igforum.bio
/
nintendo-forgot-that-you-can-t-complete-startropics-without-the-original-nes-manual
-
617992
A
%Begin Nintendo Forgot That You Can't Complete StarTropics Without The Original NES Manual Nintendo Life What a blunder by Share: Just last week, Nintendo added - along with - to the NES Nintendo Switch Online app, presenting the game to an entirely new audience. Unfortunately, these new players are finding themselves unable to complete the game thanks to what can only be described as a bizarre oversight from Nintendo itself.
visibility
645 views
thumb_up
40 likes
E
For those unaware, the game provided players with a neat out-of-game gimmick to enjoy when it launched back in the '90s. The game tells players to dip a letter from Dr. Jones into some water to discover a secret, and this letter was included physically as part of the included manual.
thumb_up
0 likes
N
Players had to physically dip the paper in water at home to be presented with a three-digit code. You can see it in action below (we wish things like this were still a thing). on The Wii U Virtual Console release, which arrived in 2015 digitally and therefore without a manual, got around this by simply showing the wet version of the letter in the digital manual.
thumb_up
36 likes
B
on So, what's the problem with the Switch Online version? Well, it doesn't have the Wii U fix included, and instead simply tells players to dip the letter into the water, waiting for the code. Of course, players don't have a physical letter, and there isn't a digital copy available either, so what are they supposed to do?
thumb_up
4 likes
S
It seems Nintendo simply forgot about the feature entirely. The video below shows the moment that you're asked for the code.
thumb_up
5 likes
A
If you happen to have landed on this page after searching for the problem online, the code you need is 747. on It's currently unclear whether or not Nintendo will patch in some sort of change or update to help players out in this scenario, but at least you now know what to do if you come across that part of the game. You couldn't make this stuff up.
thumb_up
45 likes
L
[source ] Related Games Share: About Ryan can list the first 151 Pokémon all in order off by heart – a feat he calls his ‘party trick’ despite being such an introvert that he’d never be found anywhere near a party. He’d much rather just have a night in with Mario Kart and a pizza, and we can’t say we blame him.
thumb_up
32 likes
L
Comments ) It’s 2019. Just Google the answer.
thumb_up
40 likes
E
I don’t get what the problem is here. So essentially anti-piracy from 1990 still works.
thumb_up
34 likes
M
Fantastic Some folks want to rake Nintendo over the coals for this simple oversight. It's an old game. Things that existed then don't now.
thumb_up
17 likes
M
Folks should be grateful we have Google. Oh dear, well done Nintendo. quite a lot of us don't depend on google to play our games, we like to work it out ourselves.
thumb_up
3 likes
L
If you google the solutions to all puzzles in the game, why would you even want to play the game in the first place? Wow. This is way to funny.
thumb_up
49 likes
Z
I guess even the NES Online app is an afterthought even to the big N itself. How does this slip past Nintendo Quite the leap to suggest that there's no point in playing a game if you Google an answer found in an non-existent manual. I tried to call the Nintendo Game Counselor, but the line didn't work anymore.
thumb_up
0 likes
E
Very telling on how little Nintendo really knows or cares about their old IP. i know, right?
thumb_up
34 likes
A
I thought of that when I saw it announced.... Wondered how they would handle it. Guess they just didn't!
thumb_up
36 likes
E
lol Not really. If you already know the answer is found in the non-existent manual, of course you google it.
thumb_up
17 likes
V
But if you don't know how to solve the puzzle, the point of the game is to figure it out on your own. So then you would never know that you should find the solution online. I suggest dipping the Nintendo Switch into a pail of water.
thumb_up
25 likes
A
Welp, in this case you can’t. Oh well.
thumb_up
18 likes
G
I seriously doubt Nintendo “forgot”, or it was a huge “oversight”. More likely it would have cost time and money to fix it. Why bother when everyone just googles when they get stuck anyway?
thumb_up
5 likes
H
The way this article was written was a little over-the-top. There’s a pretty big leap from, “Google the answer to this puzzle that you literally can’t solve in this version of the game” to “Google the answer to every puzzle in the game”.
thumb_up
14 likes
N
I don’t know, I have a nintendo power magazine that tells me it’s 747. Essential because back in the day rented games didn’t come with manuals either. We figured it out.
thumb_up
43 likes
E
mission failed, we'll get em next time That's kinda bad. Even in the Wii Virtual Console release they included sort of a digital alternative.
thumb_up
32 likes
Z
Nintendo really should have planned ahead for this, and while it is unfortunate that you have to find the solution elsewhere, at least we live in a day and age where it’s possible, instead of just leaving the game unfinished. Here’s hoping they rectify the situation. I don’t know why they don’t include the manuals within the app itself.
thumb_up
46 likes
J
I loved how they did that with the GBA games on Wii U. "I seriously doubt Nintendo “forgot”, or it was a huge “oversight”. More likely it would have cost time and money to fix it.
thumb_up
44 likes
C
" I would cost negligible money and time to add one or two sentences in the game's description on the game selection page. The amount of time and money it has taken me to type this, actually. I'm with you on this one.
thumb_up
35 likes
T
If I get stuck in a game, I'm not going to automatically hop onto Google. I'm going to spend a ridiculous amount of time trying to find what I am believing to be an in-game resolution. What a potentially frustrating goof-up on Nintendo's part.
thumb_up
50 likes
J
Apart from the Mario games, who still plays these NES games now anyway? It was clearly out of Nintendo’s budget to fix it. There are only 8 million subscribers to NSO, after all.
thumb_up
15 likes
R
True, but then who reads that? Lol Who's asking to Google the answers to all puzzles? Suggesting just this particular one ...Touche.
thumb_up
32 likes
A
It is an old game, but with 2 games a month, you think this kind of oversight could be avoided.... if were to say dozens of game a month that would be something else but with two no so much.
thumb_up
35 likes
I
exactly! Going to the internet for the solution is the last resort for me.
thumb_up
16 likes
B
I can literally see myself starting over or something because I feel like I missed something and got stuck, only to find out that the info I need isn’t actually available any other way. They also forget (well they don't seem to have ever included it into the digital manual before) that the original NES Zelda came with a map that showed the location of the dungeons and the order of the first four, thus isn't actually as obscure and ambiguous as a lot of newcomers to the game now think. Whoops.
thumb_up
40 likes
N
Did Kojima make this game? 747. I remember a plane that vanished that no one has found it yet having that number.
thumb_up
26 likes
N
Not everyone is a millennial who only play with guides and Google help. Sorry. That’s irrelevant.
thumb_up
28 likes
S
Everyone has access to Google and can simply find it online. Metal Gear Solid (PSX) also needed a code that only came in the back of the box but that didn’t stop people from enjoying the digital version.
thumb_up
5 likes
T
It’s nice to have the option to check out manuals, and if you don’t, one can easily do a quick search and find anything the game had - manuals, boxes, guides, promotional codes... I'm curious about how it was worked out on NES Mini, and why it wasn't talked about back in 2017.
thumb_up
48 likes
O
To me it is more of an indication of how little effort Nintendo puts into its current online service. Drag and drop two 30 year old games every month. How bad would this be if every cartridge/manual combination had a different 3 numbers?
thumb_up
50 likes
C
It's not a problem for me.
It can't be a problem for anyone else.
If that's an indication of the depth of your thinking then I'm not surprised you look up the answers to puzzles. Many people avoid looking for answers for puzzles online because they like to find them themselves. Besides, dipping the letter in water was quite rewarding think out-of-the-box back then, but you can't blame the players for not thinking "oh, well, I guess the game expects me to search for the answer on the internet, what else could it mean by dip the letter in water, am I right?" a winner is you!
It can't be a problem for anyone else.
If that's an indication of the depth of your thinking then I'm not surprised you look up the answers to puzzles. Many people avoid looking for answers for puzzles online because they like to find them themselves. Besides, dipping the letter in water was quite rewarding think out-of-the-box back then, but you can't blame the players for not thinking "oh, well, I guess the game expects me to search for the answer on the internet, what else could it mean by dip the letter in water, am I right?" a winner is you!
thumb_up
39 likes
L
Y'all seriously cant be that mad. I will not believe it. How is click bait still a thing in 2019?
thumb_up
3 likes
K
Google that. ?
thumb_up
19 likes
B
Nintendo come on
::goes back to playing Turok:: Nintendo seem to have decided to take the no-manual approach with everything in the online service. None of the NES games have manuals and Tetris 99 doesn't bother to explain itself at all.
::goes back to playing Turok:: Nintendo seem to have decided to take the no-manual approach with everything in the online service. None of the NES games have manuals and Tetris 99 doesn't bother to explain itself at all.
thumb_up
36 likes
N
Unrelated to how any of us feel about old NES games, most of these games from the 8-bit era should be celebrated as pieces of gaming history at the very least, and treated with some form of digital respect. I'm personnaly dreaming of a day when companies as big as Nintendo actually start treating their historical back catalog with the honors these pieces deserve.
thumb_up
27 likes
I
3D models of the game boxes and cartridges (so you can manipulate them like we did in the past), included digital versions of instruction manuals in digital flipbook format, page about historical facts regarding game development, interviews with some people that were involved in the creation of those games.... I recall SEGA having done something similar on the PSP back in the days, with video interviews, box art, fun facts, in-game achievements that unlocks supplemental bonus games, etc... To me, that's still, to this day, one of the slickest retro compilation package I've seen.
thumb_up
8 likes
C
It was a sign of a company treating its back catalog with respect (ironic that SEGA then just didn't care that much after that - although the recent compilation is pretty good, if not as filled with details as the PSP one was). With as much resources as Nintendo may have, if I was part of the team responsible for this, I would be slightly ashamed of the "no-frills" treatment of these games.
thumb_up
3 likes
B
It's as basic as it can get. Smells like no effort was put into this, aside from the online play available on some of them (didn't try it though). It's in the NES Mini manual: Thanks!
thumb_up
40 likes
W
Too bad those manuals can't be accessed from the console itself. Just another reason the Virtual Console is superior to this subscription service.
thumb_up
28 likes
L
Yeah, I would prefer buy the classic games again on the Switch eshop. You'd almost think they're putting little to no thought into some of these releases I didn't even know this was part of the game! Pretty awesome feature though!
thumb_up
47 likes
H
I already have the entire back catalog of most 8-bit systems so no thanks, the emulation scene tends to do things way better than the actually companies who made the games. I hope they didn't forget to add the Nintendo seal of quality. Um, the NES Classic and SNES Classics were about as big a love letter to fans as you could get in a $60 package.
thumb_up
38 likes
V
I mean I guess they could have offered a print on demand (ala Nintendo Force Magazine) for the manuals, but most are happy with the digital versions. Raises hand* I don't care at all about this nontroversy, but there are plenty of us who still play NES games. Haven't gotten to that part yet as I'm toward the tail end of chapter 3.
thumb_up
32 likes
I
I wouldve been pretty ticked if I couldn't progress any further but glad the code hasn't been changed over the years so you can just look it up now online. Would've been cool though if Nintendo sent all subs out this letter though as part of the " special offers" to those who subscribe. I never got to do this letter thing back in the day and even at age 31, I still think it Would've been dope to see it live in action.
thumb_up
48 likes
A
Wow. Slow news day, huh?
thumb_up
50 likes
N
All the NES games should have a digital manual, period! Not everyone played the original, and having to google it is not a good way to go.
thumb_up
31 likes
G
Can we just remind everyone that no person born after the 90 will have any curiosity to play any of the games in the list for more than a few minutes (maybe just maybe the mario and Zelda ones...), Therefore whoever plays this rom will know already that you need to dip the paper in water and either knows the result or goes to Google... I think it was more anti rental / anti second hand games market than it was anti-piracy.
thumb_up
26 likes
N
Nintendo is pretty lazy with NSO. They should have included manuals with all the NES games. Unless the letter contain differently unique code (a download code) for every version of the game, I don't see this as an issue.
thumb_up
45 likes
G
The code is basically the same for every version of the game. This game alongside SwordQuest and Metal Gear Solid pretty much all required some kind of physical version to playthrough at the time but nowadays finding hints to play through those are no issue now cause the online media already cover what needs to be done already. I, too, would love such treatment of these games.
thumb_up
8 likes
J
I never hesitate to mention it when doing surveys they send. I despise futzing around in games and would love manuals too.
thumb_up
47 likes
S
Yes, it’s easy to find, but it’s pretty obvious how much effort N is putting into these releases. This (and other obvious reasons) is why I’m not getting their crappy online service. I haven’t bought a game for it in over a month either...
thumb_up
12 likes
L
They provided manuals on the NES Classic, via a QR Code if I remember correctly. It wasn't actually part of the manual. It was a separate slip of paper that even people who normally keep the important paperwork for their games (which was a small part, most just took the cart out and junked the rest) would have thought the letter was junk, like the registration card and Nintendo Power ads.
thumb_up
48 likes
L
It was also intended as an anti-rental feature. can the code be gamecube games on switch?
thumb_up
48 likes
L
Eh... so, if you encounter a puzzle in a game, how can you decide this particular one is insolvable without googling?
I know most people are happy with the classic editions, and I agree with most people when considering the "game" aspect alone, but to me, and to many others I'm sure, those games were much more than that.
I know most people are happy with the classic editions, and I agree with most people when considering the "game" aspect alone, but to me, and to many others I'm sure, those games were much more than that.
thumb_up
23 likes
N
I remember driving to the mall, buying a game with a wonderful art on the box, with some marketing description on the back about what the game was about with bad screenshots. I remember stopping at a burger joint on the way home, and opening the box and looking at the manual, which was, sometimes, very nicely done with great art.
thumb_up
18 likes
J
I'm the type of guy who has many books at home about videogame history, and my favorite one is one about the artists who worked on those illustrations on game boxes. I was always passionate about games, but also about everything that revolved around them. I always think these compilations or services offering old games should be more like virtual museums.
thumb_up
5 likes
V
Sure, provide the game without any frills to those who want this, but adding some information, historical background, concept art, interactive manuals and box scans for each game, would make the whole package a much more interesting one IMO. Considering many games from this era ended up influencing what came after, I consider them as much a piece of gaming history as they are simple games to play. Those games on the Nintendo online service feel to me like a job that was done by a team with no real love for the material...
thumb_up
24 likes
L
Man, look at all these commenters who are either apologists or completely missing the point... The fact that the aanswer exists out on theninternet if you look it up doesn't fix the problem because being able to complete the game isn't the problem.
thumb_up
9 likes
N
The problem is that a qulity product is not being provided by the service. While not huge on its own, it adds fuel to the fires of frustration that are had with the online service, and the NES library in particular. Why is it an acceptable business practice to make customers go elsewhere and search for answers on their own when it should be part of the presented package?
thumb_up
26 likes
J
Would you be okay with a Lego/K'nex set not including build instruction? Would you be okay with a waiter at a restaurant that has seated you telling you to go into the next building over where glasses of water are free? A lack of instructions and explanations is something that has been bothering me for a while with the NES service.
thumb_up
46 likes
C
I have no idea how Super Dodge Ball works, none, and I don't care enough to go searching the internet to find out. And the fact that this had accommodations made for it in all previous digital releases only adds to the feeling that the NES service has no curation or effort being put in whatsoever. (Which, to do my customary lantern hanging, makes sense as it will have a fraction of the budget designated for a dirt-cheap subscription service.) So this matter is just another entry in the list of grievances about lack of quality for the service.
thumb_up
14 likes
H
Put it right up there with the drip feed, and unplayability of the online two player. Seriously, my friend and I can and have player Mario Tennis Aces, Mario Kart 8 deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, 9 Parchments, and Diablo 3 together all just fine and dandy with no problems, but Dr.
thumb_up
32 likes
V
Mario is a laggy rubber banding unplayable mess?! How is that a thing in a world where Tetris 99 exists?
thumb_up
21 likes
G
And how is it okay for a slling and justification for the service point isn't even functional? Again, it's about the level of quality of the product and the image being put forth by it, and I am definitely of the philosophy if that the most you're going to do something is halfway at best then don't even bother presenting it to me.
thumb_up
46 likes
E
I know, but you had to pull out your cellphone in order to see them. They could have easily put the manuals into the console in order to let people browse freely, right? Score another win for the joy of game manuals and other goodies that used to come inside game boxes.
thumb_up
12 likes
C
Good times gone indeed. Please try to refrain from posting comments that could be seen as offensive to others. I guess the one saving grace is that 99% of people who will play this game are people like me who played it in the 1990’s and would know to Google the code.
thumb_up
34 likes
V
It really sucks for that 1% of players who didn’t play it before and don’t know that the puzzle is unsolvable in-game though. Not really.
thumb_up
36 likes
E
The game is filled with puzzles. If this is your first time playing, you might not realize that the letter you need was supposed to be located physically outside of the game. So many people could be wasting a lot of time back tracking through the game looking for a letter, not realizing they will never find one.
thumb_up
43 likes
J
Yeah that is pretty absurd lol What does millennial have to do with it? Millennials are the people least likely to use an internet guide. We were the ones who grew up with StarTropics and had no internet to help us.
34 year old millennial here, and StarTropics was right center in my gaming years...
34 year old millennial here, and StarTropics was right center in my gaming years...
thumb_up
37 likes
S
NES was the system of my generation. Sure just Google it, unless you're using it portable somewhere without internet, such as 30k feet in the air or other situations you might want to play a game but don't have internet access at that exact moment.
thumb_up
20 likes
A
then you're stuck and finding out 1 hour into a 12 hour flight your plan to kill time on the flight is ruined is the worst. While I think Nintendo should include the manuals digitally with every game, this isn't the end of the world. There are bigger issues out there.
thumb_up
2 likes
M
The laziness of Nintendo about its Online service is baffling. I'm pretty interested in trying Star Tropics myself, because I've heard a lot about it.
thumb_up
6 likes
L
Of course, I already heard the code from the people online recommending it. I was born in '99.
thumb_up
34 likes
I
I've been enjoying Zelda 1 - with an online guide to make up for having no manual - far more than I expected (I've played BotW now, and 1's age is pretty obviously showing) and far more than I did as a kid playing it on Wii VC before I'd even played Skyward Sword. Surely if you're on a plane you should be able to guess 747?
thumb_up
22 likes
N
well if it is a max, you will have bigger problems I guess. lol. I want to meet the person whose plan to kill time on a 12 hour flight is to play STARTROPICS of all games.
thumb_up
2 likes
S
You’re just pulling straw men out of your butt. Besides, anybody who’d play StarTropics without a guide is crazy anyway. Nintendo also forgot that the internet exists.
thumb_up
16 likes
B
I play portable consoles on planes though. not always 12 hours of course but this is one I wanted to play on a plane. I know now but if I didn't I'd have been hosed.
thumb_up
6 likes
A
When I was younger I rented StarTropics for the weekend, which did not come with the booklet or letter. Needless to say, I was stuck early in the game and it wasn't clear on what was needed to progress.
thumb_up
17 likes
J
I wandered aimlessly in-game for hours trying everything I could think of, including starting all over multiple times. I would end up learning about the correct code from a friend at school weeks, if not months, later.
thumb_up
13 likes
N
When I rented the game a second time I finally got on the submarine and progressed even further only to discover: I do not like StarTropics. NES LIFE YO! Even if you really did want to play StarTropics on a plane and got stuck on this part, surely you have other games to play, right?
thumb_up
27 likes
R
Everyone playing the game has access to the internet so it's not really a problem and it's also easy to see why such a thing could be missed As others have said the games should have digital manuals. The same with all eshop games, even if they are just quick control lookups, etc.
thumb_up
40 likes
W
Yeah, it's 2019, so you should be able to text/email Nintendo, and they should be able to text/email the code to you...plus, a 15% off coupon for another game (let's hope!) I can't believe the anti-manual defense force here. This was literally the first thing I thought when they announced the game was coming. The PSN classic version of Metal Gear Solid comes with the original manual, like the Wii U version of Startropics.
thumb_up
33 likes
M
Sort of like how old PC games on GOG come with the manuals and secret decoder rings you need to get past the antipiracy. I still can't believe Nintendo don't have a digital manual function on all the games on Switch. Seemed a really stupid decision at launch.
thumb_up
46 likes
I
Is it common practice to not have them on other consoles now? Just something simple like explaining controls and some of the game features. Anything.
thumb_up
26 likes
R
-_- The problem is that if you look answers for puzzles in google, the whole puzzle game thing had no point being played.
If you don't know that the answer is not inside the game itself, you can lose hours trying to find the answer before you give up and look it on the internet.... And thats no fun My only wish is the these vintage games came with a digital scanned manual, with all the awesome art that came with it...
I miss manuals, maps and all the goodies that came with old games so you don't play puzzle games?
thumb_up
43 likes
W
You just search for an answer? Is that fun?
thumb_up
9 likes
C
They probably just assumed 98% of the people who would even bother playing StarTropics in 2019 would have their handy-dandy smartphone right beside them and Google search for the code when needed... how is that even relevant? If they had realised their mistake you would literally just open the digital manual to see the answer.
thumb_up
34 likes
H
Actually having said that, the puzzle doesn't even make sense today anyway as at no point would you have looked at the letter you were given with the game, so if anything they probably should have just patched in the answer in the game I'm fairly sure most of these new players think of googling the answer before they even wonder how people solved it before the internet. Edit: I'm referring to the "oh no, how can people possibly solve this problem" tone of the article, not the discussion about whether games should come with manuals.
thumb_up
45 likes
V
The problem here is, it might not be obvious that the answer is not in the game at all. So, if a person feels the problem is there own, they may not think to google it. I think it’s safe to assume that Nintendo realized that if you’re playing NES games on Switch, you have an internet connection and can look up the code in like three seconds.
thumb_up
47 likes
N
Its a Nintendo Online game...chances are they knew it was a high probability players could access more information via......online Just so you know word of mouth were one of the few features players must do back then when it comes to playing videogames and this 747 code on StarTropics is no different. The thing is if you bought the game brand new and it comes with the letter then you will just had a better chance of beating the game. Games like Mortal Kombat for the Genesis doesn't had instruction that tells you what the ABACABB code is in the game, you just had to seek that code out for yourself to get the more violent contents.
thumb_up
19 likes
L
They don't make instruction manuals for games anymore cause a lot of modern games nowadays already came with tutorial options in-game either with tutorial modes, tutorial levels, or tutorials quest, etc., that already teaches the player what to do or expect once they start the game. The only reason older games had manuals was because due to limitation most doesn't feature tutorial contents in the full game so a manual was included to tell players what to expect and learn whereas nowadays the game is both a manual and the full product so you get both in-game.
thumb_up
8 likes
L
Games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Tales of Vesperia, and Mega Man 11 gave you a crap ton of tutorial in-games and some even let you skip em if you already knew the drill. not really....
thumb_up
40 likes
C
the original idea is that You must "deduce" the answer is in the phisical letter, and not in some ingame letter....
"“Evil aliens from a distant planet ... tell my nephew to use Code 1776.
"“Evil aliens from a distant planet ... tell my nephew to use Code 1776.
thumb_up
28 likes
B
Tell Mike to dip my letter in water.”
The "Eureka!" moment comes when you realize that the letter he is talking about is the one that came in the box... I know, I had the game growing up and instantly knew it was talking about the letter that I had already read many times. However today how would you ever know that such a letter even exists?
The "Eureka!" moment comes when you realize that the letter he is talking about is the one that came in the box... I know, I had the game growing up and instantly knew it was talking about the letter that I had already read many times. However today how would you ever know that such a letter even exists?
thumb_up
15 likes
Z
To many playing this today even having a manual would be an alien concept. It's silly that they haven't put it in the e-manual but even then I doubt many would find it in the same way that every time you opened the box you had this letter staring at you I posted the reddit thread this is sourced from, and I wasn't doing it out of any sort of anger or malice against Nintendo, but I also don't think it's a non-issue. I genuinely love Startropics, and I hope people who didn't get to play it back in the day will give it a chance now.
thumb_up
17 likes
H
I really just wanted to get the word out to anyone who might be too stubborn to google game puzzle solutions that this will halt their progress. I do find the disparity in Nintendo's attention to the matter between VC and NSO disappointing, but it does seem to just be an oversight and I hope to see the code added as a footnote in the game's NSO details box.
thumb_up
29 likes
A
I'm glad some sites have picked up the story because it gets the information to more people who might otherwise give up on a great game. Just yet another example of drm done wrong in the end. If I remember correctly the letter was to punish renters.
thumb_up
44 likes
M
There are some rental stores that made exact replica manuals for games they had available for rent and I remember renting Star Tropics from a mom and pop game rental store where in the note section of the manual many previous customers had written notes on how to get passed Chapter 4 with the code. It's not entirely impossible to get lost in the game unless you were one of the few unlucky people who bought the game used with just the cartridge. Many of the Mortal Kombat and Mega Man rental games back then had various passwords and codes written in the note section of the manual by previous players of the game which is why I manage to unlock Smoke easily in MK3 for the SNES cause I found that a customer wrote "hold Left and A at 1st screen til 2nd screen, then hold Right and B at 2nd screen til 3rd screen, then hold X and Y at 3rd screen til 4th screen.
thumb_up
9 likes
T
If you see Smoke walking by at 4th screen then you got it." To be honest, they could have easily added the code in the description field for that game (press X in the menu), but then again, how many people would check that without knowing it was there? As it is, some people don't even realize they can move the games around with the Y button. Try google.
thumb_up
49 likes
A
I am only commenting because I never played this and only read article for info on the game anyways. The fact that people could google it isn't the issue.
thumb_up
12 likes
R
The issue is how downright lazy with the Nintendo Switch Online service. Not only do the west only get 2 games to japans 3, but they can't even be bothered to upload the manuals along with it. Even when the manuals become key to solving in-game puzzles.
thumb_up
44 likes
O
Nintendo deserves all the scorn it gets for its crap service. I totally agree that a digital manual would have worked as the original... But is worst to not have it.
I think the best solution is to have some kind of a system pop up note at that point.
thumb_up
49 likes
A
Now that I think off, it would be great to include notes for vintage games, kind of audio commentary that comes with dvd's movies. Tips, production notes, etc.! I never said it was successful, but it was an attempt.
thumb_up
24 likes
E
It's the same reason we Castlevania 3 was so difficult on NES and a thousand other little design changes made to make it harder to finish a game. as I said, the NES/SNES Classic line had the entire manuals available for download. They even had a QR code (along with the url) on the screen to assist people there.
thumb_up
1 likes
H
At the site you could download the electronic or scanned printed manuals. Yeah, the back box art would be nice, but that is pretty much the only thing missing from them. I say this as a person that loves his Dragon Warrior guide that came with the game he got with a Nintendo Power subscription.
thumb_up
44 likes
I
My guess for why they are only giving western gamers 2 NES games instead of 3 is cause they think the SP versions make up for it. Ever since they introduced SP versions of already available game, they stop giving us 3 games per month. I don't think it was an attempt though, just Nintendo's way of trying to make players get more involve.
thumb_up
14 likes
S
Even if player do have the letter they'll still be scratching for answers anyways whether with the physical letter or through outside source. that would be pretty cool, I mean back then a lot of information was actually in these manuals and not just what the buttons do.
thumb_up
15 likes
D
Nintendo games in particular had great artwork in them particularly for the Mario games, it's a shame we don't get such things anymore yeah, I love the Mario and Zelda manuals and the art in them, Loved the map that came in the first Final Fantasy, etc. I miss them in new games (at least throw us a mini poster Nintendo!).
But those Capcom manuals where the worst.
But those Capcom manuals where the worst.
thumb_up
25 likes
J
Megaman, bionic commando, Ducktales, etc where awful! This isn't a service ruining problem or anything, but what you can infer from this is that they aren't rigorously bug testing these roms before release, or don't care.
thumb_up
34 likes
K
Even just sending an intern through the game once would be enough to catch this one, so either they didn't do that or someone caught it and nobody cared. The need for bug testing was often presented by people as a reason why the Wii U and 3DS didn't have VC games that the Wii did. If they're not putting much effort into testing these NES Online games, one could wonder why they're drip feeding them 2 a month instead of releasing a larger number of roms and making the quantity more impressive.
thumb_up
42 likes
D
It's one of the worst-kept secrets in NES history. I think the Wii VC version sent the letter to the Wii messages. That doesn't change the fact that what was sold included everything required to play the game through.
thumb_up
31 likes
E
What happened after-market is not the responsibility of the manufacturer. Even if the package itself isn't the most well conceived, it doesn't change the fact that relevant details that are intrinsic to actually playing the game were provided and have been provided in all releases of this game prior to the online NES service variant. And to try to equate basic, crucial, information with cheat codes is inane.
thumb_up
1 likes
E
And it's an underhanded misdirection tactic being used to try to bury the lead. It doesn't matter what can or can't be done to get around the roadblock, the problem is that an incomplete product is being given out. if you can watch some guy play the game on YouTube or twitch why bother playing games?
thumb_up
26 likes
V
This still has me baffled that people do this. Surprised the article doesn't explain the likely rationale behind this. Back then, Nintendo and many other publishers had it in for the rental system.
thumb_up
17 likes
M
This of course would've made it difficult for those renting the game over a weekend to finish it, and quite possibly could've led to Nintendo making some money off the rental (Such as if the player contacted Nintendo's gameplay support line for a fee to get the solution needed to progress). Not a real problem of course today even though it's portrayed as a big roadblock here, since the ability to play this on a Switch indicates that they're able to go online with their system.
thumb_up
29 likes
N
And the solution of course is easily located via a simple internet search. It is disappointing that this wasn't thought through more thoroughly though for a more seamless solution, but heck, Nintendo's own NES/SNES Classic systems don't even bother including scans on the system themselves, so not a shocker. That all said, I loved how the Wii Virtual Console worked around this.
thumb_up
38 likes
O
Rather than the simple scan as seen on the Wii U, you actually virtually dip a letter in water on the Wii version. Just ran into the same kind of issue while playing Metal Gear Solid. You need to get someone’s codec information off the CD case which is the physical case that you bought at the store when the game releases.
thumb_up
1 likes
L
Had to google it to figure that one out. I haven't got the chance to play StarTropics as yet but I'm pretty sure if I came across this bridge I would have Google the answer in this modern age.
Heck NL told me the issue and answer before I even play the game so that saying something. I rather a physical Manual XD If someone gets offended, it's because they deserved it.
Heck NL told me the issue and answer before I even play the game so that saying something. I rather a physical Manual XD If someone gets offended, it's because they deserved it.
thumb_up
33 likes
K
You need to lie down for a bit. It's just video games, you'll be ok.
thumb_up
16 likes
E
I've never played StarTropics. So I don't know the difficulty in however many puzzles there are.
thumb_up
14 likes
H
But my assumption is that most are most likely solvable without assistance. Once you get to that particular one and at some point realize beating your head against the wall isn't the answer, you then are allowed do some research to find out what's the deal.
thumb_up
5 likes
S
Come on guys, just do what I did back in the day. My brother brought it on a trip, opened the box at a friend's house to try it out, and threw away a letter in the box which he deemed unimportant.
thumb_up
20 likes
O
First I started over the game from the beginning because I thought maybe I missed picking up an in game letter, after all searching all the contents of the box and manual provided no clues. Then after finding out there was a physical letter to dip in water to get the code and that the letter was in a dump in another country, I pulled up my socks and did the only thing I could do.
thumb_up
15 likes
D
000... nope, 001...nope, 002...nope, 003...nope...
thumb_up
50 likes
Z
For those who don't want to use Google to help finish the game, this is the only other option. Eventually you'll get the job done and I you may never forget the code again.
thumb_up
38 likes
S
I picture myself unconscious on my death bed someday, surrounded by my loved ones who are waiting for me to pass. Right before I die I open my eyes and whisper the frequency and then pass into eternity. "Dad?
thumb_up
4 likes
E
Why did Grandpa whisper that number before he died?" My son wipes the tears from his eyes and sits his young daughter on his lap. "Oh little Gokev Jr., I think it's time I told you about a little game called Startropics".
thumb_up
29 likes
J
Japan gets the SP versions too. I'm not sure where exactly the decision-making is going on to pick the three games per month, but it seems like NCL is deciding and trying to limit it to one Japan-exclusive when they can so the west still gets two. This month Japan got two Japan-exclusive games and the west got Startropics which doesn't have a Japanese version.
thumb_up
42 likes
O
On the bright side, all you have to do is make a Japanese NNID and log into the Japanese eShop on your Switch and you can download the Japanese NSO app and play their exclusives with your regular western NSO sub. The other upside to this is that if a game has an English version we're likely to get it at the same time as Japan, no matter how obscure or niche the game is. There were games that made it to VC on 3DS in Japan that had Egnlish versions but never made it to the west on 3DS (example - Princess Tomato in Salad Kingdom.) I'm fine with the way they're adding games to the service, I just wish they'd do more games per month so we'll have the full catalog sooner, and by then they'll hopefully have other systems added so nobody will need to complain about "no NES games this month" since they'll be done adding them and any games that can be there will be.
thumb_up
36 likes
H
I was just about to say something similar. That's stupid, you'd think with a couple games a month and a pile of people wondering about it in the youtube trailer someone would've thought to do something. Maybe they'll release an SP version of the game that puts you just past that point.
thumb_up
31 likes
I
Yep. that'd be a perfectly normal not rediculous at all solution. An incomplete version was not given out, it was sold.
thumb_up
45 likes
E
Then only problem of this been incomplete is if it ever gets resold. This is a game I would say Nintendo is better off remaking so a problem like this gets solve. That's true too but all I'm saying is ever since Nintendo started offering SP versions of already available game, we had been seeing 2 games per month which totally sucks.
thumb_up
41 likes
I
Article title: Can't complete game without manual!!! Article text: Use this easily to google code so you don't need a manual after all. Kinda silly hyperbole, here.
thumb_up
14 likes
D
PS: I'll bet one American dollar there'll be an SP version soon to solve this issue, and all they'd have to do fix it is the subtitle the SP "StarTropics: Code is 747" or something just as simple. Nope, you can't just go around offending people, even if you think they deserve it.
thumb_up
37 likes
I
Hardly a blunder, everyone uses the Internet these days to help with games. "Roughly speaking, action games and puzzlers are easy to make, while you have to check a lot of spots in RPGs, which takes a lot of time." This is from an Iwata Asks about the 3DS VC, it's funny to me that Nintendo goes above and beyond sometimes, one example is the surfing pikachu mini-game, which would've been inaccessible had Nintendo not gone in and fix the game up to work without Pokemon Stadium. I guess players have now found another difference between buying a game vs.
thumb_up
36 likes
H
"borrowing" it. You are not a millennial. The USA definition of a millennial is totally wrong though.
thumb_up
47 likes
R
Except that he (And I) falls directly in the widely accepted definition of the Millennial generation - which the US did not define. Well I've been dipping my Switch in water for 10 minutes now and I still dont see a code.
thumb_up
49 likes
L
:/ The definition in my country (and in the whole continent) are for those who were born in 1990. Simply out of curiosity, what country is that? I'm not an expert on the matter, I can simply reference other material that is out there: Everywhere I've ever seen starts the generation in the early to mid 80's.
thumb_up
22 likes
J
A quick google (And glance at the wiki) shows that there are countless researchers/institutions that use those rough dates, not just the US. So saying that the US definition "Is totally wrong" without offering any sort of counter argument/source is not overly beneficial.
thumb_up
32 likes
A
Ah yes, the good old "attempt to portray someone as hysterical and dismiss the claim for no good reason" tactic. A common bastion of those with no grounds to legitimately respond on. Of course "I'll be okay".
thumb_up
22 likes
N
I have not said anything that would imply I thought otherwise. And it being "just video games" does not, and should not, delegitimize the fact that we are talking about a paid service/product and customer complaints about said product.
thumb_up
18 likes
A
Complaints and critiques are completely valid and, in this case, quite justifiable. And As far as I'm aware, they are just that; complaints. Nobody I've seen is demanding anything.
thumb_up
37 likes
H
It's all just expression of disappointment. Get over it, snowflake. Despite the interesting choice of attempted word-picking (though it stills seesm fine to me, but I have a perception of a subtle difference between the phrases "give out" and "give away") on the point of progressive-minded prevention, I agree.
thumb_up
4 likes
N
If they could go into the ROM and remove that gate, it would be ideal for them moving forward in any format where they provide access to that game. I don't know if it was done outside the pokemon VC games, but things they did in those ROMS show they can do such things. Here's a manual from Nintendo (with the code) from the manuals section for the NES Classic Mini:
Here's a reproduction of the physical manual complete with an unaltered letter (so no code):
Having done that, even I have to admit that Nintendo really dropped a clanger with this one.
Here's a reproduction of the physical manual complete with an unaltered letter (so no code):
Having done that, even I have to admit that Nintendo really dropped a clanger with this one.
thumb_up
40 likes
D
I think each game when you click plus should have the original players guide. I hate those incomplete download releases.
thumb_up
11 likes
J
Disrespecting the original games!
It's like the Zelda 1 in-game opening that says "Please look up the manual for details." Nintendo's too focused on making SP versions, and online modes, and badly designed, distracting borders for the NES games, so there's no time left to develop an authentic experience for players anymore. Take a couple Benadryl and lie down. Sleep is your friend.
It's like the Zelda 1 in-game opening that says "Please look up the manual for details." Nintendo's too focused on making SP versions, and online modes, and badly designed, distracting borders for the NES games, so there's no time left to develop an authentic experience for players anymore. Take a couple Benadryl and lie down. Sleep is your friend.
thumb_up
16 likes
S
It replenishes the body and clears the mind. You're offending me right now so what's the difference?
thumb_up
38 likes
J
Please tell me where I offended you? Yes yes, you've already well established you have nothing meaningful to say and that truths hurt your precious little feelings.
thumb_up
32 likes
V
It must be so hard being so fragile. By talking to me. Put the controller down and try going outside.
thumb_up
22 likes
A
Some fresh air will do you some good. Life is more than just meaningless in-game achievements and trophies. Try achieving something in real life.
thumb_up
40 likes
W
And still you try to make awkward changes to the subject by throwing claims about things such as being a shut-in and in-game achievements or trophies to distract away from the topic of discussion, further cementing yourself into a position in which it is clear you have nothing worthwhile to retort with. My how thin thine skin must be in order to be so hurt by others filing legitimate complaints about a service they pay money for. The life of such a tissue-paper individual and the events and circumstance that made them this way are truly pitiable indeed.
thumb_up
8 likes
C
Oh get off your high horse! If it were an ingame puzzle then yes, try your best to solve it on your own.
thumb_up
35 likes
S
But the solution is an actual physical letter that came ONLY with the original NES game, and not everyone has it anymore, some never had it at all, or remembers what it is. They're perfectly justified to look up the solution.
thumb_up
8 likes
M
I would love to see the return of physical manuals with all the neat artwork and backstory. The last game I ever bought with a proper manual was Shovel Knight.
thumb_up
44 likes
L
When video games become your main priority in life it's hard to distinguish the real world from the virtual one you hide in to protect yourself from the harsh realities of life. Pixels will never be a good substitute for actual human interaction. please let’s play nice and take the attitude down a notch in the future.
thumb_up
13 likes
C
Matthew is a moderator, so please try to listen to him next time. I don't care if he's a moderator.
thumb_up
18 likes
S
When you're young and starting off your career life, it can be tempting to expand your lifestyle costs to est up your entire paycheck. But it's incredibly important to put as much as you can not just into savings for emergencies, but also into retirement accounts that generate interest and earnings.
thumb_up
16 likes
V
The longer more money is sitting in them, the more it will snowball and you'll be able to comfortably live off of it. See? I can spout non sequitur advice, too.
thumb_up
33 likes
Z
But in all seriousness, you have my pity, little one. Thanks for the support! I tried calling Nintendo Power People immediately jump on the internet and find the code, so it isn´t that bad.
thumb_up
35 likes
A
Leave A Comment Hold on there, you need to to post a comment...
Related Articles
Which version will you choose? Gotta ban some more Blue sky blues Should you rush to get it?
thumb_up
47 likes
S
Adieu Joy-Cons? Title: System: Publisher: Developer: Genre: Adventure Players: 1 Release Date: NES Where to buy:
thumb_up
3 likes
Similar Discussions
-
What is coming to Disney+ on Disney+ Day 2022? List of releases explored
-
Falcons A J Terrell Back in full Thursday CBSSports com
-
Hoarding Photo Fame APK Download for Android
-
Safe Twelve APK Download for Android
-
Bus Simulator Coach Bus Games APK Download for Android
-
Jenifer 39 ans radieuse sur le plateau de la Star Academy Has Diapo
-
How to Cook Souffle in Disney Dreamlight Valley The Nerd Stash
-
Sonos Sub Mini vs Sonos Sub Which boom should you buy? Digital Trends
-
How to Unmute Someone on Instagram
-
Compare Ford Expedition vs Jeep Grand Wagoneer L CarBuzz
-
Valve reuploads Steam Deck trailer after accidentally showcasing Yuzu Nintendo Switch emulator logo
-
When is WWE Crown Jewel 2022
-
Every future Assassin s Creed game explained by series boss Marc x2d Alexis Cote VGC
-
Starship Troopers Terran Command delayed again just days before launch Rock Paper Shotgun
-
2018 kpss tarih konu anlatımı pdf
-
Ygs icin yeni kimlik sartmi
-
What To Know About Buying a Farm
-
Shireen Lewis Cultivating a Culture of Health Leaders Transforming Their Communities
-
5 Best Multivitamins for Women of 2022
-
ISL 2022 23 FC Goa 2 0 Jamshedpur FC Carlos Pena s men shock the visitors with a dominant performance as they add another win to their tally
-
Photo Logan Paul poses with the WWE Championship ahead of his match against Roman Reigns backs brother Jake Paul against Anderson Silva
-
MSOC Hoosiers top No 18 Cards
-
Sean Strickland explains why he hates UFC legend Ronda Rousey I was like You are the weakest f ing human being I have ever met
-
Michael Bisping on why Paddy Pimblett resonates with younger viewers
-
Vecchione Aston Reese headline 2016 17 All American teams
-
The best Samsung Galaxy S22 screen protectors for 2022
-
Switch Versions Of Sonic 1 And 2 Are Safe As SEGA Plans To Delist Classic Games
-
Arcade Paradise Will Play On Our 90s Nostalgia Next Spring
-
The 15 Best Comedies on Netflix You Might Have Overlooked
-
Gallery Check Out These Exclusive Blair Witch Switch Screenshots