Damn that N64 controller !! or My Sin & Punishment adventure

Well, As most of you know, I was able to get S&P from Seven Force a week and, and also got N64 import coverter from NCSX, which finally arrived last Friday.

I rushed to open the package, graped the plug-in converter and S&P cart, and ran to my game room, where my N64 was patiently awaiting this moment. I turned the game on, and prepared to dive into shooting goodness of S&P

Well, The game looks good of N64 game. Eventhough character and enemy models still blocky as hell, they look pretty cool, and screen is always full of awesome exlosions, lots of enemies to shoot, and some huge bosses to tackle. Shooting action is non stop, and I would have enjoyed it more, if I didnt had a problem with the "infamous" N64 controller.

Its been praised around these parts alot, but I still think its a badly designed pad. Not comfortable to hold, or use. Its very cumbersome to try controlling your character target cursor with analog stick, and move left to right with d-pad, because of the position of d-pad on the controller. Also you have to Jump by using shoulder button, which again sometimes is hard to reach, in the heat of the battle because you also trying to aim with Analog, and triangular shape of pad doesnt help :(

It would worked better if N64 pad had 2 analog sticks, simular to PS2 Dual Shock, or Xbox controller, that way, atlest you would have been able to aim and and dodge without strain on your fingers.

I will still enjoy the game no matter the control problems, but those do affect my performance in the game. I'm currently stuck in the middle of level 2, where right after movin up on the lifting platform, you have to fight Mini Boss with a whip. No matter what I do, he constanly kicks my ass. I try dodge his whip attacks, but they still do huge damage, and again, since I'm having said controller problems, its hard for me to shoot and dodge at the same tim :(

Anyone have strategies on how to get through this guy?

I feel your pain, Despair. That is easily Nintendo's worst controller ever. Layout aside, the analog stick just feels cheap. I mean, I guess it did user in the analog revolution and all, but that doesn't get it off the hook for being a lousy pad. :p

I wish I could help, but I got bored of the game before I could get that far.

I personally think the N64 controller is the most comfortable analog controller (though maybe I need to play more of the GC... problem is finding something to play on it...). But that's the problem with all analog controllers. While I like the N64 controller, others find it uncomfortable. And while I hate the Dual Shocks and DC controllers, others find it comfortable.

Despair: Keep the default control scheme of S&P. The more you play it, the more you will realize that the control scheme is golden. I agree it is a bit cumbersome at first. But you'll reach a point where it's not only intuitive... but you'll want it no other way.

As for that enemy, that part is easy as heck.... but really, if you're just straight up shooting, you're missing a huge part of the game. You will realize that using the sword is key to a lot of parts, and although isn't crucial for that enemy, it certainly helps.
Remember: Sword damage >>>>>>>> bullet damage. And I hope you're not using the lock-on gun...

Mfkzt: Play on. The first stage is a joke and is really not fun at all... ditto for Bangaioh, where the game doesnt' really start until like level 7. But once you go through a couple of levels, S&P is absolutely brilliant... one of the best games of all time.

I too had problems with the controller when I first played S&P. It was the first N64 game I owned, on top on that.

Give it a couple of hours. It'll become second nature.

You'll be slashing back rockets in no time.

Awesome game.

Which one is lock on gun? Blue or Red? I was using Red all the time.

ANd yes, Sword damage is greater, but again with akward control layout it hard for me to aim, attack, and dodge at the same time, and I either end up aiming too high and shoot at nothing, missing that Boss, or I shoot at him, but have no time for dodg, and take huge damage from his whip, and other shots that those bat like creatures firing from background.

Blue is lock on.

Trust me when I say there's nothing better than a few hours of practice. Everything will fall into place.


By the way, I love the first level. Gotta love hitting the swirls of moths just right...

Once you start feeling more confident with the controller, or even now, go and post your scores on the score board!! We could really use some more people! Same with everyone else!!!

Despair: I feel your pain re: the N64 controller. S&P was the first N64 game I ever owned, and I had a lot of trouble getting used to the clunky N64 controller.

Here's my recommendation: grasp the middle of the controller with your left hand, so you've got the trigger and analog stick under your left index and thumb, and grasp the right side of the controller with your right hand with your right thumb on the movement buttons. That way, with a little practice, you can jump, aim, shoot, and manuever at the same time.

Re: the whip boss, well-timed sword attacks and careful dodges are key. You might also try using lock-on shot (use the B button to toggle between standard and lock-on shot) to wear him down before time runs out.

Thank you Sleeveboy. I will try that later on tonight.