teh "what did you buy today"-thread

[Necromancer]

Popfuru!!! 

How many volumes total are there of the PC-FX book?

[xelement5x]

I think there are only 3 volumes in total.  I've only got this one though, I may hunt out the others though if I can find them cheap

[Flare65]

Been a while since I posted in this thread.  This is everything for the past four months.  Not pictured is a used copy of Double Dragon for the Gameboy Advance that I found up in Green Bay WI.  Work has had me on the road and working crazy hours so I have not been able to play games much.  Got lucky being at the right place at the right time to pick up Devil's Third and Giana Sisters.

Was expecting Chibi Robo to play more like a Castlevania game....but I'm still enjoying it.  Can't wait for Axiom Virge to hit the Vita, but it looks like it will only be digital download only. 

[Medic_wheat]

Been a while since I posted in this thread.  This is everything for the past four months.  Not pictured is a used copy of Double Dragon for the Gameboy Advance that I found up in Green Bay WI.  Work has had me on the road and working crazy hours so I have not been able to play games much.  Got lucky being at the right place at the right time to pick up Devil's Third and Giana Sisters.

Was expecting Chibi Robo to play more like a Castlevania game....but I'm still enjoying it.  Can't wait for Axiom Virge to hit the Vita, but it looks like it will only be digital download only. 

What store is selling Gonana Sisters?  I see Amazon still has some at $34.

[NightWolve]

http://www.microcenter.com/Radeon_HD_5450_Low_Profile_1024MB_DDR3_PCIe_20_Video_Card



Bought this video card the other day to keep my old Vista rigg chugging along because I wanted a cheap solution to output a HDMI signal with audio included, instead of a DVI situation and relying on the TV to support processing the audio there separately with another wire. Newer TVs aren't usually supporting that scenario for older cards with DVI-only and a HDMI adapter.

So, $29.99 on sale but with rebate of $10 ($19.99) - However, I am el cheapo and it was hard enough to justify not trying to pick out a whole new PC, so I went for the open box/used one with the Microcenter discount for $23.96 rather than wait 10 weeks for a $10 gift card...

Well, suffice to say, it does the trick and was only a few bucks more than the cheapest eBay solution of a DVI+SPDIF to HDMI mixer/converter box which is normally in the $40 bucks range with S/H (This type of device).

I didn't believe the guy at the store that the video card would process the audio without having to attach a wire from the sound card to it, but no, the video card can talk with the Operating System after the HDMI audio driver is installed and achieve the result without connections to your sound card!

Anyway, I tried running "Ys [III]: The Oath Felghana" with maximum settings in its native resolution and WOW, I sure was missing a lot! IT'S GORGEOUS! I didn't have a 1080p TV/monitor till recently as well, so I never saw the game in its full glory... It is something to behold, that's for sure!

Pretty stupid then that I spent $10 bucks on a female DVI to male HDMI adapter not too long ago... And then another $4 bucks on a complete DVI to HDMI cable to keep supporting the old video card which used cheap gauged cable and actually picked up interference that totally ruined the picture. :/ $2 bucks on another adapter that didn't work... I guess though you'd still need those adapters if you ever get a system with 4k output because that usually will mostly work from the DVI slot for a lot of video cards I see based on the specs of models I browsed on the Microcenter website.

[Mathius]

I saw Giana Sisters at Game Stop. ^^

Nice haul, Flare. I was wondering when someone was going to buy that enormous box of boobs for the 3DS.

[johnnykonami]

Ordered a few items from videogameboxprotectors.com, some SeymourOnion hu-card sleeves and a couple boxes because what the hell, why not?  Looking forward to clothing my all too naked loosies and replacing some of the original gunky ones.  Is there any value to keeping the sticky/yellowing original sleeves?  Do you guys just chuck them?  I tried washing them with dish soap some time back with OK results, they were still tacky.  I remember that New Adventure Island had a different sleeve when I had it, the textured one.  How did that one hold up?

Btw, I went back to that local retro game store today to look at that Jack Nicklaus (turbochip version) again, thinking I might buy it depending on the price.  Manual was in pretty rough shape, but it had the original case, and the card was in decent enough looking shape.  No sleeve.  They wanted $16.99 though, so even though I like golf I understand it's not a great game especially for that money.  Mighta just picked it up for $5-8 but not for $17.  If anyone is interested in it though, let me know.  Seems higher than ebay pricing from a cursory glance.  They have a TG-16 console there now too, couldn't get the price because the cashier was taking forever.  It's in so-so looking shape, missing the back piece and there was a little melted/burn mark on there like when you get chemicals on plastic that don't belong there.  It was a small mark and would be covered up if you could get the cover or a turbo booster.  Anyway, if someone needs a system I can look into it for you.

[esteban]

Ordered a few items from videogameboxprotectors.com, some SeymourOnion hu-card sleeves and a couple boxes because what the hell, why not?  Looking forward to clothing my all too naked loosies and replacing some of the original gunky ones.  Is there any value to keeping the sticky/yellowing original sleeves?  Do you guys just chuck them?  I tried washing them with dish soap some time back with OK results, they were still tacky.  I remember that New Adventure Island had a different sleeve when I had it, the textured one.  How did that one hold up?

Btw, I went back to that local retro game store today to look at that Jack Nicklaus (turbochip version) again, thinking I might buy it depending on the price.  Manual was in pretty rough shape, but it had the original case, and the card was in decent enough looking shape.  No sleeve.  They wanted $16.99 though, so even though I like golf I understand it's not a great game especially for that money.  Mighta just picked it up for $5-8 but not for $17.  If anyone is interested in it though, let me know.  Seems higher than ebay pricing from a cursory glance.  They have a TG-16 console there now too, couldn't get the price because the cashier was taking forever.  It's in so-so looking shape, missing the back piece and there was a little melted/burn mark on there like when you get chemicals on plastic that don't belong there.  It was a small mark and would be covered up if you could get the cover or a turbo booster.  Anyway, if someone needs a system I can look into it for you.

(1) Yellow sleeves: it's funny how badly yellowed/tacky some batches of sleeves have become. Many of mine are very yellow. I have never replaced them. Maybe I should. But don't hold your breath. You could always ask if someone here wanted them.

(2) Jack Nicklaus is for folks who are PATIENT, since you visibly see the course redraw onscreen (any movement/panning of background is slow).  Otherwise, you can certainly enjoy it if you give it a chance. I find it oddly enjoyable. It's messy looking (aesthetically), but the mechanics are fine. DISCLAIMER: MOST folks will not like this game, however.

[xelement5x]

Ordered a few items from videogameboxprotectors.com, some SeymourOnion hu-card sleeves and a couple boxes because what the hell, why not?  Looking forward to clothing my all too naked loosies and replacing some of the original gunky ones.  Is there any value to keeping the sticky/yellowing original sleeves?  Do you guys just chuck them?  I tried washing them with dish soap some time back with OK results, they were still tacky.  I remember that New Adventure Island had a different sleeve when I had it, the textured one.  How did that one hold up?

Btw, I went back to that local retro game store today to look at that Jack Nicklaus (turbochip version) again, thinking I might buy it depending on the price.  Manual was in pretty rough shape, but it had the original case, and the card was in decent enough looking shape.  No sleeve.  They wanted $16.99 though, so even though I like golf I understand it's not a great game especially for that money.  Mighta just picked it up for $5-8 but not for $17.  If anyone is interested in it though, let me know.  Seems higher than ebay pricing from a cursory glance.  They have a TG-16 console there now too, couldn't get the price because the cashier was taking forever.  It's in so-so looking shape, missing the back piece and there was a little melted/burn mark on there like when you get chemicals on plastic that don't belong there.  It was a small mark and would be covered up if you could get the cover or a turbo booster.  Anyway, if someone needs a system I can look into it for you.

I see so many systems with those burn marks on them I think it must have happened at the factory or something. 

Last night I hit the thrift and found a couple decent PS1 games for $2 each: Silent Hill, Jersey Devil and Gex.  Silent Hill will be an upgrade to my copy since it's pretty beat up, but I'll keep Gex since I only have the 3D0 version and Jersey Devil since it looks weird. 

[johnnykonami]

(1) Yellow sleeves: it's funny how badly yellowed/tacky some batches of sleeves have become. Many of mine are very yellow. I have never replaced them. Maybe I should. But don't hold your breath. You could always ask if someone here wanted them.

(2) Jack Nicklaus is for folks who are PATIENT, since you visibly see the course redraw onscreen (any movement/panning of background is slow).  Otherwise, you can certainly enjoy it if you give it a chance. I find it oddly enjoyable. It's messy looking (aesthetically), but the mechanics are fine. DISCLAIMER: MOST folks will not like this game, however.

Yellow doesn't bother me too too much, but sticky/tacky is kinda worrisome and a little gross to handle.  I'll try to clean them up and decide what to do with them then I guess. 

As for Jack Nicklaus, I would definitely give it a whirl - just need a good price/slightly better condition (or lower price for the condition this one is in). I love golf video games, I even did QA on one of them once (Outlaw Golf).  I wish there were more mini-golf games though.  Seems like the only great one I can think of is Zany Golf, maybe Putt & Putter on SMS.  One of the game ideas I'd like to get out one day is a mini-golf game with a specific theme I had in mind...

I see so many systems with those burn marks on them I think it must have happened at the factory or something. 

Last night I hit the thrift and found a couple decent PS1 games for $2 each: Silent Hill, Jersey Devil and Gex.  Silent Hill will be an upgrade to my copy since it's pretty beat up, but I'll keep Gex since I only have the 3D0 version and Jersey Devil since it looks weird. 

That's weird but I think now that you mention it, I think I've seen it before on others!  Silent Hill for $2 bucks is a steal, especially if it was an upgrade for you.  Lot of love out there for SH2, but for me SH1 is where it's at.  That soundtrack and atmosphere was incredible.  Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of SH2 as well, but I'd like to see more people give due credit to the original game.  It's so good!

[Mathius]

The only textured sleeve I have came with my copy of Air Zonk years ago. It's held up very well. All of my sleeves have to be honest. I don't think I store my hueys any differently than the next gamer so I don't know.

[sirhcman]

I see so many systems with those burn marks on them I think it must have happened at the factory or something. 

It has to do with "outgassing" and I believe it happens from poor storage methods, it was discussed some here: https://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=18771.msg399211#msg399211

[johnnykonami]

The only textured sleeve I have came with my copy of Air Zonk years ago. It's held up very well. All of my sleeves have to be honest. I don't think I store my hueys any differently than the next gamer so I don't know.

I expected as much, they seemed a little nicer than the standard ones.  Still waiting on my SeymourOnion ones, I shouldn't be so excited about it as I am.  My gf got me some GBA plastic cases (they are aftermarket, of course, like the original GB plastic protector cases) and I was so pleased to give my carts a little place to stay nice and clean.

[NightWolve]

Had been looking into buying a big screen computer monitor for my PC and settled on this HDTV which can do 4K but at 30Hz. It has everything needed for running 1080p @ 60Hz nicely from a DVI situation adapted to HDMI but needing audio delivered by analog means, a feature that'll be more rare in the future, as well as providing a VGA input port (extremely rare now). I think I'm pretty happy with it and I can probably get it for $191 with open box markdown from the store if I return it and attempt to rebuy!



http://www.microcenter.com/product/451211/39_(Refurbished)_LED_4k_Ultra_HDTV

http://www.seiki.com/content/39-se39uy04-led-ultra-hdtv

Update on my new Seiki 39" TV, I did the rebuy idea mentioned the other day. While having returned it to the store, I did try to evaluate another TV, this time a Vizio 43" full 4k/2160p smart TV for $399 which I almost wanted to keep, but decided against. So, picked it up the Seiki again, and with taxes, the total was $211!

Now here's the best part, I actually learned something new. How to overclock a video card on refresh rates and custom resolutions. I upgraded to this el cheapo Radeon 5450 as mentioned for $24, but hopefully I get back the $10 rebate (which I sent in) so keeping my old 2008 Vista PC on life support yet again doesn't feel so bad by dropping more money into it:

http://www.microcenter.com/product/363989/Radeon_HD_5450_Video_Card

Here comes the ProTip: Turns out, thankfully, that Radeon and Nvidia cards have a means of setting up custom resolutions and refresh rates that otherwise would never show up in the setup apps or via the Windows display control panel app!

This guide right here can get you started:

http://www.blurbusters.com/overclock/120hz-pc-to-tv/

It's easier if you have a Nvidia card, but since mine is a Radeon, I had to run a patcher first which removes lots of limitations AND ACTUALLY, it let me go 4K 3840x2160 @ 30Hz (as per the TV's limit) so I got to test some 4K video!

http://www.monitortests.com/forum/Thread-AMD-ATI-Pixel-Clock-Patcher

This 2008 computer is too slow to run 4K videos though, even with Media Player Classic, so they stall/play choppy, if at all, but yes, very beautiful! Interestingly enough, for general desktop usage, 4k@30Hz is not as bad as 1080i@30Hz as I remember with my old 26" 720p TV... The mouse pointer looks OK, but you do need to double or triple its speed to move through ALL that real estate that's gained!

Anyway, so just running the AMD/ATI patcher and rebooting instantly made available the 3840x2160 @ 30Hz resolution both on the Windows control panel app and the proprietary ATI/AMD Catalyst software made for the card.

http://www.monitortests.com/forum/Thread-Custom-Resolution-Utility-CRU

Next I ran the Custom Resolution Utility and I added 1920x1080 @ 120Hz, rebooted and as hoped, this resolution and newly added refresh rate showed up as a selectable option in all apps. Having switched to it, the TV reported the resolution/refresh rate as 1080p@120hz and I gotta say, it really makes a big difference. The easy subjective test is to grab a window and move it around very fast. You will see how much more fluid it moves. I tried my Felghana PC game and though it's not widescreen patched, it's damn near perfect!

I guess this problem though of video cards not showing all the resolutions and refresh rates supported is for those of us with a bit aging hardware, but yeah, very cool to have done this!

So, $211 for a full 39" inches of TV with true 120 Hz @ 1080p, no gimmicks/tricks (e.g. "motion rate 120/240"), but lacking smart TV features is looking like an OK deal for a discontinued model because the maker is going for full 4K @ 60Hz with their next generation of models. I suspect this el cheapo model can keep me cool for many years and it still has all possible input connections. What I need to test next though is 240p support with its YPbPr/Component input jacks to see if this thing is full retro-considerate for us old timer crank types.

[Medic_wheat]

I saw Giana Sisters at Game Stop. ^^

Nice haul, Flare. I was wondering when someone was going to buy that enormous box of boobs for the 3DS.

Lol but is it fun? 


I bought and played the Vista game and enjoyed it. Have been toying with the idea of getting the two 3DS games