Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Reason #401 I could be considered an 'eccentric' (aka bat-sh*t crazy) gamer

Let's make this one simple, shall we? Thanks to my recent acquisition of the Famicom Disk System version of Ice Climber, I now own three copies of this Nintendo-made platformer.

Why on earth do I need three copies of one game? Well, I wouldn't say I need them, for starters. Also, all three copies aren't exactly the same.

That said, two copies of the game are pretty much the same. You see, the first copy I bought was a "loose" one--consisting of just the Japanese Famicom cart. The second copy, picked up in early November and detailed in this previously published post, on the other hand, is of the "complete in box" variety.

The third copy (seen at right), though, is of the Famicom Disk System version of the game. That makes it different from the others in format, of course, but did you know the disk version differs from the cart version in other ways, too?

For instance, the FDS iteration features an animated intro screen--seen at the start of this video--that shows Popo and Nana chipping the words "Ice Climber" out of a block of ice (or something like that). It also includes a stage-select screen, level layouts that differ from those found in the cartridge version, occasional weather effects (wind and snowstorms that impede your progress through a particular stage) and more. (More info on the differences between these versions can be found in the description of this YouTube video, by the way.)

Does all of the above make me any less bat-shit crazy for owning three copies of a game I used to despise? Probably not, but I don't care. Now please forgive me while I attempt to get past this version's fifth stage...

See also: Other reasons I could be considered an 'eccentric' (aka bat-sh*t crazy) gamer and previous Ice Climber posts

37 comments:

Keith Patrick Dunn said...

Naw! You aren't crazy. Well, I mean you ARE crazy but normal crazy. Ish. You and Glenn Percival of PSNation podcast fame are of an ilk. He loves his old games too.
Me? I really want an HD redux of Conker's Bad Fur Day and I'd be good.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Ha! Thanks, Keith! Yes, "normal crazy" is probably a good way to describe me. Also, I love that I'm of an ilk with someone :)

I don't only love old games, by the way. Hell, I'm racing through (literally and figuratively) Mario Kart 7 right now, plus a number of other current games. I understand why people tend to think of me as a "classic gamer," though.

BTW, I'm somewhat shocked we've never received an HD redux of Conker's Bad Fur Day. Of course, who would make it these days? The folks at Rare seem to make Wii Sports rip-offs and little else :(

Kimimi said...

*Three* copies of a game qualifies as bat-sh*t crazy? I'm officially doomed! :D

On a more relevant note, are there any further differences in the FDS Ice Climber? I'd love to hear about them.

Bryan Ochalla said...

You have three copies of multiple games, Kimimi? Do tell!

As for other differences in the FDS Ice Climber: Apparently, yes, but I can't tell you about them from first-hand experience. I suck at the game too much for that. Anyway, there are hard-to-reach *extra* bonus stages and a whole host of special stages that are seemingly unlocked after you beat the aforementioned extra bonus stages.

So, quite a bit of the game is different from its cart-based predecessor, as far as I know.

Kimimi said...

Thank you for the info! I *love* hearing about that sort of thing :)

As for my shameful multiples... the ones that spring to mind are three copies of NiGHTS (PAL, JP, and JP PS2), three Ecco 2's (PAL, JP, JP MCD) and four copies of FFXII (JP, US, signed PAL copy and the JP International version).
There are more, but I think I just embarrassed myself enough :S

Bryan Ochalla said...

You're welcome, Kimimi! I'll do some digging -- and do my best to get better at the game -- so I can better explain in an upcoming post (maybe my Great Gaymathon review of the game?) all of the differences. They seem pretty extensive to me at this point, though.

As for your shameful multiples: I don't really think it's shameful at all. I totally can understand owning multiple copies of your favorite games.

Speaking of which, you must really love FFXII, huh? I have to get back to that one at some point...

Kimimi said...

I very much look forward to a more in depth look at FDS Ice Climbers ^^~

I do love FFXII, but I actually have legitimate (for me!) reasons for owning them all - I bought the JP version when the game first came out, so naturally it was the only version available. Then when I heard the English (US) version was getting a fantastic translation courtesy of Alexander O. Smith I couldn't pass it up (it also has numerous gameplay changes/additions too). The JP International version again features many unique gameplay changes that fundamentally alter the game (far beyond the English releases). The only really guilty pleasure is the PAL one, which I bought just because it's been signed by Kawazu and Minagawa ^^~

Sorry for taking up so much space :S

Bryan Ochalla said...

Hello again! First: NEVER apologize for taking up too much space. Not on this blog. That's what the comments section is for: Comments! So, comment away, Kimimi :)

Second: I've heard about the JP International version of FFXII and desperately wish I could play it. It almost sounds like another game, in some respects! Ah, why did I never learn Japanese?!?

Kimimi said...

Thank you, you're far too kind :)

If I may be the bearer of some good news - the International release of FFXII has received a full English patch; so if you have a PS2 capable of running burnt discs or a PC that can run PCSX2 you can enjoy the best version of my favourite Final Fantasy without knowing a lick of Japanese ^^~

Bryan Ochalla said...

Thanks for the info about the English patch for the International version of FFXII. I feel like I've heard about it before, but I can't be sure. Anyway, I know about it now! Not sure I can make use of it, though, as I definitely don't have a PS2 capable of playing burnt discs, and my PC likely isn't powerful enough to handle PCSX2. I'll look into the latter option soon, though :)

Viewtiful_Justin said...

I find posts about how games differ between versions to be absolutely fascinating. There was a series of posts over on Earthbound Central about how the US game differed in tiny ways from the Japanese version, and the changes they made were so subtle in some cases that it boggled the mind...

Bryan Ochalla said...

Ah, Justin, I agree! I love those Earthbound Central posts you just mentioned. I'd also love to know why some of those changes were made -- since some of them are so subtle.

I'll do my best to summarize the changes that were made to Ice Climber when it was brought to the FDS in my Great Gaymathon review, by the way, since it seems to be of at least some interest to you guys and gals :)

GameOverYeah said...

If it makes you feel any better I'm sure that I have five versions of Ocarina of Time and that doesn't even include the 3DS version.

Also own three copies of the Original Zelda and possible three copies of Majora's Mask as well.

Bryan Ochalla said...

How do you own five versions of OOT, dste? Different regions plus different systems (N64, GC, etc)?

I'm sure if I thought about it I'd find that I own multiple copies of more than just Ice Climber. Final Fantasy IV and V immediately come to mind, for instance...

Kaze said...

I don't think you're crazy at all! :D I have an NES copy of Final Fantasy 1, a copy of the remake on PSX, and the GBA port of the PSX remake! And I've been eyeing up the PSP port on Amazon... lol (You're actually making me want to pick up a copy of Ice Climbers!)

Bryan Ochalla said...

Kaze: First of all, welcome to this blog! So nice to have another person to chat with in the comments section :)

Second: Thanks for saying I'm not crazy. I am, of course, but I appreciate you saying I'm not.

Third: I understand your Final Fantasy obsession. I only have two copies of the game at the moment, but I'm also seriously considering buying the PSP port. In fact, it's sitting in my Amazon shopping cart right now. Ack!

Fourth: Go get a copy of Ice Climber. Now. In whatever form will make you happy. I'd suggest the Virtual Console version if you have a Wii...

GameOverYeah said...

I have (drumroll please), N64 version, Wind Waker with bonus disk, Mario Kart: Double Dash with bonus Zelda disk, Zelda Collectors Edition (all PAL) and Zelda OOT Master Quest (NTSC).

I did have a sixth copy which was an alternate WW (PAL) but sold that to a friend for cheap when WW started hitting ridiculous prices over here.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Wow, that's quite a list, dste! I guess you are the OOT champion :)

GameOverYeah said...

The best bit is that it only makes it to number five on my list of favourite Zelda games.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Ha! Then why have you bought so many copies of it over the years?

Also, what are your top four favorite Zelda games, if you don't mind me asking??

GameOverYeah said...

Because the collector side of me has to have them.

I love the Zelda series anyway but when I buy games I like to go for special editions where possible, like Mario Kart: Double Dash. The PAL version was released as a normal edition and the edition with the bonus Zelda disc. Had to have the bonus disc version.

At the moment I'm looking for a NTSC version of Metroid Prime purely because it includes a bonus demo for Echoes. I already own both full games in PAL anyway.

Crazy I know but I just like things like that.

As for favourite Zelda games.
5. OOT
4. WW
3. Minish Cap
2. Majora's Mask
1. A Link to the Past.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Oh, I understand what you're saying, dste. I tend to prefer special editions myself, although I buy less of them now than I used to. (I just don't need all that extra stuff taking up space, you know?)

Anyway, it's interesting to me that you consider Minish Cap to be your third favorite Zelda game. I'm yet to play it (I know, shame on me!), but I've heard varied opinions on it. What makes you like it so?

Also, no Link's Awakening on your list, eh? Why's that?

I really need to play through A Link to the Past again, by the way. Thanks for reminding me of that :)

GameOverYeah said...

It's hard to explain but Minish Cap just has a feeling, like a charm, about it. It's a game where you can just switch it on and become immersed in the world.

Plus with it being on a handheld the dungeons are just at the right length, though it probably could have done with an extra one.

Finally (and you will get this when you finally play it), collecting Kinstones is like gaming crack. You just want to find every single one, it's just so addictive.

As for Link's Awakening... Never played it. I sold my original GB years ago before I could play it and have only recently managed to pick up all of the handheld Zelda games.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Thanks for the info about Minish Cap. Sounds like a game I'd like. Guess I'll have to add that to my lengthy "to buy" list. Sigh :)

Darwin said...

I think your craziness is rubbing off! I feel compelled to collect stuff now.

Sean said...

That isn`t crazy. I think I have about 12 copies of Moero Pro Yakyu for the Famicom, a game which I almost never play.

In fairness though I am the king of having multiple copies of Famicom stuff. To normal people you would probably seem quite crazy.

Kaze said...

Thanks for the welcome!! I'm really enjoying your blog! ^^

I know!! The PSP Final Fantasy port is taunting me from Amazon with its $10 price tag! lol

Inspired by you I might try tracking down a disk version of Ice Climbers! (I managed to pick up a Twin Famicom but haven't bought any disk system games at all... lol) Speaking of, do you have any other Famicom disk system recommendations? I was thinking Doki Doki Panic since I never played it.

Also... OMG hi Darwin! /waves lol We need to hang out soon!

Bryan Ochalla said...

Beware, Darwin ... once you start collecting retro games, there's no turning back :)

What are you collecting now, by the way? Games for any specific systems??

Bryan Ochalla said...

Sean: Ha! Of course, you didn't intentionally buy all of those copies of Moero Pro Yakyu, did you? Didn't some of them come in packs of games you bought? Regardless, your points stand :)

Bryan Ochalla said...

Haze: Oh, I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the blog so far. Hopefully my craziness won't drive you away ;P

As for PSP Final Fantasy: That $10 price tag has been taunting me for ages! Hell, even the $10 price tag for Final Fantasy II has been taunting me -- and I have next to no interest in that one. I do have an interest in its oh-so-pink box art, though :)

Recommendations for Famicom Disk System games, you say? Sigh, I don't have enough of them at this point to give any great recommendations, really. That said, Doki Doki Panic definitely seems like a good bet. Also, how about Otocky, if you can find it? It was made by the same guy who made Electroplankton for the DS.

Which Twin Famicom do you have, by the way?

Kaze said...

Yeah, even though I have a few copies of Final Fantasy II bundled with Final Fantasy I, I've had little interest in it too... I just keep going back to the original! lol I guess I kind of want to play it just to check it off the list of Final Fantasy games I haven't beaten. =]

I have the Twin Famicom black and green turbo model. I kinda wanted the red turbo version but that seemed pretty rare.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Ah, see, the first Final Fantasy is one of the only games in the series that I consistently "beat." So, should I finally pick up the PSP version, I'd probably beat it, too. I wonder if I would beat FF IV PSP if I picked it up as well??

I really like that black and green Twin Famicom, by the way. I had a really hard time deciding which one I wanted to buy, as they're all really cool looking. The red turbo is pretty awesome, too :)

Darwin said...

Kaze! I didn't know you collected this stuff. Really impressed that you have a Famicom Disk System! :)

Bryan, I've just been gravitating to games with boxart that I loved as a kid. I loaned out my TurboDuo a while ago to my cousin (12 years ago, lol!), so once I get that back I might get some HuCards - I really love those things.

I still want to own a Neo Geo some day and a copy of Magician Lord. And also a Famicom and Mega Drive. Regretting now that I didn't pick at least one of those up while I was in Japan. Next time I'll have a plan!

I want to have a display case in my imaginary mini museum, like this: http://bit.ly/ziVkdE :)

Bryan Ochalla said...

Ah, I understand, Darwin. Picking up games and systems that you loved (whether you owned them or not) as a kid is what a lot of us do, I think :)

I'm amazed you loaned out your TurboDuo! What a nice guy you are :) Is your cousin enjoying it so far?

I wonder how many of us retro gaming fans want to own a Neo Geo some day? It was the pinnacle of gaming for a good while, of course, so it makes sense. I want one, too, but I'm not sure I'll actually go ahead with it, especially since I want a Genesis and/or Super Famicom more.

As for your mini-museum: I really do hope you go ahead with it someday -- and then post pics of it on your Flickr photostream, of course :)

Bryan Ochalla said...

BTW, Kaze, I just noticed that a few comments back I called you "Haze." Sorry about that! Darn keyboard :P

Kaze said...

@Darwin Haha, don't be too impressed! I don't have any disk system games yet so I'm not 100% sure it works! And will you hire me to curate your mini museum? lol

@Bryan Oh, no worries at all! :D I have made my fair share of misspellings of people's names thanks to auto-correct. lol That was kind of you to correct yourself though!

Bryan Ochalla said...

Kaze: I think Darwin should have you curate the mini-museum, and then he can have me come in as some sort of, uh, consultant, too :)