kfwyre's recent activity

  1. Comment on What did you do this week (and weekend)? in ~talk

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    Great news! Glad it's going well for you. I'm off to a good start too. This year should be much easier than last year for me (knocks on wood).

    Great news! Glad it's going well for you.

    I'm off to a good start too. This year should be much easier than last year for me (knocks on wood).

    2 votes

  2. Comment on CGA-2025-09 🕹️🚂 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Last Express in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    This is great news. And what timing! I might have to test out this version for my playthrough.

    This is great news. And what timing!

    I might have to test out this version for my playthrough.

  3. Comment on CGA-2025-09 🕹️🚂 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Last Express in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    For your spoiler text: The original game does change the cursor when you can interact, but the Dotemu version doesn't do this, which makes that moment more difficult. If you're tired of struggling...

    For your spoiler text:

    The original game does change the cursor when you can interact, but the Dotemu version doesn't do this, which makes that moment more difficult.

    If you're tired of struggling with it, the game does have a built-in bypass (though I will say I haven't tested this on the Dotemu version):

    Bypass method

    In the fight, right click to bring up the map/egg clock screen. Click on the clock to go back to the fight. If you do this five times total, the game will skip the fight (with you winning).

    3 votes

  4. Comment on CGA-2025-09 🕹️🚂 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Last Express in ~games

    kfwyre
    (edited )
    Link
    I am SO excited for CGA, and not just because we're starting off with my favorite game of all time! Also, BRAVO to @CannibalisticApple for doing an awesome job of being our very first host! Tips...

    I am SO excited for CGA, and not just because we're starting off with my favorite game of all time! Also, BRAVO to @CannibalisticApple for doing an awesome job of being our very first host!

    Tips for New Players

    • Archive.org has the manual for the game, the official strategy guide, and this quick reference guide for the game's controls and systems.
    • Here is a hint guide for the game that can nudge you in the right directions without spoiling things.
    • Your framerate isn't broken: it's how the game is intended to be (more slideshow than not)
    • You can double click to automatically advance to the next car (super useful when you want to traverse the sleeper cars).
    • You can interrupt the double click to stop if you need to.
    • Be okay with sitting/standing around and waiting for things.
    • If something isn't going on in one area of the train, try looking elsewhere.
    • Try to go wherever you can (even places you're not supposed to go), whenever you can.

    Version Differences

    I booted up the GOG and Steam versions yesterday so that I could compare them in case anyone's wondering about which one they should play. It's also supported in ScummVM but I haven't tested that yet.

    GOG Version

    This is the original game running on DOSBox. For me, it launched in fullscreen, but the original game was in its low native resolution, making it very small on the screen. I was able to use @3WolfMoon's tweak for dosboxTLE.conf to make it run in fullscreen (changing output=overlay to output=opengl).

    Steam/Dotemu version

    (Note: I ran this on Linux in Proton, so it's possible some of these errors are due to that and wouldn't show up if running it on Windows)

    Positives

    • Added hint system, which helps first-time players.
    • "Bio unlock" notifications help players learn character names.
    • Runs without any tweaking.
    • Currently on sale for VERY cheap!

    Negatives

    • Sound quality seems a little worse.
    • Subtitle placement and readability is worse.
    • Some of their added text (subtitles, notifications) don't fully display and get clipped.
    • There's a bug where the exterior train noise doesn't play when the window is open.
    • Notification popups can break immersion.
    • Changes the save slots from the jewel at the top of the egg to a menu.
    • Changes the rewind/fast-forward from the jewels on the side of the clock to buttons.
    • Cursor hotspots are quite buggy.
    • Save issues.

    Some of these are minor, but there are two that I think people should be aware of.

    The first is hotspot cursors.

    In the original game, the cursor is very good about showing you what you can and can't interact with. Particularly, it will change to an item if you can interact with a character with a particular item you're holding. In the Dotemu version, this did not happen for me. I tried it with two different characters. In one, the cursor didn't show I could interact with the person at all. In the other, it showed the "move forward" option.

    I think this could be confusing for new players because it's not entirely clear when you can/can't interact with a character. The GOG version is MUCH better about this.

    The other is that I ran into a save issue. I played the game up through the end of dinner. I exited the game, and when I returned, I was back two in-game hours, to right before I had entered my sleeping compartment for the first time. I then played through dinner AGAIN, exited, and it put me back as well. This is potentially a huge frustration for new players.

    Patience and Frustration

    As I got back in to the game, I was reminded that this is a slow-burn game. You don't have a lot of direction. Because things happen in pseudo-realtime, the game has a lot of sitting around, waiting, people watching, etc. Be okay with that!

    Also, the game is designed around repeated cycles of failure and learning from that. This can be particularly grating to new players, because re-doing things repeatedly, especially when you're not sure what the right way forward is, can be frustrating.

    If you are someone who's getting frustrated with the game, I strongly recommend playing it with a guide.

    Will that kill the enjoyment? It definitely takes away from some of the investigative and problem-solving aspects of the game, but it'll also alleviate player frustration and allow you to enjoy the game's great story, great characters, great acting, great score, great artwork, etc. I think these things are worth experiencing even if you're not making all the decisions. Heck, I think it's good enough that simply watching a longplay of it is still worth your time.

    10 votes

  5. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    It's all yours! Thanks for volunteering.

    It's all yours! Thanks for volunteering.

    2 votes

  6. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    Perfect! And we can order from Pizza by Alfredo for that month.

    Perfect! And we can order from Pizza by Alfredo for that month.

    3 votes

  7. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    cc: @Lapbunny Responding to myself because I've been sitting on this all day and wondering what happened? I was able to pop the memory stack and figure it out. Um Jammer Lammy comes out for the...

    cc: @Lapbunny

    Responding to myself because I've been sitting on this all day and wondering what happened? I was able to pop the memory stack and figure it out.

    1. Um Jammer Lammy comes out for the PSX in 1999.

    2. It is a spin-off and sort of sequel to PaRappa the Rapper.

    3. 26 years pass.

    4. I completely forget the name Um Jammer Lammy in that time.

    5. I see PaRappa the Rapper 2 pop up in the CGA nominations.

    6. I don't even check the info on it, I just assume it's "that PaRappa sequel that came out like, 30 years ago?"

    7. I'm made aware the the game came out on the PS2, not the PS1.

    8. But how can that be? I distinctly REMEMBER that game being on the PS1.

    9. Is this a glitch in the matrix? Did I mandela effect myself?

    10. I enter an existential crisis.

    11. I easily adjust to this new information in a healthy and normal way.

    4 votes

  8. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    You'd make a perfect emcee for that month! All you need is enthusiasm for the game(s) of your month, which you clearly have. I'm penciling you in. I'd honestly be surprised (and impressed) if we...

    You'd make a perfect emcee for that month! All you need is enthusiasm for the game(s) of your month, which you clearly have. I'm penciling you in.

    I'd honestly be surprised (and impressed) if we had someone here who HAS played all of those games.

    2 votes

  9. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    Let's take this idea, plus mix in the circles that @sotix and @xk3 worked with, and add in your custom emoji to finalize the plan. I felt like the red/green circle combination didn't entirely...

    Let's take this idea, plus mix in the circles that @sotix and @xk3 worked with, and add in your custom emoji to finalize the plan.

    I felt like the red/green circle combination didn't entirely work, and play/eject looked too similar too, but putting them together looks nice and differentiates them well. Green light for turning on the system; eject button for removing the game.

    I also like the idea of having different a different emoji next to the joystick for each game, though this does add one more responsibility for the host... XD

    CGA-2025-09 🕹️[host chooses emoji] INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Last Express

    CGA-2025-09 🕹️[host chooses emoji] REMOVE CARTRIDGE ⏏️ The Last Express

    Unless I hear any complaints, let's move forward with this.

    Also, pinging @mycketforvirrad with a heads up: these topic titles will be intentionally stylized, so they don't need to be fixed. (Unless someone stylizes it wrong, in which case: have at it!)

    8 votes

  10. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    Hmmm, maybe we ditch the up and down arrows and go with play ▶️ and eject ⏏️ emojis instead? CGA-2025-09 🕹️👾 INSERT CARTRIDGE ▶️ The Last Express CGA-2025-09 🕹️👾 REMOVE CARTRIDGE ⏏️ The Last...

    Hmmm, maybe we ditch the up and down arrows and go with play ▶️ and eject ⏏️ emojis instead?

    CGA-2025-09 🕹️👾 INSERT CARTRIDGE ▶️ The Last Express

    CGA-2025-09 🕹️👾 REMOVE CARTRIDGE ⏏️ The Last Express

    (Also, is there a visual equivalent of semantic satiation? Because, if so, that's what's happening to me right now looking at all these different permutations)

    4 votes

  11. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    CGA-2025-09 🕹️👾 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Last Express CGA-2025-09 🕹️👾 REMOVE CARTRIDGE 🔴 The Last Express Or maybe this? I do like the circles and colors. They have a sort of old-school LED vibe...

    CGA-2025-09 🕹️👾 INSERT CARTRIDGE 🟢 The Last Express

    CGA-2025-09 🕹️👾 REMOVE CARTRIDGE 🔴 The Last Express

    Or maybe this? I do like the circles and colors. They have a sort of old-school LED vibe that fits in well with retro gaming. Only issue is that they don’t do much for red-green colorblind people.

    4 votes

  12. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    Responding again to say that I love the rap battle idea! Any chance you want to host that month?

    Responding again to say that I love the rap battle idea! Any chance you want to host that month?

    2 votes

  13. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    (edited )
    Link
    Feedback Request: I'm thinking of stylizing the titles for our Cartridge topics (and yes, I know not all our games are cartridge-based but I like the metaphor). I feel like them having a little...

    Feedback Request:

    I'm thinking of stylizing the titles for our Cartridge topics (and yes, I know not all our games are cartridge-based but I like the metaphor). I feel like them having a little bit of character is nice.

    Here's what I'm currently thinking:

    CGA-2025-09 🕹️👾 INSERT CARTRIDGE ↓The Last Express↓

    CGA-2025-09 🕹️👾 REMOVE CARTRIDGE ↑The Last Express↑

    I shortened Colossal Game Adventure to CGA so the titles don't get too wordy (and because, you know, CGA). The emojis give some visual flair (but can look different on different devices, so let me know if they're unreadable or ugly on yours). The arrows are inspired by systems with vertical cartridge slots (mimicking putting the cartridge in and taking it out). And the caps on INSERT and REMOVE help visually distinguish that part of the title from the game title itself.

    Thoughts?

    6 votes

  14. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    I added your votes manually after running the script, so yours did count!

    I added your votes manually after running the script, so yours did count!

    3 votes

  16. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    Whoa. My ENTIRE life up until right now I thought it was a PS1 game. This is kind of blowing my mind.

    Whoa.

    My ENTIRE life up until right now I thought it was a PS1 game.

    This is kind of blowing my mind.

    3 votes

  17. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    (edited )
    Link
    I'm the one that nominated the PlayStation WHAT? Arcade Special, but I'm going to offer up hosting to anyone that wants it. I scheduled it for November because I can use the games for the...

    I'm the one that nominated the PlayStation WHAT? Arcade Special, but I'm going to offer up hosting to anyone that wants it.

    I scheduled it for November because I can use the games for the concurrent Backlog Burner event, but didn't really think about the fact that I'd be running that AND this at the same time if I were to host that month.

    So, if you want to emcee for a bunch of oddball PSX games, let me know!

    EDIT: Nevermind! It's claimed.

    1 vote

  18. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    I think it's actually GREAT if we get games that nobody has played! I think a lot of people here want to discover stuff new to them. And I locked you in for hosting February. At minimum all you...

    I think it's actually GREAT if we get games that nobody has played! I think a lot of people here want to discover stuff new to them.

    And I locked you in for hosting February. At minimum all you have to do is post the topics, and I'll provide templates that already have 90% of what you need.

    Anything beyond that is ENTIRELY optional, so, no pressure!

    2 votes

  19. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    (edited )
    Link Parent
    Super helpful! This is the exact kind of comment I'm hoping people will make in the Insert Cartridge topics, so that people can get help setting up their games easily. I am wrong!

    Super helpful! This is the exact kind of comment I'm hoping people will make in the Insert Cartridge topics, so that people can get help setting up their games easily.

    Also, FYI: all of the PlayStation WHAT? games are PSX, not PS2.

    I am wrong!

    2 votes

  20. Comment on Colossal Game Adventure Schedule: September 2025 - March 2026 in ~games

    kfwyre
    Link Parent
    cc: @ali If you two are good for it, we can have ali host Chrono Trigger and datavoid host Wind Waker, that way you both get to host your nominations. Also, there's nothing saying that non-hosts...

    cc: @ali

    If you two are good for it, we can have ali host Chrono Trigger and datavoid host Wind Waker, that way you both get to host your nominations.

    Also, there's nothing saying that non-hosts can't chime in on any given month. In fact, I hope this happens a lot! I want this to be a very collaborative group.

    5 votes