Pier Solar, finally

Arkhan Asylum · 03/21/2011, 06:22 PM

Well it came....

I will say Its nice, but putting "Watermelons Reprint Edition" on the boxart is a lame touch.

and the socket the cartridge slides into is deformed a bit, and looks hacked up.

Oh well.

I will play it eventually!

anyone elses arrive.

TheClash603 · 03/21/2011, 06:44 PM

I think mine is at the post office. Anything that comes from a foreign country needs to be signed for. Too bad that means I won't get it until Saturday now.

Arkhan Asylum · 03/21/2011, 06:46 PM

Quote from: TheClash603 on 03/21/2011, 06:44 PMI think mine is at the post office. Anything that comes from a foreign country needs to be signed for. Too bad that means I won't get it until Saturday now.

It really looks nice its just the case itself is kind of funny. I will probably swap out a Hockey game or something. The case has like a funny bulge to it, and I don't like it.

BlueBMW · 03/21/2011, 07:22 PM

Heheh, mine came today too! And I agree... they went a little overboard with the "reprint" crap. I mean cmon guys.. have a limited first run... then just make all subsequent runs the "normal" version lol.

Arkhan Asylum · 03/21/2011, 08:02 PM

Quote from: BlueBMW on 03/21/2011, 07:22 PMHeheh, mine came today too! And I agree... they went a little overboard with the "reprint" crap. I mean cmon guys.. have a limited first run... then just make all subsequent runs the "normal" version lol.

They want to stress that we arent their LOYAL OMFGFANSSSSSSS

Joe Redifer · 03/21/2011, 08:37 PM

I've never been a fan of the whole "reprint" tag being put everywhere. I know they are trying to be nice with the original buyers, but it really doesn't need to say that on the packaging. Hell, I'm surprised it doesn't say it on the title screen or have a brand new NPC mentioning during the game that it is the reprint. Also, that's interesting to hear about how the cart fits in the case. I suppose you can always get a new case from some non-EA game down at the thrift store.

I'll be interested to hear your opinions of the game. I'm sure you'll find a few things to complain/get frustrated about. Everyone does. But overall I think the game is a great effort and feels very professional.

Arkhan Asylum · 03/21/2011, 09:19 PM

it had better be a good game for being such a long project!

I gotta diddle me up an enhanced CD though.

PunkCryborg · 03/21/2011, 10:00 PM

I missed the second print, I was going to order it and waited till that night and they were all out. I ordered the third print when it sold for about a day about 2 weeks ago. I hope it doesn't come with "3rd print LOSER" on the front

Mathius · 03/22/2011, 02:07 AM

Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 03/21/2011, 09:19 PMit had better be a good game for being such a long project!

I gotta diddle me up an enhanced CD though.

If, for some un-Godly reason, you need a CD-R mailed to you, Ark, just let me know.

Duo_R · 03/22/2011, 03:18 AM

Ill take one! :-)

Mathius · 03/22/2011, 03:29 AM

Quote from: Duo_R on 03/22/2011, 03:18 AMIll take one! :-)

Try the free version of Nero first.

DJLobo · 03/22/2011, 02:28 PM

Mine came in the mail last week. I'm impressed with the manual/poster/stickers. The overall packaging looks clean and top notch. Gotta burn a CD of the enhanced soundtrack and finish up another game before tackling this one.

Arkhan Asylum · 03/22/2011, 06:30 PM

Quote from: elabit on 03/21/2011, 10:00 PMI missed the second print, I was going to order it and waited till that night and they were all out. I ordered the third print when it sold for about a day about 2 weeks ago. I hope it doesn't come with "3rd print LOSER" on the front

I bet it will

the back even says THE REPRINT EDITION OF THE BEST GAVE EVER, or something.

Watermelon is proud to present in this special reprint edition [read: normal fucking release] ....

TR0N · 01/19/2012, 05:44 AM

Bump from the grave well this game is getting another print run.
http://www.piersolar.com
Since getting a genesis again as of last year i didn't want to miss out so i order a copy.

Arkhan Asylum · 01/19/2012, 08:34 AM

Lets see how bad they screw up run #3.

Will it cost 90$, come in a ziploc bag, and have no label?

BlueBMW · 01/19/2012, 10:34 AM

theyve got a soundtrack now too... but their site is looking more and more commercialized... I guess I like the feel of the pce homebrew a lot more. The pier solar scene seems to be money money money now.

Wonder if the enhanced cd will be defective like in the originals.

Arkhan Asylum · 01/19/2012, 10:37 AM

Quote from: BlueBMW on 01/19/2012, 10:34 AMtheyve got a soundtrack now too... but their site is looking more and more commercialized... I guess I like the feel of the pce homebrew a lot more. The pier solar scene seems to be money money money now.

Wonder if the enhanced cd will be defective like in the originals.

If they get pressed at Changs Speedy CD Emporium, probably.

and yeah, they went too lolcommercial. They should just hang with Super Fighter Team and get it over with.

It feels cheap now. Definitely not like how they started, :-/

the word is disconnected. I think.

Samurai Ghost · 01/19/2012, 10:44 AM

Probably will order this eventually just because it's a newly released Megadrive game which enough of a reason for me.

BlueBMW · 01/19/2012, 11:57 AM

Disconnected! I was looking for the word but I couldnt put my finger on it. That describes it perfectly.

futureman2000 · 01/19/2012, 12:28 PM

I ordered one, should arrive pretty soon. I wanted to play it the first few times around, but I kept missing the windows of opportunity.

Arjak · 01/19/2012, 01:36 PM

I don't know WTF you guys are complaining about. I am very impressed with the game, from both a homebrew standpoint as well as a game standpoint. From what I've played of it, I think I can safely say that the game kicks epic amounts of ass. Yes, I do have a copy. I have the first-run "Posterity" edition, and I have had NO problems with my CD.

I know that there have been problems, but I think the final product has been completely worth it. Besides, if you're going to whine about "Reprint" editions, new website designs, and whatever else you can before you even play the game, you need to quit being such a...whoa, I gotta stop before I get banned by Joe.

Anyway, you can complain all you like, but until you have put in as much effort as Watermelon has in making a game like this, no sane person is really going to care.

Arkhan Asylum · 01/19/2012, 03:08 PM

Quote from: Arjak on 01/19/2012, 01:36 PMI don't know WTF you guys are complaining about. I am very impressed with the game, from both a homebrew standpoint as well as a game standpoint. From what I've played of it, I think I can safely say that the game kicks epic amounts of ass. Yes, I do have a copy. I have the first-run "Posterity" edition, and I have had NO problems with my CD.

We're not complaining about the game itself. Mostly the logistics that went down after the game was finished. This includes the 2ish weeks of inconsistent excuses and cranky "tough shit" attitudes from the team.

They seemed to forget that some of the people complaining were waiting for years for the game only to get shafted and told "You should've preordered. You don't deserve it"

QuoteI know that there have been problems, but I think the final product has been completely worth it. Besides, if you're going to whine about "Reprint" editions, new website designs, and whatever else you can before you even play the game, you need to quit being such a...whoa, I gotta stop before I get banned by Joe.

The game is good. It's not my favorite Sega RPG (that's reserved for PS2 and Super Hydlide!). I have it too. I just didn't like the hiked up price for lesser quality stuff. It took forever for them to just admit they overshot the budget, and that the CDs were mostly screwed up... they could have just said that in the first place.

QuoteAnyway, you can complain all you like, but until you have put in as much effort as Watermelon has in making a game like this, no sane person is really going to care.

People don't need to put in years of work to complain about this kind of stuff. We all do it for the big-time developers, so why can't we do it for this? It's legit complaining, lol. The end users (the people the game is targeted at and done for) got hosed a bit, and weren't happy.

munchiaz · 01/19/2012, 09:46 PM

i picked up a copy and pre ordered the CD. but both my sega CD and JVC xeye aren't playing CD games, so when i get it, ill have to wait til i get one of those fixed, or find a cheap replacement

Duo_R · 01/20/2012, 04:31 AM

Anyone getting the soundtrack?

TR0N · 01/20/2012, 04:41 AM

Quote from: Duo_R on 01/20/2012, 04:31 AMAnyone getting the soundtrack?

If i wasn't short on $ i would i just order the game and that's it.

Though i heard you can download the sound track and burn it if you want to.

futureman2000 · 01/20/2012, 08:45 AM

I burned the copy of the soundtrack from their website. I'm cool with paying for the game, but meh to buying the soundtrack.

Senshi · 01/20/2012, 09:05 AM

I think this group of guys got in over their heads with this at first and were unsure how to respond when the problems hit. I doubt they had the resources to fix the issues and is probably why they responded poorly. One big mistake they made was setting the price way too low. When something starts selling that fast you know its not right. There is no problem with them going "lol commercial" or whatever you want to call it. This is a good thing, not a bad thing. If it helps them bring in revenue they will keep on making things and probably do better the next time around. If it flops you won't get anything else or it take forever because people are just doing it in there spare time. Good Marketing is completely necessary, whether you like it or not. You can have the best shit in the world but if its poorly presented or no one knows about it you won't sell jack.

Arkhan Asylum · 01/20/2012, 09:20 AM

When the problems hit, they handled it like the disjointed, all over the place, group of indy dorks they are... (as expected!)

as opposed to the organized, professional, commercial group they were posing as.

They should've just said "Look the clamshell print #2 costs more because the first one's cost was underestimated, and we lost $$ selling it to you guys".
and
"The CD isn't in the reprint because the CD is screwed up"

then when the CD got dumped , they we're mad about it.

Insults, excuses, lies, all kinds of crap went down instead. I hope they learned from those mistakes, because the game itself is pretty good, and the packaging, even on the reprint, is nicely done.

You've gotta be upfront with the people flinging money at you. They'll find out if you aren't anyways, and then you end up looking like a dick.

Senshi · 01/20/2012, 12:49 PM

Yes honesty is always the best policy, but I've learned to temper my expectations of the human race as I get older. Sorry I felt that at $35 for the original that I bought that it at was a steal, not really flinging money. People are just cheap bastards most of the time IMO, especially gamers and they just like to find reasons to bitch. For the most part, I think that was the case here.

Arkhan Asylum · 01/20/2012, 01:07 PM

by flinging money, I literally just mean, excited people throwing money at them to get a copy.

Basically, they should've been more legit with their paying fans that have been following the project since it was known as tavern

Senshi · 01/20/2012, 02:24 PM

Yes I agree, i'm just happy they didn't quit and walk off with my money.

Arkhan Asylum · 01/20/2012, 02:37 PM

that would suck even more.

it really does suck though that they never got more than enough of the original lot. the games had more reprints than games that have been out for 20 years.

They should have kept the package the same and just upped the damn price and explained why.

As it is now, the whole things a wreck because they keep having to reprint it.

Senshi · 01/20/2012, 03:14 PM

my bet on possibilities of why they have to keep doing this is:

-they don't have the space or the want to purchase the space to hold a large inventory

-the place that is manufacturing these cartridges (was it in China?) only does stuff for them when they have down time because they have larger orders than them which are higher priority

- or...they lack the money to put together large orders

- or they just plain don't understand the demand for their game and are just being ultra conservative making sure they sell every damn one before they make another batch to ensure they have no leftovers.

Arkhan Asylum · 01/20/2012, 05:36 PM

Quote from: Senshi on 01/20/2012, 03:14 PM- or they just plain don't understand the demand for their game and are just being ultra conservative making sure they sell every damn one before they make another batch to ensure they have no leftovers.

This is what I am going with.

A little forward thinking would've avoided all these reprints. You shouldnt do a reprint every fuckin' year. It's dumb lol

Samurai Ghost · 01/21/2012, 01:25 AM

Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 01/20/2012, 05:36 PM
Quote from: Senshi on 01/20/2012, 03:14 PM- or they just plain don't understand the demand for their game and are just being ultra conservative making sure they sell every damn one before they make another batch to ensure they have no leftovers.
This is what I am going with.

A little forward thinking would've avoided all these reprints. You shouldnt do a reprint every fuckin' year. It's dumb lol

Nah, I think it's kind of the opposite. They purposely print just a few copies each time so it quickly gets sold out, which increases the 'demand' for the game. People want something when they can't have it, so as soon as more copies come in they sell out right away. Or another possibility is they have tons of these reprints already but say they are "sold out" from time to time to increase the demand for it, although that's a bit far-fetched.

Arkhan Asylum · 01/21/2012, 05:27 PM

Either way it seems stupid, as all they're doing now is having more versions of their game than they should ever have.

The reprint has the arrogant "reprint of the popular game" something or other on it, IIRC.

It's all kind of cheap. I think at this point they are just playing the loldemand card to get people to frantically go for the game.

It's all part of that disconnected feeling. Sucks, since the game IS pretty good. (Though kinda corny sometimes, but thats ok!)

BlueBMW · 01/21/2012, 05:34 PM

I can see adding some bonus extras for the preorder folks but dont make the game packaging etc different for the different releases. That just begs for gouging of the original and frustrates late comers to the party.

munchiaz · 01/21/2012, 05:43 PM

i got my reprint copy in last night. So far just tested it to make sure it works. Only issues i have so far is that it takes some effort to open the clamshell box

Arkhan Asylum · 01/21/2012, 05:45 PM

Quote from: munchiaz on 01/21/2012, 05:43 PMi got my reprint copy in last night. So far just tested it to make sure it works. Only issues i have so far is that it takes some effort to open the clamshell box

I don't even have the disc. I said fuck it. I think nikdog dumped the disc and I was going to make one but said screw it.

Quote from: BlueBMW on 01/21/2012, 05:34 PMI can see adding some bonus extras for the preorder folks but dont make the game packaging etc different for the different releases. That just begs for gouging of the original and frustrates late comers to the party.

yep.

same package, bigger price would've been cooler.

Mathius · 01/21/2012, 06:06 PM

I keep trying to play the darn thing. It takes ages to level up. Otherwise I love it.

CrackTiger · 01/21/2012, 06:30 PM

Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 01/21/2012, 05:27 PMEither way it seems stupid, as all they're doing now is having more versions of their game than they should ever have.

The reprint has the arrogant "reprint of the popular game" something or other on it, IIRC.

It's all kind of cheap. I think at this point they are just playing the loldemand card to get people to frantically go for the game.

It's all part of that disconnected feeling. Sucks, since the game IS pretty good. (Though kinda corny sometimes, but thats ok!)

When PC-Engine Retrocade is released, just release 100 copies and put "Limited Edition" on the packaging. Then print a batch with a notice of inferiority all over it and sell those in small bursts, while slowly selling the 100's of remaining LE editions on eBay under an alias. You'll make enough money to make PCE games full-time.

Joe Redifer · 01/21/2012, 07:08 PM

According to Watermelon level-grinding isn't really necessary. I did it anyway. After the first few levels or so they come much more quickly. And while I like that the game now comes in a clamshell instead of a paper box, the whole "reprint" thing is pretty lame. I can understand redoing the artwork since the game now has only one "region" from which to choose, but don't slap the words "reprint" on the packaging!

Mathius · 01/21/2012, 07:48 PM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 01/21/2012, 07:08 PMAccording to Watermelon level-grinding isn't really necessary. I did it anyway. After the first few levels or so they come much more quickly. And while I like that the game now comes in a clamshell instead of a paper box, the whole "reprint" thing is pretty lame. I can understand redoing the artwork since the game now has only one "region" from which to choose, but don't slap the words "reprint" on the packaging!

I keep getting my ass kicked about two hours in. When I try to grind it just takes so long. I don't think I ever got above level 3.

Arkhan Asylum · 01/21/2012, 09:32 PM

Quote from: CrackTiger on 01/21/2012, 06:30 PM
Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 01/21/2012, 05:27 PMEither way it seems stupid, as all they're doing now is having more versions of their game than they should ever have.

The reprint has the arrogant "reprint of the popular game" something or other on it, IIRC.

It's all kind of cheap. I think at this point they are just playing the loldemand card to get people to frantically go for the game.

It's all part of that disconnected feeling. Sucks, since the game IS pretty good. (Though kinda corny sometimes, but thats ok!)
When PC-Engine Retrocade is released, just release 100 copies and put "Limited Edition" on the packaging. Then print a batch with a notice of inferiority all over it and sell those in small bursts, while slowly selling the 100's of remaining LE editions on eBay under an alias. You'll make enough money to make PCE games full-time.

thats a brilliant idea, lol.

I mean, Watermelon is doing it!

Joe Redifer · 01/22/2012, 12:34 AM

Quote from: Mathius on 01/21/2012, 07:48 PMI keep getting my ass kicked about two hours in. When I try to grind it just takes so long. I don't think I ever got above level 3.

It can be kind of frustrating at first especially when you're not used to how the battle system works. I think one guy was able to get through the entire game without getting above level 5 or 6, can't remember what it was, but he basically ran from all battles he could run from (which is hard enough in itself) and just used stuff he bought to help him with magic 'n shit (I think, I didn't follow his progress too closely). Anyway Watermelon touted this example as argument that you never need to grind in this game. Still, I think it helps. Just try to be patient, stick close to home and you'll eventually make level 4. Don't forget to save. The saves work in a funky way. I can't remember how but I think you need to exit the screen or something for them to take effect. It's been like 2 years since I've played it. Or was it a year ago when it first came out? Wow.

Mathius · 01/22/2012, 01:11 AM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 01/22/2012, 12:34 AM
Quote from: Mathius on 01/21/2012, 07:48 PMI keep getting my ass kicked about two hours in. When I try to grind it just takes so long. I don't think I ever got above level 3.
It can be kind of frustrating at first especially when you're not used to how the battle system works. I think one guy was able to get through the entire game without getting above level 5 or 6, can't remember what it was, but he basically ran from all battles he could run from (which is hard enough in itself) and just used stuff he bought to help him with magic 'n shit (I think, I didn't follow his progress too closely). Anyway Watermelon touted this example as argument that you never need to grind in this game. Still, I think it helps. Just try to be patient, stick close to home and you'll eventually make level 4. Don't forget to save. The saves work in a funky way. I can't remember how but I think you need to exit the screen or something for them to take effect. It's been like 2 years since I've played it. Or was it a year ago when it first came out? Wow.

Thanks for the tips.

It was released late fall of 2010.

Joe Redifer · 02/15/2012, 06:40 PM

Watermelon's new announcement. I'd love to hear some opinions about it:

Quote from: WatermelonIn less than 12 hours we'll be announcing our fantastic, super exciting and extra shiny new project: The Factory.

What is this factory you ask? Is it illicit? Are we manufacturing something made out of people? Yes! But more honestly, no! The Factory is our unique fundraising and collaboration system that will allow fans of our games to decide exactly what we should make and contribute openly to the project while it's in development.

Remember those Gems you got when you first signed up on our new website? Those Gems will be the fuel that runs the whole machine. Basically, you can purchase and earn gems through the Magical Game Factory website. Those Gems can, in turn, be invested into any number of projects we have in development or are proposing. If you become an "investor" in a particular project you'll be consulted on the game's development, have your feedback heard and incorporated into the design and get investor exclusive offers. The more you've invested in the project, the more your opinion is weighed and the louder your voice is.

But there's more to the factory than just investing Gems and providing your opinion. If you invest enough Gems in a project, they'll get converted into a pre-order of the game you're helping to build. Didn't invest enough Gems to grant you a pre-order? No problem! Invested Gems will convert into an investor's discount when you order your game. And the benefits don't end here: Similar to the pre-orders fund that drove the development of Pier Solar, investing in a project will guarantee you not just a copy of the game, but also a special investor version. Think of the Posterity Edition of Pier Solar, only cooler!

One thing we learned during Pier Solar's development was that the community that we've developed is an irreplaceable part of Watermelon. You guys were instrumental in finishing that game and making it a great RPG. We want to involve you guys even more in development and make sure that all the great old-school games that you want to play will get made at the level of quality you expect. These are your games, and you'll be able to tell us exactly what you want to see and play. Want a shoot 'em up with RPG elements? Let us know, and invest! Want an oldschool brawler where all player characters are mutated lobsters with attitude? We are at your back and will answer your call. Want a controversial dating sim where users can do all manner of naughty things with cans of whip cream? We'll do it!

Grudgingly... but we'll do it.

So that's that. Head on over to the Magical Game Factory website and have a look around. Get involved and get ready. Pier Solar was just the beginning!

Thank you for all your past and future support,

Your friends at Watermelon

WATERMELON TEAM

Not sure if they are called Magical Game Factory now or Watermelon.

Arkhan Asylum · 02/15/2012, 08:17 PM

This sounds like a stupid fucking idea. It's one thing to ask for input and listen to the community, but it's another to offer up "investing". The only thing you invest into gaming is TIME. Not money.

Its going to turn into a pissing contest with real money involved and money wasting buffoons will take over and make a mess. Those idiots that pay 90049024$ for pier solar? Yeah guess what they're going to spend money on!?

Some idiot is going to pay them 10000$ to make a game where black people throw watermelons at Jews who are picking up pennies while getting gassed by Nazi's who are gang banging catholic school girls while tentacles rip out of everywhere and rape them all. Whipped Cream cans will be involved. THEY'LL DO IT. GET YOUR GEMS READY.

I also find it funny these are the same people that were being total jackoffs when Pier Solar's initial launch was less than epic. Now the fans are "instrumental" and shit.

I wish them the best of luck on their trainwreck. Godspeed.

Joe Redifer · 02/15/2012, 09:51 PM

Yup. I can't see how this will end up being a good idea. As I said on Sega-16, he who has the most money doesn't necessarily have the best ideas. Community interest should dictate what their next game will be about, not a few people willing to throw lots of money at it. And what if 3 people with lots of money all want three different things from a game? We'll get a broken mess.

Sounds like they need some leadership.

Arkhan Asylum · 02/15/2012, 10:00 PM

Sounds like they need to get off the meth and stop being morons.