Tag: Imperial Fists

Controllers Galore!!!

By

On 15th December 2022

In Blog

So yeah, I live controllers, especially retro ones, because there is something just right about using ones that are as close to the originals as possible.

So following on from my Mini Consoles post a couple of weeks ago, let’s look at my controller collection!

C64 Joystick

This is the oldest style controller I have, an old school joystick that came with The C64 mini, it’s not the best build quality, but it’s ok.

I heard the individual release is a bit better so I might pick that up.

NES Joypad

The joypad for the NES came from the NES Classic, and it’s a great little controller, the dimensions are just right and the buttons are pretty much identical to the original.

Whilst the NES doesn’t hold anything special for me, cause being British, they were a real rarity growing up, it’s still cool.

When emulating Master System games. It’s my go to controller as it’s as close to that as I have in my collection.

The criticisms I have are that the lead is way too short, and also, the use of a propriety connector means having to use an adaptor,

PC Engine

The PC Engine had a similar controller to the NES and Master System with just two buttons, but the TurboPad had Turbo Switches which gave you additional speed settings.

I got the first controller with the PC Engine CoreGrafx Mini, and a second one from eBay.

Mega Drive

This is the controller that defined my childhood, the good old big 3 button Mega Drive Control Pad.

The Mega Drive was the first console that I owned myself (along with my brother Paul), and this always being back such fuzzy wonderful memories for me.

This came with the Mega Drive Mini, and I have a pair of them, which are just perfect for emulation.

There is also the six button controller, which was a bit smaller, but still great, and ideal for fighting games like Street Fighter II and Eternal Champions.

This one from Retro-Bit is a very faithful replica, and officially licensed, it’s not quite the same as it adds left and right shoulder buttons, but that’s cool, just opens up more options.

SNES Controller

The SNES is another console, that I never had any great nostalgia for, simply because pretty much everyone I knew growing up, had a Mega Drive, and one mad lad with a PC Engine and another whose dad had a Neo Geo.

It’s kind of iconic as it introduced the diamond four face button configuration which most consoles to this day still use, as well as shoulder buttons.

I don’t use this pad as often as I think it deserves, but it’s cool. Came with the SNES Classic and needs an adaptor to use it.

CD32

Ah the Amiga CD32, Commodores last release before they went bankrupt, I knew a lad with one of these, and to be honest, it wasn’t any more advanced that the A1200, but it did have some cool games.

The pad was a bit awkward to use, but this has a slight redesign, which makes it a little more comfortable to hold.

It’s a pretty cool little pad, that came with the A500 Mini, but I haven’t had much of a chance to use it yet.

Playstation

I never really got on with the PlayStation controller, the shape was always very uncomfortable.

My brother Daniel had one, not long before I left home, I instead preferred to play on the N64 and Mega Drive still, and was just starting to get into PC.

This controller does feel right for certain games, such as Wipeout, but it’s never really appealed to me in a big way, but you can’t deny the iconic nature of it.

Tribute 64

The Nintendo 64 was my console of choice during the 5th generation, and it’s controller was something different, it’s like they were absolutely digging deep into the cocaine, to be honest, that’s kind of Nintendo’s approach to all controllers since then!

I never had an issue with the Nintendo 64 Controller, I always found it actually rather comfortable to use.

For emulating N64 games, I chose the Tribute 64 from RetroBit simply because the US B clones from most companies are kinda rubbish and break very easily.

This is a solidly built and comfortable controller and I have to reluctantly admit, just that bit nicer to use than the original.

Saturn

I never had a Saturn, much to my disappointment, but I was a poor child from a poor family, and it was just way too expensive.

But when I did get to play it, oh how I enjoyed it. Virtua Fighter, Daytona USA, Sega Rally, all amazing games, but what the Saturn really excelled at, was 2D games and the fighters was a genre it absolutely slated the competition in.

And it’s controller was absolutely one of the best for fighters ever made, in fact to this day when I fire up Street Fighter V, it’s the Saturn pad I reach for.

This one by RetroBit is frankly amazing, it feels exactly as the original did and it feels great in your hands.

NeoGeo CD

Ah the Neo Geo a wonderful console, one that cost an arm and a leg and the games themselves where sometimes as expensive as one of the other consoles.

But oh the games, games like Metal Slug and King of Fighters were utterly amazing.

The Neo Geo CD came with this pad, it was a cheaper version of the console and more accessible, but wasn’t as good as the original console, but still amazing.

This controller is great, other than it’s lack of microswitches in the joystick, but it’s still a lovely controller.

Xbox Duke

This is my all time favourite controller, it fits my hands oh so well.

This one made by Hyperkin is supercool as it’s as close to the original as you can get, and the centre button is a mini screen that runs through the original Xbox boot animation!

It’s an absolutely cracking modern update of the original and gets more use than anything else, other than my Elite!

GameCube

Nintendo love their cocaine, and they came up with this for the GameCube!

Super uncomfortable and not the easiest to use. For use on my PC I need to use the same adaptor as used for the NES and SNES controllers.

However the WaveBird is actually a lot more comfortable to use, and whenever I play GameCube games, this is the controller I reach for, but I have to mention, it actually belongs to Lindsay!

Again, needs an adaptor to work with PC.

Xbox 360

For many, this is the gold standard controller that all others have to beat, now I agree it’s a great controller, but the D-Pad is kinda sucky.

This particular controller is in desperate need of some TLC as it was attacked by our recently departed rabbit Gandalf, and he loved to eat thumb sticks.

I need to replace the thumb sticks or get some nice covers for them, clean it up, and grab a USB wireless adaptor to use it for the PC.

Playstation DualShock 3

The DualShock 3 is the second PS3 controller, succeeding the SIXAXIS.

In form it’s pretty much similar to the other DualShocks before it, but the position of the analogue sticks and general shape always made it feel uncomfortable.

The batteries in this one are still pretty good, but long term they will need replacing eventually, that was always a major issue for these controllers.

Xbox MadCatz Arcade Joystick

This is a mad joystick, adapting the modern controller configuration into what many people thought was an ugly and uncomfortable mess.

Truth be told, it’s suits old school arcade games very very well, Pac-Man is amazing with this thing, but I would be very reluctant to use it with more modern games.

Xbox Series S/X

I do own an Xbox One controller, but it’s now used solely for use with my iPhone and Xbox Cloud gaming.

But the Series S/X controller is mostly identical apart from a few little changes, like the microtexture on the back, share button and new D-Pad.

This is a brilliant controller and one that I absolutely love using, cannot fault it at all!

I actually own four of the buggers, a black and white that sit downstairs with the Series X, a white one that Megan uses for her PC, and a black on for my Series S.

I also own a third party one, a PowerA Spectra, that I got free with a magazine subscription, this is okay, and has a few rear button, but it’s not the same as the branded controller, just feels a touch cheaper.

Google Stadia

Ah Google Stadia, great technology, but a dreadful implementation that alongside Google’s tendency to shut down a service at the drop of a hat means the service was doomed from inception.

The actually controller is pretty good and when hooked up with a USB-C cable to a PC is excellent.

But with Stadia closing for good in January, the current way it works, only by connecting over Wi-Fi directly to the Stadia servers, I honestly fear that a lot of these will end up as e-waste, unless Google issues new firmware that activates the Bluetooth module.

It’s still a great controller when wired, but most people want wireless, despite the latency.

I am gonna try and add the dark blue version of this to my collection, just cause it looks cool and it’s a half decent controller.

PlayStation DualSense

Ok, so I was reluctant to get a PS5 because I didn’t get on very well with the DualShock controllers, they just never fit my hands very well.

But the DualSense, well that works very well, the analogue sticks are a good distance apart, so the ache in my hands is also eliminated when using it, and the bells and whistles added to this bad boy are great.

I have a white and a black one, and Megan has a white one she uses with her PC.

Xbox Elite Series 2

The most expensive controller I own, although paid for with Microsoft Rewards, this is an incredible piece of tech, that just oozes indulgence.

I am glad I have it, and it’s my daily driver for using with my PC.

The package is great, it comes with a charging dock, rear paddles (which I don’t really use), and various options to customise the D-Pad and thumb sticks.

Then throw in the software customisation, and you have one amazing package. My pal Graham scoffs at the idea of paying so much for a controller, but I really do think it’s well worth it.

Switch Pro

The Switch Pro controller, is, well it’s a Xbox style controller made by Nintendo for the Switch. I am not sure how else to put it.

It’s comfortable, especially when compared to the JoyCons in the handgrip, but to be honest, I expected way more for the money I paid.

It’s perfectly serviceable, but that’s about it, I expected more, but it’s Nintendo so I should have prepared myself for disappointment.

SN30 Pro

The 8BitDo SN30 Pro is my controller of choice for a lot of retro games, and if I have to travel and want to play games on the laptop, this is the controller I take.

It’s a weird mashup of a SNES controller and a DualShock, but doesn’t perform too badly.

It’s pretty good, and I cannot complain about it, as I said the compact nature makes it great for travel.

What Do I want to Add

There are three controllers I want to add, but I am want good prices, I am not gonna shell out a fortune for them, if I can help it.

I want an Nvidia Shield Controller, a Steam Controller and an Amazon Luna Controller, but the only source for these are on the secondary market, and the prices can go quite high, so it’s waiting for the right time and a good price before jumping in and buying them.

Retro Bit have a Big Six Mega Drive controller on the horizon, which might also be tempting, and they have spoken in the past of doing a modern USB version of the Dreamcast controller.

Hyperkin are also working on a modern Xbox 360 controller, so I think that’s on the agenda as well, to replace the existing original one.

What I Am Modelling

I painted this Tactical Squad for the Imperial Fists

I now have some Kruelboyz Gutrippas on my desk!

So what’s coming up for me next?

  1. Orruk Gutrippas x 12
  2. T’au Crisis Suits x 3
  3. Imperial Fists Contemptor Dreadnought
  4. Ultramarines Intercessors x 7
  5. Silver Tower Heroes
  6. Blood Angels Repulsor
  7. Templar Brethren x 10
  8. Hobgrot Slitaz x 20
  9. Leagues of Votann Kâhl & Einhyr Champion
  10. The Crimson Court

What I Am Reading

Still listening to the Doctor Who Monthly Range, and I knocked down The Apocalypse Element and The Fires of Vulcan.

I did finish off Sanguinus: The Greatr Angel by Chris Wraight, which was a wonderful book, first time I have read a Primarch book rather than listening to it.

I also read some shorts, Transplants by Rob Young, Aria Arcana by Peter Fehervari and Confession of Pain by Jon Findall.

I am currently reading Shadow Avengers by Carrie Harris and listening to Marvel’s Avengers: The Extinction Key by Greg Keyes.

What Video Games I Am Playing

Played a little bit of Darktide, that’s a really fun game to play. And my wonderful friend who already had the game for themselves, gifted me the copy they got with their 3070, to play with my 3070.

And I played some God of War as well, really enjoying that game.

I was having some issues with the screen cutting out when playing games, but after some experimentation, turns out the issue was the Displayport Cable, so I have ordered a replacement!

What I Am Winning

I had won a pair of tickets to see Black Panther: Wakonda Forever on Wednesday from TFM, but Lindsay was rather unwell so we never got to see it.

I also won tickets to see The Amazing Maurice from Sky, and myself, the girls and Megan’s mum Jane were supposed to see it Sunday morning, but we were all down with colds and sniffles.

What I am Spending

Grabbed this Elgato Wall Mount to put the webcam on for my painting area, cause it was a pain in the bum the way it was previously attached on to the Multi Mount that has the overdesk camera.

How is Hartlepool?

By

On 6th December 2022

In Blog

We have been here for a few months, and I must admit, it’s not actually that bad.

People said the neighbourhood was rough, but in all honesty, other than bonfire night, it’s been alright, but hey, I am from the west end of Newcastle so, rough is a relative term.

The sea air, as weird as it sounds, has helped, I need my inhaler a lot less and my lungs feel a lot less heavy, and there is something about waking up to a sea fret, that’s almost magical.

There are some issues here, our kitchen is so so small it’s difficult to cook in, and the wi-fi on the router is so bad we are going to invest in a mesh system.

Whilst I miss aspects of the old house, what I do like is having my own space, but I am struggling to keep it tidy.

I think in the long run the move is positive, but I do need to make sure the doctors are issuing my repeat prescriptions when needed as this far they are doing awful at that.

What I Am Modelling

I started with a trio of Kataphron Breachers for my Adeptus Mechanicus

Started off with a Praetor in Terminator Armour for my Ultramarines.

And followed up with a Techpriest Enginseer to join my Death Korps of Krieg.

After that I concentrated on the officers for the Imperial Fists and painted up a couple of Praetors first, the Legion Specific in Artificer Armour, and the Praetor Tribune.

And a Praetor in Cataprachtii Armour and Chaplin.

Then it was the Vindicare Assassin from my Warhammer + Subscription.

And then I finished a final pair of Kataphron Breachers

After which I completed an Imperial Fists Legion Champion and Master of Signals.

So what’s coming up next week?

  1. Imperial Fists Tactical Squad x 10
  2. Orruk Gutrippas x 12
  3. T’au Crisis Team x 3
  4. Imperial Fists Contemptor Dreadnought
  5. Ultramarines Intercessors x 5
  6. Silver Tower Heroes
  7. Blood Angels Repulsor
  8. Imperial Fists Templar Brethren x 10
  9. Hobgrot Slitaz x 20
  10. Leagues of Votann Kâhl & Einhyr Champion

What I Am Reading

I finished up Zachareth by Robbie MacNivan, and you can read a review of that here.

And I started Sanguinius: The Great Angel by Chris Wraight

Continuing my listening to the Doctor Who Monthly Series, I listened to The Spectre of Lanyon Moor and Winter for the Adept.

What Tabletop Games I Am Playing

Wasn’t sure where to put this but my Board Game Geek Secret Santa arrived, and it’s the incredible Arkham Horror!

What Video Games I Am Playing

Darktide hit GamePass, so I got that installed on my PC.

I also decided to play my first game on the PlayStation 5, specifically God of War, which is proving rather fun so far.

What I Am Backing

The Car Wars CARnage project

I completed my Backerkit survey for the TT Combat Paints and Washes project and picked my two paints, went for Supernova Chrome and PHR Bone.

What I Am Winning

A while back I won a competition run by Durham Prints Store for anything in their Etsy shop.

So I opted for this personalised slate signed with “Kill, Maim, Burn” on it, the warcry of the World Eaters, cause I thought it would be funny!

It’s taken a few weeks but it’s finally arrived and I am super happy with it!

What I Am Spending

I need to get back to streaming properly again, and I decided to spend my sponsorship money on a new toy, an Elgato Stream Deck Pedal, which is gonna sit on my floor and be useful for things like muting the microphone, which I think the fellas on Edge of Empire will appreciate!

Is The Series S A Potato

By

On 26th October 2022

In Blog

There has been a lot of talk about the Xbox Series S being an underpowered potato that is holding back game development, and I guess I fancy weighing in on it.

When the Series S was unveiled, I admit, I was unimpressed, it’s seemed lacking in comparison to the Series X.

But it has one compelling feature, it’s price, it’s in reach of a lot of people, because the £450 the Series X costs is a lot of money.

But my heart was set on a Series X, but well 2020 happened and the chip shortage hit.

The Series X and both PS5 models were only available in limited quantities, but the Series S, well here is the genius in that little thing, it’s APU, is smaller.

It uses fewer chiplets than the Series X and PS5s and therefore has higher yields per wafer, meaning it can be produced in significantly higher numbers.

As a result the Series S has remained almost constantly in stock and not suffered any significant shortages, whereas even today, you will struggle to get a PS5, and Series X stock levels now seem to have finally stabilised.

So couple in availability, and cost, especially when you factor in GamePass, and I honestly think, the Series S might emerge as the winner of this generation.

Now the excuses used by some developers, well I think that’s all they are, excuses. The 30fps cap in Gotham Knights is frankly more likely down to poor optimisation and an old game engine.

Other games have managed fine, and cone on, these games are also built for PCs with wildly varied specs, and the modern consoles aren’t architecturally that different to PCs, heck the Steam Deck, which a lot of these games run fine on, uses a very very similar chip to both consoles.

But then looking at Gotham Knights PC specs, yeah I suspect very very poor optimisation.

To summarise, the Series S, might not be the powerhouse, but it’s actually making gaming something most people can do, it’s cost means no parent has to buy last Gen hardware, that those on lower incomes can still game, and that this hobby is not restricted to the better off.

Gaming at the best graphics available is great, but just gaming is great as well, even with modest graphics.

I love my Series S, yeah I also have a Series X and a PS5, but most of my gaming, is still on a Series S.

What Am I Modelling

I finished up a squad of Catapractii Terminators for the Imperial Fists, this time armed with Power Fists and Storm Shields.

I also got a Praetor in Tartaros Terminator Armour, with a Paragon Blade and Storm Shield.

I am now working on some Factorum Ruins and a Shrine of the Aquilla for my Imperium table.

What I Am Reading

I finished The Deadly Grimoire by Rosemary Jones, and you can read a review here.

And I have now started on Echoes of Eternity by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.

What I Am Creating

I got three Battle Reports published since the last blog post!

What I Am Backing

I am currently backing the CoraQuest expansion – Keep On Questing.

And I am backing the TT Combat Paints and Washes project, only for a couple of paints to see how they are.

What I Am Spending

I bought some slippers, as my old ones fell apart.

A friend bought another Leagues of Votann box and sold me the spare Codex and models.

I also finally picked up the Sicaran that I bought for my birthday.

And I got another GameCube controller holder for my wall of Controllers!

And I also picked up a Steam code for Spider-Man Remastered!

So Many Ideas

By

On 6th April 2022

In Blog

This week I have been doing a lot of research about Battle Reports, I am trying to branch out a bit from Imperium ones.

I am hoping to do a Blood Bowl Sevens or Heresy one tomorrow, but it’s dependent on what’s happening overall in the day.

Me and Lindsay are thinking of joining Skillshare so I can try and figure out some ways to take photos better and get an easier way to produce the reports.

But let’s see what we can do!

What I Am Modelling

I started off by painting Morg ‘n’ Thorg, which means I have no more Blood Bowl left to paint 🙁

And then I painted the Corpse Grinder Cult gang for Necromunda, which completed all of my Necromunda projects that I had outstanding.

After which I finished off Fafnir Rann as a test model for an Imperial Fists army.

I painted the Haemotrope Reactor from Warhammer Imperium to add to that box of scenery.

I am currently working on some Assault Intercessors for the Blood Angels army I share with Megan.

So what’s coming up next week?

  1. Blood Angels Assault Intercessors x 8, Primaris Lieutenant & Librarian in Phobos Armour
  2. Orruk Weirdnob Shaman
  3. Death Korps of Krieg Medusa x 2
  4. T’au Breacher Squad x 10
  5. Ork Terrain
  6. Khorne Blood Warriors x 10
  7. Ork Burna Boyz
  8. Sicaran Infiltrators x 5
  9. T’au Fire Warriors x 10
  10. Ork Nobz x 5

What I Am Reading

Not made much progress on my book, but I have listened to a couple of audiobooks, first was the Bookkeeper’s Skull by Justin Hill which was very good, and just a little bit creepy.

I then listened to Traitor Rock, also by Justin Hill, also a great listen, mostly because the Cadians are space Geordies!

I am now listening to Warhawk by Chris Wraight, I already read the book which was brilliant, so I know I will enjoy this!

What Video Games Am I Playing

Finally played some Horizon Zero Dawn after a couple of missed weeks due to Company of Legends and illness.

I played for 1 hour and 40 minutes on Thursday.

https://youtu.be/hFhF1S-u4k0

What Tabletop Games Am I Playing

I had a game of Warhammer Age of Sigmar tonight with Jabez at Durham Raiders.

And I lost, by a huge amount!

What I Am Spending

I bought a few movies that were on sale, I got Fighting with my Family, Jay & Silent Bob Reboot and Baywatch (seriously it’s a really funny film).

I bought a new bottle of Resin cause I am pretty much out, got a grey this time, and from Elegoo.

Also picked up Rogue One for my 4K Star Wars collection.

And I bought the upgrade to the Directors Cut for Death Stranding on the PC.

And my Humble Choice membership renewed so I have now got Ghostrunner, Destroy All Humans and a few other games

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