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Archive for the ‘Unlicensed’ Category

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…

…well, at least that’s what some might say. Today we have the latest product that falls into the category of ‘tricking the old folk into thinking they’re treating the young to something awesome’. “Oh I heard about these Nintari Wee Computers, our Bobby would love one of these. He is always playing those games on the Television”

At least once in our lives, we’ve been in that situation with a gift that had the best intentions behind it, something someone was so sure was the right gift for you. It’s the thought that counts. So why not prepare for that gift arriving this year?

What I am about to bring to light is the latest kids will have to endure this year, as the Grandparents with the best intentions treat them.

Wireless Game Console 'My Play' (Wii Knock Off)

Wireless Game Console my play

A high street deal…

When the Nintendo Wii knock-offs first hit the scene, they were known as the Vii. A somewhat a blatant and slightly obvious attempt to cash in on the Wii craze that is sweeping the casual gaming nation. As much as we would point and laugh, they were somewhat a curiosity to our gaming world. Surely the games couldn’t be like the Wii games? Its only £20, it can’t be as responsive as a Wii remote? Surely?!
Luckily, YouTube’s favourite consumer product reviewer came to the rescue to reassure us that these were in fact just cheap imitations.

As time went on, the Vii was becoming more commonly seen online, a few hit eBay occasionally and a few more YouTube videos surfaced. But where were these coming from? It reminded me of the time the MegaJoy/SuperJoy Famiclone’s started popping up in Toy Shops around the country. All gamers knew they were pirate NES consoles, however they were selling rather well to non gamers wanting a cheap games system.

What does Nintendo think…

At first, I’m sure Nintendo didn’t really care. After all, the Vii was not readily available, nor would it even put a scratch into the Wii’s reputation, nor the tidy profit they were making (or should I say, still are).
But what’s your opinion now, Nintendo? After all, I can now walk into a shop in the centre of town and easily acquire a ‘Wireless Game Console’, for half the price of one of your triple A titles.
At least this is what I learnt walking through Leeds the other day. Passing the all famous ‘Home and Bargain’, a Nintendo’y product caught the corner of my eye, tempting me to go look.

Was I tempted to buy? Unfortunately not. If there were no videos on YouTube covering this little curiosity, I would have. So instead, you can make your mind up about these consoles (or similar ones), here, here and here.
And if you’re tempted to buy (and live near Leeds), you’ll the stash of goods here.

Okay, maybe I was tempted a little…

Why? Well, I am beginning to believe that this console might hold a Famiclone within. Or something similar at least.

Wireless Game Console 'My Play' (Wii Knock Off)Wireless Game Console 'My Play' (Wii Knock Off)

Wireless Game Console my play Features

What might this 69 Classic Games Cartridge you offer hold? After all, there is a Classic Control pad included, might there be a NES hiding within? Or are there 69 new games specially created for this piece of hardware?
Only the manager of Leeds’s ‘Home and Bargain’ knows for sure.

Be sure to leave a message with your thoughts if you’re a (proud?) owner of one of these consoles.

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

A fishy puzzle…

Magic Bubble is an unlicensed puzzle game for the Sega Megadrive/Genesis. It was made by a small Taiwanese company by the name of ‘C&E’ in 1993, the same company who made the well known NES game ‘Mermaids of Atlantis’ and the more recent release ‘Beggar Prince‘. This game could also be linked to the famous Bubble Bath Babes, for having identical gameplay, but Magic Bubble is definitely a much ‘cleaner version of this game‘.

Without a doubt, Magic Bubble is a 16-bit version of Mermaids of Atlantis (NES) with updated and new visuals. For those not familiar with Mermaids of Atlantis, Magic Bubble plays like a Puzzle Bobble/Tetris hybrid. As different bubble combinations are given to you and slowly pushed up the screen, its up to you to carefully align them. Match up at least four bubbles and they’ll pop, making way for the rest of the incoming bubbles. If your screen fills up with bubbles, with no room for anymore… Game Over!

What makes this game different from Tetris and other puzzle games, is the lack of lenience that it offers you when you make a mistake. As we all know, one mix up of blocks in Tetris leaves you with a gaping hole you have to work your way down to clear, no problem. Magic Bubble on the other hand has a much more sinister approach, it floods those empty spaces with clear bubbles. These new additions to your bubble area can only be cleared if adjacent bubbles are popped.
However, there is another solution… Similar to the memorable Streets Of Rage’s panic button (calling an assisted Police attack), the player can call upon one of the fish in the background to consume the clear bubbles a number of times.

Screenshots:

magicbubble magicbubble002 magicbubble006 magicbubble007
Magic Bubble Box, Instructions and Cartridge & Gameplay Screenshots

Collectors information:

Name(s) Magic Bubble
Console Sega Megadrive
Region Taiwan
Rarity Very Rare – Unknown print run/numbers
Expect to pay £100+ for a complete copy, £15-30 for a cartridge only
Where to find it eBay

Final thoughts:

Magic Bubble has its charms, a grumpy deformed fish greeting you when you pause the game, an unusual introduction that doesn’t flow too well with the fishy theme and some interesting digitised speech. But to a regular gamer, there isn’t enough gameplay to make it worth tracking down. Magic Bubble will remain as one of those retro rarities for the die hard collectors.

Further Reading: Magic Bubble on Guardiana.net

There is currently no ROM available for this game (so please dont ask for it).