POP 'N MAGIC Appreciation

[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?

[nectarsis]

Paging master sin ;) lol

It is a great game, colorful visuals, good music, fun ass game.

[Sinistron]

GREAT game yes.  Even my fiance loves it.  I'd go more into depth but my bachelor party was last night and I'm forking shot. 

[_Paul]

It's one of Riot/Telenet's best games, and I love the music on the beachy levels. The visual scenes are great too, very clean artwork and full screen, none of this tiny windowed stuff.

[boogiecat]

Yeah the game was cute and decent to play...

[Zeon]

Ya know, I hear everyone harp about how "great" this game is and list their reasons, but no one ever addresses the most important part: the severely lacking game play. The fact that everyone in general always makes mention of things like this:

I was blown away by the Anime cut scenes.

It is a great game, colorful visuals, good music, fun ass game.

(btw awesome explanation of the games greatness nec )

I am inclined to believe that everyone is either easily impressed by nice looking cut scenes and music, or everyone here but me is part of some crazy ass secret Pop 'N Magic loving cult that I am not privy to. I am beginning to think it's both   

Speaking of the music, I honestly can't remember what a single track sounded like, which usually means the music wasn't anything special. This is coming from a guy who remembered how a single track from a single game sounded like that he heard only once when he has 8 years old 

Call me crazy, but I don't see the appeal behind a game that I can probably clear in my sleep, with the only thing going for it is some long, rather boring anime cutscenes (most of which is spent talking in a language I don't understand: Japanese and with 0 action. That's some awesome stuff right there folks! )

It's like an easy ass bubble bobble with colorful graphics, bland music, overly simplistic gameplay, and long annoying cutscenes (annoying because they aren't entertaining to watch in the least, and they somehow manage to be even more bland than the gameplay) When Windancer sent me a burn to try, and he and others made it out to be one of the most awesome things ever, I really didn't know what to expect. Everyone just talked about how good it is with little more reason than the visuals and presentation. (2 things that I never rush out and buy a game solely for)

So I played the game, tried to sit through the intro, gave up out of boredom and skipped it (or waited for it to end, I can't remember if you could skip the scenes), started to play the game, and noticed something was off. Sure the visuals are nice but nothing impressive. Honestly I think Parasol Stars looked better (and played better too). However, the thing that really started to irk me was the challenge, or in this games case, the lack thereof. I was clearing stages in seconds, and only started to die when I was getting bored and started jacking around, hoping to find something redeeming about it. Finally, I decided to continue until the first game over. Too bad it never came, because as I kept going on and losing my patience, it was becoming evident that the game over wasn't coming anytime soon. So I turned the game off in disgust and boredom.

IIRC, I popped in Neo Nectaris (a much better game btw ) and played that for a good few hours. Thank god I didn't pay a cent for this pile of meh, otherwise I would be having some serious buyers remorse.

Just my two cents, I'd love to hear some comments on the games actual gameplay

[Sinistron]

Ya know, I hear everyone harp about how "great" this game is and list their reasons, but no one ever addresses the most important part: the severely lacking game play. The fact that everyone in general always makes mention of things like this:

I was blown away by the Anime cut scenes.

It is a great game, colorful visuals, good music, fun ass game.

(btw awesome explanation of the games greatness nec )

I am inclined to believe that everyone is either easily impressed by nice looking cut scenes and music, or everyone here but me is part of some crazy ass secret Pop 'N Magic loving cult that I am not privy to. I am beginning to think it's both   

Speaking of the music, I honestly can't remember what a single track sounded like, which usually means the music wasn't anything special. This is coming from a guy who remembered how a single track from a single game sounded like that he heard only once when he has 8 years old 

Call me crazy, but I don't see the appeal behind a game that I can probably clear in my sleep, with the only thing going for it is some long, rather boring anime cutscenes (most of which is spent talking in a language I don't understand: Japanese and with 0 action. That's some awesome stuff right there folks! )

It's like an easy ass bubble bobble with colorful graphics, bland music, overly simplistic gameplay, and long annoying cutscenes (annoying because they aren't entertaining to watch in the least, and they somehow manage to be even more bland than the gameplay) When Windancer sent me a burn to try, and he and others made it out to be one of the most awesome things ever, I really didn't know what to expect. Everyone just talked about how good it is with little more reason than the visuals and presentation. (2 things that I never rush out and buy a game solely for)

So I played the game, tried to sit through the intro, gave up out of boredom and skipped it (or waited for it to end, I can't remember if you could skip the scenes), started to play the game, and noticed something was off. Sure the visuals are nice but nothing impressive. Honestly I think Parasol Stars looked better (and played better too). However, the thing that really started to irk me was the challenge, or in this games case, the lack thereof. I was clearing stages in seconds, and only started to die when I was getting bored and started jacking around, hoping to find something redeeming about it. Finally, I decided to continue until the first game over. Too bad it never came, because as I kept going on and losing my patience, it was becoming evident that the game over wasn't coming anytime soon. So I turned the game off in disgust and boredom.

IIRC, I popped in Neo Nectaris (a much better game btw ) and played that for a good few hours. Thank god I didn't pay a cent for this pile of meh, otherwise I would be having some serious buyers remorse.

Just my two cents, I'd love to hear some comments on the games actual gameplay

Funny how you haven't played through it yet assume you could clear it in your sleep.
The music is excellent- fits the game perfectly- the gameplay is smooth and addictive (especially for two players)- but not for you- and no one said it was better than Parasol Stars (very few games are).  If there's any drawback- it's that I would've liked a bigger variety of powerups.

[Zeon]

Funny how you haven't played through it yet assume you could clear it in your sleep.
The music is excellent- fits the game perfectly- the gameplay is smooth and addictive (especially for two players)- but not for you- and no one said it was better than Parasol Stars (very few games are).  If there's any drawback- it's that I would've liked a bigger variety of powerups.

All I'm saying is if a game makes me turn it off out of boredom and not frustration, somethings not right. It's not a horrible game by any means, I just never understood why it is so highly regarded, especially when there are far better games out there for the pce. I'll take your word on the music, but I honestly don't remember any of it, it didn't really leave an impression on me. I only brought up Parasol Stars as it is possibly the next closest thing in game play (Don Doko Don might be the third closest) and is 1000x better, I never said anyone said that Pop N' Magic was better

I'm not trying to be an asshole, but would you care to elaborate what makes the gameplay "addictive". I'll be honest, maybe I'm missing something here, it wouldn't be the first time. Does the game pick up much at all later in the game, I'm not sure how many stages I cleared, but it didn't take long at all before I got bored with it.

[Sinistron]

yeah it picks up quite a bit- I remember a haunted tower (not the haunted house) board that was awesome.  I keep meaning to play this one again but I've been neglecting my CDs in favor of hueys lately. 
try it with two players- if your sour patch ass can find a friend- one who doesn't mind being surrounded by bedbugs! 
Out of these ssp type games I've played on pce- I'd say Don Doko Don is the worst of the bunch- though still entertaining.

[Otaking]

I thought the gameplay was just a bit of light hearted fun, for example its a totally different type of gaming experience to the intense style of gameplay of winds of thunder or Soldier Blade which are great in a totally different way.
Also the lovely colourful graphics of Pop 'n Magic make it a pleasure to play.

[nectarsis]

Ya know, I hear everyone harp about how "great" this game is and list their reasons, but no one ever addresses the most important part: the severely lacking game play. The fact that everyone in general always makes mention of things like this:

I was blown away by the Anime cut scenes.

It is a great game, colorful visuals, good music, fun ass game.

(btw awesome explanation of the games greatness nec )

I am inclined to believe that everyone is either easily impressed by nice looking cut scenes and music, or everyone here but me is part of some crazy ass secret Pop 'N Magic loving cult that I am not privy to. I am beginning to think it's both   

Speaking of the music, I honestly can't remember what a single track sounded like, which usually means the music wasn't anything special. This is coming from a guy who remembered how a single track from a single game sounded like that he heard only once when he has 8 years old 

Call me crazy, but I don't see the appeal behind a game that I can probably clear in my sleep, with the only thing going for it is some long, rather boring anime cutscenes (most of which is spent talking in a language I don't understand: Japanese and with 0 action. That's some awesome stuff right there folks! )

It's like an easy ass bubble bobble with colorful graphics, bland music, overly simplistic gameplay, and long annoying cutscenes (annoying because they aren't entertaining to watch in the least, and they somehow manage to be even more bland than the gameplay) When Windancer sent me a burn to try, and he and others made it out to be one of the most awesome things ever, I really didn't know what to expect. Everyone just talked about how good it is with little more reason than the visuals and presentation. (2 things that I never rush out and buy a game solely for)

So I played the game, tried to sit through the intro, gave up out of boredom and skipped it (or waited for it to end, I can't remember if you could skip the scenes), started to play the game, and noticed something was off. Sure the visuals are nice but nothing impressive. Honestly I think Parasol Stars looked better (and played better too). However, the thing that really started to irk me was the challenge, or in this games case, the lack thereof. I was clearing stages in seconds, and only started to die when I was getting bored and started jacking around, hoping to find something redeeming about it. Finally, I decided to continue until the first game over. Too bad it never came, because as I kept going on and losing my patience, it was becoming evident that the game over wasn't coming anytime soon. So I turned the game off in disgust and boredom.

IIRC, I popped in Neo Nectaris (a much better game btw ) and played that for a good few hours. Thank god I didn't pay a cent for this pile of meh, otherwise I would be having some serious buyers remorse.

Just my two cents, I'd love to hear some comments on the games actual gameplay

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 

[TurboXray]

I haven't tried out this game yet, but did catch a video of it. Seems like the controls/game runs a bit slow. Looks like it could use a speed up. Anyway, I need to check this one out.

[CrackTiger]

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

[_Paul]

I haven't tried out this game yet, but did catch a video of it. Seems like the controls/game runs a bit slow. Looks like it could use a speed up. Anyway, I need to check this one out.

The controls are slow at first, but after a few speed power-ups you are zipping along at a perfectly adequate pace.

[Zeon]

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! 

[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- https://www.pcengine-fx.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- https://www.pcengine-fx.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

[Nazi NecroPhile]

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 fucking 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 fucking 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- https://www.pcengine-fx.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.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

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 NecroPhile 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

[Nazi NecroPhile]

LOL NecroPhile 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? 

[CrackTiger]

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

[Sinistron]

Zippy

[Zeon]

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 fucking 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.

Woah man, time out! Why all the angst? Why all the anger? I simply stated my opinion on Pop N' Magic, stated I don't understand why so many like certain games, and asked for a little more in depth reasons why people like it. I seriously don't see the need to cop such a condescending attitude, if anything you are further derailing the thread that was starting to actually get back on track. I don't think anything I said called for such a harsh tone or such language, and I would suggest taking a deep breath and calming down. Nothing good ever comes from such posts, and the intent is almost never good. Let's keep the discussion friendly and lively, no need to get all uppity. After all, as you yourself said, they are just games. 

Back on topic, Pop N' Magic is not a horrible game by any means. Long cut scenes aside, the concept and basic idea are just fine, trap enemies in bubbles grab the bubbles and fling them into other enemies trapped in bubbles to clear the stage, similar to bubble bobble. The problem is with the lacking challenge it goes a little to quickly, and there is much less emphasis on quick strategic maneuvers, making it seem like a prettier, watered down bubble bobble clone. In other similar games, you needed to be quick to react and be somewhat strategic about how you went about things. Pop N' Magic is a bit sloppy in this regard, you don't really need to think about how or when you do something, so long as you eventually clear the enemies. A lot of the stages are almost gimmies, and require little conscious effort or thought to clear. The visuals and audio are adequate, but again nothing too special. Controls were just fine, perhaps a tad bit slow but nothing horrible. I can see how someone might like it for it's slower paced and laid back style. I wouldn't say it's more simplistic than bubble bobble or similar games, if anything Pop N' Magic is the more complicated of the two if only from a gameplay mechanics standpoint.

[Sinistron]

Again Zeon- the game DOES get more challenging and it does get speedier (and as in Parasol Stars- there are speed shoes).  You talk as if you beat it already when you clearly said you turned it off early.  Also there is some thinking involved as you aren't supposed to throw two of the same color bubbles together as they create new monsters- yet you make it all sound so mindless.  As for asking NecroPhile to calm down- I'm sure he's a lot calmer than you think- and it's not like you didn't come onto this thread yourself with this piss and vinegar attitude.  You should read what you write- maybe you'll see how damn whiney it sounds.  Someone was nice enough to burn you a CDR of a game and you come on crying about it- about how bad it is- about how unsatisfactory peoples' descriptions of it are- about how THE CAT WHO WAS NICE ENOUGH TO SEND YOU THE GAME is one of the worst offenders here with bland descriptions- and you're the one who totally derailed the thread- not Necro.  I understand you got a severe bedbug problem- but you should try to brush em' out of your vagina and turn that frown upside down  .

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Woah man, time out! Why all the angst? Why all the anger? I simply stated my opinion on Pop N' Magic, stated I don't understand why so many like certain games, and asked for a little more in depth reasons why people like it.

No, you didn't.  You stated that Pop 'N Magic's game play was "severely lacking" (without much by way of explanation), intimated that only easily impressed simpletons could enjoy this title, and then crapped all over Windancer and Nectarsis for wasting your precious time.  I could care less if you like the game or not; at issue was your vitriolic response to others.

I seriously don't see the need to cop such a condescending attitude, if anything you are further derailing the thread that was starting to actually get back on track. I don't think anything I said called for such a harsh tone or such language, and I would suggest taking a deep breath and calming down. Nothing good ever comes from such posts, and the intent is almost never good. Let's keep the discussion friendly and lively, no need to get all uppity. After all, as you yourself said, they are just games. 

I suggest you go back and reread your own posts, as I was responding in kind.

P.S. - Only a hypocritical tool would bemoan the language of another when their own posts contain vulgarities.

[Zeon]

Necro, I don't know if it's your lack of sarcasm detection, the fact that most people tend to ignore emoticons, or that you really just love picking a fight when there really isn't a problem, but the majority of the harsh language was used in a sarcastic sense. Notice the use of many such smileys such as:  meaning I'm joking or talking in such a manner knowing it might be seen as provoking if I didn't make it clear I wasn't seriously angry or something. The  which 99% of the time when I or anyone else uses it, it's to imply sarcasm, but not in a demeaning or spiteful way. Sometimes I even put a after it (though not in this thread) to make my intent more clear. Also the  and  which again I never use in any sort of provoking way. Call me crazy but I don't think I sat there singling out any member alone, only when responding to a reply in this thread or when it made sense to mention any member to illustrate one of my points.

I was perfectly fine leaving my original posts at that, but I really didn't appreciate your tone or response, which certainly came off as more angry, judgmental, and condescending than ANYTHING I have typed in this thread. This is of course, assuming you pick up on my cues of sarcasm. Please don't think I am being condescending in this reply, I'm really not trying to be. I honestly believe you don't understand the spirit of my posts and I want to make sure we are clear on this. Whereas my snide remarks were merely in jest and certainly not spiteful, your reply certainly seemed that way. At least I can only assume so with only one smiley to help indicate your tone.

Woah man, time out! Why all the angst? Why all the anger? I simply stated my opinion on Pop N' Magic, stated I don't understand why so many like certain games, and asked for a little more in depth reasons why people like it.

No, you didn't.  You stated that Pop 'N Magic's game play was "severely lacking" (without much by way of explanation),

To me this illustrates you completely missed the emoticons and lighthearted jabs at other members. "Severely lacking" is but an opinion and yes, while I did not go fully in depth as to why I thought so, I tried to put a little more reasoning behind my feelings towards this game, than the basic, "it's just fun" I always hear. Keeping in mind that if I was called out on it (which you did, but in quite a rude and snarky way), I was fully prepared to elaborate my views which I finally did in my last response. I wanted to make sure someone was interested before bothering to go into detail about it, before wasting my time on members who didn't care. 

intimated that only easily impressed simpletons could enjoy this title,

Are you referring to this?:

I am inclined to believe that everyone is either easily impressed by nice looking cut scenes and music, or everyone here but me is part of some crazy ass secret Pop 'N Magic loving cult that I am not privy to. I am beginning to think it's both   Not talking

Again, that was meant to be taken in a jokingly manner, I thought I made it obvious with the mention of a cult, as that seems too unreasonable and far fetched to be taken seriously. I was trying to limit my use of the so it didn't get redundant, but I probably should have put another one after the  just to make extra sure no one took it too seriously. I'm terribly sorry you didn't catch it.

and then crapped all over Windancer and Nectarsis for wasting your precious time.  I could care less if you like the game or not; at issue was your vitriolic response to others.

Again, all in a lighthearted jokingly manner. I had no ill intent, nor did I really feel my time was wasted. If anything, I appreciate the time Wind took to burn me a copy to try out. I'm certainly not going to knock the guy for taking the time to make me a copy. Like I said, if anything I am glad he did so, this way it saved me the time of finding my iso and burning it. I don't believe I specifically called nec out on wasting my time, just that he often lets his feelings for a game get the best of him when telling others about them. Nothing wrong about that, both Wind and Nec are just passionate about the games they like.

P.S. - Only a hypocritical tool would bemoan the language of another when their own posts contain vulgarities.

I was only bemoaning it's use in being malicious, (or at least that was my problem with it) of which I certainly did not or had no intentions of using in such a way. Actually, "bitch" and "ass" seem to be the worst word I said, unless I am missing something else while re-reading my posts.

I hope this clears things up. Sorry for yet another derailment guys, this is the last I am going to respond on this matter in this thread. If you still feel the need to continue this discussion further NecroPhile, I invite you to take it to Fighting Street, likely my "Some people are truly special..." thread.

EDIT: Sorry, I missed your post Sin. Like I said, I am more than open to others love for this game, I just wanted a little elaboration, because my initial impressions were not good. I am glad you finally posted some details, and I do appreciate that. I admit, I didn't play very far, (though probably a lot farther than any of the reviewers of games nowadays for publications ), and I'm just fine with that. Like before, I just wanted to know why the game was appreciated so. It IS an appreciation thread, I'd think questioning why people appreciate it was well within reason.

I'll admit, I could have gone about wording my posts a LOT better and avoided derailment, and for that I apologize. I tried to interject a bit of humor, but it seems I failed miserably In any case I've said all I can really say on this matter. So let's get back on topic shall we? 

[nectarsis]

"I don't believe I specifically called nec out on wasting my time, just that he often lets his feelings for a game get the best of him when telling others about them."

I'm no reviewer, and I try to find at least SOME good in the games I play (though there are some that just isn't posible for).  "Feelings for a game get the best of me?"  I go by whats fun for me, not spirit counts, paralax, or any other technical merits (everyone here knows I'm DEF not up on the technical jargon anyways ).  Like sin said..fun is usually hard to describe, if I enjoy a game thats it I ENJOY it.  Just cause YOU seem to find SOOOO many games lacking/redundant/average..doesn't mean I "let games get the best of me"

[_Paul]

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.

That's one game I'd love to see on the PC Engine. The Amiga version was really cool.

[Zeon]

"I don't believe I specifically called nec out on wasting my time, just that he often lets his feelings for a game get the best of him when telling others about them."

I'm no reviewer, and I try to find at least SOME good in the games I play (though there are some that just isn't posible for).  "Feelings for a game get the best of me?"  I go by whats fun for me, not spirit counts, paralax, or any other technical merits (everyone here knows I'm DEF not up on the technical jargon anyways ).  Like sin said..fun is usually hard to describe, if I enjoy a game thats it I ENJOY it.  Just cause YOU seem to find SOOOO many games lacking/redundant/average..doesn't mean I "let games get the best of me"

Nothing wrong with being passionate about the games you love nec. What I meant is that when you like a game you LIKE it.  Meaning you tend to go on about them just a bit more than the average bear. Again nothing wrong with that whatsoever, I'm just stating what I observe.

In any case all this talk of Pop N' is making me seriously contemplating giving it another go...

[geise]

Another man's turd is another man's treasure...or something like that. Not everyone enjoys the same games regardless of how good or bad they are.

[RoyVegas]

Until last night I had never played this game.  Windancer brought it over and I gave it a go.  It started off a little easy in the beginning but the longer I played it the more fun and challenging it was.  Next thing I knew it was after midnight, my eyes were burning and I was going to be tired at work.  The game is definately fun!  I enjoyed the cut scenes and thought the graphics were nice.  Lots of scrolling in the backgrounds and just little things with the graphics that were pretty cool.  The sound I found enjoyable and the gameplay challenging.  I'm not sure exactly how many levels there are but I can tell you that in 2 player mode Windancer and I got stuck and just couldn't pass the boss we were on.  All in all, I definately will be buying this game in the future!

[nectarsis]

WINDY (that bastard "worst offender" strikes again) ;)

[Windancer]

WINDY (that bastard "worst offender" strikes again) ;)

Im the worst offender of playing a great game!

[Ceti Alpha]

Until last night I had never played this game.  Windancer brought it over and I gave it a go.  It started off a little easy in the beginning but the longer I played it the more fun and challenging it was.  Next thing I knew it was after midnight, my eyes were burning and I was going to be tired at work. 

Hardcore!     

[Windancer]

Until last night I had never played this game.  Windancer brought it over and I gave it a go.  It started off a little easy in the beginning but the longer I played it the more fun and challenging it was.  Next thing I knew it was after midnight, my eyes were burning and I was going to be tired at work.  The game is definately fun!  I enjoyed the cut scenes and thought the graphics were nice.  Lots of scrolling in the backgrounds and just little things with the graphics that were pretty cool.  The sound I found enjoyable and the gameplay challenging.  I'm not sure exactly how many levels there are but I can tell you that in 2 player mode Windancer and I got stuck and just couldn't pass the boss we were on.  All in all, I definately will be buying this game in the future!

well we thought we'd beat this beast but ended up on a Boss who just would not relent to us if anyone has beat this game the boss we got stuck on was a Mech that changes into 2 other mechs. First he shoots his hands out in first mech form. then jumps in as a claw looking machine and shoots lightning. then looks like the evil twin of the first mech. any ideas how far we made it?

[Ceti Alpha]

Until last night I had never played this game.  Windancer brought it over and I gave it a go.  It started off a little easy in the beginning but the longer I played it the more fun and challenging it was.  Next thing I knew it was after midnight, my eyes were burning and I was going to be tired at work.  The game is definately fun!  I enjoyed the cut scenes and thought the graphics were nice.  Lots of scrolling in the backgrounds and just little things with the graphics that were pretty cool.  The sound I found enjoyable and the gameplay challenging.  I'm not sure exactly how many levels there are but I can tell you that in 2 player mode Windancer and I got stuck and just couldn't pass the boss we were on.  All in all, I definately will be buying this game in the future!

well we thought we'd beat this beast but ended up on a Boss who just would not relent to us if anyone has beat this game the boss we got stuck on was a Mech that changes into 2 other mechs. First he shoots his hands out in first mech form. then jumps in as a claw looking machine and shoots lightning. then looks like the evil twin of the first mech. any ideas how far we made it?

Man. You guys are havin' all the fun. 

[Windancer]

Just wait till oldskool moves to Las Vegas MUHAHAHAHA! we will have our own little club

[gekioh]

I liked this game, I thought it was pretty cool(thanks to Sini who made a copy for me). This is one of my favorite picks for a good cool down type game where I wanna get in some game time but have only an hour or less to play. While I myself have yet to clear this game I feel it has some great elements. I like that its easier than Parasol Stars (allthough I like games to be challenging as well)cause it feels that the the difficulty is on par with substance of the game as a whole. Sure their isnt as much of a variation of attacks/power-ups or items than Parasol Stars, but than (IMO)that is made up for w/cool cutscenes. The concept is the same, its meant to be simple yet addicting, I dont think this takes away from the experience of playing this game. I dont remember the tunes off the top of my head either, but I do remember that I was quite pleased w/the music and the sound effects when I played this game. Overall I think its an above average game and wouldnt hesitate at all to purchase it at a reasonable price.

[esteban]

I've never played Pop'n'Magic, but hearing you guys talk about certainly piqued my interest in it.

Anyway, some of you might be curious to read Victor Ireland's take on Pop'n'Magic.