Messages

501

TalkBack / RE:EDITORIAL: With Great Power ...

« on: February 23, 2005, 12:48:03 PM »

"Even if they COULD eliminate the cable and improve the reception on it, any sort of "Super Power Glove" would be a hard sell. People are too used to pushing buttons, and no gamer is going to want to wave their hands around for even short periods of time. It's tiring and awkward; people are used to pushing buttons and that's what they expect to do with every new console. One day the technology is going to allow for total immersion-type games, and then button-pushing will be a thing of the past, but the first time is going to be difficult to sell and somehow it seems unlikely that that time would be now."

I think you're going a little to far with that.  If such a device were used, you wouldn't be waving your arms around necessarily.  You could accomplish a lot with finger and wrist movements (more subtle things).  As for who it would appeal to... I think Nintendo will continue to appeal to Nintendo fans no matter what.  They have indicated themselves that they would like to appeal to a new market (not just steal customers or share them with Sony and Microsoft).  This is the kind of interface that could do that.

Think of Tom Cruise using that computer in the beginning of Minority Report (the move not the game *shudders*)... sure if you design something like that PC peripheral you described it's going to fail because the PC software isn't designed to work with it.  But if games and/or software are designed to use it, then it could be very effective.

502

TalkBack / RE:EDITORIAL: With Great Power ...

« on: February 23, 2005, 12:26:45 PM »

I'm holding out hope too, but not for Nintendo to reclaim their crown in the industry.  I just want them to be a successful company and continue making games.  They don't have to be king of the world to do that (and they know it).

"Even the upgrades which the article described (better AI, better lighting, better physics) are neglible."

Doom 3 is not all that new of an experience, but Half-Life 2 is  We don't see valve rushing to port that to current consoles.  The minimum spec for that is a 1.2 Ghz CPU (with 2.4 recommended).  There are definitely gameplay scenarios that simply won't work on current hardware due to lack of processing power.  The upgrades in Half-Life 2 (AI and physics in particular) are crucial to the experience, not negligible.  If you don't have a good PC, perhaps you'll get to experience it yourself on a next-gen console.  Half-Life 2 neatly defeats your entire hypothesis.  It can't be properly done on current consoles and it is a new and worthwhile experience.  Which is why I mentioned it in the editorial.  Have you played Half-Life 2 (or even Doom 3)?

503

TalkBack / RE:EDITORIAL: With Great Power ...

« on: February 23, 2005, 11:26:52 AM »

If they just take the controller and add a gyro or a touch pad or something, that will hardly be revolutionary imo (in fact it would be awkward).  I really think they may go with a modern powerglove design.  The powerglove was really way ahead of its time.  It hardly makes sense except in 3D games (the game that shipped with the PG, glove ball, was a psuedo 3D game if I remember correctly).  With today's technology (both in the glove and in the console) it would make a lot more sense.  And I think it could be considered revolutionary.  We'll see though.

504

TalkBack / RE:EDITORIAL: With Great Power ...

« on: February 23, 2005, 11:02:55 AM »

Wes, Nintendo has said quite a bit if you collect the various facts.  And with a little logic, it's pretty clear that the only thing Nintendo can revolutionize (without being laughed at or spending too much money) is the controller.  And when I say they're ready to bury the current 3D paradigm, I don't mean 3D period, but the current style.

505

TalkBack / RE:EDITORIAL: With Great Power ...

« on: February 23, 2005, 08:45:02 AM »

foolish03:  thanks

Ian Sane:  I don't necessarily think Nintendo is heading down the wrong path.  That all depends on what revolution is exactly.  If it provides an option but very useful new method of control (for example the N64's analog stick) then it will be good.  If the current controller design is compromised and the revolution isn't clearly useful (think DS which sorely needs an analog stick/nub) then it will not be so good.  And yes, that's more of what I'm getting at.  Nintendo may not have the wrong idea, but they're definitely jumping the gun a bit.  Unfortunately, hardware transitions only come once every five years so if not now, then another five years may be too late (though I doubt it).  Then again, the situation in Japan is somewhat different and I can't blame Nintendo for focusing on their home country (although I'm not sure it makes good business sense considering the size of the U.S. market).

"Imagine an entire console with games like that released at the same time as the Genesis and SNES. It would have had some really interesting games but the technology was still very early at that stage and the general public would not have accepted it. Things like that have to be eased into. If Nintendo has a truly revolutionary idea then people have to be eased into it."

This assumes that whatever idea Nintendo comes up with for revolution will be hardware limited (for example if they tried to do VR which I seriously doubt).  Honestly, I don't think the revolution will be hardware limited.  I think it's going to be some significant change or addition to the controller which will function exactly as they intend it to (much like the DS's touch screen which is not intrinsicly limited in any way).

"Every 2D and 3D game that uses the traditional controller design we have now has to work on the Revolution. If not the console is merely a bizzare offshoot gimmick console like the Virtual Boy."

I agree except that if the revolutionary aspect is good enough, then it will not matter.  However, I doubt it will be good enough so I hope the revolution does not exclude classic gameplay.

Bill Aurion said:  "60 FPS should be standard next-gen"

That's something I've thought about before as well.  The case is much like co-op, except when co-op is implemented there is a tangible new feature.  60 frames a second is not nearly as big a selling point.   60 fps has always been possible (as F-Zero X on the N64 demonstrates).  It just requires a developer with discipline who wants to acheive it.  They can always chop the framerate in half and essentially double the detail so I don't expect games running at 60 fps to be much more common than they are now.

"However, these are still very meager changes...To me that is nothing compared to what could be done gameplay-wise...Sure it's prettier and you can add a few new gameplay aspects, and increase A.I., but to me that's not really worth a new generation, and it sure doesn't affect the immersion factor...I eagerly await Nintendo's view of the future..."

I think it is worth a new generation if you can realize new types of gameplay in addition to better graphics.  Even the graphics alone are worth it to some extent.  Improved graphics do affect immersion more than we like to admit (for fear of seeming shallow I guess).

JonLueng said:  "Seeing as how you can't make a game with any more dimensions, I would think that Nintendo would have to be working on something more immersive. Imagining things like "true holographic 3D" or some new way to interact with characters on a television other than pressing buttons seem a bit hasty. I'm guessing the best they can do is take a step or two in those directions. But if not amazing enough, some people might not want to learn how to enjoy such a thing."

I don't think Nintendo is working with any kind of new visualization technology.  They aren't in the "TV" business and going that route would likely be far too risky and expensive.  Very likely, assuming revolution isn't a bunch of hot air, it will be a change to the controller.  I'm antipating something akin to the power glove but using both hands and of course, much more modern technology.  The power glove actually used three detectors, apparently, to triangulate the gloves location in space.  It probably used infrared (like a remote control) which would limit it's usefulness.

If they go this route the revolution's "power glove" would use RF (like the wavebird) and might include multiple sensors (one per thumb/finger).  The original powerglove measured finger movement using devices embedded in the glove.  The new one would just use the RF tags on each finger/thumb to track individual finger movements (relative to the rest of your hand).  I'm not sure how feasible it would be for each "revolution" to include RF triangulation hardware (it would have to accomodate multiple players; you would just have to buy new gloves for more players not new receivers).

But that's purely speculation for now.

506

TalkBack / EDITORIAL: With Great Power ...

« on: February 23, 2005, 04:46:15 AM »

This thread is for discussion of my new editorial.

With Great Power ...

I may be MIA for a few hours, but I'll check in as soon as possible.  

507

TalkBack / RE:Resident Evil 4 Tops January Sales Chart

« on: February 22, 2005, 01:13:22 PM »

A store near me called gameware has some old N64 titles (some new some used).  Just a few leftovers.  I'm so tempted to buy hybrid heaven, but it's 25 bucks and it probably sucks  I used to think it was related to metal gear for some reasont hough.

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TalkBack / RE:Resident Evil 4 Tops January Sales Chart

« on: February 22, 2005, 12:04:42 PM »

Yeah, I'm aware that NPD data isn't usually published like that.  Which is why I wondered where you got it.  I'm curious about how well Doom 3 has sold to date... have that anywhere?

Btw this data only accounts for the U.S. correct?

509

TalkBack / RE: Resident Evil 4 Tops January Sales Chart

« on: February 22, 2005, 05:17:25 AM »

Link?

[NPD data indicates The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories and Super Mario 64 DS place third, ninth and tenth respectively.]

510

TalkBack / Resident Evil 4 Tops January Sales Chart

« on: February 22, 2005, 03:13:00 AM »

NPD data indicates The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories and Super Mario 64 DS place third, ninth and tenth respectively.

Feb. 22, 2005

Did You Know?

Resident Evil 4 Hacks its Way to the Top of Sales All Three Nintendo Systems Place Games in the Top 10

Capcom's pulse-pounding Resident Evil(R) 4, made exclusively for Nintendo GameCube(TM) beat all other video games in January sales.  It's also one of the best-reviewed games in years. The sales boom no doubt has been driven by reviews that call the game "an absolute must-have," "an amazing achievement" and "early contender for game of the year." Resident Evil 4 boasts no fewer than 30 perfect ratings from magazine and online reviewers, and some 55 others that rate it at 90 percent or higher.  

But if crazed townsfolk and monstrous creatures aren't your thing, Nintendo has plenty of other top-selling games to keep you occupied.  According to the NPD Group's January sales tracking report, each Nintendo video game system had at least one game in January's top 10 sellers. In addition to Resident Evil 4 at No. 1, Nintendo continued its dominance of the hand-held market with The Legend of Zelda(R): The Minish Cap for Game Boy(R) Advance SP at No. 3 overall, Square Enix's KINGDOM HEARTS(R) CHAIN OF MEMORIES for GBA SP at No. 9 and Super Mario(R) 64 DS for Nintendo DS(TM) at No. 10.

[DS versions of Harvest Moon, Bubble Bobble, and Space Invaders will be among the first titles released by new publisher Rising Star.]

511

TalkBack / Harvest Moon, Bubble Bobble and Space Invaders DS

« on: February 04, 2005, 07:18:37 AM »

DS versions of Harvest Moon, Bubble Bobble, and Space Invaders will be among the first titles released by new publisher Rising Star.

New Games Publisher To Star On PSP, Nintendo DS; Home Console Titles Due Also

Japanese joint venture to bring the best Eastern games to Europe; Harvest Moon Makes First Ever PS2 Appearance Alongside New DS, GBA and Game Cube Versions; Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble Updated For Next Generation Handhelds

Friday 4 February 2005/... A new publishing powerhouse is establishing itself in Europe, with the remit of bringing the very best Japanese titles to the continent's shores.  

Rising Star Games Limited (Rising Star) – a joint venture between Japanese publisher Marvelous Interactive Inc. and long-standing Japanese Nintendo distributor Bergsala AB– will initially publish titles for PSP, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2, introducing new games alongside enhanced and updated iterations of interactive entertainment's most loved franchises.  

Rising Star's launch portfolio includes the first ever appearance of a Harvest Moon title on PlayStation 2, along with new iterations on Nintendo DS and Nintendo Game Cube.  

The firm's goal is to reduce the period between Japanese and Western release, reversing the threat of grey imports. Thanks to Rising Star's close working relationship with its development partners, there will even be occasions where the European release is ahead of the Japanese street date.  

"Japan is the most vibrant and creative territory for videogames with global appeal," said Mr. Owe Bergsten, CEO, Rising Star Games. "Rising Star will identify the best Japanese titles which are most suitable for European gamers and work closely with our development teams to ensure that they can be published, fully localised, of course, on or ahead of their native release."

Mr. Shigeki Takeuchi, Managing Director, Rising Star Games, added: "Rising Star is a radical new concept for the global interactive entertainment industry – reducing the delay European consumers would ordinarily expect. By removing the gap between Eastern and Western releases, we're giving the European games industry a legitimate domestic business, and European gamers the titles they crave."

The first trio of titles sees Bubble Bobble and Space Invaders appear in significantly enhanced form on Nintendo DS, along with Sword of Destiny on PS2. A new Evolution series will be introduced on PSP later in the year, which will enhance classic franchises further for the new Sony handheld.  

Space Invaders Revolution takes the much-loved original format and enhances it for the Nintendo DS with a host of new game modes and challenges, all wrapped up in next-generation handheld visuals and audio.  

Bubble Bobble Revolution will make full use of the Nintendo DS's touch screen, offering players the opportunity to interact with the game's vibrant environments in spectacular and innovative ways.  

Sword of Destiny is an original PlayStation 2 hack and slash adventure, which offers some of the most finely-honed combat and lavish environments yet seen on the Sony console.  

European gamers will be treated to four new iterations of Harvest Moon. Harvest Moon: Oh Wonderful Life will appear on Game Cube and PS2 in September and October 2005 respectively, marking the series' first-ever appearance on a Sony Console. Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town arrives on Game Boy Advance in June 2004, with an all-new Harvest Moon game (working title: Harvest Moon DS) arriving on Nintendo's dual-screen handheld in November 2005. Each of these versions will offer a slightly different twist on the staggeringly popular Harvest Moon theme, and promises to introduce the series' wonderful concept to a whole new audience.  

Rising Star is headquartered in Hertfordshire. Key staff appointments and distribution partners will be announced soon.  

Rising Star Games has appointed Barrington Harvey as its PR, marketing and media buying agency.

512

TalkBack / RE:PGC Louie Awards 2004

« on: February 01, 2005, 10:44:54 AM »

"Perhaps its that the writers have lives. I dunno. I miss more exciting news and great editorials and reviews"

Well, back in 2001 and 2002 I was responsible for a lot of editorials.  I resigned I think in early 2003 as I had just graduated and was looking for a job.  Well I ended up in graduate school and now that things have stablized a bit, I've come back to PGC almost exclusively for the purpose of writing editorials again.  Maybe you'll see a few more than usual in the coming months.  I'm currently looking for a topic.  Perhaps another technology oriented editorial is in order.  In The next two years we're going to see a lot of new technology, and with the DS and PSP newly released, there is new technology around to analyze already.  Although I think we're all more interested in what the next-gen consoles will be capable of.

513

TalkBack / RE:DS Hardware Selling Well; Software Sales Slow

« on: January 30, 2005, 07:05:33 AM »

The Dreamcast had unit shortages at one time if I remember correctly.  Don't take that as an indication of future success.  Unlike with the PS2, by the time units come available, Nintendo may have taken all the wind out of Sony's sails.  One thing I'm confident of is that Nintendo will have a lot more units to go around a lot faster than Sony will.

514

TalkBack / RE:Punch Out Bonuses in Fight Night Round 2

« on: January 25, 2005, 04:51:16 PM »

I think it's a fantastic bonus.  One of the best ever.  Super Punch Out is a GREAT game.

515

TalkBack / RE:Castlevania DS Revealed

« on: January 03, 2005, 01:01:28 PM »

I'm extremely dissappointed in this news.  I'll take another Castlevania game any day of the week (in particular a direct sequel to the excellent Aria of Sorrow rather than some 3D crap) but wow, a MAP?  Come on folks.  It would have been a no brainer to make another game with two castles (ala Harmony of Dissonance) and put one on each screen and introduce some fresh gameplay centered around the idea.  Instead they go and use the touch screen so you can draw cute pictures while you fight bosses.  Egh.

516

TalkBack / RE: Happy Birthday, Dan Bloodworth!

« on: December 06, 2004, 08:35:23 PM »

Happy birthday!

517

TalkBack / RE:Nintendo Ships Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls

« on: November 29, 2004, 03:19:26 PM »

The PSX remakes were just ports of the wonderswan color versions mostly.  However, they featured only minimal gameplay adjustments and you could actually turn all such adjustments off and play the game in its original form (though with updated graphics music and sound).  The updates you could turn off were things such as not worrying about targetting dead enemies.  It also had an easy mode which featured normal magic points instead of the usual FF1 system.  It sounds like Dawn of Souls has a much less faithful version and no way to turn off the enhancements.  You'd have to read the review later for details though because I've only played the PSX version.

518

TalkBack / RE:Nintendo Ships Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls

« on: November 29, 2004, 08:01:32 AM »

I got FF Origins on the PSX.  I think the second game was left in Japan for good reasons, but the first one is just a classic.  I don't have much love for Final Fantasy these days, but I could play the first one forever.  I've beaten it with many party configurations including a single fighter  Just talking about it makes me want to go play it now.

Because of the tiny little bonuses over the PSX version they threw in here, I almost want to pick up this version too.

519

TalkBack / RE:DS Announcements Imminent

« on: September 20, 2004, 09:44:37 PM »

150, perfect.  I was iffy when I thought the price might be as high as 200, but I'm sold now.  I hope there's some good launch software (I hope Castlevania is ready for launch).

So what's the deal with it saying single player GBA games?  This thing has no link cable support for GBA games and the GCN/GBA link?  That's a damned shame.

Hmm.. maybe I won't jump on the DS after all.  What a waste it would be to have that GBA compatible hardware without the GBA link port.

520

TalkBack / RE:Metroid Hunters Goes Touchless

« on: June 18, 2004, 05:33:24 AM »

Hunters should control exactly like Prime.  How is that possible?  Easy.  Just map the analog stick (move/turn) to the d-pad and the z-button to the select button.  All other buttons would work the same (the 4 face buttons would jump, shoot, morph and missile).  So how do you select beams?  You just put the action on the upper screen, get rid of that silly map and use the touch screen for visor and beam selection.  It might not be great use of the second screen and touch capability, but then again, is a map a great use for a multiplayer death match?

521

TalkBack / RE:EA Ships Third Harry Potter Game

« on: June 04, 2004, 07:27:00 PM »

 Not that I have any interest in the game, but that reminds me of a movie tie in game that shipped at about this time last summer... just in time for the movie.  And it sucked just like most movie tie ins!

522

TalkBack / RE:Bad Games, Bad Reviews, Fewer Profits

« on: June 01, 2004, 10:06:34 AM »

"Well, let's face it. Atari is a crap company as it is"

Atari published Ikaruga in the united states.  For that I am grateful.

Remember, even a crap publisher can publish good games sometimes, even if a lot of idiots work there.

523

TalkBack / RE:First Goldeneye: Rogue Agent Details

« on: May 05, 2004, 07:00:50 AM »

They had my interest until I learned that you wouldn't be playing as Trevelyn and instead they've contrived a way to reuse the name Goldeneye purely for marketing purposes.  EA and their rampant franchising makes me sick.

Of course, on the off chance that the game is released and turns out to be excellent, I'm more than willing to play it.  Let's just say that I have my doubts this will be anything more than another mediocre, or maybe "almost great/good" bond game.  

524

TalkBack / RE:New 3D Engine for the GBA

« on: April 06, 2004, 12:18:02 PM »

Newsflash:

I don't think that is really a 3D engine.  If it is, the screenshots are a very poor representation of it.  Notice that all floors and ceilings are flat in the two screen shots.  It's basically a Doom style engine from what I can see.

Although the MIP mapping is a nice feature not present in any Doom style engine I've heard of.

If it does have the same geometric limitations as Doom though, then it is not "full 3D" and they most certainly did not "crack it".

525

TalkBack / RE:EA Announces Goldeneye 2

« on: February 29, 2004, 07:50:55 AM »

Seeing as how the original was an N64 game made by Rare for Nintendo and "Goldeneye" 2 will be a multiplatform game made by EA, I'd say the chances of having the original on the disk are about 0%.