Post by: mT3 on March 02, 2005, 09:42:58 AM
Xbox 2 seems to be coming along well. they have already got that final fantasy guy with mistwalker or whatever it is. and now they also have a guy from Capcom Sega, all making exclusive titles.
So what do you think?
Post by: jarob on March 02, 2005, 09:54:01 AM
Post by: PaLaDiN on March 02, 2005, 10:28:37 AM
If I didn't hear about some exclusive titles by now I'd be sure they were screwed.
Post by: jarob on March 02, 2005, 02:32:19 PM
Post by: Caillan on March 02, 2005, 06:31:52 PM
Post by: couchmonkey on March 03, 2005, 05:13:30 AM
As for building partnerships with Japanese developers, that's a smart move for Microsoft, but given the extreme failure of the Xbox over there, I don't think Xbox 2 will be an instant hit. Look at N-Gage. Nokia has released better-designed hardware with the QD (edit: better than the original N-Gage, not better than DS) and N-Gage arguably has a much better linueup than the DS, but nobody has faith in the product, so we're not buying it.
Besides the Xbox's reputation, Microsoft hasn't made any blockbuster deals here. They've got a few key guys working on some new products. That's cool very cool, but it's nothing like announcing an exclusive Dragon Quest game for Xbox 2. Most Japanese gamers will see these announcements and keep on waiting for PS3 because it will have Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy and a hundred other RPGs.
Post by: KDR_11k on March 03, 2005, 05:21:41 AM
Post by: Deguello on March 03, 2005, 05:32:09 PM
Maybe it will work out for them, but I seriously doubt this will help MS's image in Japan.
Post by: Savior on March 03, 2005, 06:13:55 PM
Post by: Caillan on March 03, 2005, 06:35:58 PM
Post by: Savior on March 03, 2005, 06:51:34 PM
All excelent titles. none helped Microsoft in Japan . Most of the Sega Xbox titles which have been critically acclaimed have sold like crap.
Lets take a niche type game for example, Katamari Damashi, if it were released on the Xbox instead of PS2. it wouldnt have sold as well
Make no mistake its good for them, but not on the level of FF, Tekken, or a Metal Gear exclusive on the console
Post by: ThePerm on March 03, 2005, 07:11:40 PM
Post by: Ian Sane on March 03, 2005, 07:21:45 PM
Nintendo for example rarely gives any indication that they're addressing issues. Rare leaves, third parties leave, games lose exclusivity, major third party games like GTA get released on every console but Gamecube, etc. Nintendo doesn't let us know that they even care about these problems so we question them and there's mixed opinions about what the Revolution will be and if major Cube issues are going to be addressed. MS is avoiding a scenario like that. They're giving a clear message of "yes we know there were problems but we're going to fix them and the Xbox Next is going to be better than the Xbox because of it." MS is removing doubt with deals like these.
Post by: Caillan on March 03, 2005, 08:17:22 PM
Post by: Bill Aurion on March 04, 2005, 04:21:00 AM
"The GameCube as a system has taught us more about the home console market than nearly any other of our systems...As always, there are always lessons learned. One thing the GameCube taught us is the importance of pleasing as many different types of gamers in the market as possible. For example, the physical design of the hardware itself was a bold attempt by us to do this -- to make a system that is stylish in its own way and that will fit in well with a family living room. In hindsight, the color choice and box design may not have been as helpful in achieving that goal." ~Reggie
Not addressing issues, right?
Post by: Deguello on March 04, 2005, 05:15:47 AM
And on an unrelated yet related note, When Steven Kent says Nintendo should "Americanize" he forgets that it was the N64 which shunned Eastern developers in favor of Western developers and turned into a third-party quagmire.
Let MS continue to announce their tokens, and sit baffled while players still pick Square Enix over Square-Lite, Capcom over Capcom-Lite, and other games over Rez.
Post by: Galford on March 04, 2005, 07:55:35 AM
this will shore up the XBox's few Japanese customers while addressing the
complaints of certain western customers.
When was the last time Nintendo did this?
That's right, never...
Post by: vudu on March 04, 2005, 09:17:42 AM
Post by: Bill Aurion on March 04, 2005, 09:29:53 AM
Um, isn't that what I was addressing in that above quote?
Post by: Don'tHate742 on March 04, 2005, 10:50:42 AM
Anyways, HURRAY FOR XBOX! I can finally/maybe have more games than just 3! HURRAY!
As for Nintendo not addressing issues, or even addressing them and not making them public; that's Nintendo for you. They are the secretive company that likes to boast that they're fixing things by just mentioning general information and no key official statements, which really actually makes the problems worse. If you don't tell the people how your fixing things, they're going to assume your doing something lavish or nothing at all. Maybe it's paranioa to the point where giving out information, such as who's developing for them or what the future may hold, would hurt them bussiness wise, when really it's hurting them not release this type of information. Give that up Nintendo! Nobody is going to copy number #2 (or is it 3?)! Everybody's out to get numero UNO, so anything Nintendo sees as "secret" information, they should release with an official statement and video. This boasts consumer awareness and allows for hype to be generated. Also, the media can actually report on something worth reporting about regarding Nintendo, giving them more press love unlike what they've been receiving today (IGN?). And even if competing companies do try to copy the idea, they can't match Nintendo's game quality. This puts the game business back to where Nintendo wants it...the gameplay. If the other companies were to try, they would just lose valuable time and money. People would then play their final product and be like....hmm this doesn't play as great as Nintendo's action/adventure game; making Nintendo better in a way. People want...no scratch that...need to hear those kinds of improtant secret things. They are never as good, as what we think they'll be. Really it's kind of our fualt, but Nintendo could easily solve it themselves. We need to have some sort of foundation to renew faith, because each time we hear Nintendo stating "Nintendo is doing some creative things and ...." it ends up sending us into a rut.
Nintendo should be like Microsoft in one respect: Listening to those who buy your hardware/software. I admit that most of the suggestions that Nintendo fans come up with are utter crap, and they really don't know what the hell they want. Still, putting in a new Nintendo feedback system that operates by weeding out the good suggestions from the bad ones could really help Nintendo. Market Research is key, as well as renewing faith, for people easily get weary, worried, impatient. Everytime I look at Nintendo and their products, I can see them going to the top of the charts; I just think they don't know how to get their themselves. They go the innovation route, which is great, but if you don't have something truly innovative that appeals to the masses, you end up being right back where you started or worse. Look at the Cube for crying out loud! Nintendo's own fans could help them succeed in the innovative ways they always boast about, if only Nintendo knew that.
Hopefully the E3 this year eases my woes.....
Post by: vudu on March 04, 2005, 10:50:44 AM
Post by: Bill Aurion on March 04, 2005, 10:59:25 AM
Post by: Don'tHate742 on March 04, 2005, 02:02:42 PM
.Anyways, I undestand your point but like Bill said, do you think people who own an xbox and are viewed as "general public" really know that the Xbox 2 has some exclusives? Nope, no chance. Unless there is a commercial made, or it is featured on TV some how (G4tech) I don't see any "general public" knowing. Microsoft knows that...their announcement was for the fan base, which is actually great becuase when the fans buy these consoles, they have friends that will see those consoles and even play them. Microsoft is saying to the fanbase "Look, the xbox was....*looks around* Great, but I'm sure you had your dissapointments. Please don't leave us! You don't know how much money we lost with the Xbox, it was ridiculous! *Calms themself down* Ah-hem We are making moves to ensure the Xbox 2 is greater and an overall more fun gaming system by doing the following: _____. So no need to worry, we are listening." hehehe
Post by: Caillan on March 04, 2005, 02:54:20 PM
Quote
Do you really think anyone else besides those same gamers that check game sites everyday know that Xbox2 is getting 2 exclusive RPGs? I think not...
Closer to release Microsoft will capitalise on this and we'll be seeing it everywhere. As the guy at GameSpy put it, they're going to legally change Hironobu Sakaguchi's name to "The Creator of Final Fantasy" then introduce him to everyone. Microsoft have a competent marketing division and it will be used accordingly.
Post by: Deguello on March 05, 2005, 01:09:08 AM
Post by: jarob on March 05, 2005, 06:39:31 AM
Post by: Deguello on March 05, 2005, 12:09:52 PM
When MS advertised Grabbed by the Ghoulies with "From the Creators of Donkey Kong Country," DKC GBA sales went up. Now of course, GBTG tanked pretty hard, but they found they could not advertise Rare at all without mentioning their past.
This is where they run into a problem with Sakaguchi. I don't know if they can find a way to advertise his stuff without mentioning he created Final Fantasy and advertising FF for their competition at the same time.
JSRF is like a hundred times less niche than Rez. Everything that Rez guy has been involved with has been a complete failure, and this was on the PS2. Please Note I am not talking about his game quality, this is strictly sales. I doubt this will help MS out very much.
And while I try not to speak ill of some developers, I can't remeber the last game Okamoto directed. I think it was Street Fighter 3: Third Strike, and before that I think it was a GBC Zelda or something. I also can't think of a game he made under his new company. So they are largely untested. This is probably their largest asset in these acquisitions, mostly because of not knowing what to expect.
Post by: Don'tHate742 on March 05, 2005, 03:54:50 PM
My point is: Let them try to improve themselves....hell I think they should, but in the end it doesn't matter worth a damn.
