Category Archives: Game File

5 Seemingly Devastating Nintendo DS Lite Issues That Are Actually Easily Fixable

Remember that time when your beloved Nintendo DS stopped working on you? Did it break a hinge, crack a screen? Remember how devastated you were when you realized that this was the end of the line for your console—unless you wanted to spend hundreds of dollars getting it repaired by Nintendo? We’ve all been there; it’s okay.

What most of us gamers fail to realize, however, is that the Nintendo DS has got to be one of the easiest consoles to repair yourself. If you have the right tools—tri-wing screwdriver ($0.99, eBay), Philips screwdriver (your garage), and the knowledge provided by this article (free)—you can easily and quickly fix most of the common DS problems that may disturb your gaming experience.

What many gamers fail to realize is that we, as a whole, are a really smart group. Once we set our minds on something, we will figure out how to get it done. How can you set your mind to an idea you’ve never thought?

That’s what happened to me. I had quite a few Nintendo Ds Lites in my life, all of which ended up damaged in one way or another. I had looked up ways to get the problem fixed, but the only repair deals were from Nintendo, and as a 12-year-old, I didn’t really have the $100+ they wanted to fix the broken hinge.

It took me a few years after that to realize that it couldn’t be that difficult to open the DS and repair whatever problem was affecting it. During my time working with the DS consoles, I’ve found that many of the most common issues with the DS are actually really easy, and inexpensive, to fix!

 

  1. Broken Hinge

This is a more common problem with younger kids and people who aren’t particularly gentle with their devices, though it could happen to anyone.

To repair this, you have to open your DS through the bottom to get to the motherboard, where you will either find that your hinge has slipped out of place, or has cracked. The first can be easily fixed by simply putting them back in place. The second, though, will need a replacement case. You can easily buy replacement housing for the DS on eBay or similar websites—in many different colors—for under $15.

  1. Cracked Top Screen

Sometimes, these causes come into light generic viagra discount with some other problems You have serious physical conditions: Since erectile dysfunction drugs can cause drowsiness and lightheadedness. Store it click here now order cialis in an airtight container. Clearly, Erectile dysfunction get viagra overnight has various distinctive implications, including weakness, powerlessness, etc. viagra online canadian This drug is dangerous for the health of children and pets; so this medicine must be kept away from children and pets as it can be poisonous for the person who is consuming it. A cracked top screen can happen to anyone and at any time, no matter how careful you are. To fix this, you will have to order a new top LCD screen (preferably with speakers included since the screen attaches to the speakers, which can be difficult for new users to solder) for the DS model you own. These can go for about $6 – $20, depending on where you look.

Once you receive your new screen, you will have to open your DS completely. That means you’ll have to open it from the bottom, where the battery is. Once you reach the motherboard, you then have to open the top part of the casing. When it opens, you’ll notice that there is a yellow ribbon connecting the top screen to the motherboard on the bottom half of the DS. There is a connector holding the ribbon. CAREFULLY lift up the black flap so that you can pull out the ribbon.

You’ll then see that the ribbon, along with two wires, is threaded through a hole near the hinge, joining the top half to the bottom. Be careful with the wires when you remove the broken top screen; those will stay. First, detach the wires from their places on the motherboard, and pull them through the hole. You can then do this the easy way and cut the ribbon to remove the top screen, or you can thread it back through the hole. Remove the broken screen and trash it. You can now pull the ribbon of the new screen through the hole and put the new part in its place. Slide the wires back through the hole and re-attach them to their spots. Close up the DS and you’re done!

  1. Cracked Bottom Screen

The bottom screen is much easier to replace. This time, you have to open only the bottom half of the casing. You’ll see the motherboard, and below it is the bottom screen. Once you purchase and receive your new bottom screen, take off the motherboard. There are two ribbons attaching the broken screen to the motherboard: one is on the top on the side facing you, the other is on the flip side of the motherboard. Detach them both by carefully flipping up the black flap.

Take off the touchscreen (the clear screen on top of the LCD) and put it on the new screen. Now what you do is repeat the process backwards to put in the new screen.

  1. No WiFi

This issue probably means you have a faulty or broken WiFi board. First, order a new one. Then open your DS to the motherboard. The WiFi board is the green square-shaped thing on the left of the top game reader. Simply detach the black wire attached to it, pull the board off, and replace it with the new one. Then, re-attach the wire and close the DS.

  1. Dead Battery

If your DS won’t turn on, or won’t hold a charge, don’t worry; this is the easiest problem to fix. There is a door on the bottom of the DS with a screw. Unscrew it and open it. You’ll see the battery is in there. When you have a new battery, pry the old one out and put the new one in. Screw the door back on and turn on your DS.

Hive Jump Preview

I was given a chance to try out an early build of Graphite Lab’s Hive Jump. The following preview is based on what I have played so far and what I infer from their Kickstarter campaign.

Some of the greatest Science Fiction films are Aliens and Starship Troopers. These movies are filled with rough and tough mercenaries with big guns and bigger attitudes, blasting away monsters that come in droves. Hive Jump is inspired by these elements and is shaping up to be an awesome game.

HIVE JUMP SCREEN SHOT

Pixels have taken over PC gaming since Minecraft’s success and I couldn’t be happier. Hive Jump looks great, combining that beloved retro style with modern techniques. The game utilizes a powerful lighting tool known as Sprite Lamp, adding to the overall tone and atmosphere of the game. Sprite Lamp, the backgrounds, the environments, and the sheer ferocity of the enemies is molding Hive Jump into an interesting piece of Sci-Fi.

Players will be donning the persona of the typical space marine, lugging around heavy armor and heavier weaponry. Each weapon is upgradeable with the goo collected from fallen foes. Adding to the armory are upgrades scattered throughout the maps. Players will have to balance their weaponry while fighting off wave after wave of nasty bugs. There are also plans for a strategic campaign mode that lets players plan out each precise strike.

What I found most interesting about the demo is the speed at which the game attacks the player. While this may not be the case in the final version, I found myself quickly overwhelmed on single-player mode, but that just made me hungry for more bug goo. Luckily, on a respawn, players blast away aliens from the sheer force of their drop into the hive. This is similar to how arcade beat-em-ups would treat coming back to life, and the mechanic fits well into the theme and the gameplay.

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Each weapon feels different and their upgrades are always a treat to use. Although, I did have a lot of trouble using the charge beam; it took way too much time to build into a lethal dose. As I mentioned earlier, these bugs don’t wait around, nope they filleted me out and waited for my clone to drop from the sky. Let’s just say I fed a lot of bugs on my first couple drops.

Unfortunately, the demo lacks the collecting and upgrading mechanics, but I can’t wait to see how those are implemented further. As the game is developed more and more weapon ideas are sketched out. I’m hoping to see TONS of unlockable content including weapons, areas, modes, and characters. Already there are plans to bring Bart from Aegis Defenders into the hives. Multiplayer should also prove to be great, but I hope to see something new come out of playing with friends that I haven’t seen already.

HIVE JUMP WITH AEGIS DEFENDERS

What impressed me was Graphite Lab’s love for other developers. The Hive Jump Kickstarter page actually holds several other games in development. Graphite Lab, unlike most developers, is actually spreading out the spotlight instead of the typical “Look at me and my game! Give me money!” stance. It is humbling to know that these developers aren’t necessarily out there to fill their pockets, at least alone. They’re willing to spread the joy of gaming, no matter who is making the game.

All in all, I can’t wait to see what else Hive Jump will have in store for players on its release. If you need me, I’ll be throwing grenades down the throats of murderous insects. Private Alex of the Giga 304th Battalion signing off.

Coldwater: An Interview with James C. Burns

Available now on select digital outlets is the new film Coldwater, a story about a troubled teenage boy who is sent to a camp for healing. The movie follows not only the teens struggling to survive, but also a retired war colonel,  Col. Frank Reichert  (James C. Burns), pushing these kids to their limits, searching for ways to change them. These elements come together to create an intense drama, powered by strong, deep characters.

Burns is well-known amongst gamers because of his role as Sgt. Woods in Call of Duty: Black Ops and its sequel. In many ways Col. Reichert and Sgt. Woods are the same, but their driving force is subtly different. While Woods merely needs to kill his enemies before they kill him, Reichert is given the complex task of rehabilitation, while facing some problems of his own.

Giga was given a chance to talk with Burns himself over Skype for some additional insight.

cw_bts-pics_19

As a fan favorite in Black Ops, what is it like to go from being an actor to voice actor and vice versa? How different is the mind set to play these roles?

“Woods was actually entirely a live-action performance. There’s less of a difference than one would think. I was testing the technology for them and they loved me so much they kept me around. Activision is constantly pushing the technology to make a richer experience. Lucky for me, I get to play with these new techniques, often before most.”

Sgt. Woods was in every sense of the word a badass. Col. Reichert seems to be an iron father figure with no room for disrespect. How do you make that transition from the defiant warrior to the rehabilitator as an actor?

“Woods and Reichert are all about getting the job done. Woods has a very simple mission. Kill the enemy. Reichert has to transform individuals. It takes anger and having good intentions.”

cw_bts_25

While some trailers show Coldwater as a movie about change for the better, others portray it almost like a horror. What genre, or combination of genres, would you put the film into?

“It is not a horror film, it’s a dark drama. There are some hearty and funny moments, but it comes from a very serious and horrific subject. Conflict is inevitable from these strong personalities, so it has its scary moments.”

Getting away from the film for just a second, is there any word on a Black Ops 3? Being that Sgt. Woods is so old in Black Ops 2, would the new game visit crucial moments in the past or find a way to put him back into the fight? What would you like to see happen to the character?

“Unfortunately, I can’t answer that. As for what I would like to see done with the character, there are so many options.”

Why do you think people become attached to military characters? What is the core of these characters that makes them interesting? What makes them special to you?

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“What makes them so special? Integrity. I was once a pro hockey coach. I enjoy being around teamwork and love working with other people. That permeates the entire process of making a game or movie. Everyone is striving to bring these stories and experiences to life and that bond is what teamwork so special and powerful.”

cw_bts-pics_05

Coldwater is a film about transformation. Could you explain not only the internal changes in the film’s characters, but also the sort of changes you hope to bring to the audience?

“Kids make bad choices. These choices get harder as you grow older. The consequences to actions become more complex and potentially devastating as time goes on. It starts to affect the other folks involved in that person’s life as well. I think Coldwater may make people be more aware of how their choices affect themselves and each other. One of the main questions of the film is how do we expand one’s vision into a broader spectrum? Most the characters realize this perspective as the film progresses.”

Coldwater will just get people thinking, not change them outright. People have to want to change. We’re just exposing a real event.”

Burns went on to compare this type of movie to the common summer blockbuster. “There’s no real villain. These kids belong there. Change would do them good. There are no good and evil characters in Coldwater.”

I also asked Burns to leave us with a closing comment about Coldwater. He responded with, “It’s a very powerful film. Well-acted and expertly filmed, but at its core it’s about a true subject and something people should be aware of and think about.”

One final question for fun. Are you a gamer?

“I’m a backseat gamer, because I’m terrible at them. I do have all these insights about what to do though. For instance in Black Ops, if the game gives you a crossbow, use the damn crossbow.”

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC1m3KhbqcI&w=640&h=360]

Coldwater is available on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Vimeo. Check it out! After that, go back and play Black Ops. As far as the next Black Ops, maybe the next one will take America’s toughest soldiers to Africa to hunt giraffes, but that’s just hearsay.

 

 

Cuphead: An Interview with the Developers

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jDZfREYppk&w=560&h=315]

During Microsoft’s E3 Press Event, there was one game that stood out to me. Cuphead is being created with all the old cartoons of the 1930’s in mind, while the game mechanics hearken back to the classics of the SNES and Genesis. Recently, I reached out to Studio MDHR with a few questions:

== When designing the game, how did you capture the tone of classic cartoons? What sort of technology are you utilizing? ==

The main tech we are using isn’t a tech at all. It’s all traditional hand-drawn and hand-inked animation which is exactly how they animated in the 1930s.

To ensure that the style is very close to the original material, we constantly research tons of cartoons from the era to gain knowledge and study the way key animations were approached. It also lets us add to our ever growing style guide that is filled to the brim with things that we adhere to most of the time—visual aids like: eyes[mad/sad/happy], pupils, blink types, teeth, tongues, hair, hands, feet; animation aids like: turnaround frames, action lines, timing, cycles; and even flaws: missing color in frames, poorly drawn in-between, etc.

After all of that is placed in the game, we have a bunch of post-processing to aid with the visual style we are trying to replicate. Different types of blur, subtle vignettes, dust, scratches, hair, noise and other layers are built on top of each other to produce what you see in the game. We’ve spent a TON of time getting the effects just right—probably two and a half months or more!

cuphead-schmup1

== Judging from the videos, Co-Operative play looks to be a major feature. How are you handling Co-Op? ==

Co-op is a necessary feature for run and guns—this genre was MADE for two players!

We are testing out some team-up moves, but nothing has been implemented yet; we are very picky about fine-tuning and how one thing can affect multiple areas. If we can’t create ideas that complement or add/improve on the gameplay, we’ll drop it.

Two players has a unique give and take: some situations become easier while others can turn instantly chaotic if both players are not in tune. Co-op creates comradery and that in turn creates friendship—so what we are really saying is that Cuphead will create new relationships.

== Cuphead has a subtitle. Does this make Cuphead a planned franchise? ==

If we are lucky enough to work on other games in the future, we are hoping that we get to expand on Cuphead. But that doesn’t mean we are planning for it at all. We are going all out on this first release to the best of our ability and within a timeline that makes sense to us. In our minds, we are treating Cuphead as if it were the only game we’ll ever release.

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It would be nice to explore more ideas and increase the Cuphead universe before moving on to a new title, but only “father future” knows if this will occur. We also both still dream of a Sega Master System port too, but all of our focus is on finishing Cuphead (SMS fans keep your fingers crossed!)

cuphead-bat2

== Will there be any secrets or things to unlock? ==

Yup, yup! We will have things like bosses, weapons, alternative path/shortcuts, NPC dialog, etc. As well, we will have a new game+ (that increases the challenge to a level we are proud of) and we are playing around with the idea of mini-challenges (e.g. defeat Boss 3 without letting him jump over you).

We always found our favorite games had secrets and even other hidden subtleties, so it is a MUST for us to include them in Cuphead. Take Punchout!: there are so many nuances to what seems like a simple game that it can be replayed for many years. It took me a lifetime to figure out first round K.O. strategies, and every replay felt as rewarding as the first time I played it.

== The Xbox 360’s Indie library, while vast wasn’t overly impressive. Do you think this is changing with the Xbox One?==

Accepting that the 360’s indie library wasn’t perfect doesn’t change the fact that some of the best games on the system were indie! With the constant growth and support of the indie scene, the Xbox One will be a great place for indie titles and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of the roster. I could be wrong but, if my memory serves me well, Nostradamus had predicted the perfect indie utopia happening in 2015, so let’s wait and see!

cuphead-slime2

== There’s been very little shown so far. Are there any plans for more footage or a demo? ==

When we are happy with what we have, we will show more. We are going to show off the parry system soon, and continue to provide additional footage as development presses on. A demo will come too, we aren’t sure how we will handle it initially (press only, or at an event [PAX, etc.]). But once we make decisions on that sort of stuff, we will let everyone know on this newfangled thing called ‘the internet’.

== Alex’s Thoughts ==

All in all, I’m massively excited for Cuphead. Hopefully, the newer consoles make independent developing easier. These days all the big name titles take few risks or stick to a formula they know will make money. Making money is the name of the game, but does the industry move forward when these games flourish? With the recent purchase of my gaming PC, I’ve found myself buying more and more indie games. Not only because they’re cheaper (that does help), but because I see true heart in them. It’s a level of soul that I remember from my days of staring at a lined screen, connected to the game by a wire on my controller.

Indie games are rapidly becoming the best games around. So next time a new Call of Duty comes out, think of how many indie games you could buy instead.

Alex’s Top 5 Obscure Games

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc0JYLO6m78&w=420&h=315]

5). Forgotten Worlds (Arcade, Multiple other consoles)

Capcom and arcade machines go together like bread and butter. However, Forgotten Worlds is a game that’s rarely mentioned except amongst die hard shooter fans. It has everything that makes shooters great: power-ups, tons of enemies, and massive bosses. What makes this game stand out is its controls. Players spin to shoot in eight directions while the level scrolls, all while being able to move around the stage. Not only that, but two players could play on the same screen! Couple this with cheesy voice acting and you’ve got a hidden gem.

The reason this game is so low on this list is due to the characters appearing in other Capcom projects. They try to toot their own horn as much as possible. For example, the Unknown Soldiers were helper characters in the first Marvel VS Capcom. These characters also appear in Namco X Capcom alongside a few soundtracks.

If you can find the Turbo Grafx version or the Capcom Classics Collection, pick it up. Hopefully Forgotten Worlds can be a little less forgotten.

 

Probably nothing PG my friend...
Probably nothing PG my friend…

4). Goemon’s Great Adventure (N64)

Sure, 2.5D platformers are fairly common, especially in the last three years with Nintendo releasing games like Donkey Kong Country Returns and the New Super Mario Bros. This style was rather rare on the N64, but a couple games did pull it off. One of the best was Goemon’s Great Adventure, a game that was a part of the Mystical Ninja series. It allowed two players to explore at the same time and had a rough difficulty. Players could choose one of four characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The whole game is themed with classic Japanese mythology, giving the game tons of charm from the get go.

To add more variety and wackiness, each stage ended in a giant robot battle. These first-person battles are a blast to play and they remain challenging. Overall, the game is hard to beat, fun to play with friends, and odd enough to feel unique and new. I definitely recommend finding it.

Now if only there could be a revival of this series, we could all enjoy quirky Japanese ninjas.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE_4Q5aBenM&w=560&h=315]

3). Little Nemo: The Dream Master (NES)

Little Nemo started out as a beloved comic series, which later became an animated film. Then, Capcom got a hold of it and used their super platforming powers to make a great game. This game is beyond hard, forcing players to search every nook and cranny of the level to find keys to open a door to the next level. Enemies are abundant and spawn constantly, but luckily Nemo has the power of candy, which he uses to coerce animals out of their skin. These gross suits become Nemo’s power as each animal provides different bonuses such as a high-jumping frog to a violent gorilla.

Even though the game is brutally difficult, I always find myself coming back to it. Dig out your gray boxes and slap in the cartridge, because this one is worth it.

 

For those afraid of spiders and Pete, I apologize.
For those afraid of spiders and Pete, I apologize.

2). Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse (SNES)

Alright, I’m guilty of loving the early years of Capcom and this list is loaded with Capcom love, but these games were buried in Megaman sequels and Resident Evil spin-offs. During the golden age of gaming, or the lifecycle of the NES, SNES, and such, Capcom turned almost everything they touched into gold. Nowadays, a Disney game is plagued with repetitiveness, lazy design, or marketing schemes involving toys. Capcom made several amazing Disney games, but Magical Quest was the one I actually played as a kid.

My cousin and I both owned a SNES. I lucked into borrowing his copy and after playing the hell out of it, we got together and played the game together for even more fun. Mickey has all the staples a video game hero should have. He can jump and throw things with the best of them, yet his greatest power is his ability to stop time to change clothes. Each costume has its own abilities which can sometimes lead to secrets and easier ways to beat enemies. Bosses are awesome, difficult, and all share a common theme. They all have Pete’s face, which sounds creepy, but actually works.

Even to this day, when I go to my cousin’s house, we sit and play Magical Quest. It’s just that awesome. Recently, I discovered the game had a few sequels and we’ve been hunting them down like crazy. We’re also planning to get the newest remake of Castle of Illusion, but have yet to buy it.

If you like Disney and video games, you deserve to play Magical Quest.

 

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Nothing says awesome like torn skin, sunglasses, and a broken title.
Nothing says awesome like torn skin, sunglasses, and a broken title.

Honorable Mentions

Before I declare my absolute favorite obscure game, let me mention a few games worth looking into that almost made the cut.

Little Samson (NES)

Shatterhand (NES)

Soul Reaver (PSONE, Dreamcast, PC)

Lost Vikings (SNES)

Super Mario RPG (SNES)

Now, each of these games are awesome in their own ways. Some of them are so rare that their almost not worth mentioning and others include characters that received other titles. However, there is one game that trumps them all. A game so good, I sobbed a bit when it froze and I’ve spent money on getting it professionally repaired.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ9Rn8GCJ5M&w=560&h=315]

1). Radiata Stories (PS2)

The RPG genre is my favorite. These games typically take a lot of hours to complete with complex characters, monsters, and stories. Some of the best games ever made were RPGs and it’s a shame Radiata Stories didn’t get the attention it deserved. The game did well in Japan, but was jaded in the states by Final Fantasy XII and Dragon Quest VIII. It came out at the end of the PS2’s life and I actually bought it on a complete whim. That day I discovered over a hundred characters, references to Star Ocean, and a combat system that let the player create their own combos. This combined with the beautiful art style set up one of my favorite games.

The plot is fairly simple (following common tropes), but what set it apart was the humor. There are some gut-busting scenes between the characters. Basically, there’s a war going on between the humans and the more monstrous races of the world, which eventually leads the player to choose a side. The plot then switches to that perspective, with its own special characters to unlock.

I also enjoyed all the different costumes and weapons Jack Russell (the main character) could equip. He can use four different styles: sword, great sword, spears, and axes. Each style has unlockable attacks and changes the gameplay enough to keep the combat interesting. However, the best thing about Radiata Stories is the amount of team members.

There are 176 characters to add to the friends list, including dwarves, knights, orcs, and even characters from other games including Valkyrie from Valkyrie Profile. After beating the game, players can also start over with all their skills and friends list members, allowing players to try other choices and play styles.

All in all, Radiata Stories is another RPG that deserves a sequel or re-release. There is a short manga series, but a new game is sorely needed. I loved the playfulness of the story and quirky characters. Find a PS2, spend the money to get a new copy, and enjoy Japanese Role-Playing at its finest.

Square-Enix games deserve a break every now and again.

 

You can watch me and my friends play a few of these games on Forever Classic. NOTE: I’m extremely silly in these videos and I have a fairly foul mouth, just be warned.

Goemon’s Great Adventure: 

Little Nemo: