Manci Games - Issue # 1

[wberdan]

Hi, I didn't see a topic to this, if there is one then close this.

Anyway- has anyone else gotten the Manci Games Issue # 1 yet?
It's a full color retrogaming magazine that contains reviews, an article with David Crane, and a Digital Press monthly guide!
I just glanced through it, and it looks good- I'll report more when I actually read it.
Any thoughts on it?

willie

[Sniderman]

Where'd ya get it Willie? I signed up for a sub, was waiting for a bill, but the issues are coming out first? :hmm:

[portnoyd]

We just happen to be cooler than you, Snidermeister.

I got mine yesterday, and had some quality time (ie: poop) today and yesterday to read through it, and it was pretty good. The David Crane article was very thorough, and I enjoyed it better than I expected to. Overall, I'd say it's an excellent start.

dave

[digitpress Jim]

Hey how's everybody doing? I just got my first issue the other day and I LOVE it. I am am Editor for the magazine, so I am very proud to have the honor to write a section about the history of Video Games each month. A very very special thanks to the Editor in Chief Jaysen Mercer for this and everything.

I am credited as Jim C. "I Love This Stuff" Combs on the second page of the Magazine. For the first issue I wrote the "Legend of Zelda CD-I History and the deal with Philips" starting on page 29, please let me know what you think ;)

Also, kind of keep this hush hush, but for the second issue you can look forward to reading about the history behind Tengen Tetris, that I wrote.

This is a very awesome magazine for classic gamers and is a must have. The price guide is very handy. I LOVE it. Take Care everyone :D
Game ON,
DigitPress Jim

[jgenotte]

hold on a second....
First: I thought they werent gonna ship until the end of the month.
Second: Where is mine, I am sooooooooo jellous. I am way excited to get it. Must. Wait. Cant. Retain. Patients. Much. Longer. O_O

[mosesshirai]

So I have never heard of this magazine. Does someone have a link so I can subscribe? What store Can I find it in? Thanks

:eek 2:

[Cav]

http://www.mancigames.com




So I have never heard of this magazine. Does someone have a link so I can subscribe? What store Can I find it in? Thanks

:eek 2:

[Ze_ro]

Damn, they shipped already? That was fast... I bet the damn Canadian customs guys are sitting there reading my copy right now! :angry:

--Zero

[Push Upstairs]

I'm in the US and i dont have a copy yet.


So don't feel bad Zero.

[digitalpress]

If you'll notice, the people who have received the magazine are contributors and editors. I'm sure the magazines are being propalgated among the subscribers as we speak. Hang tight, they're on the way!

[rolenta]

If you'll notice, the people who have received the magazine are contributors and editors.

Except for this contributor :(

[punkoffgirl]

Is propalgated a real word? :D

[digitalpress]

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=propagated

[ManciGames]

If you'll notice, the people who have received the magazine are contributors and editors.

Except for this contributor :(

Aw come on Lenny, cut me some slack here! :o

You know you are highly respected at MG and I deeply regret the shipping snafu. The upside is that you get a pristine and fresh (and unlabled) copy straight out of the printer's box!

[punkoffgirl]

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=propagated

Oh! Didn't know you meant propagated, I was just trying to be cool because I thought propalgated was a real word and I just didn't know it.

[ManciGames]

If you'll notice, the people who have received the magazine are contributors and editors. I'm sure the magazines are being propalgated among the subscribers as we speak. Hang tight, they're on the way!

Joe is 100% correct. Only the "preview" copies were sent out.

The big shipment is coming within the next week or so. You will have it by the end of the month, promise. Let us know via subscribe@mancigames.com if you do not receive it by the 7th of April.

Thanks again for taking a chance on the unknown. I really hope you guys dig the first issue. Remember, it's only the beginning. In the words of our Graphic Designer, Jason Bruce, "I'm already planning on having issue 2 kick issue 1's ass!" :)

It's that kind of attitude that we hope to hold onto month after month...

[digitpress Jim]

Hey Jaysen, AWESOME to see you on the boards. Thanks so much for sending my issue out earily, I LOVE it so much. Everything came out perfect, especially my CD-I Zelda write up.

I want everybody on the boards to know how awesome Jaysen Mercer is and how much I thank him for letting me write for him. you ROCK!!!! so does Joe, he kicks much ASS!!! Thanks again.

Trust me everybody, you have to check out this magazine, I promise you won't be dissapointed and I am not just saying that either. Even if I was not writing for the magazine, I would still have a subscription.

Thanks a million, Jaysen. I hope you read this before heading out to Philly :D :D :D

[YoshiM]

Hmmm, is it possible to purchase an issue rather than to get a subscription? I'm not one to get subscriptions to new mags right away until I can read an issue. It's just what I do :D

[digitalpress]

If you'll notice, the people who have received the magazine are contributors and editors.

Except for this contributor :(

Aw come on Lenny, cut me some slack here! :o

You know you are highly respected at MG and I deeply regret the shipping snafu. The upside is that you get a pristine and fresh (and unlabled) copy straight out of the printer's box!

WHAAAA?!

Why does HE get a pristine unlabelled one and I get a USPS-trodden label-blemished copy?!?

THIS IS AN OUTRAGE.

;)

Just kidding, bro. Welcome to the world of customer service!

[opcode]

Looks very interesting!
I will surely subscribe shortly... :)

[Michael Thomasson]

We have the issue in stock and have autographed copies for those interested.

Good stuff!

[kainemaxwell]

Will the magazine be in stores when the big shippment goes out?

[TheSmirk]

I received an issue @ PC5 and got to talk with Jaysen for a minute or two, great first issue, it was alot better than I expected! I'll be ordering my sub soon!

[Sniderman]

Got my issue in the mail yesterday. Grand launch issue. I’m very pleased, and the staff and writers of Manci Games should be commended. Manci is bright, colorful, fun to read, and full of good info. I shall be mailing my subscription order to you within the next few days. :D

I won’t “review” the magazine, but I’ll list what I liked/disliked about it.

LIKES:
- Great feature articles. Very through interview with David Crane. I learned more in that interview than I have in other interviews with him. Loved the Crane of the Past vs. Crane of Today interview style.
- Leonard’s Bizarre Gameboy Add-Ons article was fun to read. I never knew so many goofy items other than games were released for the Gameboy. Was surprised the Gameboy Camera/printer wasn’t mentioned though.
- Great Homebrew/Videogame reviews. Very in-depth.
- Overall layout and design of the magazine was very professional and clean. (I should know. I’m a magazine editor.) Good font use, and the issue never felt “cluttered," "too busy," or "EXTREEEEEME" like other videogame magazines do.
- Good use of color. Bright, cheerful. Lots of pictures and box/cart scans to illustrate the articles. No paper-wasting “white space.”

DISLIKES (All pretty minor points):
- The videogame reviews were a little TOO in-depth. When each takes up a full page, it leaves less room for other games to be featured. Suggest making them shorter and running twice as many or using space for other features.
- I’d like to see more feature articles. Light breezy “fluff” articles. They don’t have to be interviews or history or factual-based. Even “true gamer stories” or humor pieces would be fun reading.
- The Price Guide - though a good idea - needs to be a bit more "focused." It was a bit too "scattershot" for my tastes, and it wasn't really clear why the games that were listed were chosen. Maybe focus each issue on pricing all games for one system, or all games that fall under one "theme" (shooters, adventures, platformers), and the like. The execution just needs to be defined better on the opening page of the section.
- Maybe one page in back devoted to Classified ads. Good money maker for the mag, and it may help retrogamers “hook up” or make trades.
- Please consider shipping the mag in an envelope or at least with a “bellyband” to keep the pages closed. My issue arrived horribly mangled, as the issue obviously kept opening and closing on-route. Since the mag is a little thinner in page count and in paper grade, it doesn’t ship flat as well as some of the “hunkier” periodicals. It arrived in one piece, just a bit more creased and dog-eared than I would've liked.

But my dislikes are nitpicky. I really, REALLY like Manci Games Magazine and cannot recommend it highly enough, gang!

[YoshiM]

I too got my copy yesterday. I must say this is a pretty sweet first issue. The text is nice and crisp, the pictures are of good quality and the mag itself didn't feel really flimsy. Like Snider mentioned, this magazine didn't have that "extreme" edge that many other professional or homebrew mags seem to think everyone wants. I'll probably sending in my subscription next week on pay day.

Anyway, my 2 zenny:

-Price Guide: Snider hit it when he said that we need to know why these particular games are on the list. It doesn't seem to be just rarity, though I haven't had a chance to compare the N64 mag list to my master list. Also it would be a good idea to continue to put column headers on each page for the game prices. That gives the whole thing a cleaner look. Also, did the introduction mention what the "below threshold" entries were? I have an idea what that means but maybe it should be explained (if it isn't, don't have the issue in front of me at the moment) or removed (if it's not really important).

-Established Columns: It looks like the RetroBrew and the RetroReviews are for sure established columns and perhaps the interviews as well. The editors may want to think of having set columns that people will identify and remember. However, now that I think of it, it may be a bit early to do that. Still, something to think about.

-Classifieds: Sniderman brought up a great idea. Since there is a price list, why not a classified section?

-Shipping: Again, like Sniderman, an envelope or something to secure the mag would be a great idea. My issue miraculously arrived intact, though typically I swear the postman uses a large mallet to stuff mail into the mail boxes. My mail usually is beat up.

Other than that, I can't wait to see what comes next!

[Kim Possible]

I thought the prices were just for the rarest games for each system, and everything else was below threshold. Is that wrong?

The classifieds are a PERFECT idea.

[rolenta]

Leonard’s Bizarre Gameboy Add-Ons article was fun to read. I never knew so many goofy items other than games were released for the Gameboy. Was surprised the Gameboy Camera/printer wasn’t mentioned though.

Thanks Tim, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I was going to say that I didn't include the Camera because it's hardware while everything I mentioned in the aricle was software. But then I realized I included the Songboy so all I could say is, you got me!

But don't feel sorry for the Gameboy Camera. It will be mentioned in the second issue when my column, The Game Scholar, premiers.

[Griking]

I received my first issue the other day myself and also thought it was very nice. I definately feel that the subscription price was well spent.

One question that I do have though is about the title. I apologise if this was asked before already but where did the name Manci Games come from? Who/what is a Manci?

[richmond]

That's the 250 dollar question.. :P

http://www.mancigames.com/faq.htm

[Ze_ro]

I certainly hope that when (if?) someone figures it out, that he'll tell the rest of us... I'm awfully curious.

--Zero

[digitpress Jim]

Hello Everyone,

As a featured/staff writer for Manci Games Magazine, let me first start off by thanking everyone who has subscribed and to those who are. Also a big thanks to everybody for leaving us positive feedback about the magazine.

Jaysen has put all his blood and sweat into the mag and it shows big time. He really cares about the fans. Plus, him being a hardcore gamer himself, he knows what a classic gamer looks for in a mag.

I am so glad to see the magazine finally getting it's due on these boards, it is a magazine no gamer should be without, period.

Also, as a staff writer, it is my promise to you, to deliver the most informative , in-depth and fun reading experence on the articles/section that I write up for Jaysen each month.

I hope Jaysen gets the chance to read this post somemore, so he can see all the positive feedback and concerns from ya. You all have my deepest thanks for all your support :D :D :D

Game ON, Everyone
DigitPress Jim

[digitalpress]

I am so glad to see the magazine finally getting it's due on these boards, it is a magazine no gamer should be without, period.


They're going to get more due as of today when the Manci Games forum opens up here. It may seem like a niche category but the forum page at the Manci Games site will actually link in here. It's a really neat feature of phpBB and sites like vidgame.net, INTVGENE and Phosphor Dot Fossils are also taking advantage of it.

Stay tuned.

[jgenotte]

Got my copy yesterday (just a normal general release, aka: im not a contributer) and I just wanted to say that I agree with everyone. IT ROCKS!

-james

[Gamereviewgod]

Got mine 2 days ago. Wow. I'd swear I was reading early 90's EGM or VG & CE stuff if I didn't know better. I'm am floored by the quality of the this 'zine and the layouts. I so miss the old layouts of those magazines and this brings them right back. Kudos!

[FogDogger]

I'm really happy to see all of the chat here about the mag already! I created the new web site for Manci amd appreciate all of you who have visited it.

I read my first copy on the plane ride home from the Philly Classic (I came from Reno, NV). So I was able to read it from cover to cover over my two flights. Keep in mind that I have NOTHING to do with the actual magazine. I absolutely loved it! The Crane article has substance like an overstuffed cornbeef on rye from a Jewish deli. The only thing that I would agree with was a previous poster who wanted shorter, but more game reviews. I told Jaysen the same thing. That was my favorite part as for the most part for me, it's a discover of new games to play.

Man, I can hardly wait for edition #2!

A big thanks also to Joe for allowing me to use DP as our official forum. I can't wait to meet the team in San Jose this August!!!

- Jeff Helfand
web guy/ mancigames.com

[ianoid]

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=propagated

Oh! Didn't know you meant propagated, I was just trying to be cool because I thought propalgated was a real word and I just didn't know it.

I think he meant Propulgated as in a combination of Promulgated and Propagated which means to me announced and distributed.

-Dictionary.com fan

[digitpress Jim]

I'm really happy to see all of the chat here about the mag already! I created the new web site for Manci amd appreciate all of you who have visited it.

I read my first copy on the plane ride home from the Philly Classic (I came from Reno, NV). So I was able to read it from cover to cover over my two flights. Keep in mind that I have NOTHING to do with the actual magazine. I absolutely loved it! The Crane article has substance like an overstuffed cornbeef on rye from a Jewish deli. The only thing that I would agree with was a previous poster who wanted shorter, but more game reviews. I told Jaysen the same thing. That was my favorite part as for the most part for me, it's a discover of new games to play.

Man, I can hardly wait for edition #2!

A big thanks also to Joe for allowing me to use DP as our official forum. I can't wait to meet the team in San Jose this August!!!

- Jeff Helfand
web guy/ mancigames.com

Hello Jeff,

It is great to see you on the boards. The website looks amazing, incredible job :D

As staff writer for Manci Games and part of the DP Staff, I really look forward to getting to know ya more. I will be in San Jose exhibiting with Joe at CGE along with E3 in LA . So I can't wait to meet ya in person. Take Care :D :D :D

[drwily008]

I wanted to say thanks for the two issues you guys gave me (one for my cousin) at PC5! It is a great read and I will be looking forward to issue #2. BTW Jaysen, I live like 10 minutes (cuyahoga falls) from you, will there be any local stores that will be carrying this? If not, I know of a couple stores who would be very interested (maybe a consignment of some sort). And I am the manager of a certain VG store (which happens to be ranked 10th out of 140 i.e. very sucessful, lots of cust!). While I couldnt sell your mag in the store (corporate owned), I would gladly distribute flyers/promo materials to all my regular hardcore cust base in exchange for some advertising or free issues. EMAIL me at www.cinneadthe2nd@aol.com.

[BelPowerslave]

I am so glad to see the magazine finally getting it's due on these boards, it is a magazine no gamer should be without, period.


They're going to get more due as of today when the Manci Games forum opens up here. It may seem like a niche category but the forum page at the Manci Games site will actually link in here. It's a really neat feature of phpBB and sites like vidgame.net, INTVGENE and Phosphor Dot Fossils are also taking advantage of it.

Stay tuned.


Much thanks to hosting the forums here... :)

Bel

[linlhutz]

Just got the 1st issue today.
After signing on for a 1 year subscripiton via ebay, I honestly didn't expect too much.

Boy am I glad of what I received.

What a wonderful David Crane article! Pitfall! was one of my most favorite games growing up (next to Kaboom!). Very well put together reviews.
The MG/DP Price guide was good but what of the last page (Half of it was blank)? That didn't look too good.

It would be nice to see some articles pertaining to the emulation community.
I'm not sure if it would be a subject you'd be willing to mention concidering the potential illegality of the scene.
I'm sure a reader's response section will follow. Can't wait to hear what others felt of the first edition!

I, personally, can't wait for the second Issue!

[BelPowerslave]

I'm really interested to read the interview with Steve Woita, personally. I think it'll a nice read to hear about the various things he's done over the years with Sega and Nintendo.

Bel

[FogDogger]

Hello Jeff,

It is great to see you on the boards. The website looks amazing, incredible job

Thanks! I'm blushing. Actually, this board will be very helpful. All of the comments you fine classic gamers (retro for you hipsters like Jaysen) help me to better understand what information to put on the web site. The bottom line is, my job is to sell magazines, not build a community. The best community bar none is Digital Press.

I've known Joe for over five years via the internet. For me to be involved with a project between Manci Games and Digital press is like watching art in motion. (hey, isn't that what a video game is?).

Please keep the comments coming everone! - Jeff

[RangerG]

I bought a single copy from Packrat VG. I wanted a test copy before I went for a subscription. I'm leaning towards a subscription now, but I want to comment like others.

Please keep the terrific lay-out, feel, paper, etc. It looks A+ ( I did not expect this at all). The content is good, but I disagree with some of the earlier posts in that I love technical and in-depth content. There are lots of sources all over the Internet for fluff and short reviews. I think people will pay for good, high-quality, professional writing. The Gameboy article by L. Herman was my kind of article. Lastly, the price-guide seemed like a tragic waste of space and paper. Why were some games listed and not others? It seemed so unorganized and amateurish compared to the rest of the magazine content. I can go online and pull-up a much more focused price guide off the DP website. The idea isn't bad and I'm not one of those guides will kill the hobby types, but the as-is price guide seems to be major flaw.

Great edition!
I sincerely hope the best for all involved.

[ManciGames]

I bought a single copy from Packrat VG. I wanted a test copy before I went for a subscription. I'm leaning towards a subscription now, but I want to comment like others.

Please keep the terrific lay-out, feel, paper, etc. It looks A+ ( I did not expect this at all). The content is good, but I disagree with some of the earlier posts in that I love technical and in-depth content. There are lots of sources all over the Internet for fluff and short reviews. I think people will pay for good, high-quality, professional writing. The Gameboy article by L. Herman was my kind of article. Lastly, the price-guide seemed like a tragic waste of space and paper. Why were some games listed and not others? It seemed so unorganized and amateurish compared to the rest of the magazine content. I can go online and pull-up a much more focused price guide off the DP website. The idea isn't bad and I'm not one of those guides will kill the hobby types, but the as-is price guide seems to be major flaw.

Great edition!
I sincerely hope the best for all involved.

First of all, thank you to everyone who has posted feedback, good and bad. We have been very fortunate to have mostly positive feedback. I think most people understand that it is just the first issue, and as such, will have some ugly spots.

Now, the price guide... Definitely my biggest disappointment also. Unfortunately, it just suffered from the deadline. It's actually the biggest redesign that we focused on for issue 2. While it still is not what I envision it eventually being, it is definitely a big improvement. Column headers on all columns, layout is tighter, over 600 more games included... Hopefully you guys will like it.

Keep the comments coming! We are listening!

Thanks again.

[ClassicGameCollector]

I'd love to see more in depth stories on the arcade side. A lot of popular console games were obviously based on the original arcade.

I think emulation would also be a powerful subject. While many of us collect, we don't own every console. I think there are a lot of people still today that don't know anything about emulators, roms and support files. I'd bet it would be great reading. Just Mame alone is worth a monthy column. But awesome projects the Genecyst and Stella would be valuable information as well. Heck, some of my best memories are games I played on my Commodore 64. I know there are emulators out there for the C64 that would unlock thousands of great games to be played and enjoyed once again!

When's #2 coming out? I've already read #1 like five times!

Good luck Manci Games!

[v1rich]

-
How late can we subscribe and still get the first issue? Please I ordered it today and I want to be sure I get the first issue!!!

-

[Lady Jaye]

I received my first issue Monday and I am glad I got it! The layout is great, the articles are interesting... My only qualm is that sometimes a given section of the mag will run a page and a half and another, unrelated article will start where the first one ended. As of itself it's not a problem, but when you have a page header that talks about import gaming followed by the article about the CD-I Zelda (which was available in North America), it can be confusing. I'm sure you guys will figure out a way to delimit the columns or sections without being left with too much blank space.

Also: When I read the current mainstream videogame mags (EGM, Nintendo Power, Play...), I'm usually left with a slight feeling of dissatisfaction, like there weren't enough articles that were really interesting me. I didn't get that feeling after reading Manci Games, even though it was over too soon (more of a "it's so good that time flies" rather than because of a lack of quality articles).

Anyway, keep up the great work. Here's to a long, long publishing life!!!

[BelPowerslave]

I agree with that, almost every article in the mag helf my complete interest...but more so, what really shocked me was that every ad in the mag was *actually for something I was interested in*. ;) I was like "Wow!" with everyone of them. I usually skip past the hordes of ads in most mags, but in this one I actually looked out for them. :)

Bel

[FogDogger]

Jaysen let me post the protype cover page for issue #2. As a Sonic fan, I was stoked. But please discuss YOUR opinion after you see the new cover. And for those who have not subscribed yet...get on it!

http://www.mancigames.com

[digitpress Jim]

Jaysen let me post the protype cover page for issue #2. As a Sonic fan, I was stoked. But please discuss YOUR opinion after you see the new cover. And for those who have not subscribed yet...get on it!

http://www.mancigames.com

Very cool! I just saw your proto cover for Issue 2 and I LOVE it. Keep up the awesome job and take care. :D :D :D

DigitPress Jim

[slownerveaction]

Jaysen let me post the protype cover page for issue #2. As a Sonic fan, I was stoked. But please discuss YOUR opinion after you see the new cover. And for those who have not subscribed yet...get on it!

http://www.mancigames.com

Lookin' pretty good!

Shouldn't this be in a "Manci Games Issue #2" thread? ;)

[Melf]

Everyone seems really excited about the first issue (justifiably so). How well has it sold? I hope it's done well, as MG is much needed among game mags.

[Nepenthean's Temp Account]

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone involved with this magazine! I can't say enough how much I love this thing. It's been years since I eagerly awaited the next issue of a video game magazine (and I still subscribe to about four or five currently).

Here are some of my likes and dislikes:

LIKES
-The first thing I noticed about this mag was that there was an advertisement for Jaguar (and Lynx) games on the back cover. That alone made the price of subscription worthwhile! I can't tell you how EXCITED I was when I saw a Jaguar game on the back cover of my video game magazine.
-The format is great. It's easy to read, easy to follow, is professional, and colorful. It's crisp and clean, but not overpolished. Good work.
-The editor's letter is on the first page. I don't have to flip through seemingly twenty pages of ads to find the editor's letter (which I always read). Thank you for this and please keep that letter right where it is, so people can find it and be amazed by your power.
-The in-depth reviews were perfect. They don't reveal too much, so they keep me interested in actually playing, and yet they reveal enough to be a true "review."
-The feature articles were interesting, well-written, and had minimal grammatical/spelling/punctuation errors. Very professional.

DISLIKES
-Image placement was sometimes a problem for me. Leonard Herman's article on the Nintendo "Workboy" was great, but it felt scattered. The image for the Singer Izek sewing machine, for instance, wasn't on the same page as its description and didn't have a caption for it. Images on the pages for game reviews were fine, but in an article like the "Workboy" one, placement is important, and captions help to make things clearer/easier to find at a glance.
-The price guide, as it was in the first issue, seemed like a waste of space. As other people have said, the introduction explaining why some games were not listed was lacking. The lack of headings at the top of each page forced me to flip back and forth to the first page to find out what column was what.
-I like Sniderman's suggestion for perhaps focusing on a "theme" each month for the price guide. Perhaps listing only one or two system lists in their entirety would be better. If you did this, you could also list the few games on other consoles that had value changes that were noteworthy.
-Video game prices don't fluctuate much, so if you do keep the price guide in its current format (listing some games for all consoles), perhaps a bi-monthly guide or even quarterly guide would be better. That way, you'd have more space for articles in the "off months," and you could justify taking up a few more pages in the "on months" to list more games.
-Some of the prices seemed off to me. This only applies to the below-threshhold prices, so with a better explanation of the system, my worries may disappear. When I thought "below threshhold," I equated it to "common-low uncommon" rarity. In Cincinnati, anyway, I would never pay $9 for loose Atari 2600 games that fit this description. I'd also be lucky to find loose SMS games that fit this description for the $2 that you listed.
-The repetion of the cover image in the back was a nice way to show off the art, but it kind of felt like a wasted page.

This may sound like I've got more bad things to say about the magazine than good, but that isn't the case AT ALL. I love this thing and plan to subscribe for as long as you put out the magazine. I've been reccommending this thing to every gamer I know, and I have read it cover to cover two or three times. Thanks again for putting out such a great magazine!

[digitalpress]

Good feedback, Nep. We miss you around here!

Rest assured that the price guide section is going to be greatly improved. You'll know what the thresholld represents, how the current list was selected for display, which titles are appearing on the list for the first time, and which titles have gone up or down since the last list.

Keep in mind that the DP partnership literally occurred at zero hour for the first issue, we really had to scramble to get everything in order for the mag, and now the Manci design team has also had some more time to choose a more comfortable, efficient layout for the data.

I've even added a blurb to preface the guide, which explains a few other nuances about collecting and pricing video games.

Anxious to hear the feedback on #2!

Game ON.

[chadtower]

I just received my copy of #1. I have to say, I like the magazine and the layout. It's an excellent starting point. My first major issue is that, given the price, there is going to have to be more content or a lower price. I realize that this is a first issue so slack can be given but under other circumstances I wouldn't pay the subscription price for the amount of content in issue #1. If this means more advertisements I have no problem with that. If it means charging less that's fine too. That interview with David Crane is phenomenal but the reviews aren't anything you can't get in other places. I think the real fulcrum here is going to be whether or not Manci can provide things you can't get faster and easier via the web for free. The Crane interview is that type of thing but reviews of homebrews are not. Interviews with the authors, insight into the development process, info on new homebrew titles would be great. I'm sure these guys won't be hard to get on the line as they're just regular guys like any of us.

With all of that said, great stuff, great stuff. It's a tremendous starting point and I'm glad I subscribed. I'll do what I can to do business with the sponsors and be sure to tell them I found them via Manci Games.

[slownerveaction]

the reviews aren't anything you can't get in other places.

Actually, my import coverage tends to be something you really CAN'T get in other places. In the best case, you might find a couple GameFAQs reviews or a blurb on an emu-centric site. In the worst case, you might find next to nothing in English. Regardless, I always strive to include accurate, well researched info (yes, I actually check my facts!) and beautiful, clear screenshots. I take all my screenshots straight from the game playing on a real machine -- no crappy screens from an emulator.

Those are the sorts of things, review-wise, the web doesn't offer, but Manci Games can.

[chadtower]

the reviews aren't anything you can't get in other places.

Actually, my import coverage tends to be something you really CAN'T get in other places.

I wasn't really talking about the import review, I was talking about the homebrew reviews, which did in fact outnumber the import reviews in that particular issue.

Either way, opinions were asked for so I gave some.

[slownerveaction]

I wasn't really talking about the import review, I was talking about the homebrew reviews, which did in fact outnumber the import reviews in that particular issue.

Either way, opinions were asked for so I gave some.

It's all cool. Your opinions are definitely appreciated. It's just that it was tough to tell if you were talking about all reviews or just homebrew reviews. Either way, I think magazines offer quite a bit over the web.

[chadtower]

The Crane interview is that type of thing but reviews of homebrews are not.



It's just that it was tough to tell if you were talking about all reviews or just homebrew reviews.


Hey, just how slow are those nerves? :P

What are the odds of getting some PCE reviews in your import travels?

[zmweasel]

Regardless, I always strive to include accurate, well researched info (yes, I actually check my facts!) and beautiful, clear screenshots. I take all my screenshots straight from the game playing on a real machine -- no crappy screens from an emulator.

I don't mean to harsh your mellow, but emulators provide WONDERFUL, pixel-perfect RGB screenshots, clearer and sharper than anything you can take from a real console--and especially classic consoles.

I've been taking screenshots for 15 years, and messed around with every type of screen-grab hardware known to man. I currently use a $1K RGB/component-video screen-grabber to take PS2 shots, and it STILL doesn't match the quality of RGB grabs taken by game developers and publishers with PS2 development hardware, which emulates a genuine PS2.

I'm not implying that emulators provide a better gaming experience than genuine hardware, but they indisputably provide better screenshots than genuine hardware.

And for what it's worth, your import article in issue #1 was excellent, the best writing in the mag.

-- Z.

[slownerveaction]

Hey, just how slow are those nerves?

I'm just passionate!!!


What are the odds of getting some PCE reviews in your import travels?

Waaaay ahead of you man. :)

Check issue #2.



I don't mean to harsh your mellow, but emulators provide WONDERFUL, pixel-perfect RGB screenshots, clearer and sharper than anything you can take from a real console--and especially classic consoles.

I've been taking screenshots for 15 years, and messed around with every type of screen-grab hardware known to man. I currently use a $1K RGB/component-video screen-grabber to take PS2 shots, and it STILL doesn't match the quality of RGB grabs taken by game developers and publishers with PS2 development hardware, which emulates a genuine PS2.

I'm not implying that emulators provide a better gaming experience than genuine hardware, but they indisputably provide better screenshots than genuine hardware.

You caught me. I can't really say you're wrong there. Howerve, I still prefer grabbing shots off real machines for a few reasons:

1. I do most of my computing on a little laptop that's really not suited for emulating. I don't have a controller or anything so I need to play with the keyboard. Some of the games I've been covering are TOUGH, and I just can't get very far in them playing with a keyboard. So to get to the places I want to take shots of... I need to use an emu.

2. Sometimes emulation grabs look a little TOO perfect, if you know what I mean. There's nothing more jarring than some perfectly clear NES screenshots when the NES didn't even have particularly clear composite output. Along the same lines, while those dev kit dumps for modern consoles look great, they typically don't represent what the game actually looks like on a real console.

3. Not every game/system is emulated correctly! The Saturn is a perfect example of this. I've come across a fair amount of 16-bit console games that aren't quite perfectly emulated too. Sometimes it can something subtle (like how the enemies don't spawn correctly in Umihara Kawase on ZSNES), other times it's just a garbled mess.

But yeah... I'm the first to admit I can be set in my ways with this sort of stuff. I think my pics are of acceptable quality so far. Although... you make some good points. While I don't see myself switching over to emulation for grabs (unless I absolutely have to), I would like to move beyond crappy composite (yeah... I know) to at least S-Video (RGB would be even better).


And for what it's worth, your import article in issue #1 was excellent, the best writing in the mag.

-- Z.

Thanks!

I actually think my upcoming articles are way superior. My import piece in issue #2 is just so much tighter than the Umihara article. I don't just write for Manci, btw. I'm freelance, although I feel particularly close to the uniqueness of Manci. I've written quite a few features for Deeko.com (http://www.deeko.com), including a recent Top Ten NES Games list. I've also been on the hunt for new opportunities (something I plan to work on a lot more really soon).

[zmweasel]

1. I do most of my computing on a little laptop that's really not suited for emulating. I don't have a controller or anything so I need to play with the keyboard. Some of the games I've been covering are TOUGH, and I just can't get very far in them playing with a keyboard. So to get to the places I want to take shots of... I need to use an emu.

I can understand why you'd avoid PC emulators if you don't have a controller. I myself have a cheap-ass USB adapter from RadioShack that lets me use my Dual Shock 2 as a PC controller, and it works great. You might wanna look into that.


2. Sometimes emulation grabs look a little TOO perfect, if you know what I mean. There's nothing more jarring than some perfectly clear NES screenshots when the NES didn't even have particularly clear composite output. Along the same lines, while those dev kit dumps for modern consoles look great, they typically don't represent what the game actually looks like on a real console.

There's no such thing as "TOO perfect." The clearer and sharper a screenshot, the better it looks in print OR on the Web.

No, early systems didn't have decent video output, but a magazine with blurry, fuzzy screenshots is more jarring than one without.

Having an Xbox debug kit, I can assure you that the grabs are just like what you see on your TV screen, only sharper and clearer. The contents of the Xbox's video RAM--the same data being transmitted to the TV screen--are dumped into a .BMP file. You circumvent the signal loss and picture degradation introduced by a screen-grabbing card.

Some emulators have issues with aspect ratios, which don't always match up with real TV sets. NES emus are especially bad in this regard, producing nearly-square screenshots. (As demonstrated by the Boy & His Blob review in Manci Games #1.) Fortunately, you can easily tweak the aspect ratio of a screenshot with Photoshop to make it 4:3.


3. Not every game/system is emulated correctly! The Saturn is a perfect example of this. I've come across a fair amount of 16-bit console games that aren't quite perfectly emulated too. Sometimes it can something subtle (like how the enemies don't spawn correctly in Umihara Kawase on ZSNES), other times it's just a garbled mess.

I agree that not all emulators are as competent as others, but for the 8-bit and earlier systems, they're rock-solid. I realize you're dealing with imports, which are a phenomenon of the 16-bit era and beyond, and those emus aren't quite as refined.


But yeah... I'm the first to admit I can be set in my ways with this sort of stuff. I think my pics are of acceptable quality so far. Although... you make some good points. While I don't see myself switching over to emulation for grabs (unless I absolutely have to), I would like to move beyond crappy composite (yeah... I know) to at least S-Video (RGB would be even better).

You'll be gob-smacked by the difference in quality between composite and S-video. The only composite grabbing I did in the 16-bit era was on the Genesis, and all my grabs have been RGB or video-RAM dumps since the PS1.


I actually think my upcoming articles are way superior. My import piece in issue #2 is just so much tighter than the Umihara article. I don't just write for Manci, btw. I'm freelance, although I feel particularly close to the uniqueness of Manci. I've written quite a few features for Deeko.com (http://www.deeko.com), including a recent Top Ten NES Games list. I've also been on the hunt for new opportunities (something I plan to work on a lot more really soon).

Freelance writing is all about the hunt, my friend. :) Good luck with it.

-- Z.

[slownerveaction]

I can understand why you'd avoid PC emulators if you don't have a controller. I myself have a cheap-ass USB adapter from RadioShack that lets me use my Dual Shock 2 as a PC controller, and it works great. You might wanna look into that.

Maaaaybe. I have issues with spending money on anything involving emulation.


Some emulators have issues with aspect ratios, which don't always match up with real TV sets. NES emus are especially bad in this regard, producing nearly-square screenshots. (As demonstrated by the Boy & His Blob review in Manci Games #1.)

Hey, wasn't me!

I've noticed the aspect ratio problem with emus too. I guess that might be one of the things that affects my view of emu screenshots.


I agree that not all emulators are as competent as others, but for the 8-bit and earlier systems, they're rock-solid. I realize you're dealing with imports, which are a phenomenon of the 16-bit era and beyond, and those emus aren't quite as refined.

Well, I actually will likely cover 8-bit stuff at some point. I might even cover some pre-Famicom gaming rarities (tough to track down though). I have personally found that NES emus are still not quite perfect (this might be more a problem with bad ROM dumps than emulation). Anything 16-bit is a gamble. 32-bit and beyond... I don't even bother. I did mess around a bit with ePSXe and the hacked GiriGiri, but they're really screwy.


You'll be gob-smacked by the difference in quality between composite and S-video. The only composite grabbing I did in the 16-bit era was on the Genesis, and all my grabs have been RGB or video-RAM dumps since the PS1.

Yeah, I know. Rest assured man, I'm listening, and I'm aware of the difference.


Freelance writing is all about the hunt, my friend. :) Good luck with it.

-- Z.

Thanks! It can be tough, but that's how I like it!

[einbebop]

I subscribed about two weeks ago. Did I make it in time to get the first issue?

::anxiously watching mailbox::