Post by: StrikerObi on October 06, 2004, 08:44:50 PM
USA Today has an article up, written by Steven Kent, detailing some information on the US launch of the DS. The DS will launch with games priced at $29.99. There will be between eight and ten launch games including: Mario 64 DS, The Urbz, Madden, and Spider-Man 2. A new titled named Asphalt DS is also mentioned.
According to Kent’s article, Mario 64 DS has been quite improved since its E3 build. The game’s single player is accessible with any of the characters (Mario, Wario, Luigi, and Yoshi). It also includes several new mini-games, which employ the use of the DS’s unique touch screen.
Kent also mentions that Spider-Man 2 is graphically impressive, despite being a 2D game. Also, the game apparently does not take much advantage of the DS’s special features.
On a side note, the article also includes a quick quote by PGC’s founder, Billy Berghammer, regarding the PSP. Billy’s thoughts on the PSP are as such: “I think PSP is a fantastic unit. Games look great on it. The movie demonstrations look good.”
Nintendo of America will be holding a press conference regarding the full details of the DS’s US launch later today. Stay tuned to PGC for the latest Nintendo DS news.
UPDATE: Japanese web site BroadBand Watch reports similar information and discloses Japan's DS game pricing of 3,800-4,800 yen--also comparable with GBA prices.
Post by: Mario on October 06, 2004, 08:53:13 PM
<---
Post by: Ian Sane on October 06, 2004, 08:56:32 PM
Post by: ruby_onix on October 06, 2004, 08:59:44 PM
Also, it should be noted that Reggie speaks in this story.
Post by: TheYoungerPlumber on October 06, 2004, 09:01:05 PM
The PS2 didn't exactly have a stellar launch line-up, but Sony got its system out ahead of the pack and built a userbase. Nintendo is trying to throw that maneuver back in Sony's face.
Post by: Mario on October 06, 2004, 09:10:21 PM
Post by: Ian Sane on October 06, 2004, 09:31:43 PM
The PS2 didn't exactly have a stellar launch line-up, but Sony got its system out ahead of the pack and built a userbase. Nintendo is trying to throw that maneuver back in Sony's face."
That doesn't justify it though. Not to me a gamer anyway. Invenstors may see this as a good plan to build a userbase and get an early lead. I see it as a horsesh!t launch that I'm not going to have anything to do with. The PS2 launch lineup SUCKED and comparing this to that isn't going to make me feel any better. Actually the PS2 launch was better because Sony at least delivered a brand new title for their sole first party release. This is a PORT. All these promises of innovation and new types of gaming goes out the window if all Nintendo delivers for launch is a port. That shows they have no real ideas for the concept and thus like connectivity it's not going to amount to anything because if Nintendo can't think of something useful neither can third parties. Plus launching with a port is just going to turn the DS into another port machine like the GBA.
Nintendo's launch lineup sets an example to third parties. If all they have is Super Mario 64 DS then they're telling third parties to use the dual screen and stylus for gimmicks and to go port happy.
They better have something else to show.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on October 06, 2004, 09:32:02 PM
Post by: VideoGamerJ on October 06, 2004, 09:39:30 PM
Post by: PaLaDiN on October 06, 2004, 09:49:04 PM
Edit: I can't count.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on October 06, 2004, 09:54:33 PM
Post by: MysticGohan24 on October 06, 2004, 10:08:58 PM
got the mini dvd ideal from GC, heh holds the same amount. But sony's is crapperware.
Post by: Mario on October 06, 2004, 10:57:51 PM
Super Mario 64 DS
Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt
PictoChat
Madden NFL 2005
Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf
Urbz: Sims in the City
Spider-Man 2
Ping Pals
Feel the Magic: XY/XX
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on October 06, 2004, 11:02:41 PM
Post by: kennyb27 on October 07, 2004, 05:51:13 AM
Post by: Pale on October 07, 2004, 06:25:56 AM
Post by: couchmonkey on October 07, 2004, 06:56:30 AM
To me, the worst time for every new system is the first half of the year after it launches. Looking at GameCube or even PS2's launch lineups, there were definitely a couple of games there worth buying right off the bat. The problem is, then you had to wait until June or July for anything else worthwhile to come out. I remember walking into retailers throughout the first part of 2002, and being disappointed that there was never anything new on the shelves for GameCube. PS2 and Xbox had pretty much the same problems in the first 1/4 -1/2 of the year after they launched. There was a Twisted Metal Black here, a Resident Evil there, but there wasn't a lot of choice.
Combine this with the fact that PSP will probably launch in the first half of next year in most territories, and I think it would be a good strategy for Nintendo to hold on to it's first party titles and dole them out at a steady pace, with a couple of major releases at the same time as the PSP comes out (Metroid Hunters and Final Fantasy III, please.)
Don't get me wrong, I agree that this launch lineup is a bit disappointing. However, this could be a smart long-term strategy. If Nintendo delivers a new game on an almost-monthly basis from November to June, I think it will be worth it.
Post by: Ian Sane on October 07, 2004, 07:22:09 AM
This is by far the worst launch lineup for any major system ever. I'm voting with my wallet. Don't make excuses for this. If this launch disappoints you don't buy the DS at launch and tell Nintendo that you're not going to put up with this crap.
The PSP deserves to beat the DS now.
Post by: Pale on October 07, 2004, 07:28:48 AM
Here is my conspiracy theory....
What better way to launch a wireless communication system than with one of the best communication games ever made? Why wouldln't they tell us Animal Crossing is a launch title? Because we are still waiting on an obviously DS related announcment from the Warp Pipe team.
Post by: Ian Sane on October 07, 2004, 07:37:49 AM
The PS2.
And NOA's press release implies that Super Mario 64 DS is the only first party launch title. Why would they say that the other titles are to be released later if it wasn't true? That sort of public misconception would be so damaging.
Plus Animal Crossing wouldn't really fix this. Wow two ports instead of one! Yeah.
Post by: Bill Aurion on October 07, 2004, 07:40:52 AM
Post by: PaLaDiN on October 07, 2004, 08:14:23 AM
The launch titles in Japan may be coming out in America at about the same time.
If your only complaint is that the launch should have been delayed, don't buy one at launch. Wait till the good games come out and buy it then. For all you know, Mario DS could surprise us and actually be a good REMAKE. Anybody who refuses to even consider that Mario DS could be anything other than a port is just searching for reasons to hate the DS.
Post by: mantidor on October 07, 2004, 08:25:58 AM
Post by: Koopa Troopa on October 07, 2004, 08:40:22 AM
How would it be better to delay the launch? That is completely non-sensical.
PSP deserves to win? Get a grip, Ian.
Nintendo, my money is still in hand.
Post by: Ms.Pikmin on October 07, 2004, 08:47:59 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
Do you hear that Nintendo? I hear obnoxious whining...
I have to disagree with you here, Bill. While I don't feel as passionate about it as Ian, I agree with him that this launch lineup as it stands now is bs.
All I want is ONE title at launch that gets me excited. While I haven't played the N64 version of Mario 64 since I never had one, it still isn't something I'm dying to get. Yeah, I'll probably get it, but it's not what I was hoping for as a first party launch title.
The theory that Nintendo is holding off on other first party titles to compete with the PSP irritates me. I understand they need to be strategic in competing, but it shouldn't be at the expense of loyal fans who they know will buy the DS no matter what crap is launched with it. I'm not saying they should have several first party titles out right at launch. I'm only asking that they release a NEW first party title with it.
Post by: Pale on October 07, 2004, 09:27:07 AM
QuoteI wouldn't call an updating Animal Crossing with online connectivity a port...maybe a sequel..
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
Plus Animal Crossing wouldn't really fix this. Wow two ports instead of one! Yeah.
And just out of curiosity..do you guys remember the GBA launch? What was it? Mario Advance and F-Zero? That sure was a blah launch, but I still loved getting my gba and playing my old gameboy games on it along with F-Zero. Now I can get the DS and play my old games on it along with Mario64 whilst I wait for bigger and better things.
Post by: couchmonkey on October 07, 2004, 09:31:34 AM
The system does need more first party games at/near launch: I probably won't buy one right away unless the reviews are astronomical. But I will buy one when some of the other delicious games that I saw on Nintendo of Japan's site come out. I think it will be a reasonable trade-off if Nintendo gets a significant head-start on PSP and gives us a consistent selection of new games instead of releasing a huge pile followed by nothing until next Christmas.
Edit: fixed miscellaneous errors.
Post by: Bill Aurion on October 07, 2004, 10:25:20 AM
Post by: KirbySStar on October 07, 2004, 12:43:31 PM
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on October 07, 2004, 02:06:49 PM
Who thinks reality is this sad?
