The main thing that happened this week was I tweeted out some photos of myself in Chernobyl from 13 years ago, and everyone remarked how different I looked. Yes: it was 13 years ago! And my hair was shorter, and darker, and I didn't have the beard. Like most people, I'm more Dorien Green than Dorian Grey!!!!
That's actually a pretty good joke.
Off the back of this, I was briefly encouraged to finally post some pictures on my Instagram account, and then lost my nerve. What's the deal with Instagram? Why is it better than Twitter and Facebook, like everybody says? Don't you all feel a bit self-conscious documenting your lives with selfies and stuff? Explain it to me. Isn't it just a narcissism/nosiness feedback loop?
New Digi video this weekend! Okay, bye.
If you'd like to appear here, or you've something you'd like me to give some attention to in our occasional Plug Zone, please send your dank emails to this place here: digitiser2000@gmail.com
You didn't want me to help you with your bins, that's ok, you still value your independence, and I respect that. Come Christmas, I'll help you get your tree and trimmings out of the attic, it's no bother.
Very much enjoying the vlogs you are making with your friends. It's good to know you're safe, and that you haven't fallen during the week. I'm sure that one from Liverpool sings along with all the old tunes for you.
Diverting into reality now, really chuffed that you've started to put that old Digitiser fun into YouTube form. Things never die out, they just evolve. There's something good about simple fun between friends.
Letting us in to watch you muck about, without ridiculous Discovery Channel house band style music, and a guy who can't believe how lucky he is, smashing things and acting OTT in an American way...
"We make a 400lb rifle out of tungsten, and shoot with it out of a moving helicopter...12 million views" "Dropping a Bose Uber-expense, into a nuclear reactor, will it explode!" "Driving my brand new Porsche, into a 75 tonne Semi, and watching my top half realise my bottom half is no longer attached in the last flickering embers of my life."
There's only so far these things can go, in the search for the next sensationalist topic, and I despair. "Host eaten by his giggling friends, describes the sensation in American hyperbole!"
With the usual brat pack, one guy in tweed with a moustache, one guy in a Star Wars tee... and a woman with a nasal voice so bad you think you've got tinnitus.
Suppose I'm saying that I just like the good old British Micky-taking humour and genuine warmth you bring to the channel. Now, I'm off for a custard slice and an egg and ham slab.
Keep doing what you're doing, the views will come.
Dave Graves
Hope you and yours are all doing well.
Knowing we were going on a cruise for a few days I was thinking about a new game to take with me for the Switch. I’d downloaded Virtua Racer (incredible port) but whilst great, it’s a 15 minute at a time game and not something to get your teeth stuck into.
Your review of Yoku’s then popped into my head. I remember you saying what a great game it made on the Switch and so (without rereading your review) I ordered it from CEX as that was the cheapest outlet.
Thank you so much for the recommendation. It’s such a brilliant play mechanic (I’d totally forgotten the pinball-esque nature of it) that keeps it feeling fresh as you play and ‘upgrade’ your ball and the skills you have. I suspect I’m more than halfway through now but it still surprises me with new little twists in the story and various tasks and mechanics that it offers.
And that’s without mentioning how gorgeous it looks, lovely parallax scrolling as a bit of a throwback. The pallets and transitions between the different areas are just wonderful. Another unusual thing for me is that I’ve left the music on, it’s normally something I turn straight off in games but it’s nice to have on and suits the gameplay so well.
A game I’m not looking forward to completing!
Thanks again for the recommendation. Sorry I’ve blathered on a bit, we cruised to Ireland and I kissed the Blarney Stone so I’m even worse than usual....
Best regards,
Dave
Pretend Terrorist and Real Producer.
That's how nice I am!
As David mentions on his Chunky Fringe page, a pop-up teletext service for the event is in the works. Called "Chunkytext" it will contain a mix of classic[1] pages recovered from VHS tape and exciting[2] new artwork and articles.
Guests of the Teletext Block Party events will recognise the editing system which allows anyone to create their own teletext pages and upload them directly onto the service, but this time around access will be open to the whole internet, not just attendees (gulp).
The current plan is for public editing to go live a week or two before the event so that it's already full of finely crafted teletext masterpieces[3] on the day.
The reason I bring this up so far in advance is to say this: I'm currently looking to add some "proper features" and looking for anything of interest to Digi readers/viewers. Send your self promoting
advertorials to: chunkytext@zxnet.co.uk
I can also do full page ads in the Teletext stylee if you just want to plug your twitch stream/podcast/indie game/short-term loans/etc.
[1] horribly out of date.
[2] excitement may vary.
[3] questionable drawings of worms.
ZXGuesser
Total War is releasing a new game soon on PC. Now unless my internet searching or scouring of the games shelves in CEX are out of sync with reality, there’s no Total War games for my PS4... what’s that about, eh?
I bought the shiny box five or so years ago, by now in the PS3 console cycle there were all sorts of games available yet, I still feel like the PS4 catalogue hasn’t really expanded much beyond, driving, FPS, and roamy/action games.
Obviously there are all the VR games showing a bit of innovation, but I expected more from this generation, power wise there should be any limits, and with the swipey controller bit (which I don’t think any game I’ve had has used) adaptations of Total War games should be easy? I guess there’s market reasons why it isn’t. Do all the kids just want to play Fortnite, so theres no room for strategic games on the PS4? What’s wrong with them?
Bah.
When’s Half-Life 2 Part 3 out anyway...?
Burthammer
I just saw this old console thing and thought of you and Gannon failing to use it. It's a Videopac and it's on eBay right now
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-PHILLIPS-VIDEOPAC-G700-SUPER-RARE-MEMORABILIA-INCLUDING-DUST-COVER/202698082038?hash=item2f31bf46f6:g:GP4AAOSwkwJc9kq-
Charlie Gracie
Well, here’s first. Late last year, my PS4 controller stopped working. One of the shoulder buttons (R1) just kept on triggering a “fire” command, so stuff like Skyrim became increasingly hard to play as I’d just keep hitting stuff with my sword. Other games were equally affected. So, after Christmas, I bought a new controller and all was well.
I always hoped that the problems with the original controller was to do with dirt getting into the switch and firing it “on”, or a spring needing reseating. So, finally, today I cracked the thing open to see if it could be mended.
It seems that I killed it. Sure enough, there was a problem with the R1 button - the plastic lugs that held it in place and allowed it to swivel nicely had broken. The little bit of plastic that held the spring in place was also gone, which means that both broken parts were conspiring to make the controller just not work any more.
I looked at the possibility of repairing it, but the constant use that button would get would make a mend temporary anyway - eventually the glue or the join would give way and make the thing unusable again. Also, the actual broken off bits weren't visible, so they have just dropped out at some point (maybe even when cracking the controller open - it’s not an easy thing to get into). Making new bits isn’t beyond me, but I just don’t think it would be worth it.
So, that’s it. The first time I have ever broken a games controller. I’m a bit sad about that because even though I like playing games, I do like to think I look after my stuff. I also don’t like the way that computers, consoles etc. are becoming less and less repairable. So into the electronic recycling it goes. Oh. well.
All the best
Paul Dunning
Good Helloes,
I have a question for you.
Several years ago, on a hot, sunny day when I lived in Australia, I went to the supermarket to get some groceries. It was approaching 45° C so I went commando in my shorts.
After strolling around the supermarket for about half an hour and then paying for my groceries, I walked towards the exit carrying two shopping bags. As I walked under the air conditioner, I felt an alarming breeze. It was at this point that I looked down and realised that my fly was open and I'd been walking around the shop with my entire wilkins hanging out.
With this in mind, is there anything you're looking forward to at E3 this year?
Cheers and smooches,
PixelGuff
E3? I do look forward to the new stuff, but I can't say there's anything specific. Right now, I'm all about my Oculus Quest, and I'm fast running out of things to play on it. More Oculus Quest games, plz.
So it's E3 time again and no doubt the usual razamatazz of big business gaming will happen. But if you were to design a quintessential British gaming conference, what would it be like?
J Blanchard Esq
I would, however, have a panel on British games magazines. I seem to be the only 90s games journo who ever gets invited to those things, and I'd like to hear stories from others.
Hello!
Today I got to visit my grandfather's house to flush the toilet and run the taps so that the whole place doesn't go all gross and smelly during its inoccupancy. I discovered some annuals from the late 70's and early 80's that must have belonged to my mother, aunt and uncle. Amongst these treasures were such titbits as:
- "Do you want to touch Gary Glitter?"
- Pictures of Noel Edmonds's feet.
- A discussion on why arcade games will never really catch on and will be a passing fad.
- A girl worried about being bullied for having a double chin, and the Agony Aunt advising her to lose weight and do more exercise so she doesn't get bullied any more.
I have nothing to say but you wanted a letter and I mentioned video games once so it fits. I SWEAR.
Love,
Chai (@teacupofchai)
https://youtu.be/kAF2O-ZL1y8
Thought you might like this
If you don't, then sorry.
If you do....great! Use it on yer show if you like!
Baghead
Oddly, I always associate Tuc with the north, because I first had a Tuc in Lincolnshire back in the 80s, and somebody once told me that 'TUC' stood for Trade Union Congress. I now find that they're actually from Belgium, and that in Pakistan there is a chat show called Tuc: Lighter Side of Life, which is sponsored by Tuc.
Look: there's Tucs on the table! I also like to think that the floor is covered in Tucs, so the guests have to walk across a crunchy carpet of Tucs when they arrive.
Dear Biffo,
If 1996 Biffo could peer lasciviously through a futuroscope at 2019 Biffo, what would most...
- surprise
- delight
- disappoint
...him?
Turlough Kelly
Surprise: Digitiser's still going.
Delight: Digitiser's still going.
Disappoint: Digitiser's still going.
Biffortuna (Bib Fortuna),
Am I a Nintendo fanboi? Yes.
But am I a Nintendo apologist? Again, yes.
The main criticism about Nintendo’s Labo is that it’s too expensive for “just cardboard”. As a zealot I’ve bought all four Labo kits and as a grown up two are still unopened - most recently I’ve open and played the Labo VR kit and been having this: Fun.
While I’m not the intended audience by many years I found it a delight to 1. Build a thing out of cardboard, and 2. For it to end up something stupid and surprising. Who among us can honestly say they don’t want to make an elephant mask that lets you play a physics based puzzle?
Sure you’re going to end up with a load of crap lying around and yes, it’s not really VR Professor Pendant. BUT!! The VR kit is a good lark so I’m telling people to get it: “Get it”
Biffministers Question Time.
1. Have you had a go of any of the Labo?
2. Thoughts on it either way?
3. I love a gimmicky peripheral, what’s your favourite crap extra thing? Mine is the DK Bongos, I think Jungle Beat is fantastic.
Byeeeeeee
Grembot
P.S.
I’m not sure why some people are so upset about the VR bits they let you do in Mario, Zelda and Smash Bros. It’s just meant to be a bit fun...
It's not a peripheral, but I love the Coleco Telstar Arcade - which basically had all of its crap extras built in. It's the most mental console ever made.
I am now old and have children and a job and responsibilities apparently. As a result I have no time to play games anymore; not even the brilliant ones like Bubsy the Bobcat.
Speaking of which, why is the first Bubsy game entitled "Bubsy the Bobcat: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind", but the sequel is just called "Bubsy 2"? And given that Furred is a pun on 'third', shouldn't this title have been saved for Bubsy 3? Where does Bubsy 3D fit into all this? And is it true that there is a new game coming out this year?
Kind regards
Rhodri Williams
Dear Hugo.I was on Discord on Monday night when I got a notification from the Voiceover Pete Discord (yes, he has one of those, they are more common than smartphones).
Someone tagged @everyone and said to go to the Community Assembly Voice chat, and little did I know that Pete was hosting a Q&A session on it, so I quickly decided what question I wanted to ask and though I never got to say it, Pete said about Goujon John again in response to someone saying "what was your best Fiverr meme apart from the credit card meme?".
Though he didn't say that Goujon John was his best meme (I don't think of it as a meme personally), he touted it as one of his best ones, behind the chair meme (basically him saying chair over and over again). It was nice to see that he thought of it as one of his highlights on Fiverr.
So that pretty much sums it up for this letter, but before I go, my question which I didn't say unfortunately was what he thought of you and what he thinks about your success with Digitiser The Show, which I'm not sure he's heard about, yet...
Yours truly,
The BV Reviewer
P.S. If you want the invite link (which would probably be unlikely) it's in his video descriptions, I would add a link but unfortunately I can't, which is a shame.
Megadrive Mini. What do you think of the full list of titles added to this? Nice that we got 42 in the end as well. I think the list as a whole is pretty decent and are looking forward to grabbing one for games like Dynamite Heddy & Light Crusader.
Luke Adams
I am very much looking forward to Digi-Live, overlooking some anxiety based concerns which I hope are completely unrealistic, like being outed for never owning an Amstrad Computer and being asked to leave before Eli shits everywhere out of pure anger.
When I think about the event in a clearer sense of mind, I think it'll be fun!
Ignore the anxiety causing brain goblins. Or at least, try to.
El Greenio Screenio
I think we're all quite relaxed about the show, though. There are a lot of unknowns - it'll have a running order, but it's largely unscripted (as that seems to work best for us) - so heck knows what'll happen on the night. The only aspect of it that I'm feeling any kind of stress over is the finale, which - ironically - is the only part of show which requires any actual scripting (though not in the way you might think). Still... there's over a month to figure it out!!!!!!!!!!
Fans of the Resident Evil Series might remember two titles Outbreak File 1 and Outbreak File 2. These are two Playstation 2 Classics that I have enjoyed playing back in the day and am wondering if we will ever see a File 3 or a merged port or remake of the two games.
The Outbreak games allowed people to work with another character as well as explore other areas of Racoon City, and now with next generation gaming not far from the corner perhaps its time Capcom remastered these games or just did a third game.
For those who haven't played Resident Evil Outbreak check out the game play of this Playstation 2 Classic and you'll see why its worthy of being remastered or ported.
gamertag (gaz be rotten)
First, congratulations again on the Digi Minis. I really don’t watch a lot of content on YouTube - because I am an old man - but I keep looking at them more or less as soon as I get the Patreon email.
There is something very genuine about them, reminiscent of playing videogames with my mates when I was a kid: especially the recent VR one. Keep ‘em coming.
Second, let’s have some mobile game recommendations from you and the assembled commenters. I really want a good, solid RPG style thing - something like Cat Quest (I know Cat Quest 2 is out later in the year, but I need something in the meantime).
Everything I’ve tried lately has just been a shit Arena-style thing with no proper overworld to adventure around or story. It may be that the game I want does not exist. Downloading SteamWorld Heist for a go now, even though I know it’s not what I want. What’s out there, chums?
Richard Morrison
I've said it before, but Digitiser The Show was done cold - we had no time for a rehearsal, no money for a pilot. In an ideal world, we'd have done the Minis first. Good news is: we've done the Minis, and now can do a second series.
Apologies for filling your inbox with trash so often, but last week it was the threat of a goose attack and this week I’m concerned for the life of poor letter loving Nozzle.
So my PSN Plus membership expires in 2 weeks and I don’t think I’ll be renewing it for a while. I don’t play online much these days, and the monthly games selection has become more and more disinteresting to me. With some previous big name games and additional PS1 goodies to boot, they've now they’ve stopped offering games for PS3 and Vita with no extra PS4 options. It feels a bit like those loot boxes.
Some may enjoy the option to play indie style things they might have usually ignored, but a recent scan through what I’d gotten on PS3 over time, it’s really not quite the same for someone like me who’s grown into a semi-casual gamer who doesn’t have time to invest in a walking simulator, or play Ace Attorney with birds. The price of membership doesn’t justify it right now.
Maybe when they offer something I deem worthy I’ll jump back in, kind of like only buying a copy of a magazine because it had a game you wanted on the cover (my favourite one was the Your Sinclair one, with How to Be a Complete Bastard on it - never completed it but did manage to stab a few people with pens and explode by farting in the kitchen).
Mr.J (the wife) sends his regards,
Mr.S
Do you reckon Mario's dungarees smell? I expect he'd be quite sweaty. He does a lot of the runnin and the jumping.
So by the time he gets to the saving of the Princess, he must proper wang.
Thoughts?
Much love,
Dave.
366) I read your review of 'Back in 1995' with great interest and in particular The point about how the graphics of that transitional era (a good term) don't hold up well unlike some of the 16-bit era. So, which games from that era have graphics that do hold up well?
367) Despite a couple of attempts such as Crash Bandicoot in the 1990s and more recently with Sackboy, Sony have never really had a mascot or figurehead in the way that their competitors have; why do you think this is and do you think that this demonstrates a lack of iconic Sony-created characters or the strength of their 1st-party output in that they don't need a mascot?
368) I would like to suggest Outrun 2 as being a 'perfect' game in that the only way to improve on it is to just make a different game. I cannot think of many games that do what they do so well. What games does this description bring to mind for you?
369) It seems that Anthem is nearing a terminal decline, and while I agree with the 'fans' that the game is overall a big disappointment, I think that their largely hyperbolic reactions will end up hastening the end of Bioware. Whatever one might think of their recent output, many would say, me included, that they have created some of the greatest games ever. Do you think that if Bioware do cease to exist that many who mourn them will be those who slammed Anthem and savaged ME Andromeda, which wasn't even a bad game, just not great?
370) How interested are you in Cyberpunk 2077?
John Whyte
367) In the 90s, everyone pretty much considered Lara Croft to be the PlayStation's mascot, even though she appeared on the Dreamcast first. I'm not sure companies need one anymore. Consoles aren't sold as the lifestyle accessory they once were - look how nondescript the Xbox One and PS4 are. They're just a means to an end now. Plus, having a mascot didn't really help Sega in the end.
368) There are so many! Half-Life 2 and Tetris spring immediately to mind. I'd also put Space Invaders and Pac-Man in there; think of all the sequels there have been to those. Not a single one improved on the originals.
369) Oh, undoubtedly. This is the age of the mob mentality, where people get swept along on a wave of outrage, and don't really stop to think what the consequences will be. People are entitled to get pissed off if they don't like something they've spent money on, but you then see all these third-parties jumping on the bandwagon, just because it feels nice to give something (or someone) a kicking.
370) Relatively interested. Cyberpunk-y stuff is a bit cliched now, and I hope it stays on the right side of the action-RPG equation, and doesn't get too bogged down with menus.