Heres a new product just released by Neoflash and for fans of N64 a Dream product.

A Little about the reviewer

Ive been an emulation and homebrew fan for as many years as i can remember (since around 1996 i think) but nothing i repeat nothing is better than playing on the real hardware.

Back in the Megadrive(genesis) and Snes days i owned a Super Wild Card and a Super Double Pro fighter, both cost about 300 pounds and ill admit that it was a great way to play games that i would never have been able to afford or because of stupid region lockouts.

So the day when Neoflash announced they were working on a Flash Cart for the Nintendo 64 called NEO Myth 64, i wanted one so badly, the chance to relive the best of the N64 and to play games ive never played was too much of a thrill to behold.

Now i must point out that being a webmaster of a homebrew site makes me no expert, im just as clueless as most newcomers, i like websites and i like posting news, i like to know that if i need a certain release i should be able to find it on my sites (hopefully :P).

First off Heres some screens of the N64 Flash Cart in and out its Packaging:

Front Side View in Packaging



Back Side view in Packaging



The NEO N64 Myth cart



Neo 2 Flash Cart - Which Holds SD Cards up to 8GB



The Neo n64 Myth Cart and the neo 2 Cart split apart



The USB Lead



You also get a Mini CD with a load of Drivers on for all Neo Products.

Specs of the N64 Flash Cart

Heres what Neoflash claim it does:

* Support the N64 rom size up to 512M
* Support all save type perfectly included the flash save, not need the same save type N64 game cart to work together
* Support 100% N64 games perfectly
* Download games from PC to NEO2 cart directly via USB port
* Upload/overwrite game save to PC via USB directly
* Multi-CIC support, can use any N64 cart to boot Neo Myth on N64 console
* Support Multi games, can download 2 games at the same time and swap the game via switch
* Can select the N64 menu run from Neo2 game cart or N64 inner menu flash (under developing still)
* Upgradeable! Support upgrade the N64 Myth cart CPLD logic core through the NDP upgrade kit

Getting Started

The N64 Flash Cart did come with a Mini CD of drivers but sadly there was no actual drivers for the N64 Flash Cart, so first off you need to head on over to Neoflash Forum to download the latest version of the software, once youve downloaded it (15MB) then click on to install to the directory it wants to, pretty straightforward for anyone.

Clicking on the Neo 2 Ultra Menu Icon (look on your desktop or in new programs) will lead you onto a screen that looks like this:



Now get your Neo Myth N64 Flash Cart and making sure that the cart that says 512M is inserted (or the Neo 2 Card with an SD Card inserted), connect the USB Lead to the Cart and Plugit into your Laptop or PC.

It Should have no problems and automatically find drivers installed when you installed the software above, i had no problems using Windows Vista but with Windows XP Pro SP3 it wouldnt load the drivers properly, i did post a thread at Neoflash and was given instructions on how to fix this. (Try a different USB Lead it may be that)

Adding Roms etc

Ok carrying on from the screenshot above if everything went ok youll be able to start the juicy part, first off i did a quick format of the card, it took around 30 seconds to do, so no real biggy.

Next on the list was to Add Roms to the Cart (Homebrew Roms and Emulators can be found at links Below)

Adding Roms is as easy as clicking the add rom button and going to whereever your roms are, for some strange reason the cart/software at the moment only holds 2 roms but i would think that will change in later versions of the firmware/software.

Once you have added the roms you require then click on N64 Burn, depending on how big your roms are will depend on how long it takes to copy to the cart, give it a few minutes, it also verifies each burn.

Now one thing to take into consideration is that if you have a USA N64, you will need a USA game plugged into the back of the N64 Myth Cart, If you have a Pal N64 youll need a Pal game plugged in.

I have both a USA and UK(Pal) N64 and thankfully the Power supplys/TV Leads are universal so im able to swap at pleasure.

Heres a pic of the Cart plugged into the N64



Now for Homebrew roms you dont need anything else to boot them but say you want to boot one of the games that requires the Expansion Pack



Games that need the Expansion Pack are the likes of Donkey Kong 64 and Zelda--The Majora's Mask and Perfect Dark, it also ups the resolution on many other games too.

Onto the Gaming

Ok youve Burnt your games onto the Flash cart and you have the Flash Cart installed in the N64 with the correct region game in the back, now its time to turn on:







It loads automatically into the game as you can see, if you did burn 2 games theres a little lever on the top of cart that you push over if you want the other rom to load at the start before you turn the console on.

Games ive Tested So Far

Donkey Kong 64 - Perfect
Star ...

The Opposable Thumbs blog is running an interesting article contrasting everything Activision did "wrong" in creating and marketing Modern Warfare 2 with the game's unqualified success. Despite price hikes, somewhat shady review practices, exploit frustrations, and the dedicated server fiasco, the game has raked in over a billion dollars in sales.
"There was only one way to review Modern Warfare 2: on the Xbox 360, in Santa Barbara, under the watchful eye of Activision. Accepting the paid trip, along with room and board, was the only way you were going to get a review before launch. Joystiq noted that this broke their ethics policy, but they went anyway. Who can say no to a review destined to bring in traffic? Shacknews refused to call their coverage a 'review' because of the ethical issues inherent in the situation, but that stance was unique. The vast majority of news outlets didn't disclose how the review was conducted, or added a disclaimer after the nature of the review was made public. This proved to Activision that if you're big enough, you can dictate the exact terms of any review, and no ethics policy will make news outlets turn you down."

http://games.slashdot.org/story/10/0...d-Servers-What ...

Nintendo needs to do more to promote WiiWare to its users, as well as encourage the simple act of connecting the console to the internet, according to independent WiiWare developers.

While Wii buyers are, initially, herded in the direction of internet connectivity with a pre-installed video, Nintendo's digital services aren't being pushed hard enough, developers have told GamesIndustry.biz. Continued marketing by Nintendo is needed - in the form of targeted advertising - if users are going to keep visiting the Wii shop and spending money on digital titles beyond their first purchase.

"We feel that Nintendo is not doing enough to promote the service at all," said Jag Jaeger, VP of Las Vegas-based studio JV Games, whose WiiWare releases have included Pong Toss and Incoming! "We feel that the vast majority of Wii owners have absolutely no idea that they can even connect to the internet."

It's a view shared by many - analyst Michael Pachter recently estimated that as few as 20 per cent of Wii owners - in contrast with up to 80 per cent of PS3 users - had ever connected to the internet.

And Nintendo's launching of a dedicated 'Ambassador' scheme, which gives users 500 points for every person they help to connect to the internet through the Wii, indicates the company itself is all too aware of this problem - and is keen to correct it.

The company has also just embarked on a three-week long TV campaign - in the UK at least - focused around Wii and DSi internet connectivity, and its digital stores. The ads in particular show a user accessing WiiWare and purchasing Bonsai Barber - a third-party title from studio Zoonami.

This support for the service is exactly what has been lacking up until now, according to some studios.

"Nintendo, in my opinion, could do more to keep the WiiWare and DSiWare stores in customer's minds," said Nic Watt, CEO and creative director of Sydney, Australia-based studio Nnooo - creators of WiiWare's myNotebook and Pop.

"It is great that every new customer knows about and uses these services when they first connect their Wiis or DS. However, how many continue to frequent those stores? I think it is and should be Nintendo's responsibility to have a continued marketing presence to maintain people's awareness about the service."

In terms of Nintendo support once a developer has actually created a WiiWare title, experiences seem to differ vastly.

"Nintendo's stance to developers from the start has been: here's the service, follow our rules, you're on your own and we're not getting involved unless you create controversy," said Jaeger.

"Nintendo could really help by throwing developers a bone. Help create a more even playing field by allowing developers to use Nintendo resources. Even a more fair use of the Nintendo Channel would help. Pokemon will be advertised for months while third party titles get a week usually."

This problem with a lack of resources is compounded by the fact developers often have very little notice of when their game will go live on the service.

"We are not notified until almost the last minute when the title will really be released. That by itself makes it hard to plan any promotions," pointed out Jaeger.

"Basically the product goes onto the service, you get a press release by Nintendo, and you might be on the recommended list, then you are off to fend for yourself."

A further issue can arise when a US company is planning a European release and vice versa, due to the disadvantage a small studio is at when faced with language barriers and a lack of contacts in those territories - and has limited resources to throw at the problem.

"Being an American company we had no experience or contacts in Europe for our Beer Pong release," said Jaegar. "We essentially relied completely on Nintendo to help with marketing the title. We felt completely let down in this avenue as a small blurb on a press release typically has little effect."

Watt argues though that Nintendo provides adequate means for developers to market their games - citing the Nintendo Channel's various benefits, which include games videos and demos, Nintendo.com and a weekly email that goes out to subscribers.

He agrees that developers do get short notice on when their game will go live - and says that Nintendo could do more to inform the press on upcoming releases - but says that it's a necessary result of Nintendo's rigorous testing process.

And when it comes to the marketing of titles, that job falls singularly at the feet of the developer, he adds.

"It is hard and frustrating and doesn't feel like part of making a game, but if you want to break away from the publisher/developer model of funding, you have to accept the areas a publisher is traditionally good at and do those areas yourself.

"Nintendo are not publishing your game for you, they are putting it on the shop shelves. You don't expect EB to promote your game, so why expect Nintendo to?"

In terms of improvements to the service itself, those suggested included a direct WiiWare link, a universal ...

Claims that Sony’s motion controller is to be known as the ‘Arc’
With brands such as Wii and Natal already trading off their recognisable names, Sony’s still anonymous motion controller is in desperate need of a title – and rumours are suggesting that ‘Arc’ is the moniker being lined up.
VG247 claims to have the information “on good authority from a concrete source speaking under conditions of strict anonymity”.
When asked about the name, SCE UK told MCV that “we don't comment on rumour or speculation”.
Until now the only name to have been associated with the device is ‘Gem’ – that came from EA boss John Riccitiello when the exec made a passing reference to the PS3 peripheral at a conference in late 2009.
The PS3 motion controller is currently scheduled for a release some time in 2010. The chances of it hitting its previously touted March launch window are becoming increasingly slim.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/37205/Is-t...and-called-Arc ...

DS, Wii and PSP deliver the goods in Famitsu’s annual sales battle
Very much in keeping with Japan’s penchant for RPGs, Square Enix’s Dragon Quest IX has emerged as the best selling game of 2009 in the country with sales over 4m units throughout the year.
Hot on its heels is the new Pokemon outing, sales of which hit 3.382m units and New Super Mario Bros Wii with 2.458m units shifted.
Despite having hit the streets in the closing moments of the year – and having only ten days to register in Famitsu’s sales data – new PS3 RPG Final Fantasy XIII manages to chart highly, claiming fifth place thanks to its 1.698m sales.
Unsurprisingly, no Xbox 360 games feature in the listings, though PSP does remarkably well thanks to its ongoing popularity in the country.
Here’s Japan’s 2009 Top 50 in full as reported by Kotaku (lifetime sales in brackets):

1. Dragon Quest IX [DS] – 4,100,968
2. Pocket Monsters HeartGold/SoulSilver [DS] – 3,382,597
3. New Super Mario Bros Wii – [Wii] 2,485,150
4. Tomodachi Collection [DS] – 2,311,948
5. Final Fantasy XIII [PS3] – 1,698,256
6. Wii Sports Resort [Wii] – 1,542,806
7. Wii Fit Plus [Wii] – 1,298,533
8. Monster Hunter 3 Tri [Wii] – 968,033
9. Inazuma Eleven 2 [DS] – 943,615
10. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G [PSP] – 911,497 (1,110,614)
11. Mario & Luigi RPG3 [Wii] – 717,940
12. Wii Fit [Wii] – 588,258 (3,555,555)
13. Professor Layton and the Specter's Flute [DS] – 552,085
14. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days [DS] – 522,260
15. Yakuza 3 [PS3] – 509,223
16. Resident Evil 5 [PS3] – 508,959
17. Rhythm Heaven Gold [DS] – 480,326 (1,830,997)
18. Mario Kart Wii [Wii] – 446,447 (2,449,762)
19. Phantasy Star Portable 2 [PSP] – 443,216
20. Pokémon Fushigi no Dungeon [DS] – 417,226
21. Taiko no Tatsujin Wii [Wii] – 390,416 (641,599)
22. Shin Sangoku Musou: Multi Raid [PSP] – 384,336
23. Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 [PS3] – 377,340
24. Gundam vs. Gundam NEXT PLUS [PSP] – 339,034
25. Tales of Vesperia [PS3] – 337,783
26. Style Savvy [DS] – 330,079 (879,427)
27. Pocket Monster Platinum [DS] – 328,490 (2,515,827)
28. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks [DS] – 320,940
29. Kirby Super Star Ultra [DS] – 319,422 (1,174,849)
30. Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 2 [PSP] – 317,730
31. Animal Crossing: City Folk [Wii] – 311,261 (1,206,563)
32. SD Gundam G Generation Wars [PS2] – 307,754
33. Gyakuten Kenji [DS] – 303,445
34. New Super Mario Bros [DS] – 287,399 (5,659,586)
35. Wii Sports [Wii] – 286,364 (3,592,834)
36. Final Fantasy: Echoes of Time [DS] – 259,705
37. Animal Crossing: Wild World [DS] – 258,996 (5,111,049)
38. Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 [PSP] – 250,204
39. Gran Turismo [PSP] – 247,869
40. Mario Kart DS [DS] – 246,192 (3,563,510)
41. Poké Park Wii [Wii] – 243,075
42. DISSIDIA Final Fantasy [PSP] – 242,136 (902,398)
43. Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 [PS2] – 239,928
44. Monster Hunter G [Wii] – 236,020
45. Jikkyou Powerful Pro Yakyuu Portable 4 [PSP] – 233,864
46. Gundam Senki [PS3] – 233,473
47. Tales of VS. [PSP] – 231,351
48. Musou OROCHI Z [PS3] – 221,718
49. Momotaro Dentetsu 20th Anniversary [DS] – 218,856 (340,996)
50. Tongari Boushi no Mahou no 365 Nichi [DS] 218,139 (451,588)

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/37203/JAPA...ops-2009-chart ...

Massive marketing push to drive home Nintendo’s digital message hits UK
Platform holder Nintendo has silenced any critics that have accused it of failing to back its new digital services to kicking off a huge three week TV advertising campaign in the UK.
With the first TV spots airing last night, the new campaign is already running during prime time TV slots in shows such as Channel 4’s Big Brother.
One ad focuses on the Wii’s digital features, such as the recently launched BBC iPlayer Channel. Also outlined is in-game DLC, with Activision’s Band Hero used to demonstrate the technology. WiiWare features prominently, too, thanks to an appearance from Bonsai Barber.
The DSi campaign touches on a number of topics including the Facebook application, the console’s free and integrated games, DSiWare and the technicalities of getting your handheld online.
There’s plenty of in-store action lined up too, with POS designed to inform consumers about the benefits of getting their machines online – as well as explaining how they do it.

“The online capabilities of both Wii and Nintendo DSi are being pushed very much to the fore in 2010,” Nintendo explained in an exclusive MCV supplement.
“So it’s apt that the year starts with a high profile TV ad campaign and a significant in-store push.”

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/37202/WiiW...-TV-ads-arrive ...

Former Vodafone and EA Mobile exec Tim Harrison kicked off the Mobile Games Forum conference in London this morning, saying that 2010 represents a "new dawn" for the mobile gaming industry.
"A couple of years ago this conference was close to being dead in the water, maybe because the industry was in such a poor state itself," he said.
He talked about the raft of "new blood and new energy" coming into the mobile games industry as a result of iPhone and its App Store.
However, he warned that there may still be tough times ahead, as games developers figure out how to best make money from the many app stores that are emerging.
ME will be reporting from MGF throughout today and tomorrow, so stay tuned for our updates.

http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/35673...-mobile-gaming ...

News via http://www.psp-hacks.com/2010/01/17/...uner-released/

I don’t play guitar, but the Hulkster does, and maybe you do too… So if you’re reading this and you do play, or if you’re Hulk Hogan, then Tacoman’s Simple Guitar Tuner will tune your guitar all proper like. Try it out.

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