Post by: Jonnyboy117 on April 08, 2006, 12:39:31 PM
In an interview in the May issue of Game Informer (yes, the same one with the Red Steel exclusive), George Harrison talks about the Revolution in greater detail than ever before. Harrison is Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications at Nintendo of America.
Harrison admits that the Revolution is targeted at the Japanese market first and foremost, where the video game industry has been in a steady decline for years (at least until the booming success of the Nintendo DS). However, the company is aiming to launch the Revolution worldwide in 2006. He also reiterates that the system will cost less than Xbox 360, similar to comments from Reggie Fils-Aime last year. As for software prices, he says the standard game price will be $50, though some games could cost $60. (It is not clear whether this statement would apply to all Revolution software or only Nintendo's own games.)
Harrison admits that Nintendo has learned many lessons from the success of the PlayStation 2. They now understand that the system with the greatest variety of software does not need technical superiority. They have also learned that it's important to keep software flowing throughout the first year on the market, as opposed to what happened with GameCube and DS (big launches and then several months with few or no games released). The marketing challenges for Revolution are similar to the challenges Nintendo faced when marketing the Virtual Boy in the 90s.
Finally, Harrison predicts that the Revolution could launch later this year with as many as twenty launch titles, although Nintendo is still not sure which third-party games will be ready for that timeframe. Of that number, he says one-third (six to seven titles) could be from Nintendo itself. This would easily be the largest number of Nintendo-published launch titles in the history of Nintendo's hardware releases.
For the full interview, be sure to pick up the May issue of Game Informer magazine.
Thanks to reader PhoenixDark for the tip!
Post by: MaleficentOgre on April 08, 2006, 01:37:21 PM
Post by: Karl Castaneda #2 on April 08, 2006, 01:55:03 PM
-Super Smash Bros. Online
-Original Miyamoto IP
-Mario Revolution
-Metroid Prime 3
-Camelot RPG (They've probably been working on it for a while, I'm assuming)
-Something from Intelligent Systems (This is more of a wish than something likely, but they're not doing a whole lot right now that we know of)
-Twilight Princess acting as a bridge from the GameCube to the Revolution with Revmote capabilities
Nothing concrete in that, but I think it's possible if Nintendo's really been keeping themselves busy. And man, wouldn't it be awesome? There could really be something in there for everyone, and that's what'll matter long-term.
Post by: PaLaDiN on April 08, 2006, 02:48:07 PM
Post by: blackfootsteps on April 08, 2006, 02:57:10 PM
Post by: vudu on April 08, 2006, 03:21:55 PM
QuoteShame it's not 1/3--then we could assume it's the last part of Golden Sun. Perhaps it's four times bigger than any one of the GBA games?
Originally posted by: PaLaDiN
Oh good, looking forward to Nintendo's 6 and 2/3 games.
Post by: trip1eX on April 08, 2006, 03:38:18 PM
Madden 2k7
Tiger Woods 2k7
NBA Live 2k7
NHL 2k7
Need for Speed: Outlaw
Post by: JonLeung on April 08, 2006, 03:50:05 PM
Post by: Djunknown on April 08, 2006, 04:20:37 PM
Quote
They have also learned that it's important to keep software flowing throughout the first year on the market, as opposed to what happened with GameCube and DS (big launches and then several months with few or no games released).
So no 6 month drought of nothing to play this time? Though it'll be allivieated with backwards compatibility.
Quote
Of that number, he says one-third (six to seven titles) could be from Nintendo itself.
Now out of those, how many of them will be playable via Wi-Fi Connection? Any guesses?
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on April 08, 2006, 05:31:22 PM
Post by: Caliban on April 08, 2006, 05:48:34 PM
1st party games have been for the GC $59.99CAD, which is around $49.99US, and most 3rd party are $69.99CAD, so that price statement is just them assuring us that games won't cost more because it is a new generation.
I would rather have maximum 3 1st party games at launch and the rest coming out every month or so (even every 3 weeks). Still that would be alot of games, and including 3rd party games? Crikes, that will kill my wallet. I'm still getting the sytem though and I might be able to get all the 1st party games and have a little left for 1 or 2 3rd party games.
Post by: 18 Days on April 08, 2006, 05:49:28 PM
Post by: BigJim on April 08, 2006, 07:02:35 PM
"Harrison admits that Nintendo has learned many lessons from the success of the PlayStation 2. They now understand that the system with the greatest variety of software does not need technical superiority."
"They have also learned that it's important to keep software flowing throughout the first year on the market, as opposed to what happened with GameCube and DS."
"...as many as twenty launch titles."
I'm really happy to see Nintendo is paying attention! Ok... We'll have up to 20 games to choose from? Jeez, my family is going to have a crappy Christmas.
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on April 08, 2006, 07:28:08 PM
Wow, thats already over $200 in games, and who knows how many of the other ones will be good.
Curse You nintendo...i'm not made of money!!!!
Also one thing to note from the interview not mentioned, Nintendo is still up in the air about adding in another controller into the system.
In addition to launch discussion, Harrison touched on a number of other topics. Concerning what will be packed in with Revolution, Harrison said Nintendo is still deciding; one free-hand unit and nunchucku will be available, but a second controller is being considered. As for price of the console, Harrison said, "our goal is to come in at a slightly more mass market price", speaking in comparison to the Xbox 360.
Revolution Report
Post by: Ian Sane on April 08, 2006, 08:04:38 PM
YES! Easily the most important thing Nintendo could have ever learned about last gen.
"Harrison admits that Nintendo has learned many lessons from the success of the PlayStation 2. They now understand that the system with the greatest variety of software does not need technical superiority."
That's a really weird lesson to learn. I'd say the PS2 succeeded despite having the weakest hardware. That's like having only two controller ports because the PS2 didn't need four. Nintendo should look more at what helped the PS2's success instead of what could have screwed them over but didn't.
Six or seven first party launch titles sounds nice though I wouldn't be surprised if some of them were "non-games" with short dev times which would make it easier to crank out games like that. But as long as some of those games have some meat to them that'll still be fine. The DS took like six months to get that many first party games. I feel those initial DS games were pretty weak but if all of them were available at launch it wouldn't have been so bad. The Cube only had four "launch window" games so more would generally be better.
I wouldn't pay any attention to the overall 20 number though. trip1eX listed some of the sort of third party titles that would be included with the 20. With third party support a number isn't good enough. It's important to know who is on board and what they're making.
Post by: Rize on April 08, 2006, 08:11:43 PM
Post by: Smash_Brother on April 08, 2006, 08:34:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
"They have also learned that it's important to keep software flowing throughout the first year on the market, as opposed to what happened with GameCube and DS (big launches and then several months with few or no games released)."
YES! Easily the most important thing Nintendo could have ever learned about last gen.
Yeah, when I saw that quote, I thought of you...
Post by: IceCold on April 08, 2006, 09:01:55 PM
QuoteI agree wholeheartedly. However, I don't think he meant it in the way you think; it was just awkward wording. I think that he meant that the PS2 succeeded despite its technical limitations, and with the Revolution's controller, it will also succeed despite the hardware.
That's a really weird lesson to learn. I'd say the PS2 succeeded despite having the weakest hardware. That's like having only two controller ports because the PS2 didn't need four.
Post by: GoldenPhoenix on April 08, 2006, 09:39:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: IceColdQuoteI agree wholeheartedly. However, I don't think he meant it in the way you think; it was just awkward wording. I think that he meant that the PS2 succeeded despite its technical limitations, and with the Revolution's controller, it will also succeed despite the hardware.
That's a really weird lesson to learn. I'd say the PS2 succeeded despite having the weakest hardware. That's like having only two controller ports because the PS2 didn't need four.
Yeah that is how I viewed his statements, he was basically stating that there is more to a system's success than hardware.
Post by: TrueNerd on April 08, 2006, 09:42:39 PM
As for the PS2 parallels, Harrison simply means that the system with the most varied and highest quality library wins, not the system with the best graphics. And it's true, as Sony has proved the last two generations and Nintendo is currently proving with the DS. Not a bad lesson to learn. Too bad they didn't learn it six years ago after the PS1 kicked their asses.
Post by: Smash_Brother on April 08, 2006, 09:46:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: TrueNerd Too bad they didn't learn it six years ago after the PS1 kicked their asses.
I agree, but I think the GC wouldn't have had the necessary support even if it had 3X the number of 3rd party titles.
It's the Revmote which is bringing about 3rd parties this time around. It even inspired Ubi to try something new and different. Clearly, Nintendo was onto something when they insisted that developers would like to take gaming in new directions.
Post by: wandering on April 08, 2006, 10:29:58 PM
Quote
In addition to launch discussion, Harrison touched on a number of other topics. Concerning what will be packed in with Revolution, Harrison said Nintendo is still deciding; one free-hand unit and nunchucku will be available, but a second controller is being considered.
Interesting that they're still deciding. It says to me that none of the third party games are planning on using the shell.
Or else the shell has some hidden function that, when we see it, well go "Oh, so THAT'S why Nintendo was hesitant to pack it in." Though I have no idea what that hidden function might be.
Post by: Hocotate on April 09, 2006, 02:41:36 AM
Post by: ruby_onix on April 09, 2006, 03:13:23 AM
Post by: stevey on April 09, 2006, 06:20:45 AM
Post by: 18 Days on April 09, 2006, 06:55:56 AM
Post by: trip1eX on April 09, 2006, 07:58:03 AM
NOpe.
None that I can think of.
The closest would be CoD2, but that was a sequel to a sequel(CoD) of another game(MoH). And it was on the pc too.
And the REv is getting a CoD game as well!!!!
This Red Steel stuff is just awesome news!!!!!! for the hardcore gamers..... It sounds like it was Ubi that approached Nintendo, but man if Nintendo didn't need exactly what Red Steel seems to be - a blood and gore new IP first person shooter at launch from a major 3rd party. Guys at this stage of the game this is just awesome news!!!! IT's just what the GAmeDoctor ordered.
Post by: Fro on April 09, 2006, 08:30:06 AM
Post by: EasyCure on April 09, 2006, 10:44:07 AM
also interesting news is the bigN considering to package 2 contollers...i think thats f-ing amazing. i always felt so alone the first month or so after a system launch when i'd only have the one controller and my friends still wouldnt own a system yet and i'd have no one to play with
. looks like this time around my moocher friends will be able to get in on the action and jump ont he Rev boat even earlier since im the only one with a job, hooray!!! that would make smash bros. at launch THAT more enjoyable, knowing that right out of the box i have a second controller to toss to a worthy oponent. as for the shell...not really interested anymore. i could care less about playing "more traditional games" in a "more traditional" sense. GIVE ME FREEHAND MOTION SENSING CAPABILITIES OR GIVE ME DEATH.
sure i'll use it for VR console games but the truth is im going to be SO into playing all those new games i wont get around to buying/renting (however its done) a retro game for awhile. I won't need that retro fix at around launch, especially when there are still a few GC games i could check out. save the NES/NES games for that time period when you have to wiat for that next new game to launch a few weeks down the road and you've played everything else already. thats my own opinion though. i can be a picky gamer, there are a lot of third party titles that dont ever really catch my full interest, so even if there are games coming out to the rev on a steady basis (lets hope) i will be one of the ones waiting for the next 1st party game. THATS when i'll check out the archives of those golden games of yore. thats why i could care less about the shell anymore. after reading of what Ubisoft's amitious new title can do, im just that more excited about what those ALREADY ambitious developers could do with this new controller. i have no more worries about the reVmote so if they decide to pack it in, they better pack a dust cover too cuz i wont touch it.
Post by: Smash_Brother on April 09, 2006, 11:20:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Fro
That's the great thing about the Rev controller, it pretty much forces third party exclusivity for a lot of games.
I was just saying that in another thread.
This is a 3rd party title and yet it could be Nintendo's "Halo killer" which is almost guaranteed exclusivity because the controller makes it impossible to port without redoing most of the game.
They even said that the controller will allow gunfights to happen which would have been impossible with a standard analogue stick because you'll be required to aim so fast and so accurately.
Post by: Mario323 on April 09, 2006, 12:44:13 PM
Post by: Kairon on April 09, 2006, 12:54:25 PM
/wears a brown coat
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
Post by: Michael8983 on April 09, 2006, 02:53:28 PM
It's one thing for the Revmote to be used in quirky arcade style games but showcasing how well it will work with one of the most popular genres in the largest gaming market on Earth is something they can't ignore.
Post by: AnyoneEB on April 09, 2006, 03:21:39 PM
On the other hand, Sony could yet add revmote-style functionality to the PS3, but, unless they did so about a year ago and kept it quiet (which is not impossible), they would probably not have any launch titles based around it. Things could get very interesting if Sony actually does that, but I suspect that neither Sony nor Microsoft are willing to copy Nintendo on the Revmote until they see if it is actually successful.
Post by: EasyCure on April 09, 2006, 03:39:14 PM
then again maybe its just fanboyism in me that desperately wants the compitition NOT to copy this idea. did everyone forget about dualFX already? when i first heard of that i was pissed that they were already trying to rip off nintendo until i found out more about it.
for those of you who dont know check out http://games.kikizo.com/news/200601/027.asp
and for those of you two lazy to copy and paste that in to your browser, heres the gist of it:
its a two-handed revolution style knock off not made by sony themselves but a chinese manufacturer to be used in FPS. the left hand holds a stick that has a d pad and control stick while the right, uglier controller has a second c-stick and face buttons, and is used like a light gun. according to the site it doesnt work very well and was due out last march for the PS2. i havent heard anything of it since.
-edit:
in looking for that link i came across a few other sites with news i havent heard about (since im not into playstation news frankly). maybe you guys have heard of this but its new to me; that boomerang controller for ps2 was tossed out because feedback was so negative that their coming up with a new design to be unveiled at e3. i also came across a few sites mentioning that sony patented some type of 'want' technology that used a webcam type device to sense motion back in 2004. it probably ended up becoming the eye-toy but with all this talk of ripping off compitition, maybe im not to off when i jump to such conclusions. if they can work that thing to work like the revolution remote maybe theres nothing nintendo lawyers can do (if thats the case)
Post by: Smash_Brother on April 09, 2006, 06:50:00 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if Sony tried anything and everything they could to rip off Nintendo. After all, they've been doing it since they entered the gaming market and I don't see what would stop them now.
Post by: wandering on April 09, 2006, 09:00:04 PM
Quote
I wouldn't be surprised if Sony tried anything and everything they could to rip off Nintendo. After all, they've been doing it since they entered the gaming market and I don't see what would stop them now.
Now that they're in market leadership position, though, it seems like they've been waiting to see whether Nintendo's ideas bear out before copying them.
Post by: Smash_Brother on April 09, 2006, 09:16:49 PM
Look at Apple. Microsoft has been ripping them off for ages, effectively making Apple into a no-cost R&D for MS. There's even a video where Bill Gates is introducing "new" features for Vista or something and someone edited in screens of Mac OSX (Apple's current OS) at all the points he was talking about the "new" features, instead showing that these features are already in Apple's OS and have been for months.
Lucky for Apple, the iPod is something which they were first to market with (a low cost MP3 player which connects easily and seamlessly to a computer to add music to it) as is their download service and they've been off and running with it ever since, still the market leader, by far, despite the fact that a bajillion copycats have sprung up all over the internet.
I'm not convinced that Sony won't be introducing a "PS3mote" at E3 as an optional peripheral, but we'll have to wait and see.
I just hope Nintendo doesn't become the free R&D where they're the only company who innovates and everyone just rips them off, like Apple was for so goddamn long.
Post by: wandering on April 09, 2006, 09:46:49 PM
Quote
a low cost MP3 player which connects easily and seamlessly to a computer to add music to it)
I don't think so....
Post by: WesDawg on April 10, 2006, 06:28:14 AM
OSX has a ton of great features that Vista is nowhere near seeing either. Microsoft may rip them off, but they've got such a mucked up dev platform that nothing they do will ever be near the quality of a Mac. PCs outsellig Macs has nothing to do with features. It's entirely based on price.
Post by: Ceric on April 10, 2006, 08:17:16 AM
20 titles is awesome news. I'll post a write up of how I think the Nintendo press conference will go later. I made it before this announcement. Once you release something good to the public it is bound to be copied. Just how things are. Though I think Nintendo might have a lock on one of the most viable systems. If they worded there patents right I don't think they'll have much to worry about.
Post by: MaryJane on April 10, 2006, 12:05:26 PM
20 x 50 = $1,000 + $250(cost of rev) = $1,250 + VC titles = $1,400(estimate)
And everyone says the Xbox 360 is too expensive...
I'm not going to be able to buy anyone anything for Christmas this year.
Post by: Avinash_Tyagi on April 10, 2006, 12:56:51 PM
Post by: EasyCure on April 11, 2006, 07:39:27 AM
its my fear that this pure ignorance will lead to nintendo not getting any credit if sony/ms do copy the revmote, even if its not as good, then when people hear about nintendo and the revmote it'll be called a "ripoff" of the other systems.
clearly the revmote is something that will be push in advertisements but nintendo has to really push those ads if they want to get the word out to the masses. i see nothing but commercials for the other two companies and even when nintendo does have a big game out; you dont see anythinga bout it on tv. i was suprised when i saw their wi-fi ads on the bigscreen not too long ago.
speaking of those sony/ms fanboys and their ignorance....did anyone catch that ign video of an interview with matt c. which was followed by a 'man on the street' type interview where they asked people what they thought of the DSL? there was that one guy who couldnt take his eyes off the screen or stop touching the screen while he said things like "they got the same stoopid grafx they always have....they should just go outta business...they need psp grafx.....they couldnt even give me a revolution iw ouldnt play it..." and i repeat, he couldnt stop playing the damn thing. i on the other hand couldnt stop laughing at how dumb he came across and could relate to people i know that would do the saaaame thing.
Post by: MaryJane on April 11, 2006, 12:48:57 PM
Post by: Smash_Brother on April 11, 2006, 06:59:08 PM
1. Offer something the competition does not to differentiate yourself, something which will appeal to developers and gamers alike: the Revmote.
2. Offer incentives for existing and hardcore/retro gamers to own the console: Zelda TP support and the Virtual Console.
3. Form REAL alliances with 3rd parties and help them to bring their ideas regarding your new technology to life: Ubi and Red Steel (and who knows what else).
4. Advertise it like crazy to ensure that it's well-known just how it works. Simple, concise commercials which CLEARLY show the functionality of the Revmote and it's application to a game. Frankly, I can think of no better game than Red Steel: a video of a player shooting the guns out of the hands of thugs then swordfighting a Yakuza boss and forcing him to submit would be perfect. It's dark, it's gritty, it's intense, and as long as the commercial makes it clear that it's the player's hand motions which are controlling the sword, it would perfectly convey the point.
If Nintendo can make good on #4, then they'll have a serious bid for the console war.
Quote
I would like to point out to the Apple people that OSX stole feature from Vista. They were just to the market faster.
So Apple has spies in MS's development teams?
Post by: ThePerm on April 15, 2006, 03:43:36 PM
Post by: MaryJane on April 15, 2006, 03:56:02 PM
Post by: Kairon on April 15, 2006, 04:11:00 PM
~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com
