Post by: Jonnyboy117 on March 10, 2005, 08:31:20 AM
UPDATE: Details on the Presentation
Iwata began his presentation by explaining how, deep down, he is a videogame developer just like everyone else. After a brief background of his history, including how he programmed games on his Hewlett Packard calculator, and his involvement with HAL from its very beginnings, he began talking about games.
He discussed the importance of team work and bouncing ideas off one another. Not everyone can be a Miyamoto, but excellent games can come from a fusion of ideas and a careful eye for what is fun and new. Because graphics weren't as important, he explained that they worked hard to make the game's graphics invoke players' imaginations to fill in the gaps.
Iwata talked about what has and has not changed in the industry. Games are and always will be entertainment, and invoking emotional responses is vital to making a good game. Player reactions are the true measure of success. Developers must always consider challenge versus reward: different demographics have different tolerances for difficulty, and games must be made for the full spectrum. He also noted the importance of ideas: both developing old ideas and creating new ones. He also iterated the importance of software and how it drives hardware sales, and admitted the value of the Intellectual Property of original game franchises.
But Iwata's main point was what has changed in the industry. In terms of presence, everything is bigger now. Games are becoming increasingly complex, big companies are consuming smaller companies, and deadlines are harder make. But he also said that the industry is getting smaller in some ways. He criticized the development community for thinking in terms of genres, and falling into the habit of making too many games that resemble each other. He gave Tiger Woods PGA versus Mario Golf as an example of healthy variety within a genre.
He explained that while realism is one way to further a game's immersiveness, it is not the only way. He posed a rhetorical question: what ELSE can the industry do to improve games? He explained that one way is to expand what we think of as a "game player." Not everyone plays games—why? Why can't there be games for them? He posed another question: have you (game developers) challenged yourself to make a game you wouldn't play?
After discussing recent Nintendo products and defending Nintendo as still caring about its current userbase (citing Resident Evil 4, the success of Nintendo DS, and the upcoming Zelda game for the GameCube), he explained what is important to Nintendo in a game: innovation, intuitiveness, an inviting experience, and a logical interface.
Then he got to the new stuff.
First Iwata promoted Nintendo DS's wireless features, and how WiFi is the future for Nintendo. After a demonstration of Mario Kart DS with 8 players, he explained that making a seamless wireless experience is a vital theme in Nintendo's upcoming strategy. Iwata continually used the word "WiFi," not internet play. However, the details he discussed suggested Nintendo DS will be going online. He explained that Nintendo is working on an infrastructure, and it is almost ready. "WiFi enabled games will be available this year." He explained that developer kits will be available soon — in fact, he said that by the end of the day, people will not be asking where the development kits are.
To demonstrate one use of WiFi, he briefly discussed Animal Crossing — one of the "non-game" games that will broaden the gaming user base. Although no actual wireless content was displayed, Iwata stated that players will be able to bring their village around the world with the Nintendo DS.
Nintendo then showed two other products that challenge the definition of what we think of as a game. First was Nintendogs: Bill Trinen showed the audience his cute dog Chipper, and explained how the player can train his or her dog custom commands and play with their puppy. Then Bill showed off the abstract music creation game, Electro-plankton, which includes features such as voice sampling with the microphone. Most amusing was a mode in which the player solos with various samples over background music: Bill played various Mario noises over the Super Mario Bros. Star-man Theme.
Finally, Iwata briefly discussed the most basic features of Revolution — most likely to quell absurd internet rumors. Most importantly, the Revolution will be backwards compatible with all GameCube games. This also confirms that the Revolution will have at least a GameCube controller as input. Secondly, WiFi will be built into the system, much as it is with the Nintendo DS. He promised a friendly and familiar development environment, even though he remarked that the games themselves will played in a revolutionary new way. He also expressed interest in what third parties can do with the new system, and fully hopes other developers will embrace the system's new features.
Iwata also revealed that Nintendo is working with the same partners from the GameCube to create custom chips. Going with the theme of the Revolution as a leader in entertainment, ATI's graphics chip is named Hollywood, and IBM's processor is dubbed Broadway.
PGC will have more details about Nintendo DS "WiFi" and the DS games on the showroom floor soon, and will, of course, report more on the Revoultion when more solid details about the Revolution are available.
---
We'll have much more thorough information shortly, but here are some quick notes from Mr. Iwata's keynote speech:
- New Zelda footage was shown. Some new features seen include ghosts and Hyrule castle.
- Revolution will be backwards-compatible with GameCube and include wireless ethernet capability in the console. IBM's CPU is called "Broadway"; ATI's GPU is called "Hollywood".
- DS online comments were vague. WiFi should be easy to use (no addresses to type in). Example: taking your Animal Crossing village around the world. Most of all, DS WiFi will be free to the end user.
Post by: Smash_Brother on March 10, 2005, 08:43:21 AM
-SB
Post by: kirby_killer_dedede on March 10, 2005, 08:47:05 AM
Post by: Artimus on March 10, 2005, 08:51:25 AM
Post by: SgtShiversBen on March 10, 2005, 08:52:17 AM
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on March 10, 2005, 08:55:31 AM
Post by: Pale on March 10, 2005, 09:01:44 AM
I had better luck with gamespots...
He picked up a kitty!!
aw, how cute.
Post by: couchmonkey on March 10, 2005, 09:02:26 AM
Free WiFi DS + GameCube backwards compatible Revolution = very very happy!
Post by: Dirk Temporo on March 10, 2005, 09:04:04 AM
Repeatedly.
I haven't been this excited since I first saw the info about the new Zelda.
Post by: Ian Sane on March 10, 2005, 09:07:38 AM
I want more info on DS online but confirmation of it being free is good though expected.
What is with Nintendo and wireless stuff though? With the Cube they felt that broadband was too new. Well wireless isn't that common yet either so as the only option for online play it seems like an odd choice. I think wireless is the future but for now having wires, at least for the Rev, makes more sense. Hopefully they'll have an option.
Edit: Just saw the new Zelda trailer and WOW. My initial thought was "goobly oobly gook". The English language seems incapable of expressing my opinion. There's just so much STUFF shown I don't know where to start. One thing worth noting is that while detailed the graphics still have a very Ocarina of Time style to them in that it's not overly dark or realistic. The Goron for example looks like a Goron should while the Stalfos as scary as they should be. It still looks like Zelda and not Lord of the Rings or something else.
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on March 10, 2005, 09:14:20 AM
What would they have left for E3 if they did?
Post by: Pale on March 10, 2005, 09:17:26 AM
Post by: raptorspike on March 10, 2005, 09:19:31 AM
Revolution going online, DS Wi-Fi (I don't own a ds, still trying to decide), and GC games to work on the revolution. I haven't been this happy since........uhh........well.........yeah........ OK, it's been a long while since I have been this happy.
Post by: Bill Aurion on March 10, 2005, 09:22:41 AM
I hate scary ghosts in underground dungeon atmospheres! On the other hand, I'm confused about Link fighting that Goron (on the OVERWORLD, no less) and the wolf howling at the end...
Post by: joshnickerson on March 10, 2005, 09:39:27 AM
As for Zelda... it looks VERY swank. I like it. As for Bill's concern about the Goron, I'm thinking either Link interrupted it's rock meal, or maybe it's just training Link to fight or something. I'm actually more concerned about Link picking up a cat... is he gonna use it as a projectile weapon?
"And the new tool in this new Zelda game will be the Cat-Apult 2000, which allows Link to throw no less than three cats at once. You can even add fire element to the cat to light far-away torches."
I just slipped into a very silly place, apparently.
Post by: PaLaDiN on March 10, 2005, 09:42:10 AM
Kudos to Nintendo for at least sticking to their word and making online free.
And the Rev being backwards compatible means I'll be buying it for sure.
And the Zelda trailer... words fail me.
Post by: couchmonkey on March 10, 2005, 09:43:49 AM
Post by: Pale on March 10, 2005, 09:53:49 AM
Post by: Bill Aurion on March 10, 2005, 09:59:07 AM
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on March 10, 2005, 10:04:12 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on March 10, 2005, 10:10:37 AM
Post by: D-Mac Double on March 10, 2005, 10:18:20 AM
QuoteAre you talking about Orca? He trains Link in his house.
Originally posted by: Avinash_Tyagi
Well the guy who trained Link in WW was in the overworld as well.
Post by: RickPowers on March 10, 2005, 10:21:15 AM
I've been hearing for well over a year that Revolution would be backwards compatible, so it's nice to see that part has been confirmed. How much, though, is the key ... software is assumed, but what about peripherals? Game Boy Player? Wired Ethernet adaptor? I don't know about anyone else, but I'd rather go wired just for the higher throughput.
That said, WiFi is the "marketing name" for the 802.11b wireless communication protocol. What WiFi is NOT is a network protocol, per se, like TCP/IP. That is the current problem the Nintendo DS has. It can connect to a wireless hotspot, but doesn't know how to communicate once it does. Think of it this way ... 802.11b is the type of phone you use to call people, TCP/IP is the language you use once they pick up the phone. That's an oversimplification, but I think it serves it's purpose.
The reason they keep saying WiFi is that they are being technically correct, as well as it being something people understand better than talking about 802.11b or TCP/IP. My guess is that it is up to the games to support the network language, and in this case, perhaps Nintendo is going with a different network standard? They talk about having to set up infrastructure, so it's not out of the realm of possibility, which is why they keep referring to "worldwide wireless play", and never mentioning Internet.
What do we care, as long as it's free? If Nintendo wants to control the network, but still offer it for free, that's essentially what Xbox Live is, so I can't see anyone having a problem with it.
Here's the interesting part: They refer to the wireless play in Revolution the same way. I think it's pretty safe to speculate that Nintendo is indeed in the process of rolling out a global game network service similar to Xbox Live. But Nintendo's will be FREE. That's going to put a significant chink in Microsoft's armor.
Post by: NWR_Lindy on March 10, 2005, 10:27:44 AM
Animal Crossing DS online too...now THAT is what I was talking about. So far Nintendo is doing pretty much what I said they should do in my editorial:
- announce DS online capability before Sony launches the PSP
- announce a DS online killer app (Animal Crossing)
- hype big games coming up later this year (in this case, Mario Kart)
Nintendo gets an A so far on my report card for their DS strategy. I can't wait to see what they unveil at E3...
silks
Post by: Ian Sane on March 10, 2005, 10:27:55 AM
If that's their plan Nintendo's won the online war... unless Sony does the same thing.
Post by: KnowsNothing on March 10, 2005, 10:30:39 AM
As for the Zelda trailor....WOW. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of the Goron being a tutor, since it looks as if Link and him are in some sort of ring-like arena. But whatever. At first I was like, "Wait, Link's riding a giant bore...." but upon watching the trailer again I realized that he slayed a (Moblin?) and took his ride, which is way cool. They've taken the whole "pick up your enemy's weapon" to the ++.
Post by: Pale on March 10, 2005, 10:35:52 AM
Post by: Karl Castaneda #2 on March 10, 2005, 10:38:47 AM
Post by: dafunkk12 on March 10, 2005, 10:39:20 AM
Post by: Don'tHate742 on March 10, 2005, 10:46:30 AM
Anyways, like Ian said, Nintendo has got it locked if this WiFi turns out to be a free, user-friendly, interactive "Nintendo Live." Even if Sony does the same, Xbox's main feature is out of the window, along with the Xbox if Nintendo releases the right games (or if the controller is actually...revolutionary). I like the built-in WiFi aspect, since I hate running cords through my house. And to those worried that it won't include an ethernet adapter, I'm sure they'll include it, but who knows.
I have a question for Rick:
What if I take my REV to my friends house to play some Super Smash Bros. Revolution LAN (please...for the love of god please), do I just plot it somewhere in his house and play? Or does he need a wireless router to send information back and forth so that we can play? Rumors speculate the first of my options, but I'd like to here what you think.
Post by: ruby_onix on March 10, 2005, 10:47:11 AM
Quote
Most importantly, the Revolution will be backwards compatible with all GameCube games. This also confirms that the Revolution will have at least a GameCube controller as input.
That should probably read...
Quote
Most importantly, the Revolution will be backwards compatible with all GameCube games. This also confirms that the Revolution will have at least a GameCube-compatible controller as input, or the option to use an original GameCube controller.
BTW, I have to wonder... Wavebird?
Quote
I've been hearing for well over a year that Revolution would be backwards compatible, so it's nice to see that part has been confirmed. How much, though, is the key ... software is assumed, but what about peripherals? Game Boy Player? Wired Ethernet adaptor? I don't know about anyone else, but I'd rather go wired just for the higher throughput.
Hook up the GCN's BBA to the Rev, and get better online? That'd be cool.
Edit: Plus it'd be good for people who don't have a wireless router.
Post by: edgeblade69 on March 10, 2005, 10:50:08 AM
I'm pretty happy so far and I hope Nintendo keeps the momentum going through E3 in May. I also hope the DS announcements keep Sony in check.
Post by: kirby_killer_dedede on March 10, 2005, 11:10:04 AM
The only things I can think of to make this game better are to stick about 900 FMVs in there, have tons of voice acting, and make it 2 discs or more. That's the kind of game that's going to sell Cubes by the truckload.
Post by: - NintendoFan - on March 10, 2005, 11:10:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: edgeblade69
Even with backwards compatability, Nintendo needs Zelda and/or Mario ready for Rev launch. You'd be crazy if you think Nintendo isn't already planning the first Rev Zelda game. They might not have full staff on it yet, but I bet at least 1 person is working on it part time.
I'm pretty happy so far and I hope Nintendo keeps the momentum going through E3 in May. I also hope the DS announcements keep Sony in check.
I think Nintendo plans to launch Rev. with Mario 128.
Post by: Bill Aurion on March 10, 2005, 11:15:25 AM
You better laugh right now because if you're serious I'm going to have to kick your teeth in...
Post by: Pale on March 10, 2005, 11:27:39 AM
Post by: KnowsNothing on March 10, 2005, 11:32:04 AM
But it wasn't very funny.
Post by: RickPowers on March 10, 2005, 11:43:04 AM
The WiFi protocol has two components. Infrastructure mode is where the device (in this case, Revolution) looks for a router to connect to. In this case, the router manages handing out IP Addresses, DNS, all the stuff that makes the internet work. Infrastructure mode is much like a Client/Server relationship, with one server, but many clients.
The second component is Ad-Hoc mode, which is where a device like the Nintendo DS would either look for another Nintendo DS to act as host (a pseudo-router, if you will), or will act as host for other devices, but once in the network, it's more of a direct connection. In Ad-Hoc mode, it's assumed that the devices are only communicating with each other, and is a much simpler way to get connected. This is a Peer-To-Peer relationship, where essentially, all of the devices communicate directly with one another, with no real central authority.
I would have to assume that Revolution will be looking for a router to connect to primarily, so it would be an Infrastructure mode device. It depends on how much of that Nintendo wants people (read: kids) to have to manage. Setting up a wireless network is simple, but not exactly easy when using disparate devices. If Nintendo wants Revolution to be a zero-configuration device, I'd assume that it will look for a router, and if it doesn't find one, starts looking for other Revolution devices (to create a mini-LAN).
I don't rule out the possiblity that Revolution might be able to act as a wireless router itself, but I can't see Nintendo adding this kind of complexity to the device.
Post by: Don'tHate742 on March 10, 2005, 11:51:32 AM
What if the game has a LAN mode, as well as an internet mode? Couldn't you just program the REV to look for other REV's when in LAN mode, and to look for a router if in internet mode?
I guess in the end it doesn't matter, since you commented on looking for one then the other. But what if you want to just play LAN games? I think there definitely needs to be an option for what the card is looking for. Also, do you think it's possible to have a configuration that hooks up two gamecubes sitting side-by-side online (via router) but as a pack? I'm thinking some program in your PC or REV is need for something like that.
Also, what do you think about it hooking up to a computer monitor? I can't see any good coming from this unless your: A) a college student B) just now broke your TV or C) are a high-rez junkie. Do you have any thoughts on that?
Post by: Shecky on March 10, 2005, 12:13:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: RickPowers
Wired Ethernet adaptor? I don't know about anyone else, but I'd rather go wired just for the higher throughput.
Come now, your not trying to convince me that I need a 100 Mbps connection between my console and ISP, when 90% of the ISP's services to home probably fall under 5Mbps from the outside world (even less to it).
Quote
That said, WiFi is the "marketing name" for the 802.11b wireless communication protocol. What WiFi is NOT is a network protocol, per se, like TCP/IP. That is the current problem the Nintendo DS has. It can connect to a wireless hotspot, but doesn't know how to communicate once it does. Think of it this way ... 802.11b is the type of phone you use to call people, TCP/IP is the language you use once they pick up the phone. That's an oversimplification, but I think it serves it's purpose.
802.11b is a link layer protocol, it allows information to flow from one side to the other (think your DS to your wireless router), IP gets you across multiple points, and TCP separates communication for end points... That's probably a little better of an oversimplification.
Quote
The reason they keep saying WiFi is that they are being technically correct, as well as it being something people understand better than talking about 802.11b or TCP/IP. My guess is that it is up to the games to support the network language, and in this case, perhaps Nintendo is going with a different network standard? They talk about having to set up infrastructure, so it's not out of the realm of possibility, which is why they keep referring to "worldwide wireless play", and never mentioning Internet.
Different network standard? First, Nintendo is not going to set up there own global infrastructure, or even national infrastructure. That *IS* out the realm of possibility. They couldn't afford it
. They likely mean that they'll sponsor hotspots or work with hotspot providers to make them compatible with the DS. Right now the DS has no means to enter any kind of credentials. There are a lot of airports with "WiFi coverage" for travelers... I don't know of many that will give it to you for free. In order to work in that kind of environment, the DS, or it's software, would have to compensate (provide a way to interface, enter CC info, etc). Either that or have open hotspots.-Shecky ... who's about ready to walk out of saag, where they're talking about all this security gunk, and get dinner.
Post by: RickPowers on March 10, 2005, 12:16:04 PM
As for the other hook up potential ideas, as I stated before, it all depends on how much Nintendo wants to allow people to fiddle with the connection settings. I'd like to say that they'll allow you to do just about anything, but I honestly don't think that will happen. Nintendo wants this to be as seamless as possible, and while that will restrict some of the more "creative" options, it'll also make the over all experience better.
Post by: RickPowers on March 10, 2005, 12:29:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Shecky
Come now, your not trying to convince me that I need a 100 Mbps connection between my console and ISP, when 90% of the ISP's services to home probably fall under 5Mbps from the outside world (even less to it).
Internet connections are getting faster and faster every day. It's called "forward thinking".
Quote
Originally posted by: Shecky
Different network standard? First, Nintendo is not going to set up there own global infrastructure, or even national infrastructure. That *IS* out the realm of possibility. They couldn't afford it
I think you misunderstood me. I mean, they could use a totally different routable protocol to get the Revolution units talking with a central matchmaking server. They wouldn't even have to re-create the wheel, just use an existing protocol that's not often used, to minimize crosstalk. My point is that Nintendo stated quite assuredly that they were working on the "infrastructure", which to me sounds like more than just matchmaking servers, but I could be mistaken.
I have another reason for this assumption, though, and it has to do with Piracy control. As soon as people figured out how to talk to the GameCube with the network adaptor, people found out how they could dump GCN ROMS. Going with an obscure protocol means that it would be harder to get your Revolution talking with your computer. It's not about making it foolproof, but just hard enough where people might give up before cracking it. Frankly, they might even be able to do it with malformed TCP packets.
As for the paid hotspots, I can't see Nintendo cutting any such deals. That would put Nintendo into a business that it has no business being involved with. I think that the assumption is that you're going to have free access to the hotspot you connect to, whether at home, school, lan cafe, or whatever. Although, it might even be possible for a paid wifi hotspot to pass "non-internet traffic" out without requiring a sign-on. I've never tried that. Might be worth an experiment.
Sorry to anyone not quite following this. I try to keep it simple for the majority of you, but sometimes, it's fun to get into the nuts and bolts.
Post by: Grant10k on March 10, 2005, 12:40:30 PM
Quote
Holy crap...we all thought it was an amazing concept for Link to be able to use enemies' weapons in WW...but hitching their rides? That's absolutely amazing. Oh my God, this is going to be an unbelievable game.
GTA: Hyrule
or GTE, Grand Theft Equine
Post by: NWR_Lindy on March 10, 2005, 03:59:39 PM
silks
Post by: Shecky on March 10, 2005, 04:15:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: RickPowers
I think you misunderstood me. I mean, they could use a totally different routable protocol to get the Revolution units talking with a central matchmaking server. They wouldn't even have to re-create the wheel, just use an existing protocol that's not often used, to minimize crosstalk. My point is that Nintendo stated quite assuredly that they were working on the "infrastructure", which to me sounds like more than just matchmaking servers, but I could be mistaken.
I have another reason for this assumption, though, and it has to do with Piracy control. As soon as people figured out how to talk to the GameCube with the network adaptor, people found out how they could dump GCN ROMS. Going with an obscure protocol means that it would be harder to get your Revolution talking with your computer. It's not about making it foolproof, but just hard enough where people might give up before cracking it. Frankly, they might even be able to do it with malformed TCP packets.
Shecky goes to cry on Jon Postel's grave. Seriously though, security through obscurity is not security at all. Nintendo would be shooting themselves in the foot by doing their own things, or malforming current ones. I'm sure Nintendo will use standard security measures to protect what needs protecting (such as logging into the matchmaking server). Most game data won't need it.
(I'm sure the rom thing you alluded to required more than just talking over the adapter - probably needed physical changes to the hardware, which from a security standpoint is a bear to protect against. If it didn't, then that's Nintendo's fault b/c there's no good reason to be shipping that data over the adapter under any normal circumstance -- or it was b/c they banked on security through obscurity
)
Post by: Djunknown on March 10, 2005, 04:38:31 PM
They officially acknowledged backwards compatbibity, but they didn't say to what extent. See the DS as an example. While it could mean it the Rev can support 'Cube controllers, it can also mean the Rev controller will be able to to what the 'Cube can do. We'll just to have to wait and see....
Post by: RickPowers on March 10, 2005, 06:30:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Shecky
Shecky goes to cry on Jon Postel's grave. Seriously though, security through obscurity is not security at all. Nintendo would be shooting themselves in the foot by doing their own things, or malforming current ones. I'm sure Nintendo will use standard security measures to protect what needs protecting (such as logging into the matchmaking server). Most game data won't need it.
(I'm sure the rom thing you alluded to required more than just talking over the adapter - probably needed physical changes to the hardware, which from a security standpoint is a bear to protect against. If it didn't, then that's Nintendo's fault b/c there's no good reason to be shipping that data over the adapter under any normal circumstance -- or it was b/c they banked on security through obscurity
Actually, security through obscurity does work, and the GameCube is proof-positive. The GD-ROMs are nothing more than miniature DVDs, written backwards. While ROMS have been dumped, there has yet to be a single disc successfully burned (or if there has, it's being kept VERY quiet). Nintendo has used a similar model with each console. The entire idea is to keep the process just difficult enough to keep the honest people honest. That was the problem (and arguably, part of the popularity) of the first PlayStation ... copying discs was ridiculously easy. As for whether or not they will be shooting themselves in the foot, I completely disagree, and there is little evidence to suggest otherwise.
The "ROM thing I alluded to" did require more than just talking over the adapter, it required a flawed PSO disc, and a small trick which would get the game to dump it's contents over the ethernet adapter, but it was a relatively minor issue. Once that was discovered, someone figured out how to boot PSO, enable the ethernet adapter, then dump other games as well. Regardless, the ROMs were worthless at that point since they couldn't be used on a console, and a working GCN emulator is years away. It's worth noting that even this wouldn't have happened if the PSO disc hadn't been bugged, so it's safe to say that Nintendo's "security through obscurity" model worked quite well.
Remember, since Nintendo isn't looking to be compatible with any devices other than their own, it doesn't matter what methods they choose, as long as they WORK. Hell, even going with straight internet standards is no safe bet ... Sony had a hell of a time at the launch of their network adapter trying to get people online (so much so that I even wrote a FAQ). Whatever route Nintendo chooses, I'm certain it will "just work".
Post by: KDR_11k on March 11, 2005, 05:13:53 AM
Post by: RickPowers on March 11, 2005, 06:37:05 AM
While it will certainly be possible to figure out the protocol Nintendo would be using (assuming my hypothesis is even valid, which I'm not entirely sure of myself), the return on investment is likely going to be so low that most won't bother. Some people will, just for the challenge, but my point is that when the average person won't, the job is done.That was why I was saying that the PlayStation ended up having a hard time towards the end of it's lifespan (and incidentally, why I think that Sony rushed the PS2 to market), because it was possible to rip and burn a PlayStation game with a standard CD Burner, and CD Burners had just hit critical mass. Bad timing.
Post by: vudu on March 11, 2005, 08:46:14 AM
QuoteI'm actually kinda surprised some Xbox fanboy hasn't come here screaming about how Zelda is ripping off Halo 2.
Holy crap...we all thought it was an amazing concept for Link to be able to use enemies' weapons in WW...but hitching their rides? That's absolutely amazing. Oh my God, this is going to be an unbelievable game.
Post by: Kairon on March 11, 2005, 09:52:09 AM
All along I've felt that Nintendo is the one company who can best deliver on the values I look for in games: real fun, thoughtful design, pure control and surprising ingenuity, all in one package. And even as the years went on, I've not been disheartened by my favorite company, but have developed a better understanding of them. Their emphasis on "Wi-fi" as opposed to "internet" should come as no surprise, becasue Nintendo is not nearly in the same position as Sony or Microsoft when it comes to developing networks: they're not a technology company. Nintendo's lack of online with the GC wasn't a surprise, nor is their push for Wi-Fi now, because even their Famicom went online back in the 80's, and they've dedicated themselves to providing networked games only when it meets their requirements: free, easy, purposeful.
I guess all I'm saying is that I'm astounded about why Nintendo fans feelings on Nintendo are so reactionary, when they could take a more proactive role in understanding the nature of Nintendo, the Nature of the market, and indeed, the nature of the changing world around them.
Carmine M. Red
P.S. I wouldn't crow too soon about Nintendo's Wi-Fi. PSP launches in the US soon, and we have yet to see Sony's and MS's revamped plans. And remember the old videogamer's adage: software sells. The proof is in the pudding: the games and implementation. I haven't ever felt like Nintendo has let me down, but then again, I've tried to understand them in a realistic manner.
Post by: PaLaDiN on March 11, 2005, 10:03:43 AM
Back on topic, now that all's said and done and the dust has settled, the only thing I really care about from those announcements is that the Rev will be backwards compatible and that Zelda looks like it'll deliver. Wifi can go to hell, but at least they didn't do the collosally stupid thing and charge for it.
Post by: Kairon on March 11, 2005, 01:05:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: PaLaDiN
It's fun to be reactionary sometimes. You may never feel like Nintendo lets you down, but chances are with your attitude you'll never be as overjoyed when they do things right as some others here. Too much emotional control can be a bad thing.
Au contraire. There is no better joy in my videogaming life than to play a Nintendo game. I mean, even months or years later I keep discovering new insights into their game design and uncovering telling quirks that allow me to understand them better.
I'd like to think that instead of being a Nintendo fan by following their marketshare, I'm a devoted Nintendo fan because I am want to understand the company, people, and games for what they are and what drives them. I think it's a pity that fanboys have become more like fans of the public relations and the marketshare, rather than being fans of the games.
Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
