POP 'N MAGIC Appreciation

[Sinistron]

Yep liking the colorful visuals, and music..much less it being FUN (arguably THE most important part of a game) is a COMPLETE lack of explanation 

I'm sorry but visuals and music never have and never will make a game fun. They might help the overall experience of the game, but certainly not make it "fun". Nec I don't know if you hear yourself talking, but my question is WHAT makes it fun? Surely not the music and visuals, if that were the case you'd be satisfied with watching cut scenes alone. You see what I am getting at? I know "fun" is highly subjective, but I wouldn't be very convinced if a reviewer told me in a review: "This game is bright and colorful, has great music, and most importantly, it's FUN!" If anything I'd probably question how he ever got a job as a reviewer. It certainly does not give me any insight to how the game plays (see that word there? Gameplay? Ya know, the thing that in almost all games, makes a game "fun") My gripe is everyone claims how fun it is but never explains where or how this fun is achieved. Hell I didn't even know it played like a bubble bobble clone until I actually tried it, way to backup claims of this games fun factor by not even describing what the hell it is. 

The problem is when everyone and there dog starts to harp on about good a game is, but never describe much about the game itself, people buy into the hype. It's very misleading. Again I wouldn't be nearly so confused to half of the games praise if I only heard something with a little more weight than "it's just fun". If I actually bought this game based solely on the majority liking it, I would be very pissed. You guys should really elaborate some more initially.

I'd rather play a fun bad game than a boring "good" game.

I think of a "good" game as a "fun" game. Name one "fun, bad" game you have ever played. Those two words don't really seem to fit together. Isn't that an oxymoron? If a game is bad, how can it be fun?  Unless you mean the general consensus is that a game is bad and not your own personal experience. Btw you are mistaken, Pop N' Magic is not fun by a long shot. It's an extremely boring and mediocre game that nothing stands out about it. It's not fun by any means, I don't see how the game doesn't put everyone to sleep... 

Again, my main gripe is how everyone makes this out to be such an awesome game. If I was only told that the game was kinda cool, instead of hearing how "kick ass" and "awesome" it was and have it recommended to me all the time, I probably wouldn't be so flabbergasted at how much praise it gets. Quite frankly it was members here who got my expectations up to such a high level the game could never hope to achieve. At this point I had more fun with J.J. and Jeff, at least I knew what to expect from that one, and it isn't nearly as bad as so many make it out to be. Oh that's right, I went there! 

Zeon- your whines grow tired.  "Fun" is one of the few things concerning a game that is completely subjective.  A person can have fun playing Deep Blue, or Tale Spin, or Turrican. 
I've gone more into depth on this game in this thread here- http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=4759.msg80672;topicseen#msg80672 but that still won't tell you what makes it fun.  Fun is not something you can bottle up and describe- it either is or isn't to the beholder.

[Zeon]

Zeon- your whines grow tired.  "Fun" is one of the few things concerning a game that is completely subjective.  A person can have fun playing Deep Blue, or Tale Spin, or Turrican. 
I've gone more into depth on this game in this thread here- http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=4759.msg80672;topicseen#msg80672 but that still won't tell you what makes it fun.  Fun is not something you can bottle up and describe- it either is or isn't to the beholder.

I agree wholeheartedly, I just wanted someone, anyone to explain why they found it fun, whether or not I agree. I've noticed a trend of certain games getting glowing recommendations, with little or no explanation as to why. Really the gripe is hearing about how fun or good a game is and never any reason why that person thought so. I mean no offense by this, but Nec, and Wind seem to be some of the worst offenders At least nat, runin and others usually provide some explanation as to what makes the game so great to them. I usually don't agree, but hey it still provides me with some insight, especially if it's a game I have never played.

Anyways, thanks for the link, I will go read it right now.

[nectarsis]

You can tell just by looking at screenshots that it's a bubble bobble clone.  I never said visuals and music make it fun...but those 2 help the package as a WHOLE. 

Ok...let's see if I can give you an "explanation" that will satisfy you.  The game is easy to just pick up and play, good controls (solid play mechanics), catchy music, what else do you need?  Fun is achieved by enjoying the games GOOD points.

BTW, there's only a handful of peeps (at least on here) I would even consider "reveiwers" and I'm far from one of them.

As far as the "fun/bad" game..I think think of a # of peeps on here that enjoy even "crappy" games (you taking JJ&Jeff over this is proof).  Ask runin about a # of games that even he claims are bad as a whole, yet he still had at least some fun with em...def not unheard of.

PERFECT
[Mon 08:55] <Sinistron> how do you say if something is fun? either throwing bubbles at badies in a bouncy colorful game sounds like fun to you or it doesn't

[Necromancer]

I've noticed a trend of certain games getting glowing recommendations, with little or no explanation as to why. Really the gripe is hearing about how fun or good a game is and never any reason why that person thought so.

Boo-frickin'-hoo!  I guess everyone should write a dissertation complete with in-game videos and historical references, just so your lazy ass isn't disappointed.  If someone recommends a game, there's nothing stopping you from asking for more information or from taking some initiative to check out youtube footage, the PC Engine Bible, VG Den, etc., so don't blame others for your inability to do a bit o' research. 

They're f*cking video games, for chrissakes!  You didn't like the game, eh?  Then throw the cdr away, move on to some other game, and shut your whine hole.  Besides, your negative review of Pop 'N Magic is equally non-descriptive.  You complain of "severely lacking game play", but never explain why.  Were the controls stiff?  Was the hit detection poor?  Who knows - you only say that it was "overly simplistic", whatever the hell that means.  You go on to complain about the cut scenes, but your inability to understand Japanese is not the game's fault.  The only meaningful complaint put forward is the difficultly level, yet you obviously haven't played enough of the game to provide an informed opinion.

[nectarsis]

I've noticed a trend of certain games getting glowing recommendations, with little or no explanation as to why. Really the gripe is hearing about how fun or good a game is and never any reason why that person thought so.

Boo-frickin'-hoo!  I guess everyone should write a dissertation complete with in-game videos and historical references, just so your lazy ass isn't disappointed.  If someone recommends a game, there's nothing stopping you from asking for more information or from taking some initiative to check out youtube footage, the PC Engine Bible, VG Den, etc., so don't blame others for your inability to do a bit o' research. 

They're f*cking video games, for chrissakes!  You didn't like the game, eh?  Then throw the cdr away, move on to some other game, and shut your whine hole.  Besides, your negative review of Pop 'N Magic is equally non-descriptive.  You complain of "severely lacking game play", but never explain why.  Were the controls stiff?  Was the hit detection poor?  Who knows - you only say that it was "overly simplistic", whatever the hell that means.  You go on to complain about the cut scenes, but your inability to understand Japanese is not the game's fault.  The only meaningful complaint put forward is the difficultly level, yet you obviously haven't played enough of the game to provide an informed opinion.

Quoted for truth 

[Turbo D]

I played pop n' magic with my girlfriend.

[Windancer]

Zeon- your whines grow tired.  "Fun" is one of the few things concerning a game that is completely subjective.  A person can have fun playing Deep Blue, or Tale Spin, or Turrican. 
I've gone more into depth on this game in this thread here- http://www.pcenginefx.com/forums/index.php?topic=4759.msg80672;topicseen#msg80672 but that still won't tell you what makes it fun.  Fun is not something you can bottle up and describe- it either is or isn't to the beholder.

I agree wholeheartedly, I just wanted someone, anyone to explain why they found it fun, whether or not I agree. I've noticed a trend of certain games getting glowing recommendations, with little or no explanation as to why. Really the gripe is hearing about how fun or good a game is and never any reason why that person thought so. I mean no offense by this, but Nec, and Wind seem to be some of the worst offenders At least nat, runin and others usually provide some explanation as to what makes the game so great to them. I usually don't agree, but hey it still provides me with some insight, especially if it's a game I have never played.

Anyways, thanks for the link, I will go read it right now.

well that would be because I like just about everything I play. There are actually very few games that I absolutely hate. I just love to play them. and in regards to POP N Magic its absolutely one of the best games you can own for the pcengine. Fun addictive and cool graphics! Oh and  good soundtrack. Also I thought this thread was about POP N Magic not about how bad people blow up bad games to look good! anyway heres my take on POP N Magic if this overblown let me know? http://pcenginefan.blogspot.com/2008/07/pop-n-magic-whimsical-fun-by-windancer.html

if it makes you feel better I dont like Jack Nicklaus golf. however with that said the gaming world never revolves around one persons oppinions, Mine, yours or anyone elses.

[Necromancer]

Fun addictive and cool graphics! Oh and  good soundtrack

But what do you mean?!?  I ride the short bus and haven't a clue what these words portend.  :-"

[Windancer]

Fun addictive and cool graphics! Oh and  good soundtrack

But what do you mean?!?  I ride the short bus and haven't a clue what these words portend.  :-"

LOL Necro thanks for making me laugh I didnt want to be town drunk here. err maybe I am the town drunk who doesnt know squat about the games I  own or play

[Windancer]

Pop 'N Magic fun little platform game this, back in the early nineties it was one of the games I got shipped with my first DUO and I was blown away by the Anime cut scenes.

any other Pop 'N Magic fans on the forum?

I LOVE POP N MAGIC! http://pcenginefan.blogspot.com/2008/07/pop-n-magic-whimsical-fun-by-windancer.html

[Necromancer]

LOL Necro thanks for making me laugh I didnt want to be town drunk here. err maybe I am the town drunk who doesnt know squat about the games I  own or play

Can we share that title?  I likes me vodka. 

I forgot to mention your review earlier, but it's funny that Zippy can't understand what you like about Pop 'N Magic, even though you made it crystal clear.

[Otaking]

Pop 'N Magic fun little platform game this, back in the early nineties it was one of the games I got shipped with my first DUO and I was blown away by the Anime cut scenes.

any other Pop 'N Magic fans on the forum?

I LOVE POP N MAGIC! http://pcenginefan.blogspot.com/2008/07/pop-n-magic-whimsical-fun-by-windancer.html

Cheers, I'll read the review 

[geise]

I find a lot of people that didn't grow up around the tg-16 days to be the ones that just expect too much from a game. (with an exception of some like Turbo D and Arkhan  ) Anyways it was a time when games were fairly simple and didn't require crazy learning curves with 3907823459087259780 button controllers to do 3409873459087978 different things.  Keeping games simple is what makes games fun.  You sit down, pick up a game, and just play it.  Here's me: "Hey this has two player co-op sweet!"  Here's guys/gals in their teens and early 20's: "Wait no XBOX Live!?"  "I can't play this online...?  This game sucks!"  Point is I just don't understand why a younger generation has to be so analytical about these older games.  Yeah not every game is good and a lot of people have their own idea of fun, but lately there's been a lot of nonsense and hatred with a lot of older games.  It seems like they just don't understand what it's all about.  It's about simplicity I guess.  Hmmm I also wonder if this is making sense so anyone? 

[Black Tiger]

The first time I saw Rodland on hardcoregaming101 it reminded me of Pop 'N Magic. Although they're not exactly the same, Pop 'N Magic fans might enjoy it.

[nectarsis]

Fun addictive and cool graphics! Oh and  good soundtrack

But what do you mean?!?  I ride the short bus and haven't a clue what these words portend.  :-"

ROFLMFAO