The collecting dilemma

[maxlords]

Ok...here's my problem. I'm not bored of games, or collecting, or playing (though I do go through phases). But what I've come to realize is that I basically have nearly everything I want (console-wise...I don't have room or $ for PCBs yet) these days. There are no systems I want still and only a handful of games (maybe a couple hundred or so) that I'm really looking for, many of which are inexpensive, although a few of them are at the $100-200 mark.

Case in point. I currently own a whopping 3 Turbo Duo systems. A boxed US one, a loose US one, and a boxed Jp one. Now, I really don't need 3 of them. Two, sure, but 3 is a bit excessive. It's my favorite system so I'd like to have a backup though. But when I sat down to think...I honestly couldn't think of anything I'd want instead! I like to trade for semi-equal value items, which means I won't trade a Duo for a stack of common or semi-common current gen games or something else. I'd rather trade for a system of approximately equal value. But what's left to get? I don't collect anything before NES...don't like it. I don't really collect handhelds, and I have all the ones I want. I have every major system that I can think of too (NES, < NES top, SNES, SNES2, N64, GC, PS1, PS2, XBox, 3D0, NGCD, TG16, Duo, Genesis, Genesis 2, CDX, Saturn, DC, GB, GBC, GBA, Nomad, Turboexpress, NGPC, Jaguar). Basically everything. And I have a lot of the games I want for those systems. I also have NO interest in getting every game for any of my systems...I only buy games that I'll play.

I want to get other stuff, but really, what's left? Neo Geo AES? Can't afford the games! GP32? Not really interested. N-Gage? Well...that's just a given as a no. Really, there's little left to bother with. I could go Japanese, and try and get an X68,000 or an MSX2, but the games are hard to get, and there's not a ton that I'm dying to play. The only one I can think of at all is an FM Towns Marty, and games are nearly impossible to buy for it. And if anyone is willing to trade a Marty and a game or two for a nice Duo package...I wouldn't even blink :D

Is this a common problem? I'm not OUT of things to collect, but it's a narrower and narrower field every month. And it's looking like one of these days it's just going to be enough. I guess...it's just kind of a bummer.

[Balloon Fight]

That really sucks. If your favorite system is Turbo Duo, then i would suggest to get all of the games, even though you dont go for complete systems. Even if you dont collect pre-NES i would also suggest trying to get all of the systems. I just started doing it myself, and it is really fun. Other than that, you may like to collect Gameboy games. No one really collects those, and may be a good system to go for. (Especially boxed) You could also go arcade if you ever get more room. I only have 1 arcade cabinent, and it doesnt take up to much space.

[Half Japanese]

Wow, I can't even begin to imagine what that must be like :rocker:. I'd like to take that TurboDuo off your hands but the only thing that comes to mind when I hear "FM Town Marty" is the movie "Back to the Future." I still have a lot to learn I reckon. If you ever run out of space, there's a spare bedroom across from mine that would make and excellent permanent storage building :D!

[jaydubnb]

I feel your pain. When I finally bought my AES, though I was happy as all hell to own one, as soon as I fired it up, I knew that there were very few things left on "The List". Once I get my saturn, it's gonna be virtually over. I know that you remember our IM discussion about the MSX2...I have the same doubts about actually hunting the games down. But maybe that's a good thing. It'll keep the thrill of the hunt alive for an extended period :hmm:

I guess after we get the things that we've lusted for for long, maybe searching for the hidden gems or obscure stuff is all thats left....

OR MAYBE YOU CAN FINALLY PLAY MGS2! LOL

edit: maybe collecting some pre-NES stuff would be up my alley. Joust, Ms. Pacman, Donkey Kong Jr. Only thing is, I dont know which systems these games appeared on:I have problems telling which system is which...

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

Is this a common problem? I'm not OUT of things to collect, but it's a narrower and narrower field every month. And it's looking like one of these days it's just going to be enough. I guess...it's just kind of a bummer.
I actually look forward to the day that I'm finished collecting, so I can just play.

I go on a collecting hiatus at least once a year, usually lasting several months. I have a stack of carts I haven't played right now, and even a whole system I've never plugged in and tried. Time to slow down and reap the fruits (or laugh at the fruits) of my vigorous collecting spree, write a few reviews, invite a few friends over, and enjoy.

I know there are a lot of folks really into the collecting end of things. Me, as much as I enjoy the hunt, or announcing a big score, or the idea of preserving something historically important...there are times I resent the collecting, the having to fight people on eBay for something that I don't have. I hate the thought that I'm fighting over something with my friends. I would so rather devote that energy to playing the games I get.

But I suspect I'm rather unique in that regard here.

[Ed Oscuro]

Stop kidding yourself! Maxlords, of course you can afford a couple Neo Geo carts...Just save up for a while and you'll be able to afford the whole Last Blade series or the whole Samurai Spirits series. It's not hard, I've done the second series--until SSV comes out :)

Nothing wrong with picking out your favorites, too.

As for the whole TG-16 thing...I like the PC-Engine but don't like games on the TG-16 in general, the whole thing's tainted with that...ad campaign...for me. Do you have a PC-Engine GT (Turbo Express)? That would be the next logical step. What about some of the awesome imports out there? Meh, US games just don't cut it for me on that system.

Anyhow, put your mind to it and keep that wallet closed for a while :P

@ Jay: Yeah, I've been looking for MSX2 games for a long damn time, I wish I was still on eBay darnit, there's some good stuff there (or there was once). :(

[nesuser2]

i know what you mean. different basis in a way.....but same story. i run run run all day just to get the things i want for systems and stuff and i've been running around trying to round it all up for so long. that when i feel as if i'm done. i'm on a constant hunt......because i don't want to be done or something. and i really wish i could just drop it and play what i have but i always want something different.....and i'm trying to address this problem by clearing out the clutter i know i won't play. video games do weird weird things to us(DP'ers LOL )

[IntvGene]

"Alexander the Great was not satisfied, even when he had completely subdued the nations. He wept because there were no more worlds to conquer."

I'm sure that you'll find something to do. I can't imagine that you've PLAYED ALL of your games to death. Save some money for the day when you do find something you need.

[cheesystick]

I would have to agree with Phosphor, in saying that you should take some time to relax and PLAY your games. I am sure that there are hundreds that you want to try. I like to collect to, but isnt the ultimate goal to play all of these one day? I would just relax, enjoy, and save your cash. Something you want will show up in a couple months, just wait for it.

Also, maybe undertake a different form of the same hobby. Take me for example: Once I finally do collect every US SNES game ever made (I'm not nearly as close as you, you lucky basterd), I play to play every one in depth. I know that may be hard to believe, but I'm gonna do it. Not only that, I plan to make a Virtiual SNES library. I will have a detailed review of every game, with piuctures and explanations. It is going to ROCK. I was thinking about making a SNES dictionary, but i doubt that would sell.

This way I get to enjoy collecting all of my games, enjoy playing all of them, and enjoy using all my vast knowlege and collection for a good purpose. It is gonna be a dream.

Maybe you should do something similar. There is always some way you can help the future gamers. Write reviews, make stradegy guide. Hell, why don't you become Joe?
Take a guy with nearly every game-related thing in the world, and put it into good use. Make an informitive website, with reviews and and lots of pictures. You can call it "DP 2". get my drift? anyways, a few things to think about.
-crispy

[AB Positive]

Hmmm... I need to find something to trade for that loose US Duo :D

Although if you need something new to get, and the Duo's your favorite system, I already know what you need.

PC-FX.

You know you want it :D

-AG

[digitalpress]

Alright Maxlords, you know what this means, right?

It means that it's time to hunker down and work on the PC Engine section of the Guide. See? Now that you've achieved a collecting milestone it's time to reach for a milestone of a different nature. A satisfying exploration into the system's library, with in-depth analysis and research beyond what you see on the internet.

Your section is calling you. Are you brave enough to answer?

[Goblin]

I went through a similiar period a few years back. I took stock at everything I had, and save for a few select goals I too had everything I wanted. It was a great feeling, in that I could walk by an EB, Gametsop, or whatever and not actually be drawn inside. I could drive past a yard sale or fleamarket and not stop, and not even wonder about what I might be passing up. I finally had time to play my games, or work on other projects.

Part of what pushed me to this point was getting a cuttle cart so I could effectively play every 2600 title on the real HW. Despite having 100 plus carts, in my mind that collection was now done. I bought a toploader and acquired every NES title I ever wanted to play, so this coupled with emulation on the DC ended actively searching for NES. I modified my 130XE with an SIO2PC board, which when coupled with the maxflash cart allows me to play every game I would ever want to on that system. Now I don't have the largest collection here, and many of my things aren't boxed but they are all playable and all mine. I have a few new goals, such as getting a turbo express portable, but I'm not in any hurry.

I think being at this stage is very satisfying. I still hunt for games on occasion, just not as actively as I once did. I've managed to find time to build my own 5200 Analog-Digital joystick interface, my own 2600 multicarts, mod'ed my 130XE, (2) Jag's, as well as a few other projects. I'm now working on a supergun which is nearing completion, and then there is always the time I can spend just playing the games. Enjoy it, you've earned it.

[maxlords]

@Balloon Fight: I have ZERO interest in completing ANY collection including the Duo, as I ONLY buy games that I want to play. I don't see the point in buying a bunch of games that I'd never even consider playing...it's a waste of my money IMO. And I already have several Game Boys and most of the games I want for it. No interest in actively collecting that either. I do plan to go arcade....someday...but not soon!

@DP: PM your way ;)

@AdamG: No interest in the PC-FX either. There's only 2 games I'd play on it at all...Super God Trooper Zerogear, and Zenki FX...and I don't see the point of paying $100+ for the system and $300+ for Zenki. Seems a bit excessive. That's one system that it's hard to justify buying unless you can read Japanese.

[Ed Oscuro]

What, don't want to play Battle Heat on the PC-FX either? Ah well, I understand. I agree, though, PC-Engine needs more support here and god forbid somebody like myself has to chip in...

[den68]

I actually look forward to the day that I'm finished collecting, so I can just play.


yeah, me too. I am still stuck in mad collector phase. I'm obsessed with the hunt. I have to hit all my regular haunts on a regular basis for fear of what I might miss the day I decide to skip a stop.

I'm not complaining this obsessive behavior or determination or whatever you want to call it has helped me build a pretty decent collection. I do wish I spent more time actually playing my games. I can't even count how many times I've stopped here and read through interesting discussion on tons of games I have but have nothing to contribute because I haven't played them yet.

take Joe's suggestion and do that PC Engine section. use the time spent not collecting to play the hell out of what you've got. most likely the bug will bite again eventually and there will be PLENTY to add to the collection.

[jaydubnb]

What, don't want to play Battle Heat on the PC-FX either? Ah well, I understand. I agree, though, PC-Engine needs more support here and god forbid somebody like myself has to chip in...

I know that I'd LOVE to play Battle Heat! Does the game play as well as it looks? Also, is it very expensive?

[Ed Oscuro]

I don't think it's terribly expensive, but it might be out of stock at the normal place (gamechoice.com.hk is still my best bet :/) I've a friend who played it once and he says the control really does feel solid.

[maxlords]

Is Battle Heat a fighter or something? I con't play fighting games either :D

[digitalpress]

http://www.digitpress.com/reviews/battheat.htm

[Scoots]

While there is still tons and tons of stuff I want to find, the chances of me finding it at the thrifts, church sales, and fleas seems to be getting slimmer. That to me is the fun part of collecting, not Ebay. I can't remember the last NES cart I found at the Sal that I actually wanted. Sure, there's a chance that I'll find some Vectrex stuff, or whatever, but it's not like when you first began collecting and every trip to the junk store returned a big pile of carts and hardware.

[bensenvill]

I think the movie Adaptation explains this addiction pretty well.

I'm the same way, I have an extremely addictive personality. And I'm sure I am not the only person out there, but most of the games I own, I've never even played! I see alot of these older games as an investment. Our generation is DEFINED by the video game. 30 years from now, everyone is still going to have fond memories of playing Mario and still know the contra code.

Video games are our generation's baseball cards. For 2 reasons, just like baseball cards our parents didnt understand their value and threw them out, gave them away, sold them for pocket change at a garage sale (for me its when I went to college). 2nd, we were taught to take care of our games and save the boxes and stuff because of places like funco land gave you more money if you had them (but eventually most of us tossed them anyways)

ok, I'll stop my rambling there

~Tj

[jaydubnb]

I think the movie Adaptation explains this addiction pretty well.

I'm the same way, I have an extremely addictive personality. And I'm sure I am not the only person out there, but most of the games I own, I've never even played! I see alot of these older games as an investment. Our generation is DEFINED by the video game. 30 years from now, everyone is still going to have fond memories of playing Mario and still know the contra code.

Video games are our generation's baseball cards. For 2 reasons, just like baseball cards our parents didnt understand their value and threw them out, gave them away, sold them for pocket change at a garage sale (for me its when I went to college). 2nd, we were taught to take care of our games and save the boxes and stuff because of places like funco land gave you more money if you had them (but eventually most of us tossed them anyways)

ok, I'll stop my rambling there

~Tj

I have nothing to add in repsonse to your post, but I just wanted to say that your avatar rules.

That is all.

[bensenvill]

"who wrote da moon rulz #1 on the side of my car with a key??!!?"

If you havent seen Aqua Teen Hunger Force on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim (sunday nights at either 10:45 or 11:45), you are missing out on the best 15min of television each week.

Sorry to deviate from topic, PM me if you want me to send you some episodes.

[Nick Goracke]

Is this a common problem? I'm not OUT of things to collect, but it's a narrower and narrower field every month.

Just got to this point within the last month myself. I've got basically all the Neo/Turbo games I want now, and I pretty much finalized my other "neo-classic" collections a while ago...

So recently, I've been branching into different areas. Classic game magazines (if someone has EGM 1-27 to sell, contact me!), art books, legit soundtracks, resin statues, etc. Sure, whenever I find a new shooter or RPG I missed out on I pick it up, and there's a few "high-dollar" games on my list, but I'll wait 'till I'm out of college with a steadier income for those.

So the (temporary) solution? Branch out. I've done the same with my anime collection (import LDs, resin statues, cels, etc).

And seriously, give MVS carts and a Phantom-1 a try if you're serious about the Neo. While I prefer home carts when I can afford them, it's also FUN to make your own inserts and manuals for those ugly-as-sin arcade games.

[maxlords]

Is this a common problem? I'm not OUT of things to collect, but it's a narrower and narrower field every month.

Just got to this point within the last month myself. I've got basically all the Neo/Turbo games I want now, and I pretty much finalized my other "neo-classic" collections a while ago...

So recently, I've been branching into different areas. Classic game magazines (if someone has EGM 1-27 to sell, contact me!), art books, legit soundtracks, resin statues, etc. Sure, whenever I find a new shooter or RPG I missed out on I pick it up, and there's a few "high-dollar" games on my list, but I'll wait 'till I'm out of college with a steadier income for those.

So the (temporary) solution? Branch out. I've done the same with my anime collection (import LDs, resin statues, cels, etc).

And seriously, give MVS carts and a Phantom-1 a try if you're serious about the Neo. While I prefer home carts when I can afford them, it's also FUN to make your own inserts and manuals for those ugly-as-sin arcade games.

Heh. I collect cels, comics, game soundtracks (official!), anime (as you know!), and sci-fi/fantasy novels already :) I even have a cold-cast porcelain statue of one of my all time favorite comic book heroes (no hints!)...ran me $200 new though!

As for Neo stuff...I've been waiting on MVS until I have both a bigger place and the money to get a candy cab. I know that the games aren't THAT expensive....but I hate having games before I have a system to play them on, and I don't like Superguns (had a MAS one and HATED it!). MVS is on my plate for later on though :) I also haven't had the money to get an AES unit yet....every time I try it never quite works out. And if I do get one...I have no room left to hook it up! *sigh* Neo Geo will be one of the last systems I start collecting for.

[Jorpho]

Classic game magazines (if someone has EGM 1-27 to sell, contact me!)

Well, I have EGM #9. Or are you looking for a full set?

(Video game magazines can be very difficult to get rid of.)

[Azazel]

Yea I'm kind of gone through that already. I mainly just collect for the Saturn and PC Engine and the PC Engine is my favorite system. I started out just getting the stuff I wanted and later when prices went down I picked up some of the other so so stuff for the system dirt cheap. I have about 400 titles for t he system as well as a Japanese Duo, Coregrafx2, and cd unit addon as a backup system.

Unless you like hentai titles or import RPGS and can understand them the FM Town Marty doesn't have a lot to offer. Most of the action and shooters you can get on other systems for much cheaper and easier to find except for a few exception like Rainbow Towns, Tetsujin Ou etc.

I used to have pretty good collections for the NES and Genesis but got rid of those once I got a Dreamcast and could play all that stuff emulated on the DC. Not to mention it saves a lot of space. :)

Other than a few games for the PC Engine and Saturn I'm more or less done collecting. I started getting some FM TOwn Marty stuff but only being able to play it through emulation isn't very fun. :angry:

[Ed Oscuro]

Unless you like hentai titles or import RPGS and can understand them the FM Town Marty doesn't have a lot to offer.

That's what I used to think, but there was apparently a nice version of Raiden for that machine. Possibly some other good stuff, too.

I'd like to get a FM Towns someday.

[Nick Goracke]

Unless you like hentai titles or import RPGS and can understand them the FM Town Marty doesn't have a lot to offer. Most of the action and shooters you can get on other systems for much cheaper and easier to find except for a few exception like Rainbow Towns, Tetsujin Ou etc.


Is there a good "information repository" for this system and its games somewhere? And I'm guessing somewhere like Yahoo Japan is the place to get the goods... or are there many US sellers that handle it?

[Sotenga]

I can assure everyone this: In the future, between my up and coming music collection, bills, food, appliance damage, and a nice load of little miscellaneous stuff in the middle... I will NEVER run out of stuff to collect. :D

And the Marty is mostly a hentai machine... one of my friends should be interested. ;)

[maxlords]

Is there a good "information repository" for this system and its games somewhere? And I'm guessing somewhere like Yahoo Japan is the place to get the goods... or are there many US sellers that handle it?

Nope. There's literally almost NOTHING on it online at all. I'm TRYING to get a system...once I do I think I'll be starting a site for the damned thing!

I don't think there are even many on Yahoo Japan and there are few retailers that have ANYTHING for it.

As for games, I want it for the shooters....Marty versions are supposed to be the next best thing to PCBs for the games on it.

[Azazel]

Unless you like hentai titles or import RPGS and can understand them the FM Town Marty doesn't have a lot to offer. Most of the action and shooters you can get on other systems for much cheaper and easier to find except for a few exception like Rainbow Towns, Tetsujin Ou etc.


Is there a good "information repository" for this system and its games somewhere? And I'm guessing somewhere like Yahoo Japan is the place to get the goods... or are there many US sellers that handle it?


Well I do have Raiden Densetsu but I really haven't tried it out yet. Doesn't look a lot different from the PC Engine versions.

Most stores in Japan don't have a lot of Marty stuff other than the Hentai titles which there is no shortage of. Yahoo Japan is the best place to get it. There is generally anywhere between 50 to 200 auctions for FM Town stuff. Wolfgames, videogameimports and 16-bit on Ebay have FM Town stuff now and than. Othan than that it's pretty hard to get it stuff without a good connection. If you do search Yahoo Japan search under personal computer for FM Town and not console systems as you won't find much under that.

There's some information on the system and games but it's in Japanese which you'll won't be able to read. That's where I got most of my knowledge from.

Here's a short list from memory of some of the goods games for the system for those interested.

shooters
Image Fight
Raxbander
Rainbow Towns
Excellent 10
Tetsujin Ou
Super Shooting Town


action/platformers/misc
After Burner
Galaxy Force 2
Genocide
Genocide 2
Rainbow Islands
Bobble Bubble
Spatterhouse
Pu Li Ru La
Prince of Persia 2
Dik
Dead of the Brain
Zak Mccraken
Rib Ribbon

Fighting
Asuka 120%
Madstalker
Street Fighter

RPGs
Emerald Dragon
Vein Dream
Alshark
Legend of Heroes 1 and 2

stretegy
Royal Blood
Bible Master

The MSX or X68000 are probably a better choice as they have a better library of titles for those interested in Japanese computer stuff

[Nick Goracke]

Most stores in Japan don't have a lot of Marty stuff other than the Hentai titles which there is no shortage of. Yahoo Japan is the best place to get it.

Thanks for the list of games!

Strange question, but is this system pretty big/heavy? Just wondering how bad shipping would be from a YHJ auction. How about the others you mentioned (MSX, etc)?

[Azazel]

Well the Marty is about the size of a Duo or so. I'm guessing about $50.00 for EMS or so. X68000 or any of the other Japanese PC are a little bigger. There actually probably about the size of a US PC. Just weigh your PC and you should get a rough estimate of what shipping would be. Keep in mind that the some of the game come in bigger boxes so the shipping will be more.

[esquire]

Sorry to bump up an old post, but I came across this searching for PC Engine posts.

Maxlords, I think the next logical step would be to get a SuperGrafx. Sure, there aren't many games for it, but I would include it my collection. Also, do you have the Arcade card and games?

I also noticed you have a Jaguar. How about getting a Jaguar CD? What about Sega Master System too? That is from the same era as NES, so it would not fall into your exception for collecting.

There's the CD32 as well, if you can don't mind getting the games mostly from Europe.