So, Earth Defense Force 2017 (360, PSV) looks amazing

Have you done the spider-pit (level 40-ish or so) run on Inferno yet? I just kept dropping the 12,000 damage bombs, retreating, igniting, repeat, until there was only one spider left. Peek in, snag weapons, kill last spider (who frequently killed me at the same time, but it give you a win anyway), repeat. I got the ultimate turret that let me lay down 10 at once that way, and it's great for major crowd control.

I wish there was a way to give commands to the troops through the plus pad. A simple "Hold your ground!" would do wonders, as would "Follow me!" The troops are surprisingly useful when they aren't running straight to their deaths, or jumping right in front of my rockets.

James

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Originally Posted by g0zen

The game is stupid fun. Enjoy it or sell it. If you're complaining about graphics, physics, clipping, or framerate then you're an idiot. It's like you're putting some action move like Commando to the same set of criteria you'd judge Citizen Kane or Rashomon on. The game has one goal; to put a shitload of enemies on screen that are huge and you with lots of weapons to blow them up. It accomplishes that goal, appreciate it or GTFO.

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WTF? Its a fun game so you have to ignore any shortcomings it has? He does appreciate it, he just pointed out those factors which keep it from being perfect. I guess since you love the game then you must belittle anyone who draws attention to its flaws, flaws which are obviously irrelevant because you want them to be. I thought this only happened with Nintendo games....

Welcome to TNL!

http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/3043/stfu7ty.jpg

This guy is serious business.

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Originally Posted by g0zen

The game is stupid fun. Enjoy it or sell it. If you're complaining about graphics, physics, clipping, or framerate then you're an idiot.

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No, you're expressing a legitimate gripe. As you've almost beaten the game on Hardest, you undoubtedly have seen the bullshit collision detection this game throws at you regularly. Spiders can shoot webbing THROUGH SOLID ROCK, but you get stuck on a street curb.

Add the constantly unstable framerate that gets so low some times as to actually cause lag when you're shooting, and you've got a game that really needed another month or two for polishing. And I'm not even going to get into the whole "hundreds of weapons, but only 10 work" bullshit.

Seriously, the game is fun on hard, but the upper two levels are just garbage. It's not even about blowing shit up, as you simply cannot pass many of the stages unless you have one specific weapon. Want to kill the mothership on Inferno? You'll need the Lysander Z sniper rifle, which does 5500 points of damage. The only problem is that you get it on stage 42 on Inferno only (King, the one with the enormous spiders). Good luck doing that one over and over until you're lucky enough for it to drop.

I've put in about 40 hours, beaten the game on easy-hard, have 8 levels to go on hardest, and have 3500 energy with 156 weapons. I'm not going to go through Inferno, and the sheer randomness of the whole gameplay has worn me out. I'm tired of having to guess which one of my useless weapons is good for a specific level, and I'm tired of those fucking spiders.

Even hardest isn't that bad, it just gets to a point where the co-op becomes almost a necessity. I got it down to just two missions left on hardest (the last 2) by plugging in a second controller and just laying down turrets. If I had another person handy, we'd be cruising through Inferno by now.

Like I said, the game isn't perfect and it doesn't try to be. It's fun for what it is, worts and all. So, please, bitch at me for pointing out the fact that you're all whining about how a BUDGET GAME isn't a top-notch production.

Isn't it $40?

Since when did that = budget?

When the rest of the games are $60 - $70.

Also, it's pretty clear that EDF is a budget series.

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Originally Posted by bbobb

Isn't it $40?

Since when did that = budget?

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Welcome to the next level?

James

Budget should never be more then $20-30. Preferably $10-20.

Yes well, games were never supposed to be more than $50 - $60 either but look how that's worked out. It's gouged all to fuck, but people still pay it.

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Originally Posted by g0zen

Even hardest isn't that bad, it just gets to a point where the co-op becomes almost a necessity. I got it down to just two missions left on hardest (the last 2) by plugging in a second controller and just laying down turrets. If I had another person handy, we'd be cruising through Inferno by now.

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So I shouldn't fault the game because you were able to almost beat hard by using a second controller? I guess you should be able to beat the game then now. Try doing it alone and see if it's that easy.

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Like I said, the game isn't perfect and it doesn't try to be. It's fun for what it is, worts and all. So, please, bitch at me for pointing out the fact that you're all whining about how a BUDGET GAME isn't a top-notch production.

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$40 is a budget game?

I'm not pointing out graphics or shit like that. I'm talking about technical flaws that affect gameplay. If you're cool with that, then more power to you. I kind of like consistency in my games, and when the framerate drops low enough to affect the game, it kind of bugs (no pun) me.

Fuck this generation.

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Originally Posted by Melf

So I shouldn't fault the game because you were able to almost beat hard by using a second controller? I guess you should be able to beat the game then now. Try doing it alone and see if it's that easy.

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Maybe I'm not being clear enough. I'm saying that there comes a point where the difficulty ramps up so that you need to co-op. Is that a design flaw? I'm sure if you armor and weapon grind enough you could get to a point where you could slog through it, so it's not impossible to do solo it's just really difficult. Which is already better than all the games which arbitrarily MAKE you co-op for achievements. So right there the game has surpassed the flaws of several other titles.

Look, I never said it was easy and the spiders especially can be a pain, but that's not a gamebreaker. Stop treating it like one because you're frustrated.

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Originally Posted by Melf

I'm not pointing out graphics or shit like that. I'm talking about technical flaws that affect gameplay. If you're cool with that, then more power to you. I kind of like consistency in my games, and when the framerate drops low enough to affect the game, it kind of bugs (no pun) me.

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I've had next to none of these so-called framerate drops to the point that the game becomes unplayable. In fact, I've been in a haze of explosions from the robots blowing up and had it barely hiccup on me. So, either we're playing different games or you're overstating your case.

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Originally Posted by g0zen

Look, I never said it was easy and the spiders especially can be a pain, but that's not a gamebreaker. Stop treating it like one because you're frustrated.

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I never said it was a gamebreaker. If it were, I wouldn't have played it for 40 hours. You seem to think that because it's cheap and fun, no one is allowed to point out its flaws. The game has them, but no one ever said it flat out ruined the experience.

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I've had next to none of these so-called framerate drops to the point that the game becomes unplayable. In fact, I've been in a haze of explosions from the robots blowing up and had it barely hiccup on me. So, either we're playing different games or you're overstating your case.

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I'm talking about the cluster fucks in the later levels, the ones where armies of ants and spiders attack you. The framerate drops considerably.

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Originally Posted by Melf

You seem to think that because it's cheap and fun, no one is allowed to point out its flaws. The game has them, but no one ever said it flat out ruined the experience.

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I never said no one was allowed to (it certainly hasn't stopped any of you), I just said it was pointless and you may as well take back the game because it's obviously not for you. Complaining about the flaws in this game is like complaining about the dialogue in an action movie or the story in a porno. You're really just missing the point of it.

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Originally Posted by Melf

I'm talking about the cluster fucks in the later levels, the ones where armies of ants and spiders attack you. The framerate drops considerably.

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Same thing. I've been in huge groups of them with rows of turrets firing off and me firing rockets right into the thick of them. It has a noticeable hiccup, but nothing that interferes with the game. About the worst you can get is if you get too close when a lot of them are dying and spraying the green goo everywhere, and even then it's only for a second.

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Originally Posted by g0zen

I never said no one was allowed to (it certainly hasn't stopped any of you), I just said it was pointless and you may as well take back the game because it's obviously not for you. Complaining about the flaws in this game is like complaining about the dialogue in an action movie or the story in a porno. You're really just missing the point of it.

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So if I make the slightest criticism, then I missed the whole point of the game and should return it? That makes no sense. Like I said, I've beaten it three times already and have played for over 40 hours. I think I'm entitled to make a little criticism. :)

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Same thing. I've been in huge groups of them with rows of turrets firing off and me firing rockets right into the thick of them. It has a noticeable hiccup, but nothing that interferes with the game. About the worst you can get is if you get too close when a lot of them are dying and spraying the green goo everywhere, and even then it's only for a second.

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I've had it drop quite a bit when using turrets and the assault rifle or missile launcher. Anything that fires multiple shots can cause the framerate to drop considerably and even cause lag. Granted, that last case had everything but the kitchen sink on the screen, but still...

I'm more peeved at the shitty collision detection. I really hate that the enemy can attack through walls and the floor, but you get tripped up by a small piece of debris. It can really be annoying when that happens just when you're about to complete a level.

Again, it's nothing game-breaking, but it's definitely worth mentioning.

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Originally Posted by Melf

I've had it drop quite a bit when using turrets and the assault rifle or missile launcher. Anything that fires multiple shots can cause the framerate to drop considerably and even cause lag. Granted, that last case had everything but the kitchen sink on the screen, but still...

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I've seen bad lag before, I know what it looks like. I've played the game just as long as you have and been in extremely similar situations in the same levels and yet I haven't experienced anything like what you've described. If this game got to a point that it was chugging along and I couldn't move or react at all, then I'd probably have gotten pissed with it myself and took it back. It just hasn't happened.

Give it to me straight; EDF3 or Guitar Hero 2? Haven't played anything in a while, and I need something good to relax to after work. Blowing shit up and rocking faces off are always worthy candidates.

Earth Defense Force.

Assuming you stick with it and don't get intimidated by its difficulty, Guitar Hero will have infinitely more lasting value.

I'd take GH easily. EDF is some great fun, until you've beaten it once. After that, there's really no reason to go back, since you're basically doing the same thing 4 more times. I've put 46 hours into it and can't really see any reason to keep playing, since beating on hardest and inferno definitely needs a second player, unless you're willing to spend another 20 hours grinding for energy and random weapons (many of which only appear on a specific level). I'm an achievement whore, so my high hour count is due to that, but even now I only have 300/1000.


Rent EDF first, and see if you're willing to give it more than 1 or 2 playthroughs before you slap down $40.

I can't recommend EDF enough. I played through twice, with a few levels 3-4 times for extra weapons on the hardest difficulty levels, and had a blast. It's the best pure run & gun in years.

But compared to Guitar Hero II? Well, tough call. If you've got a friend with an extra guitar controller,there's no reason not to buy it instantly. Even without multiplayer it's one of the best music games ever.

So- $40 run & gun vs $90 music game. I say look at the budget and figure out a way to get both, but Guitar Hero gets the edge if you can only do one.

James

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Originally Posted by Andy

Give it to me straight; EDF3 or Guitar Hero 2? Haven't played anything in a while, and I need something good to relax to after work. Blowing shit up and rocking faces off are always worthy candidates.

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If you never owned the PS2 version, go for GH2. EDF3 really shines under co-op. Single player isn't going to occupy you for too long.

Thanks for the comments, all. I went with GH2 (finally finding one at Toys R Us, after rummaging through a sold out Best Buy and Circuit City). As cool as EDF sounds, I think I made the right choice for what I'm looking for right now. And, in any case, it's a potential investment toward GH3 and/or Rock Band.

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Originally Posted by Andy

And, in any case, it's a potential investment toward GH3 and/or Rock Band.

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Yeah that wired guitar controller sounds great.

Hey wired controllers rock, no need to charge batteries. And it's not like electric guitars aren't wired anyway. I mean come on...they have to attach to the amp somehow.

Anyway, i still have yet to try this. It's on the list. Just not high on it.

Guitar Hero: The Real Guitar Simulator.

I know I am late to the party, but I am loving this game. My buddy and I had a marathorn session trying to conquer Crimson on hard (we were way underpowered and low on health, but we put up a good fight). I got home and played for hours to get better weapons and did it alone. I love bouncing the ants/spiders with rockets and then shoot them in the air for the kill.

I know a few of you Brian don't want to buy this because it does not have Live co-op play. It is more than worth it though if you can find a buddy to play with you split screen. In fact, my wife got interested and she now wants to try (Gears is just too complicated for her).

playing co-op on a 4:3 monitor cannot be recommended.

It works fantastically on a widescreen tele, though. Accidentally killing my girl with an air tortoise was probably the most I've laughed playing a video game in years. Co-op rules for this game, I wouldn't recommend it if you won't have another person to play with. But it's great fun if you do.

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Originally Posted by dakidski

playing co-op on a 4:3 monitor cannot be recommended.

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Get out of the dark ages.

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Originally Posted by dakidski

playing co-op on a 4:3 monitor cannot be recommended.

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Who are you, cheebs?

http://the-nextlevel.com/board/attac...1&d=1179857438 imo

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Originally Posted by Melf

Seriously, the game is fun on hard, but the upper two levels are just garbage.

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Finally got around to playing this, and I agree with this statement. Hardest and Inferno are just not enjoyable at all.

EDF is a wonderful change of pace from the many uber-serious and -realistic action games on the 360. It's a hell of a lot of fun, and co-op is a complete blast.

Thx Melf for the weapon drop link!

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Originally Posted by BioMechanic

Finally got around to playing this, and I agree with this statement. Hardest and Inferno are just not enjoyable at all.

EDF is a wonderful change of pace from the many uber-serious and -realistic action games on the 360. It's a hell of a lot of fun, and co-op is a complete blast.

Thx Melf for the weapon drop link!

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I love Hardest and Inferno. Once you get better weapons and build up your health, grab a buddy and co-op hardest/inferno = uber fun. It is still doable alone but tough as shit.

Yeah, if you're not playing on Hardest and Inferno then you aren't really experiencing what this game has to offer on it's ass end of the playthrough. The weapons increase in both hilarity and effectiveness, as do the enemies. It's totally worth the time to farm items and health, so that when you finally do rock out Inferno mode with a friend, you'll have an absolute blast.

OK cool, I'll do it. I don't think I'm strong enough yet, as one ant acid blast is enough to kill me on Hardest/Inferno right now. Normal is far, far too easy.

What's your health? I use level 42 or 43 to farm health (on super easy diff) since the ant hills generate tons of things to shoot at.

I stopped playing EDF regularly awhile ago after I atrophied on Hardest and Inferno. I have completed maybe 10 levels in Hardest and 5 or so on Inferno, but it becomes an exercise in frustration very quickly. I still pick it up and try again every now and then.

Even with 5000 Armor and loads of weapons, I can't seem to do progress past my current completion. It's probably my weapon selection. I admit I don't experiment much with the weapons, having managed to go through several levels using the same combination of weapons. :bang:

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Originally Posted by bloodyarts

I stopped playing EDF regularly awhile ago after I atrophied on Hardest and Inferno. I have completed maybe 10 levels in Hardest and 5 or so on Inferno, but it becomes an exercise in frustration very quickly. I still pick it up and try again every now and then.

Even with 5000 Armor and loads of weapons, I can't seem to do progress past my current completion. It's probably my weapon selection. I admit I don't experiment much with the weapons, having managed to go through several levels using the same combination of weapons. :bang:

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I manage to do all but 2 levels in Hardest and about 20 stages in Inferno. Hardest hitting rocket and Lyzander Z helps ALOT.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Hardest hitting rocket and Lyzander Z helps ALOT.

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Tortoise (the second upgrade) and Lyzander Z, eh? I'll try it. What's your Armor count?

Your best bet for a rocket/missle launcher are the Goliaths, fast as hell once fired, respectable reload time, good overall damage output. Although, if you really plan on taking out the game solo on the Hardest/Inferno difficulties, you'll need to get used to using different weapon sets.

Turret guns(predominantly the ZEXR-GUN model) are a life saver, and in turn give you plenty of backup to deal with the incoming hordes. Also, the easiest way to farm huge amounts of high end weapons(bar none) is to play stage 40 on INFERNO. Use the best turret setup you have, and your best assault rifle. Try to keep your fellow soldiers alive, as even though they are predominantly useless, as long as they are alive you're fairly safe(once all edf soldiers are dead, every single enemy in any given stage instantly knows of your location).

A video example of how to do this is available here(although the player uses two sets of turrets, a good high damage machine gun works just as good): http://youtube.com/watch?v=2nB1CMJ0mJE

The best tip I can give for that map(stage 40) is to get ontop of the rock in the center of the river/valley as you walk in, then place your turrets. The red ants have a fairly hard time reaching you ontop of that rock, and even if they can climb up you have a great chance that they cant actually do damage to you(they're bite attacks will miss). When your turrets finally do crap out, roll towards the group of surviving soldiers while you reload. This way you have a cushion of bodies that will be attacked while you can reload in a fairly safe enviorn. Once the turrets are reloaded, place them down around you and finish out the map. Any leftover ants(and there's always a chance that a few will get lost) will eventually make their way to the valley, but if you're impatient you can fall back to under the bridge and walk up the path to the cliffside area wherein you can hunt them down on your own.

Each run(once you've got it down) takes around 10-15 minutes, but the amount of inferno-grade weapons you'll farm will up your chances immensely in the upcoming areas(the stampede grenade launcher, lysander-z, zexr-gun, etc are all only obtainable on the higher difficulties).

also: here's another youtube video of someone doing the run with the 999round machine gun(AR20-RAR) and some turrets. http://youtube.com/watch?v=wlB3pOjgO...elated&search= The assault rifle actually doesn't do dick for damage, but it does keep the ants in that "damaged" state so they cannot attack, and is a viable(albeit risky) option. I highly recommend that you just use your best assault rifle over the AR20-RAR, but if it works for you then by all means, go for it.

secondary note: while this run may seem hard at first, I did this stage on my own without any co-op help before I tackled the rest of the inferno stages. My health count was passable(it's been awhile, but I'm fairly certain it was nowhere near 2500), which did give some issues(I would spend spare time dash-rolling into health pickups), but anyone with a proper setup can tackle this stage.

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Originally Posted by bloodyarts

Tortoise (the second upgrade) and Lyzander Z, eh? I'll try it. What's your Armor count?

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Armor count is around 4200 when I did these. I just played abit to get it to 4600. I want to hit 5000 by Sunday so my buddy and I can conquer it at least in Hardest.

Oops, I mean Missile Launcher.

This game is crack on crack. A MAN'S game, at that!I'm bumping this thread so people start playing it again.

I've been getting back into this game slowly. I'm trying to get the other achievements in the game, one or two levels a day.

Played through this one a few years ago with a friend -- it's definitely fun, but starts to get hard as shit towards the end.

They really need to make another one of these, this time, with online co-op.

And to the guy bitching about having to play on a 4:3 monitor, we not only did that, but also did it on a blurry, composite connection to a 18-inch TV from the early 1990s.

:icepick:

I can't do the last 2/3 difficulty solo, just too damn hard even if I farm my health to over 10k (currently around 5k).

Yeah, came back to this game with a friend to beat those final insane missions... and even with all the available weapons, we just can't. Boss saucer dishes out way too much damage.

Can a mod please rename this thread to "Earth Defense Force 2017 (360, PSV)"?

NewEgg has the Vita version up for preorder at $29.99, $10 under MSRP.

Sounds like it'll be available Jan. 8th on the PSN. I wonder if this switched to download only?

Does anyone have any experience playing the Vita online with voice? Does the built in mic do ok, or should we be thinking about headsets?

I've never had any success while playing RO.

It's worked fine whenever I've played LBP or Sony Smash Bros. No headsets necessary.

Now you can listen to other people's shitty music, compressed game audio, breathing sounds and snacking habits...and be called a faggot...on the go!
Attachment 68181

I'll give the cost/effort-free approach a whirl then. Others are getting this, yes?

Is it out now?

Tuesday supposedly.

Sounds good. I'm in

Let's try setting up a party just to see how well the chat function works. Tonight sometime?

I'll test it, if you make it early enough for old people.

I'm home at around 830 cst tomorrow so depending on how long the download takes I should be game at 9 or 930ish cst

Curse you, Grace Chen, this is still not up for sale D=

I wish it wasn't download only, but oh well. Online fucking portable EDF is ridiculous.

It's alive!

I wish it was also PS3. :(

James

So how is it?

I kicked off the download and went to get dinner, so I don't know yet.

I just played the first two missions on normal.
Definitely need to kick up the difficulty.
Analogs are for moving and aiming. R button shoots, L button jumps. Circle changes weapon.
Looks as good as EDF ever has imo. Plays as good too. Imo.
Bout to get back into it.

Ill be home in about an hour and a half and get it downloaded to try out then

It's only 626 megs or so. It was a quick download.

How's the port though

Though I own EDF on PS2 and 360, I never spent much time with them.

It seems really good to me so far, although they didn't fix the fact that you actually have to play on easy to get credit for it. Normal doesn't give you both for example. We need to set up a time for multi tomorrow or Thursday.

Tomorrow or Thursday at 830pm cst works for me

Sent you guys friend requests so weze can plaze

I can do 9:30 CotUT either night or both. Anyone else?

Im old and need to be in bed by 11 EST.
But i will try. Make a reminder post.

I should be around tonight! Picked this up yesterday.

You guys like bad games. I keep trying to like these games and get terribly bored 20 minutes in

EDF is awesome. But yes Mzo does like bad games

Jesus, these multitaps seem to get more expensive every day!

Already bought one, you slow bitch. Even got controllers.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/10/e9yvyga6.jpg

That's the best one to get anyway!

I know. ILU PAUL

The shit these soldiers say is so great.

I'm gonna be on and playing this starting now. Send me an invite the second you 'mos want to play.

I'm getting on now.

The Vita party chat is neat.

I was trying to convince Yoshi's kid that I was trapped inside the game system and that they should find a hammer to help me out.

I need to get an invite to the party chat. Playing without voice sucks balls

Mzo: I hate to break it to you but I'm pretty sure Yoshi's kid is smarter than you.

Also, is this on sale anywhere, or am I going to have to do a $40 digital download?

$40 download :(
Had a good time with Yoshi and bbobb and a little mzo appetizer.

It's worth every penny of the $40. I need to hire an Italian health farmer like Mzo to boost my shit though.

Eh, I just had a guy buy a Neo stick from me for $40. It must be fate.

Making fun of Yoshi with Yoshi's kid was fun.

Buy it!
Then we can both feel like fools when it is on sale or better yet free for PS+ next month.

Fate is not on my side it seems. PSN is being a dick and not letting me purchase the game with either the Vita or the PS3.

Well, we managed to get a 4-player party going, but I had NAT issues with SSJN and couldn't hear him talk or watch him do anything in-game. I gave the Vita a static IP and I guess I can try forwarding the right ports, but that didn't work on the 360 and I don't expect it to work here.

That aside it worked pretty damn well! The only weird thing is that minimizing EDF makes you drop your connection to the lobby, so you have to set up the voice chat party ahead of time.

I've never encountered anything like that before, but then again I rarely play online.
Is there anything I should be doing on my end?

I just checked my Vita settings and I'm connecting with a NAT Type 2, which should let me play with anyone with a NAT Type 2 or 1. Either yours is set to 3 (Strict) or it was a fluke and shouldn't happen again? We didn't really test it much.

Run the Internet Connection Test on the Vita and see what it says. You'd have to do it when you're connected to the router you'd be using when we play, though.

Speaking of NAT bullshit I realized that my shit still wasn't open even when DMZ'd but setting the 360's wired settings to automatic instead of manual (still with the same IP) seemed to fix it. Fucking stupid.