I have a couple of features now that are ready for posting on the site, but for the last 3 days, I've been getting "Internal Server Errors." Three days is long enough to tolerate it, so I've now emailed technical support. Hopefully they fix it by tonight.
Wes is on his way over to record another Nintendshow before we leave for work. If all goes will with tech support, that'll be on the site tonight. Even if they drag their feet on this one, the show will at least by on itunes.
Picked up Oracle of Ages last night. I has not aged quite as well as Minish Cap, but that's forgivable because of the limitations of the GBC. Still, it's a great game and I'm having a really fun time with it. I'm amazed by the amount of depth in both Ages and Minish Cap in such tiny worlds. It seems like the DS Zelda games (while great) lack the same sense of exploration and discovery that makes me love Zelda games. That's probably due to the transportation methods in each. The game is all about just getting to the next dungeon or town.
Wouldn't it be awesome if a Zelda game hid items and weapons in the open world map rather than in dungeons? That would force players to check out all the nooks and crannies because they would not be able to beat certain dungeons without hidden weapons. I love exploring all the little caves and holes and canyons in Zelda games, especially Twilight Princess, but I'd love even more bigger rewards than just rupees or heart pieces.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
After a Couple of Weeks Off
I needed a breather for a while. I didn't think it would at all be an issue a year ago, but writing about games I love to play takes its toll. Sometimes I get bogged down and start to think of my favorite hobby as a chore rather than a pastime. But, I'm recharged and ready for more.
I didn't not finish all posts about the Ash Ketchum team, but I did make it all the way to the end and beat Red. They team worked out very well. I have a few reservations about recommending all six members, but I'll map out all my thoughts more coherently in a full write up in a couple of days. In the meantime, I'll just say that all are worth a shot, but Butterfree and Pidgeot are not worth taking up to high levels.
Wes is still plugging along through the Johto Gyms, because he's a motherfucking slacker. I have the next team ready to go, and we'll announce who is in on the next Nintenshow in a couple of days.
Carlos and I are trying to work out when our next show will be, but it'll be at the end of the month or in the first couple of days of January.
I didn't not finish all posts about the Ash Ketchum team, but I did make it all the way to the end and beat Red. They team worked out very well. I have a few reservations about recommending all six members, but I'll map out all my thoughts more coherently in a full write up in a couple of days. In the meantime, I'll just say that all are worth a shot, but Butterfree and Pidgeot are not worth taking up to high levels.
Wes is still plugging along through the Johto Gyms, because he's a motherfucking slacker. I have the next team ready to go, and we'll announce who is in on the next Nintenshow in a couple of days.
Carlos and I are trying to work out when our next show will be, but it'll be at the end of the month or in the first couple of days of January.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Gotta Train 'Em All Part 4 - Gym 8
I've slacked off a little making posts. I'm actually done with all of the Kanto as well as Johto Gyms. Wes has not even started with this team, but he swears he'll be ready to talk about them in the podcast.
To try to give Wes some time to catch up, I tried doing some exploring around the Lake of Rage, but did not find much.
Pidgetto finally evolved into Pidgeot at lv 36. All his stats shot up by 15 points (approximately) and he finally learned Wing Attack at lv 38, his first move (aside from Fly) that does more than 40 damage.
Without much to do at the Lake of Rage, I set off to take out Team Rocket at Goldenrod. It was a simple type alignment game. I got a glimpse of my rival's final team, which is no different from any other run through.
Butterfree tried to learn Captivate at lv 38. Pass. I did let her learn Bug Buzz at lv 40, which is her best move.
Claire was moderately difficult, but not too bad. Charizard's Dragon Claw and Venasuar's Razor Leaf did the job just fine. After trudging through the Dragon's Den, I taught Dragon Pulse to Charizard.
To try to give Wes some time to catch up, I tried doing some exploring around the Lake of Rage, but did not find much.
Pidgetto finally evolved into Pidgeot at lv 36. All his stats shot up by 15 points (approximately) and he finally learned Wing Attack at lv 38, his first move (aside from Fly) that does more than 40 damage.
Without much to do at the Lake of Rage, I set off to take out Team Rocket at Goldenrod. It was a simple type alignment game. I got a glimpse of my rival's final team, which is no different from any other run through.
Butterfree tried to learn Captivate at lv 38. Pass. I did let her learn Bug Buzz at lv 40, which is her best move.
Claire was moderately difficult, but not too bad. Charizard's Dragon Claw and Venasuar's Razor Leaf did the job just fine. After trudging through the Dragon's Den, I taught Dragon Pulse to Charizard.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Gotta Train 'Em All Part 4 - Gym 7
After getting Strength on Route 42, I decided to backtrack again and do some cave diving back in Union Cave and Dark Cave. I found some backdoor entrances to the Ruins of Alph but nothing else too interesting. In dark cave, I found a few items, but nothing awesome and not many trainers.
There were a few trainers in Mt. Mortar as well as a few items; there are a lot of places in Mt. Mortar where I can use Waterfall and Rock Climb, so I’ll have to come back later.
During my spelunking, Ivysaur evolved into Venusaur at lv 32. He got big stat boosts across the board – about 15 points. Wartortle learned Aqua Tail at lv 32.
It was the Butterfree and Charmeleon show all up to the Lake of Rage. I was planning on catching the Red Gyarados to add to my collection, but Raichu took him out in one Thundershock. Oh well, I can’t complain if my team is too awesome.
After meeting up with Lance, it was time to confront Team Rocket.
Butterfree tried to learn Safeguard at lv 34. Pass. No other notable moves or evolution during my bout with Team Rocket.
However, Charmeleon evolved into Charizard in Byrce’s Gym at lv 36. He immediately learned Wing Attack. All his stats grew by about 15 points, except for his Sp Atk, which grew by 20. Wartortle learned Skull Bash at lv 36, then evolved into Blastoise. All of his stats grew by 15-18 points each.
There were a few trainers in Mt. Mortar as well as a few items; there are a lot of places in Mt. Mortar where I can use Waterfall and Rock Climb, so I’ll have to come back later.
During my spelunking, Ivysaur evolved into Venusaur at lv 32. He got big stat boosts across the board – about 15 points. Wartortle learned Aqua Tail at lv 32.
It was the Butterfree and Charmeleon show all up to the Lake of Rage. I was planning on catching the Red Gyarados to add to my collection, but Raichu took him out in one Thundershock. Oh well, I can’t complain if my team is too awesome.
After meeting up with Lance, it was time to confront Team Rocket.
Butterfree tried to learn Safeguard at lv 34. Pass. No other notable moves or evolution during my bout with Team Rocket.
However, Charmeleon evolved into Charizard in Byrce’s Gym at lv 36. He immediately learned Wing Attack. All his stats grew by about 15 points, except for his Sp Atk, which grew by 20. Wartortle learned Skull Bash at lv 36, then evolved into Blastoise. All of his stats grew by 15-18 points each.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Gotta Train 'Em All Part 4 Gyms 5 & 6
I wanted to give Wes a little bit of time to catch up, so I took my team on a detour, backtracking around Johto with Wartortle’s new Surf skill. My backtracking eventually led me back to Union Cave, where I encountered several Ace Trainers with skilled Pokemon at the same levels as mine (25/26). Most of my team members held up very well against them, except for Pidgeotto who has yet to find his niche. He did learn Featherdance at lv 27.
Charmeleon learned Fire Fang at lv 28; Butterfree learned Silver Wind also at lv 28 and Tail Wind at lv 30.
After grinding Pikachu to lv 30, I spent some time in the Pokeathelon Dome earning points to buy a Thunderstone. It only took 5 or 6 rounds in the Speed and Jump circuits to earn the points necessary. All of Raichu’s stats took a big jump, except for his Speed, which only increased by 7 points. His Sp Atk and Sp Def grew by 24 points, his Atk by 21 points and his Def and HP by 15 points. His stat growth is now much more encouraging as a Raichu, gaining 2 or 3 points in every stat almost every level; but most importantly, his Speed, Atk and Sp Atk are always growing by 2 or 3 points. His Sp Def is also very impressive.
I did quite a bit of grinding with Raichu on Route 40 and 41, but before that, I played type alignments on Routes 38 and 39 as well as in the Olivine Lighthouse.
I let Pidgeotto do most of the leg work in Chuck’s Gym, partly in hopes that he would pick up a stronger move like Wing Attack within. No such luck. He did try to learn agility, but I declined. His Featherdance/Roost combo made the enemies weak enough and Pidgeotto durable enough to give Gust enough rounds to eliminate the enemies. Chuck’s Poliwrath had a better combo in Hypnonsis/Focus Punch. Raichu had to finish the job. Immediately afterwards, I taught Fly to Pidgeotto.
Jasmine was no sweat for Charmeleon. Flamethrower easily dispatched of both Magnemites and Steelix.
Charmeleon learned Fire Fang at lv 28; Butterfree learned Silver Wind also at lv 28 and Tail Wind at lv 30.
After grinding Pikachu to lv 30, I spent some time in the Pokeathelon Dome earning points to buy a Thunderstone. It only took 5 or 6 rounds in the Speed and Jump circuits to earn the points necessary. All of Raichu’s stats took a big jump, except for his Speed, which only increased by 7 points. His Sp Atk and Sp Def grew by 24 points, his Atk by 21 points and his Def and HP by 15 points. His stat growth is now much more encouraging as a Raichu, gaining 2 or 3 points in every stat almost every level; but most importantly, his Speed, Atk and Sp Atk are always growing by 2 or 3 points. His Sp Def is also very impressive.
I did quite a bit of grinding with Raichu on Route 40 and 41, but before that, I played type alignments on Routes 38 and 39 as well as in the Olivine Lighthouse.
I let Pidgeotto do most of the leg work in Chuck’s Gym, partly in hopes that he would pick up a stronger move like Wing Attack within. No such luck. He did try to learn agility, but I declined. His Featherdance/Roost combo made the enemies weak enough and Pidgeotto durable enough to give Gust enough rounds to eliminate the enemies. Chuck’s Poliwrath had a better combo in Hypnonsis/Focus Punch. Raichu had to finish the job. Immediately afterwards, I taught Fly to Pidgeotto.
Jasmine was no sweat for Charmeleon. Flamethrower easily dispatched of both Magnemites and Steelix.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Gotta Train 'Em All Part 4 - Gym 4
Pidgeotto learned Twister at lv 22; Butterfree learned Whirlwind at lv 22, and Psybeam at lv 24; and Pikachu would have learned Thunderbolt at lv 26, had she not inherited the move from her parents.
The 3 starters did not learn any significant moves before the next Gym battle. Routes 35, 36 and 37 as well as the National Park did not give the Ask Ketchum team any grave challenges. They all continue to grow at a rapid pace and their stats are developing nicely.
The only complaints I have so far is that Pikachu’s stats only grow by about 1 point every level, except for his Speed, which often grows by 2 points, sometimes 3. His Atk and Sp Atk scarcely grow by 2 points, sometimes they do not grow at all. If not for his good move set and plenty of opportunities to exploit weaknesses to Electric types, he would be a disappointment. But Thunderbolt makes up of this. Pidgeotto’s stats are also lagging behind everyone else’s and he does not have the move set to make up for it. Hopefully his third form will pick up the slack. Furthermore, I know better moves on are the way. He’ll just have to tough it out till then.
Neither my rival in the Burned-Out Tower nor Morty were too tough. My team is several levels higher than my rivals at this point, so his Ghastly, Zubat, Magnemite and Bayleaf are no match. Morty’s Gengar did give me trouble though. I coasted through the entire Gym with Butterfree’s Confusion and Psybeam as well at Wartortle’s Bite; But Gengar’s Shadow Ball and high stats took out both of those two in a couple of hits, leaving the rest of the team to scrap their way past Gengar and his two remaining Haunters. Thankfully, they are a scrappy bunch and were up to the task.
The 3 starters did not learn any significant moves before the next Gym battle. Routes 35, 36 and 37 as well as the National Park did not give the Ask Ketchum team any grave challenges. They all continue to grow at a rapid pace and their stats are developing nicely.
The only complaints I have so far is that Pikachu’s stats only grow by about 1 point every level, except for his Speed, which often grows by 2 points, sometimes 3. His Atk and Sp Atk scarcely grow by 2 points, sometimes they do not grow at all. If not for his good move set and plenty of opportunities to exploit weaknesses to Electric types, he would be a disappointment. But Thunderbolt makes up of this. Pidgeotto’s stats are also lagging behind everyone else’s and he does not have the move set to make up for it. Hopefully his third form will pick up the slack. Furthermore, I know better moves on are the way. He’ll just have to tough it out till then.
Neither my rival in the Burned-Out Tower nor Morty were too tough. My team is several levels higher than my rivals at this point, so his Ghastly, Zubat, Magnemite and Bayleaf are no match. Morty’s Gengar did give me trouble though. I coasted through the entire Gym with Butterfree’s Confusion and Psybeam as well at Wartortle’s Bite; But Gengar’s Shadow Ball and high stats took out both of those two in a couple of hits, leaving the rest of the team to scrap their way past Gengar and his two remaining Haunters. Thankfully, they are a scrappy bunch and were up to the task.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Gotta Train 'Em All Part 4 - Gym 3
I held off from teaching U Turn to Butterfree for now because his Atk stat is unimpressive.
My rival’s Ghastly, Zubat, and Bayleaf were easily dispatched by my Butterfree, Pikachu and Charmeleon.
No issues to report in the Ilex Forrest, Route 34 or in Goldenrod City. Smooth sailing through calm seas with no particular standout performances.
Ivysaur learned Razor Leaf at lv 20, and Pikachu learned Double Team at lv 18, then Slam at lv 21.
I was not able to play type alignments against Whitney’s Normal-type Pokemon, but my power packed team muscled their way through her, Ivysaur was crucial against her Miltank, since it has very low Sp Def. His inherited Petal Dance knocked her out in a single hit.
My rival’s Ghastly, Zubat, and Bayleaf were easily dispatched by my Butterfree, Pikachu and Charmeleon.
No issues to report in the Ilex Forrest, Route 34 or in Goldenrod City. Smooth sailing through calm seas with no particular standout performances.
Ivysaur learned Razor Leaf at lv 20, and Pikachu learned Double Team at lv 18, then Slam at lv 21.
I was not able to play type alignments against Whitney’s Normal-type Pokemon, but my power packed team muscled their way through her, Ivysaur was crucial against her Miltank, since it has very low Sp Def. His inherited Petal Dance knocked her out in a single hit.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Gotta Train 'Em All Part 4 - Gym 2
After defeating Falkner, I taught my prize Roost TM to Pidgey. He also learned Quick Attack at lv 13, Whirlwind at lv 17 and evolved into Pidgeotto at lv 18. All of his stats grew by 5 or 6 points, except his HP, which grew by 9 points.
With the Miracle Seed equipped, Bulbasaur easily dispatched of the fishermen on Route 32, and he and Squirtle breezed through Union Cave. Bulbasaur learned Poison Powder and Sleep Powder at lv 13, Take Down at lv 15 and evolved into Ivysaur at lv 16. Squirtle learned Water Gun at lv 13, Bite at lv 16 before evolving in Wartortle at that same level.
Butterfree’s Psychic-type moves made him the most crucial team member in the Slowpoke well. Down there, the learned Poison Powder, Stun Spore and Sleep Powder at lv 13, and Gust at lv 16.
It was Charmander’s and Pidgey’s turn to shine in Bugsy’s Gym. Charmander learned Smokescreen at lv 13 and Dragon Rage at lv 16, at which level he evolved into Charmeleon. His inherited Flamethrower annihilated Bugsy.
None of the 3 starters got big stat boosts from their second evolution step. Their stats grew by 5 or 6 stats each.
Pichu’s friendly evolution into Pikachu took quite a while. But at lv 15, she evolved, but only gained 2 or 3 points per stats. I did send her back to my Pearl version to delete Thunder and Iron Tail and replaced them with Thundershock and Quick Attack with a couple of heart scales. I replaced these moves partly because I don’t want him able to just overpower enemies, but mostly because the former moves are inaccurate. I’ll take accuracy over raw power any day.
With the Miracle Seed equipped, Bulbasaur easily dispatched of the fishermen on Route 32, and he and Squirtle breezed through Union Cave. Bulbasaur learned Poison Powder and Sleep Powder at lv 13, Take Down at lv 15 and evolved into Ivysaur at lv 16. Squirtle learned Water Gun at lv 13, Bite at lv 16 before evolving in Wartortle at that same level.
Butterfree’s Psychic-type moves made him the most crucial team member in the Slowpoke well. Down there, the learned Poison Powder, Stun Spore and Sleep Powder at lv 13, and Gust at lv 16.
It was Charmander’s and Pidgey’s turn to shine in Bugsy’s Gym. Charmander learned Smokescreen at lv 13 and Dragon Rage at lv 16, at which level he evolved into Charmeleon. His inherited Flamethrower annihilated Bugsy.
None of the 3 starters got big stat boosts from their second evolution step. Their stats grew by 5 or 6 stats each.
Pichu’s friendly evolution into Pikachu took quite a while. But at lv 15, she evolved, but only gained 2 or 3 points per stats. I did send her back to my Pearl version to delete Thunder and Iron Tail and replaced them with Thundershock and Quick Attack with a couple of heart scales. I replaced these moves partly because I don’t want him able to just overpower enemies, but mostly because the former moves are inaccurate. I’ll take accuracy over raw power any day.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Gotta Train 'Em All Part 4 - Gym 1
As a disclaimer, Gotta Train 'Em All Part 3 is the Eevee Team and you can read our thoughts on them on the site. So, we're moving directing from Team 2 to the fourth team: The Ash Ketchum Team! The old-school Ash Ketchum Team: Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Pidgeotto, and Butterfree.
Wes is still training his Eevee team, but I don't want to wait any more to use this legendary team.
So, I brought everyone over at lv 1. Some Pokemon inherited some moves from their parents, but I'll list those as they come up.
Caterpie evolved into Metapod at lv 7 and learned harden, then into Butterfree at lv 10 and learned Confusion. After his final evolution step, His Speed, Sp Atk, and Sp Def shot up significantly.
Bulbasaur learned Leech Seed at lv 7 and Vine Whip at lv 9; Squirtle learned Bubble at lv 7 and Withdraw at lv 10.
Pidgey and Charmander were the most useful in the Bellsprout Tower. Charmander learned Ember at lv 7 and Smokescreen at lv 10; Pidgey learned Gust at lv 9. Squirtle's inherited move Ice Beam was useful against Hoothoots in the tower.
Pichu's inherited move, Thunderbolt, took out all of the junior trainers and Falkner's two Pokemon without any issue. He learned nothing.
Wes is still training his Eevee team, but I don't want to wait any more to use this legendary team.
So, I brought everyone over at lv 1. Some Pokemon inherited some moves from their parents, but I'll list those as they come up.
Caterpie evolved into Metapod at lv 7 and learned harden, then into Butterfree at lv 10 and learned Confusion. After his final evolution step, His Speed, Sp Atk, and Sp Def shot up significantly.
Bulbasaur learned Leech Seed at lv 7 and Vine Whip at lv 9; Squirtle learned Bubble at lv 7 and Withdraw at lv 10.
Pidgey and Charmander were the most useful in the Bellsprout Tower. Charmander learned Ember at lv 7 and Smokescreen at lv 10; Pidgey learned Gust at lv 9. Squirtle's inherited move Ice Beam was useful against Hoothoots in the tower.
Pichu's inherited move, Thunderbolt, took out all of the junior trainers and Falkner's two Pokemon without any issue. He learned nothing.
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