Messages

1776

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Nintendo expects little profit from Wii in first year, to be sold at or near loss?

« on: June 11, 2006, 03:38:56 PM »

Nintendo doesn't want to shoehorn functionality into games that doesn't enhance the experience in a positive way. This is the reason there was no gameplay touchscreen control in MKDS, and why SSBB will use a traditional controller. SO, why should they force 3rd parties into using the Wiimote/nunchuk combo?

A game which uses a traditional pad shouldn't be turned away because it doesn't take advantage of the Wiimote. As BMFrosty has said (and many others before), Nintendo is an "AND" company.

I'm not saying it'll happen for sure, but I see one choice rising above the others: Pack in the Classic controller with the Wii.

P.S. - As people who have actually held the controller keep saying, the analog stick placement is fine (although I think Pro was joking, at least a little).

1777

General Chat / RE:Gah... life sucks.

« on: June 10, 2006, 04:46:49 PM »

UncleBob, I hear what you're saying... I'm married too, and it makes things more complicated by about 45-70x. I'm from Nebraska, and we recently moved out to the coast (CA) with my wife so that she could go to school here. It's not a large town by any means (~30,000 people), which means that jobs are harder to come by. It's also (well, seems like it at least) 90% tourism, which I don't do.

Well, I'm a designer, so I managed to land a job at an ad agency, but even that was up in the air for awhile. But I definitely know what you're talking about... I'm a "married old man, no friends outside of work" kinda guy too (unrelated note: why's it so hard to make friends outside of school? Why?!).

A couple things:
* Have you checked into other dept. stores where you could easily transition to? (Target's pretty cool in my book, I thought about working there before I got my current job.) However...
* I agree with BnM 100%, even if he was in a drunken stupor. I'd aim higher if I were you. I think given your sales experience and your love of video games, you'd be an awesome video game store owner. If the technical aspects of owning a business are holding you back, perhaps you could take on a trusted partner (with contracts and all that) who could specialize in that and help share the start-up costs. If there is any population of kids in your area (probable), there'd definitely be a market for it, assuming you angle it well. Even a little arcade section would certainly be do-able in a video game store...
* You could also check out starting up a franchise if an independent business isn't feasible. Isn't this how EB Games and the other shops are run?

You seem like a solid guy with a good head on your shoulders. I think it's time to make some lemonade.

Lemonade made out of MONEY.

Ew.

1778

Nintendo Gaming / RE: Nintendo expects little profit from Wii in first year, to be sold at or near loss?

« on: June 10, 2006, 10:40:16 AM »

I think there IS some possibility for the classic controller to be packed in, since I assume SSBB will end up using it, and that's bound to be one of THE games people will own for Wii.

However, the much greater possibility is that the VC controller won't be, but there'll be two Wiimotes packed in, each w/ nunchuku attachments. This not only goes hand-in-hand with Nintendo's "Wii" name (2 'i's which symbolize the Wiimotes, and the fundamental idea of "We" and playing together) strategy, but also opens the door to developers who'd like to employ "dual-Wiimote" action in their single-player games (you know you wanna be like "Drum Guy" from that one trailer).

1779

TalkBack / RE: Nintendo Monopoly on the Way!

« on: June 09, 2006, 10:08:48 PM »

So, from those pictures, Mario is Boardwalk...

Interesting, yeah... but does "Yushi" = raw dinosaur?

1780

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Starfox Wii....confirmed?

« on: May 30, 2006, 08:51:37 PM »

Wow, I AM surprised to see Frisbee Golf top Bozon's list, but in a good way. I really enjoy frisbee golf and ultimate, and I've been wondering for a long time why they can't make a game around either of them.

Ian, Frisbee Golf is like normal golf in lots of ways. You start somewhere far away from your goal (a metal "cage"-type apparatus with a bin you try to throw into), then have to navigate using your 3 or more discs (drivers, mid-range discs, putters, etc.) to the goal in the least amount of throws. There are all sorts of discs besides just the driver/putter/etc... some curve right, some left, some fly straighter – it's all about getting where you need to get in the most efficient way. The course I know best (in Lincoln, NE) has everything from long, meandering fairways, to hilly/steep terrain, and even some unique obstacles like foresty areas and creeks to cross to spice things up. It's really fun, and a great excuse to go walking around a grassy, foresty park for a couple hours on a hot summer day.

Conclusion: Frisbee Golf game for Wii featuring Ultimate and online competition =

(the only thing I would worry about would be "throwing" too hard with the Wiimote, and accidentally flinging the controller at the TV)

EDIT: Oops, like 4 other people already explained frisbee golf

[Switchblade Cross]

1781

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Super Smash Bros. Brawl

« on: May 28, 2006, 09:13:15 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Switchblade Cross
As far as other 3rd parties go, I think Japanese 3rd parties have the more likley chance to have their characters added.

Sega  -  Sonic
Capcom  -  Megaman
Konami  -  Solid Snake & Simon Belmont
Squarenix  -  Cloud
Hudson Soft  -  Bomberman  (I cant see him as the best character, but it is possible considering the Virtual Consoled deal between them an Nintendo)
Namco Bandai  -    sombody from Soul Calibur maybe?  Pac-man?  lol
SNK  -  Metal Slug and King of Fighters are the only notable games I can think of...
Taito  -  Bub and Bob???

Heh, I think Sonic and a Belmont are no-brainers, but we'll see. Pac-man might be interesting. However, from SquareEnix, I'm thinking of a Chocobo. It'd be different and comical, sort of like Jigglypuff or Pichu. If not a Chocobo, how 'bout a Moogle? Montblanc anyone?

On Nintendo characters, it may have been said before, but an alternative form of Mario might be fun... yes, I speak of 8-bit Mario. When he gets to around 150% damage, he can transform to little mario for an extra wrinkle in strategy.

[presentation/style is everything.]

1782

TalkBack / RE:DS Lite Contest Winner

« on: May 25, 2006, 09:37:42 AM »

I think there's a lot of weight put to the style of writing. Dan's is well-written, with a lot of mood and confidence. We should know by now that (especially with the way it applies to video games) presentation/style is everything.

Honestly, it's what I was counting on for my entry too – my uses weren't overly-original (I did the blinding and weapon uses too). However, when placed into the very specific setting of a guide written to help the reader fend off random Ninja attacks, and referencing (what I'd hoped were) well-known events/movies/etc... well, I'd hoped it would be better-received. It wasn't, so that's too bad for me. But it's good for Dan. And it would have been good for someone else if it wasn't Dan.

A "reader's choice" vote will get us nothing but ill-will and riled emotions. PGC didn't have to put the contest up in the first place, and none of us would even have had the CHANCE of winning a DS Lite. It was super-nice of them to spend the time and effort for this, and I think they're taking too much crap for this service they've provided to the readers.

I DO have a couple suggestions that could reduce some of the whinging in future contests, though:
• Make sure there are at least small prizes for 2nd and 3rd place, like there usually are (heck, even just leftover E3 swag). Just one prize for all those quality entries is a major disappointment to the people who were SO close.
• If it's NOT a committee vote by all or most of the staff, it should be. (even if it's first culled down to a "TOP 10" list).

Actually, I will vote: I vote that we let these complaints die and just be content that we had a chance to win at all, thanks to PGC (especially Karl). If you've got something constructive to say, then fine. For me, it's a done-deal. I enjoyed the entries that got the honors, and am hoping lots more entrants post their submissions.  

1783

TalkBack / RE: DS Lite Contest Winner

« on: May 24, 2006, 01:01:43 PM »

In the contest's defense, using the DS as a chick magnet IS an alternative use, since it's main purpose is playing games...

[Title: Techniques for avoiding the wrath and/or blade of a fearsome and dangerous Belligerent Ninja during a Belligerent Ninja Attack (BNA).]

1784

TalkBack / RE:DS Lite Contest Winner

« on: May 24, 2006, 10:11:45 AM »

Ha! Good stuff, Dan's got some smooth moves there. Congratulations to you! Also, I like the last-minute wrinkle of using the DS as a morse code signal in Zhen's.

Here's mine - In line with Nintendo's non-gamer strategy, ahem, I tried to use references from a broad range of sources: kung fu movies, the bible, pharmaceutical commercials/infomercials, and a Hitchcock flick, in addition to video games. I may not have reinforced them enough, though (especially the "Rear Window"/Jimmy Stewart one)

Title: Techniques for avoiding the wrath and/or blade of a fearsome and dangerous Belligerent Ninja during a Belligerent Ninja Attack (BNA).

Although infrequent, Belligerent Ninja Attacks DO occur, and unfortunately, survival probability approaches "none." The following tactics may raise your chances to "slim" or higher!

Note: Three elements combine to increase BNA risk:
• nightfall
• deserted alley
• DSL

Techniques:

"David" – Using wrist strap, spin DSL like a sling and release aimed at Belligerent Ninja's noggin.

"Tracy" – It's said, "Music soothes the savage Belligerent Ninja." Play Electroplankton until Belligerent Ninja "chills."

"Jimmy" – Back away while opening/closing DSL at irregular intervals. The strobe effect should blind Belligerent Ninja, allowing escape. Stammering incomprehensibly increases effectiveness.

With these techniques, YOU can survive a BNA. Good luck!

1785

TalkBack / RE: Where's the Winner?

« on: May 24, 2006, 07:05:53 AM »

I'll post mine too... but dang, I'm eager to see the winning entries!

1786

TalkBack / RE: Where's the Winner?

« on: May 23, 2006, 09:21:45 AM »

What drama! What intrigue!

How much longer can this suspense last? (i.e. - When's the cutoff for Zhen to become the winner? )

1787

TalkBack / RE:Where's the Winner?

« on: May 22, 2006, 02:14:09 PM »

(And decoy's tiny speck of hope whirls away like a pebble down a bottomless pit. )

Aaaaand... I'm over it.

Wow, tough situation indeed, KN. Daniel will be kicking himself, and Zhen will know he was this -><- close...

1788

TalkBack / RE: PGC Announces DS Lite Contest

« on: May 21, 2006, 05:59:54 PM »

Gah, no e-mail for me... I know I didn't have much of a chance, but I AM looking forward to seeing who did win

1789

TalkBack / RE: PGC Announces DS Lite Contest

« on: May 14, 2006, 10:30:21 PM »

You know, i was curious about that as well... But what's been said before is that it would be a lot of work to go through the hundreds of entries and choose the best ones, then format them and post them...

But here's an idea... after the contest, anyone who wants to post theirs, can just do it on their own. That would take the load off the E3-weary staff (I bet it's been a long – if fun – week for those guys).

1790

Nintendo Gaming / RE: Super Smash Bros. Brawl

« on: May 14, 2006, 10:13:43 PM »

ROFL. Awesome, BnM.

I'd drop Pikachu to play as N64 Kid in a second.

1791

TalkBack / RE: PGC Announces DS Lite Contest

« on: May 14, 2006, 04:26:30 PM »

LOL, johnhummel, I feel your pain. My wife is hooked too.

She not only plays it, but she gives me crap every time she beats one of my times, too.

1792

TalkBack / RE:PGC Announces DS Lite Contest

« on: May 12, 2006, 08:07:13 PM »

Yeah... I, um, kinda wish they'd stop reminding people about it

1793

Nintendo Gaming / RE: Do you still care about the name?

« on: May 12, 2006, 05:41:57 AM »

It was strange... I couldn't understand picking such an inane name when it was announced... But, I was talking to a fellow video game buddy, and he said "Wii..." and it didn't sound strange or comical or anything. Then I said "Wii," in conversation, and it just sounded normal, like any old product name.

So yeah, I guess I'm over it like many others here.

(phew!)

1794

Nintendo Gaming / RE: Mario Galaxy

« on: May 09, 2006, 08:30:40 PM »

Hey, maybe the part of Mario jumping around the planets was because he got a super-duper-ultra-cosmic mushroom. Maybe it's the new "painting" mechanic to travel between worlds? When it wears off, Mario goes back to normal size and platforms around the worlds he just jumped across.

(did not see the trailer yet, I hope this isn't debunked in it!)

1795

TalkBack / RE: PGC Announces DS Lite Contest

« on: May 08, 2006, 01:09:53 PM »

You got mine too... Regardless of whether I win or not, I had fun writing it up

I was just wondering: Will you post an assortment of the best ones? I'd be curious to see what other people came up with.

1796

TalkBack / RE: Revolution Name Announced!

« on: April 27, 2006, 10:07:49 AM »

So does this mean that instead of the "Revmote," now we have the "Wemote"?

Speech impediment NOOOoooooo

1797

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Official DS Sales Thread

« on: April 01, 2006, 04:31:43 PM »

In one sense, I agree that downloadable content will continue to become more popular, especially with broadband access becoming so widespread.

However, I think it'll be a long time before digital downloads becomes the most popular way to get a hold of your music, tv and movies. As has been said, people like having stuff that they can hold in their hands, look at, read (liner notes, etc.). Perhaps I feel this way because I'm a graphic designer, and tend to really appreciate the "whole package" you get when you buy a CD/DVD/etc. Heck, I bought a spare case from Nintendo.com for my Metroid Prime Hunters demo and printed out box art for it because it didn't feel right without a... well, a "home."

I think there's a parallel between newspapers and Internet news sites and this issue. People have been predicting that newspapers are going the way of the dodo - I mean, how could something that you have to pay for beat something that's FREE... but still, newspapers are all over the place, and will be for the foreseeable future. And again, it's because people like to have something tangible to hang on to, take with them when they go somewhere, etc.  

1798

TalkBack / RE: Bob Ross Game Coming to DS and Revolution

« on: March 31, 2006, 09:48:30 AM »

Ha! Awesome! I bet when they first started coming up with this idea, it was just for the DS version.. but then the ghost of Bob Ross whispered in someone's ear, "Let's give him a friend," and thus, the Revolution version was born.  

1799

General Chat / RE:I gave up video games...

« on: March 22, 2006, 10:40:04 AM »

<re-assembles own exploded head>

UPDATE:
I'm doing well with the giving up video games thing. I've even come to terms with the fact that Derwin is probably dead and rotting in his cockroach-infested house right now from the cold he caught just before Lent began...

BUT: Tetris DS
AND: Metroid Prime Hunters

umm... Does anyone know anything about cryogenic freezing/stasis? I'd only need it for a couple weeks!

1800

General Chat / RE: the new Doctor Who....

« on: March 19, 2006, 08:52:15 PM »

I used to love the old show solely for the fact that it was incredibly cheesy. John Baker (I think that was his name – think afro-guy-with-the-scarf) was my favorite  doctor, though they all had their own styles.

I'll definitely have to check out this new Dr. Who, thanks for the heads-up.