Shigeru Miyamoto's beloved characters. Very early on Mario runs into this friendly creature, and they set off to fight Bowser and rescue all the Yoshis, as well as a certain princess. Luigi comes along as well in his usual 2nd player role.

Of course, what would any Mario game be without the power ups? SMW is no exception. Although, it doesn't have the selection of Super Mario Bros. 3, it makes up for it with the many powers and skills of Yoshi. Of course there's the standards. Mario jumps and stomps as well as he ever did, and has now added a spin jump that can destroy certain blocks to his repertoire. We've still got the Super Mushroom, which changes Regular Mario into Super Mario, and the Fire Flower, giving Mario a projectile attack. Then there's the 1-Up mushroom, which grants an extra life, and of course there's Starman, who grants invulnerability. New in the series is the Super Feather, which grants Mario a super cape, which allows him to fly and take out bad guys by spinning. Then there's the rare Power Balloon, which fills Mario with air and makes him into a Ballon, allowing him to float and rise upwards. Of course this power is limited, and once the air runs out he drops like a rock.

Then there's the Yoshi's, that come in four colors, each with special abilities. There's the standard Green Yoshi, that Eats just about any enemy in one go. The only exception are the hard shelled enemies, and certain other enemies and items. The Koopa Troopas however, grant him special powers, depending on the color of the shell. Green shells don't do enything, but you can spit them out any time, unless Yoshi swallows them, which happens if you wait too long. Red shells allow Yoshi to spit three fireballs that spread out. Blue shells Allow Yoshi to fly somewhat. Yellow shells let Yoshi cause little earthquakes when he jumps, which knock out bad guys if they're close enough. Then there are the special flashing shells, which grant yoshi all the above powers, except green shell. Then there are Red, Blue, and Yellow yoshis, which grant yoshi the same powee that the Koopa shell of the same color would provide, in addition to whatever color the shell he has in his mouth provides. For instance, lets say you have a Blue Yoshi with a Yellow shell in it's mouth. You would be able to fly, and cause little earthquakes. Plus if any yoshi eats a certain number of berries, it lays an egg which grants a special item. 10 red berries gets you a Super Mushroom, 2 pink berries gives you a cloud that drops 10 coins and a 1up if you catch all 10 coins. Then green berries add time to the clock.

The game takes place in 7 areas, each one guarded by one of Bowsers seven kids. There are several levels in each world, as well as a castle at the end. A Yellow dot on the map indicates a standard level, with one exit. Red dots indicate that there are two exits, each one opening up a different pathway. You're gameplay experience can change drastically depending on which routes you take. of course, I try and finish everything in an area before moving on. There are Ghost Houses that are deviously tricky to navigate, with their exits well hidden, along with some nasty surprises as well. Then there are Fortresses, guraded by four Reznar, small triceratops that spit fire and ride on a spinning wheel over a pool of hot lava.

Of course at the end you have the castles, where you face off against one of the Koopa kids, who have a yoshi held captive. There are water levels, sky levels, cave levels and there's a whole hidden eigth world with numerous special levels as well, unlike anything you've come across so far. Once completed, this special world changes the game completely, from the colors of the map, to the enemies in the game themselves. I mean the koopas walk around in gigantic Mario masks. Anyways, at the end you have the final castle with none other than Bowser, the Koopa king flying around in that now infamous flying clown head. Finish him off and you're treated to a fireworks show, a parade of characters, and of course, a kiss from the plucky princess. Who could ask for more?

This game was one of the first 16 bit games, and the graphics are top notch, even by todays standards. There a tons of games coming out these days that don't look anywhere near as good as this game. It has bright, vivid colors, and easily distinguishable characters, making this one of the best looking games of its time, as well as now. Mario games are known for colorful characters, and this game is no exception.

One thing I don't get is the change they made to the Goombas. You're supposed to be able to squash them in one stomp, they are mushrooms after all, but in this game, you stomp them and they just fall over. Then you can grab them and toss them just like Koopas. I mean what's the point? Adding wings in SMB3 I could see. I mean Koopa Paratroopers had wings, why not Goombas, but the SMW Goomba thing is quite possibly the one thing I don't really like about the game. You can tell I'm really reaching here.

Anyways, getting back on track here, in addition to the graphics, the typical Mario music is just as good as always. the outside levels are upbeat and fun, the underwater levels are smooth and flowing, the Ghost levels are spooky and mysterious. Perhaps my favorite is the effect of the inderground levels. It really gives the feeling of being inside a cavern, where the music is slow, and you can hear the echoes. Great stuff, really outstanding considering when it was made.

The only problem I have with it is that once it's over, it's over. There's only so many times you can play the same levels, and it's really easy to memorize them, taking away much of the challenge. Still, every so often I pull it out and have some fun with it, but only for a quick bit of fun. Not something I could play for several days, unless I started over from the beginning, and even then I would probably play something else. Anyways, You've all played it, and if you haven't, crawl out from under that rock, find a copy and sit down and play it right now! You wont regret it.

Storyline: 95
Gameplay: 97
Graphics: 97
Sound: 97
Overall: 96.5

I know what yuou mean about the ending, but there's plenty of levels to it with multiple stars so that's good...Mario Sunshine on the other hand I think they went too far the other way...I'm currently stuck in it because I've opened every world I know of and still can't get enough stars to move on

Week 9: N64 Poke-palooza

Today I have a special set of reviews for you guys. I'm offering a four for one special this week! Generous huh? Well, I reviewed the main Pokemon games a while back, so I figured I'd review some of the other Pokemon games I'd passed over. I had originally decided to do just the Pokemon Stadium games, which will still make up the bulk of my review, but I decided to throw in two other games as well: Pokemon Snap, and Pokemon Puzzle League.

Well, let's get started.

Week 9: Poke-palooza
Pokemon Stadium 1 & 2, Pokemon Snap & Pokemon Puzzle League
Platform: Nintendo 64

Pokemon Stadium 1 & 2

For those that have read my previous Pokemon review, you know that the main focus of those games is to collect, trade and train your Pokemon, and to follow the storyline of that game. Well, Pokemon Stadium focuses entirely on battling. There is no story, and no Pokemon to catch. All the Pokemon you need have been provided for you. The main draw is that you can import your own team of Pokemon and use them in the battles as well! Now you can finally see your Pokemon battle in 3D, and it's an awesome sight.

The Original Pokemon Stadium was widely anticipated, mainly because of the fact that it was the first game to allow you to import data from a gameboy game for use in an N64 title. It even came with the attachment you needed! When you press start the game asks you to select a Pokemon pak, or go into the game without selecting one. You can have several Pokemon games connected at one time through other controllers, which is great for multiplayer battles!. From that screen you are taken to the main menu, where you have several options to choose from. Battle Now! is a quick play selection where you are given a set group of Pokemon to choose from and battle with. The teams never change, so this probably wont satisfy you for more than a minute or too. The Event Battle is the multiplayer area. you need two controllers and two Gameboy Pokemon games connected in order to select this option. There's the Gallery, which allows you to take pictures of whatever Pokemon you want. Back when it came out you could take the game to Blockbuster and have the pictures printed out as stickers for you! There's an option menu, Which allows you to set sound options and delete your saved data. Then Finally you have the meat and potatoes of the game, Pokemon Stadium.

Pokemon Stadium has several options to choose from. The Stadium area is where the main tournaments are held. There are four tournaments to choose from, each with their own requirements. The Pika Cup and Petit Cup have only one set of battles to go through, but they're far from easy since you have to use low level Pokemon. The Poke Cup and Prime Cup have 4 different tournaments to go through. The Free Battle area allows you to take on the computer or a friend under your own rules. The Gym Leader Castle pits you against the eight Gym Leaders from the original Pokemon games, as well as the Elite Four. Beat the Gym Leader challenge and all the tournaments and a surprise guest shows up. Defeat this powerful foe and you will unlock Round 2, which you can switch to from the Main Menu. If you thought round one was tough, you'll be pulling your hair out in Round 2.

The Gameboy Tower allows you to play your Gameboy Pokemon game on the TV screen, just like if you used the Super Gameboy for the SNES. The big difference here is that upon completing certain requirements it get's upgraded to the Doduo and Dodrio Tower. The Doduo Tower allows you to play the Pokemon games at twice the normal speed, and the Dodrio Tower allows you to play the games at FOUR times the normal speed! Just make sure the volume is down when you do this, trust me.

There are a couple other places you can visit, including Professor Oak's Lab, where you can sort out your Gameboy Pokemon and store them on the N64 game pak. You even get certain presents, recieved when you beat the Gym Leader Castle. Then there's the Hall of Fame, where your winning Pokemon get stored as statues. getall 151 Pokemon in there and you will unlock a special present.

Finally there's the Kids Club, which features 9 Mario Party style mini-games. These are a lot of fun, and a great multiplayer treat.

Pokemon Stadium 2 was made to accomodate Pokemon Gold, Silver and Crystal. It is basically the same game, but with a few extras. You still have the Battle Now, Event Battle, and Option selections in the Main Menu, but the Gallery selection is gone. It has been replaced by the Mystery Gift selection. This allows you to recieve a present once a day in your Pokemon Gold, Silver or Crystal game. These range anywhere from regular items to decorations.

Inside the Stadium area, known as White City in this game, much has stayed the same. You still have the Pokemon Lab and Game Boy Tower, whaich can also be upgraded to Doduo and Dodrio Gameboys like before. Although, if you want to play your G/S/C games at those speeds you'll have to earn that right in round 2. Now however there are a few new options. The My Room area is where you can decorate your room from the gameboy games with the decorations you've purchased or recieved from the Mystery Gift event. Then there's Pokemon Academy, where you can learn some basic and advanced battling tips. You go through classes and end up taking a test at the end.

As for battling, the same battles remain from last time. Free Battles and the Gym Leader Castle return. This time though you have to battle through two sets of Gym Leaders and the Elite Four. Then there's the Stadium itself, which has gone few a couple changes. The Poke Cup and Prime Cup return, but the Prime Cup only has one tournament to play through. The Petit and Pika Cups have been replaced with the Little Cup, which has even tighter rules than before, allowing only level 5 pokemon to participate! The biggest addition has to be the Challenge Cup. It has four tournaments to play through and uses the same rules as the Poke Cup, except your Pokemon are chosen entirely at random! You never get the same group twice! Fortunately they do balance your team out some, which is nice of them. Once again, you have to defeat the Gym Leader Castle and all the Tournament Cups in order to unlock the wicked hard Round 2.

The graphics are really good in these games. A little choppy by todays standards, but utterly fantastic for when it came out. The sound is alright, but the damned announcer will annoy the hell out of you. Luckily you have the option of turning him off if you like.

Pokemon Stadium:
Gameplay: 97
Graphics: 95
Sound: 90
Overall: 94

Pokemon Stadium 2:
Gameplay: 98
Graphics: 97
Sound: 93
Overall: 96

Okay, now for something completely and utterly different. Remember when I said you could take pictures of Pokemon and print them out at your local Blockbusters? Well, they were originally used for a Pokemon game devoted entirely to taking pictures of Pokemon. Yes, instead of catching Pokemon in Poke Balls, you had to catch them on film. Pokemon Snap was a neat idea, and pretty fun too.

You take on the Role of Todd, and avid Pokemon Photographer who is given the task of exploring an island filled with Pokemon. You ride along in a special machine that moves automatically. You don't get a chance to stop, unless you can figure out a way to block the track temporarily. Anyway, you pass through a stage and take pictures of the various Pokemon around. You score points for each shot, and you get more points for up close pictures, pictures of Pokemon in interesting poses, or taking a picture with two or more of the same Pokemon in it. at the end of the stage you get your prints with all the pictures you took. You then have to select the best picture of a certain Pokemon to be graded. For example, let's say you took 6 pictures of a Pidgey, 5 of a Meowth and 2 of a Snorlax. You would have to narrow that down to one picture each of Pidgey Meowth and Snorlax.

When you complete a stage and get a certain number of Pokemon on film you unlock new stages and special items. These items help you interact with your environment. These items include Poke Food, which attract Pokemon to them so you can get them up close and personal. Then there are Pester Balls, which knock a Pokemon out when you hit them with it so they can't run away. By throwing these items at certain Pokemon and suspicious locations you can cause more Pokemon to appear. Sometimes you have to use these items to unlock a new area too.

This is a pretty fun game that is easy enough for youngsters and has enough of a challenge for older players too. The graphics are pretty good, and the sound is ok. Other than the basic premise there's really no storyline here.

Pokemon Snap:
Gameplay: 97
Graphics: 95
Sound: 90
Overall: 94

Pokemon Puzzle League:

This is a remake of a Super Nintendo title known as Tetris Attack. It's a Tetris like puzzle game where you have to switch two blocks sitting next to each other horizontally so that you make a line of three or more of the same color. This version adds quite a lot to the original though.

There are several ways to play Pokemon Puzzle League. Beginners should start off in Professor Oaks Lab, where he teaches you how to play the game. Mimic mansion offers some training, and should be the next stop for players just starting out. The Pokemon Center allows you to access your records and high scores, as well as profiles of the characters in the game, and options.

There are five different areas of actual game play, with two modes of play. The original Tetris Attack featured only a 2D mode, where all you had to deal with was a stack. Pokemon Puzzle League introduces the 3D version of the game, which basically plays the same way except you now have a cyllinder to deal with. Now you have blocks off screen to worry about too. The first is the Time Zone, where you pick a level and speed and try to see how many points you can get in a set ammount of time. Marathon is a game of Puzzle League that doesn't end until your stack of blocks hits the top of the screen and you get game over. Puzzle University gives you several scenarios and a select number of moves in which to clear the entire screen of blocks. Spa Service pits you against Team Rocket in several rounds of Line Clear battle. Then finally you have the 1P and 2P Stadiums. 2P Stadium is the multiplayer area, and 1P Stadium is the main story mode of the game, where you go through and face off against the many characters from the Pokemon cartoon show. There are various modes of difficulty, and the higher the difficulty the more opponents you'll eventually face.

The graphics are really good in this one, and the sounds are pretty good too. Each trainer has three Pokemon to choose from, and you get to hear the voices of the original Pokemon cast, as well as the voices of the Pokemon themselves. Of course, in most modes you play as Ash, but in 2P battles you can pick from all the Gym Leaders, some of Ash's friends, and even Team Rocket! It's still one of my favorite puzzle games to this day. However, I do feel there's a bit of a control issue. It's not nearly as sharp as the original, which can lead to mistakes and slower play in a game that definitely requires speed.

Pokemon Puzzle League:
Gameplay: 89
Graphics: 98
Sound: 98
Overall: 95

I loved the minigames in the Pokemon Stadium games...what's more I loved that you could use your own pokemon for them...a lot of fun!

Dude, I've been in the videogame industry for almost twenty years, this list is pretty weak. Pokemon? Super Mario World? Mega Man? Have you even been to GameStop since 2002?

Where's Gears of War? Resistance: Fall of Man? God of War? Dead Rising? You seem to concentrate on consoles, maybe you can't afford a 360 or PS3, but anyone should be able to cough up a couple hundred for a Wii. How about that bowling game?

Seattle Zack said:

Dude, I've been in the videogame industry for almost twenty years, this list is pretty weak. Pokemon? Super Mario World? Mega Man? Have you even been to GameStop since 2002?

Where's Gears of War? Resistance: Fall of Man? God of War? Dead Rising? You seem to concentrate on consoles, maybe you can't afford a 360 or PS3, but anyone should be able to cough up a couple hundred for a Wii. How about that bowling game?

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Hey man, I'm not a professional. I don't have a job and no, I can't afford a 360, PS3, or Wii. Hell, I can't even afford to buy a players choice title. I have a few more important things to save up for, like a car and school and hopefully my own apartment. Maybe you can afford to get all the latest stuff, but I can't, and wont be able to until September 2008 when I'll be out of school and working. And no I seriously doubt that I'll be able to get a job because I'll be student teaching and will be in school from 7 or 8 in the morning until 10 at night except weekends.

Second, this is my thread, so I think I can review whatever the hell I want. I'm not doing this to be a professional reviewer, I'm doing this because it's fun, and I enjoy a good discussion about these games with my friends. If you want up to date reviews on all the recent games then stick with your Gamestop or go out and buy some video game magazines. This is a free site about porn, not about video games, so you can't expect all the newest stuff to be included.

Third, I don't mind suggestions, but I do mind when someone comes in here and starts throwing insults, and yes, your comment did offend me. If you noticed I did allow someone to do a guest review, and I have no problem letting others do that if they want to if they ask me. Like it or not, these are the games I enjoy. If you don't like it, then you don't have to be here.

Seattle Zack said:

Dude, I've been in the videogame industry for almost twenty years, this list is pretty weak. Pokemon? Super Mario World? Mega Man? Have you even been to GameStop since 2002?

Where's Gears of War? Resistance: Fall of Man? God of War? Dead Rising? You seem to concentrate on consoles, maybe you can't afford a 360 or PS3, but anyone should be able to cough up a couple hundred for a Wii. How about that bowling game?

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>: (

How dare you insult Tromby. I think his thread is rather interesting, and he's good at his reviews. Sorry that not all of us makes thousands of dollars like you do, so fuck off. Maybe if you had a chance to know Tromby, you would have more respect for him. This is his damn thread, he can make whatever post he likes. Besides, I'm glad he's reviewing the classics. Not everything these days has to be "new and exciting". If your so damn concerned about his thread, why don't you open your own?


*huggums Tromby* People like that don't deserve to know how wonderful a friend you truly are.

Lady Reiha said:

>: (

How dare you insult Tromby. I think his thread is rather interesting, and he's good at his reviews. Sorry that not all of us makes thousands of dollars like you do, so fuck off. Maybe if you had a chance to know Tromby, you would have more respect for him. This is his damn thread, he can make whatever post he likes. Besides, I'm glad he's reviewing the classics. Not everything these days has to be "new and exciting". If your so damn concerned about his thread, why don't you open your own?


*huggums Tromby* People like that don't deserve to know how wonderful a friend you truly are.

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*blushes*

Thanks Rei, but it's no big deal. He's welcome to his opinion, and I'm over it already.

I appreciate the kind words though. Means a lot to me.

Seattle Zack said:

Dude, I've been in the videogame industry for almost twenty years, this list is pretty weak. Pokemon? Super Mario World? Mega Man? Have you even been to GameStop since 2002?

Where's Gears of War? Resistance: Fall of Man? God of War? Dead Rising? You seem to concentrate on consoles, maybe you can't afford a 360 or PS3, but anyone should be able to cough up a couple hundred for a Wii. How about that bowling game?

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There's tons of PC games I can't wait for: BioShock, Stranglehold, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, Conan: Hyborian Adventures, Blacksite: Ares 51 and the list goes on...

Seattle Zack said:

Where's Gears of War? Resistance: Fall of Man? God of War? Dead Rising?

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An interesting selection...And sure those might be what you're interested in, but as this is Trom's thread he's allowed to review what he likes...you don't like his choices then feel free not to read, or even civilly put in your perspetive on it...I'm sure Trom wouldn't mind a good debate, but only with the emphasis on "good"...meaning you need to start by not making assumptions...

You seem to concentrate on consoles, maybe you can't afford a 360 or PS3, but anyone should be able to cough up a couple hundred for a Wii. How about that bowling game?

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Here's one of the assumptions I was talking about...First of all, no, not anyone can afford to "cough up" a couple hundred dollars...The price of a Wii is somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 my monthly morgage payment...and when the bills equal only slightly less than our total monthly income it's difficult to save enough for a the $250 price (not including games or other features)...

The second problem with your logic is availablility...In the over half a year that the Wii has been out I have never once seen one in the stores...Yes, I could put my name in somewhere online for preorder, but I wouldn't know where and don't really care as I don't trust online preorders...Many places online are less than reputable in that respect...

I want a Nintendo Wii. I read somewhere that Wii owners burn 40% more calories just by playing it.

flavortang said:

I want a Nintendo Wii. I read somewhere that Wii owners burn 40% more calories just by playing it.

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40% more calories as compared to what? Sitting on the couch and reading comic books? Or going to work? Or studying? Or working out at a gym?

eta: And of course you would be burning calories. Your body burns calories constantly just to be alive, left alone concentrating on the screen, moving fingers, etc.

Well, the Wii does look like a very energetic game system...Mrs and I certainly want one, but it is going to take some time to be able to afford it...and then there's the niggling little problem of Nintendo actually sending enough over here that we don't have to stand in line for hours in the HOPES that there will be enough to get to our place in line

Trombonus said:

*blushes*

Thanks Rei, but it's no big deal. He's welcome to his opinion, and I'm over it already.

I appreciate the kind words though. Means a lot to me.

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Your welcome. I just wish people had more respect for others, that's all.

Lady Reiha said:

Your welcome. I just wish people had more respect for others, that's all.

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Yeah I know. Same here.

deathlynx said:

Well, the Wii does look like a very energetic game system...Mrs and I certainly want one, but it is going to take some time to be able to afford it...and then there's the niggling little problem of Nintendo actually sending enough over here that we don't have to stand in line for hours in the HOPES that there will be enough to get to our place in line

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Yeah, I'm not paying $450 for a $250 system.

Trombonus said:

Yeah I know. Same here.

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^_________^

as for the systems thing, I used to have a wii, but my ex stupidily traded it in for a Ps3. A PS3!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GAH!!!! Oh and just to let everyone know, I have a crush on the Mac guy from the Mac vs PC commercials Justin Long is cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!