Messages

[RickPowers]

3476

General Gaming / Your computer specs.

« on: February 21, 2003, 10:59:27 AM »

Quote
Originally posted by: RickPowers
It is a poll, but I'm letting it go to illustrate something to you guys.  See, a computer has to be VERY FAST to accomodate top games today, resulting in a cost upwords of $1000, all to do pretty much the same things you can do in a $200 game console where the games can be optimized for the hardware.  When you can't count on the hardware in a machine, you have to shoot for the lowest common denominator to get sales.  Historically, even passable console games outsell GREAT PC games, and that's exactly the reason.

I'm something of an exception to that rule though.  My computer specs are fairly high, and I am capable of playing any game out right now.  I really only have a few games I actually play on my PC though.  I am a console gamer, and proud of it.  I keep a tuned PC around, so that I can have my bragging rights, and when I go to do something, it doesn't take 3 hours to do it.  I just like to tweak my computer is all.  I like tweaking it more than playing games on it.  

The only PC games I have bought recently are PS2 ports actually.    (Silent Hill 2, and Shadow of Destiny)  The next game I want on my PC actually has really low system requirements too....  (Master of Orion III)

3477

General Chat / Game Music MP3 sites?

« on: February 21, 2003, 10:55:14 AM »

Actually, you are permitted a backup of your game, but ONLY your own copy of the game.  Downloading ROMs is always illegal, regardless of whether you own the game or not, as it is not a backup of your copy.

3478

Nintendo Gaming / Glass Rose?

« on: February 21, 2003, 10:52:11 AM »

I'm just kind of curious.  Glass Rose was reported long ago for GameCube, but now that it is officially announced, only the PS2 version is reported.  Is the GameCube version cancelled completely or just on hold.  Any staff members wish to comment on this?    If not, we can just have a discussion about the game, and why it should come to GameCube.  

It looks a lot like Shadow of Destiny to me.  It was a Konami PS2/PC game that featured a time travelling man who had to solve his own murder.

3479

Nintendo Gaming / Hot Deals for Canada...

« on: February 21, 2003, 10:49:33 AM »

It was limited edition, and everybody wanted a copy.  I think that you would have been pretty lucky to find a copy on the second day, as I noticed that the copies were going mighty fast in my area.  Sorry to tell you this, but I think you missed the boat.

3480

General Chat / Game Music MP3 sites?

« on: February 19, 2003, 06:37:34 PM »

I use Kazaalite.  I have no complaints.  But isn't this illegal?  O_o

3481

Nintendo Gaming / Has there been an abundance in Broadband adpts near you???

« on: February 19, 2003, 06:36:25 PM »

I never really looked for any, as I don't intend to go online with my GameCube, but I did see like 5 of them at Walmart.

3482

Nintendo Gaming / Nintendo is doing all they can, so stop the noise!

« on: February 19, 2003, 02:08:28 PM »

Thanks GameBasher.  It truly is time to stop complaining about Nintendo's marketting.  They are giving us the games, let's just play them and forget about how retarded the average gamer is.

3483

Nintendo Gaming / Too Human

« on: February 18, 2003, 06:03:19 PM »

That's fair I suppose....  But for me Eternal Darkness matched my expectations perfectly.  I was a little dissapointed with the length, but everything else was perfect.

3484

General Chat / English to AOL Translator

« on: February 17, 2003, 11:17:48 PM »

Man, the accuracy of this thing astounds me.  

3485

Nintendo Gaming / Are you satisfied with your Cube at the moment?

« on: February 17, 2003, 11:16:25 PM »

I have no complaints.  There are too many games that I want as it is.  I am starving to death as I am skimping on food money to pay for the new games.    Ah well, I have no regrets.

3486

Nintendo Gaming / Capcom should have put more effort into RE:0

« on: February 17, 2003, 11:14:21 PM »

Personally I thought that Resident Evil 0 was the greatest of the series up to Code Veronica.  (I haven't played Code Veronica yet)

3487

Nintendo Gaming / Skies of Arcadia Legends = Great Game

« on: February 17, 2003, 11:10:42 PM »

Some truly great things come from low budget projects.  Xenogears, Star Wars, Final Fantasy 1, and so many others...  It's actually quite surprising.

3488

Nintendo Gaming / why dont we see more bumpmapping and hi-res textures in GC games?

« on: February 17, 2003, 11:08:35 PM »

I suggest that some users learn what the term bump mapping means, and exactly how it works.  Personally, I don't see many problems with GCN textures, and if bump mapping is done properly, you never notice that it's there.  Christ people.

3489

Nintendo Gaming / Zelda Windwaker Preview in Playboy, horrible error.

« on: February 17, 2003, 07:47:03 AM »

Hmmm.... I normally don't read Playboy, as it is a little too light for my tastes, but I guess I should pick up this one.  March issue eh?

3490

General Gaming / Your computer specs.

« on: February 17, 2003, 07:45:21 AM »

My complete specs.

ECS 57S5A with hacked BIOS.
Athlon XP 1800+
GeForce3 Ti200
40GB 7200RPM UDMA100 HDD
256MB PC2100 DDR
Soundblaster Live! X-Gamer
10/100 NIC
8/12/32 CD-Burner
10/32 DVD-ROM
Panasonic S15 15" Monitor
Soundworks FPS1500 Speakers
Logitech Optical Mouse
Standard Windows 95 Keyboard
PSJoy PSX-PC USB Adaptor
Windows XP Pro/Linux Mandrake 8.2 dual boot.

3491

Nintendo Gaming / Hot Deals for Canada...

« on: February 17, 2003, 07:33:48 AM »

I have.  I got it at Zellers.  The Future Shop and Toys R Us said that they hadn't gotten the discs in yet, but Zellers was dishing them out left and right.  They are in Canada, just not everywhere yet.

3492

Nintendo Gaming / Programming/Creating content for the Gamecube

« on: February 17, 2003, 07:32:00 AM »

I will tell you a few things wrong with your plan.

1)  GameCube does NOT use Windows CE.  It uses a proprietary OS that you would have to crack in order to get any programming done.  (To this date, nobody has done that).
2)  GameCube cannot read those 150MB CDRs.  It's part of the piracy protection on the GameCube.  You would need a mod chip to do so, and thankfully those do not exist.
3)  If you are coming here to ask about this, then obviously you don't have much experience programming for consoles.  I would advise trying some PS2 programming for the time being.  It's hard as hell, but it should give you some flavor as to how difficult homebrew games/apps are, and how different console development is from PC development.

On the other hand, the GBA is well documented, and freeware devkits are available online.  I have made a few simple games for it, and I have found the experience rewarding and fun.  The system is actually quite nice to develop for.  If you are interested in developing on a console, I suggest you give the GBA a shot.

Forgot to mention, if you want an OFFICIAL devkit, here's the procedures, direct from Nintendo's reply about a request.

Quote
If you are not working with a Nintendo authorized licensee, we will require some information about your company and its previous development experience. Keep in mind that we typically look for companies that are established game developers.

Please email the following application requirements to support@noa.com:

Your company's full legal and incorporated company name (including Ltd., Inc., Co.), address, telephone and fax numbers and a main contact and that person's email address.
A list of published game titles (any platform). Please include your role in each title.
A list of any subcontractors, subsidiaries, branch offices or other related companies that you anticipate will aid in development. Please describe how they will serve to assist in software development.
List any employees under the age of 18 working at your company.
Once we have this information, we can determine if it would be appropriate to send a developer non-disclosure agreement for your review and signature. We will contact you after we have made a decision.
The general terms and conditions of our authorized developer program are:


Developer Qualifications: An authorized developer must have demonstrated the ability to develop and program excellent software for Nintendo video game systems or for other video game or computer systems. In addition, an authorized developer must have a stable business organization with adequate office facilities, equipment, personnel and financial resources in order to insure the security of Nintendo proprietary information and in order to insure an effective environment for working with Nintendo and/or its licensees. Nintendo provides authorized developers with highly proprietary information and many of Nintendo's licensees also rely on recommendations and referrals to authorized developers. For these reasons, Nintendo exercises a very high level of care in approving only a select number of authorized developers.

Confidentiality Agreement; Release of Confidential Information: Upon entering into agreements to hold all proprietary information received from Nintendo as confidential, an authorized developer will receive written software programming specifications for the platform they will be developing for, and the ability to purchase software development tools solely for that company's site. Authorized developers will have access to Nintendo's third party support website to discuss all development issues and receive technical updates. Each employee or independent contractor of an authorized developer who has access to the Nintendo proprietary information will be required to sign a suitable confidentiality agreement with the developer and/or Nintendo.

Game Development: Rights granted to an authorized developer extend only to the use of Nintendo's proprietary information for the development of games on the platform for which they signed the appropriate non-disclosure agreement. Rights do not extend to the right to manufacture, market, promote or otherwise exploit developed games or the Nintendo proprietary information, whether incorporated in hardware, software or accessory formats. An authorized developer may develop a game on a speculation basis or on a contract basis with an authorized Nintendo licensee. Authorized licensees of Nintendo are licensed to develop and market approved games on the system for which they have an existing Nintendo licensing agreement.

Software Development Kits: Approximate development costs range from $10,000 to $20,000. Financial stability is expected approved developers in order to purchase the necessary development equipment for your project

Second Party Publishing with Nintendo: This program is not an offer for Nintendo to publish your game title. It is the responsibility of each developer to secure their own relationship with a third party publisher.


Also here is the overview




SDSG / 3rd Party & Licensee Home / Approval Overview August 12, 2002


Approval Overview
As you can imagine, there are several steps in the process to approve your game for manufacturing. In an effort to help you better understand what to expect at each step, we have created this walkthrough. Here you will find information that will help you plan your submission process, understand your options at each step of the process, and provide you with the correct contact persons for your questions.

The process is listed below in the best possible order. Please keep in mind that some of the steps may run concurrently with others.

Step One: Licensee Authorization
The first step in the procedure is to become an authorized licensee (publisher) or software developer. The procedures are different for each hardware platform and are different for licensee or software developer status, so please contact Sandy Hatcher for more information.

More information available under Licensing > Become a Licensee and Licensing > Become a developer.

Estimated turn-around time: Varies

Sandy Hatcher Software Licensing Manager
sandyha@noa.nintendo.com
425-861-2091

Step Two: Software Concept Submission
All authorized licensees (publishers) are required to submit specific information about the projects you currently have in development to our Game Evaluation Group, a.k.a. Mario Club. If you are an authorized software developer, please work with your publisher to get us the information we need. Unlike the past, we no longer require you to submit a detailed concept, just general information that is used primarily for tracking purposes. This information is not shared with other departments other than Licensing, Lot Check, and Mario Club. Please be aware that some of the required information changes depending on the hardware platform.

Click on "Product Evaluation" to find out what information is required for your project.

More information is available under Product Evaluation > Concept Submission.

Estimated turn-around time: 1-3 business days.

Tim Walker Mario Club Supervisor
tim@noa.nintendo.com
425-861-2815

Step Three: Mario Club Program
The Mario Club program is an opportunity for you to have some of the most experienced gamers in the industry take a fresh look at your product. Starting with the concept all the way until you reach final code, you have the option of submitting your work and receiving feedback on its quality. This is the same software evaluation team used to improve many of our own products.

The program consists of several options at each stage, so it's up to you which one (or all!) that you wish to take advantage of. Below is a listing and brief description of Mario Club's services. The amount of time that is listed in parenthesis indicates the estimated turn-around time for that particular service.

NOTE: Because we are focusing our efforts on Game Boy Advance and GAMECUBE product quality, all Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color product evaluations are subject to availability. You will be notified if we can accommodate your request.

Concept Evaluation (2 weeks): The Mario Club is available to review all aspects of your game design document: menu layout, progression system, planned player rewards, replayability, estimated amount of game play, etc. If you wish to do this, please send an electronic copy of a detailed design document including a walk-through of at least two or three levels of the game to Shawn Seavers. In order to save time, resources, and energy, sending an electronic copy of the design document is crucial. Hard-copy concepts are subject to unspecified delays.

Interim ROM Evaluation (IROM)(2 weeks): At various development milestones, you may want Mario Club to comment on the current direction you have taken your project. It most effective when interim ROM images sent for review are at least partially playable-that is, the basic level structure and objectives are in place for a few of the stages, worlds, areas, etc. This is only a guideline, however, and software can be sent at virtually any point of completion. An IROM evaluation is an excellent chance to learn players' reactions to what you have done so far. If you want to capitalize on the IROM Evaluation, please indicate in the required concept submission at which milestones you wish to submit your project.

Final ROM Evaluation (1-2 weeks): This one is more self-explanatory. Once you reach final code, you may submit the project to Mario Club. The major benefit of this is that you will learn the reactions of an experienced gamer of your finished project. This is perfect if you wish to do some final tweaking of your game, without major redesign. Please indicate if you wish to take advantage of this service in the required concept submission information.

1st Impression Testing (1-2 weeks): This is a simple, yet highly effective form of software evaluation that we have been using internally for some time. It has been our experience that the average player decides whether or not they will continue to play within the first couple of hours. We will provide you feedback on the all-important first hours of play, balancing the overall difficulty, along with any other group impressions of the initial experience.

Again, if you wish to take advantage of any of these services, please mark the dates at which you wish to submit your project to Mario Club and which type of evaluation you would like to receive. (Please keep in mind that some of the evaluations can only take place a certain times during the development cycle.) Please contact Shawn Seavers to schedule any Mario Club evaluations.

More information is available under Product Evaluation > Mario Club Program.

Estimated turn-around time: See evaluation descriptions.

Tim Walker Mario Club Supervisor
tim@noa.nintendo.com
425-861-2815

Step Four: Lot Check
There are many steps involved in order to pass NOA's Lot Check. You will need ftp access, product codes (a.k.a. game codes), along with other requirements.

For smoother sailing, please contact Terral Dunn when you are ready to submit your file. He will set you up with ftp access. Similarly, contact Derek Whipple as early as possible with the following information in order to obtain your product code:


The complete title
The SKU (platform - NUS, AGB, CGB dedicated or CGB Dual)
The Publisher
The ROM size
Is additional RAM used? And size, if applicable.
Are any accessories used (i.e., Rumble feature), or does the game support multi-player, if so, how many players?
What are the projected markets, choose USA, Japan and/or Europe
Has the game been released previously? That is, does the game have a Game Code in another market?
For help with the rest of Lot Check's procedures, please contact Kirk Buchanan. More information is available under Lot Check.

Estimated turn-around time: 5 to 7 days per submission

Kirk Buchanan Product Testing Supervisor
kirkbu@noa.nintendo.com
voice: 425-861-2819
fax: 425-861-2845

Step Five: Submitting Artwork for Packaging
Artwork is submitted for packaging approval. It is important to note that artwork can be submitted at anytime during the development of the game. In fact, waiting until you have passed Lot Check before submitting artwork could add several unwanted weeks to your final approval for manufacturing. Please contact Tina Painton for more information.

More information available under Licensing > Submit Packaging.

Estimated turn-around time: 5 to 7 days

Tina Painton Licensing Media Specialist
tinapa02@noa.nintendo.com
425-861-2667

Sandy Hatcher Software Licensing Manager
sandyha@noa.nintendo.com
425-861-2091

Step Six: Ordering Product
Please contact Kris Gustafson for information about placing your order. More information available under Licensing > Order Product.

Estimated turn-around time: Varies

Kris Gustafson Licensing Project Specialist
krisg@noa.nintendo.com
425-861-2086

Step Seven: Manufacturing and Shipping
Each hardware platform's manufacuring timelines are unique. Below are the general guidelines that will help you determine an estimated time-frame. Please remember that these timelines are subject to change without notice.

Nintendo GameCube: 8 to 10 days (non-peak); 10 to 12 days (peak)
Game Boy Advance: 40-45 days (non-peak); 45-55 (peak)
Game Boy Color: 40-45 days (non-peak); 45-55 (peak)

If you have any questions about the manufacturing process, contact Kris Gustafson. More information available under Licensing > Order Product.

Kris Gustafson Licensing Project Specialist
krisg@noa.nintendo.com
425-861-2086

3493

Nintendo Gaming / Is it just me, or is 1080 fugly?

« on: February 17, 2003, 07:26:31 AM »

I think it looks awesome.  (Especially in terms of graphics.)  I have no idea what game you were looking at.

[ECubed4]

3494

Nintendo Gaming / Skies of Arcadia Legends = Great Game

« on: February 16, 2003, 09:42:54 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: ECubed4
Skies of Arcadia Legends is a fantastic RPG that has really fulfilled my hunger for the GameCube right now. Everyone has begged for more RPG's, but to get more from at least Sega, we need to show support for this game. Now, I know that this is a port, but let's still get the word out and make this a good seller. I would really like to see other companies support the GameCube with more RPGs, and this is one of the places to start. Sega has already said publicly that a sequel will be determined on whether this game sells well. That information I remember seeing on www.planetgamecube.com. Let's show some support! Thanks

I appreciate your effort, but I have been trying to buy the game for the longest time.  (I think I got that covered now though), and I haven't been able to find a copy to buy.  Most online sites are also backordered all to hell.  I would say that the game has been a stunning success on GameCube, but hampered by a lack of availability.  Hopefully it showed Sega that they seriously miscalculated demand anyways.

Anyways, if they do make a sequel, I hope that they make it's availability a little better.

[RahXephon]

3495

General Chat / Evangelion

« on: February 16, 2003, 09:36:18 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: RahXephon

Weirdest ending ever:  FLCl      (as if you needed to ask)

I only watched the first episode of FLCL.  I thought it was just plain stupid to tell the truth.  I didn't bother with watching the rest of them, although I know a lot of people love the series.  I just thought it was beyond the point of weirdness and right into the retarded class.

But I do seriously agree with you on the happy ending point.  I have always wished for an unhappy ending now and then, and I was quite pleased when I discovered that anime sometimes ends on a downward note.

[AGENTDICKLAURENT]

3496

Nintendo Gaming / Incoming SEGA GCN announcement!

« on: February 16, 2003, 09:29:39 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: AGENTDICKLAURENTAnyway. Grey Ninja, I think you should look into getting it from dvdboxoffice. They're pretty good.

Thanks once again, but I think I have harrassed the local Toys R' Us enough that they are making a special effort to get the game.  I went down there in person today to raise some hell, and they said that they would be getting it by the end of the month.  I will of course be phoning them every day until they get it.    I would like to avoid buying online if at all possible.  (Besides, most online sites I know are already backordered).

3497

Nintendo Gaming / When will the Zelda Presale start? (General Bonus Disc Discussion)

« on: February 16, 2003, 09:27:16 PM »

Heh.  Hearing that story above about the guy saying that the game was really popular reminds me of my story today.

I tried Future Shop first, but they didn't have the discs in yet.  I put my $20 down anyways, figuring that I had nothing to lose anyways, as I was still guaranteed the disc.  I did go next door to Zellers right afterward though, and they had the discs behind the counter and were dishing them out.    I put $20 more down for it, and got my disc.  When I was leaving, I heard one girl say to the other:  "Is this game like the best out there or something?"  I was quite proud at that moment in time.  Nintendo really did a good job.

However, when I went back to Future Shop to get my money back (in hindsight, I probably could have sold the second copy of Master Quest to some dumb shmuck for more money than I paid, but I hadn't thought of it), The cashier was talking to a customer.  The customer was buying a PS2 controller, and saying some stuff about how her kids loved it and stuff (wasn't really paying attention.), then the cashier was talking about her GameCube, saying that she had to buy one for her kids after N64 died.  (The customer gave her a funny look), and the cashier said that most people asked her why she didn't get an Xbox or PS2, (my blood started to boil), and she said that the GameCube had games that were more "family oriented", while the Xbox had games that were all rated M.  (At this point I felt like going home for my Katana so I could put her out of my misery), but I simply curtly told her I wanted my money back and left.  Her head remained on her shoulders for the rest of the day.  (A lot of good it does her though).

3498

TalkBack / Zelda Bonus Disc Details

« on: February 16, 2003, 09:19:11 PM »

Actually... heh.  I didn't think the difference would be this stunning.  I thought there would only be minor differences from all that I read about it.  I was quite surprised when I found new things, new enemies, and the whole procedure of getting through a dungeon completely and totally screwed around.  I am finding that the game is a completely new experience aside from the story.  The story was already perfect, so I am liking this a lot.

I think though, that Master Quest was indeed incomplete.  It was intended to be a 64DD game after all, so chances are that a lot of the stuff was cut out.  I really can't complain though, as the game was free.

3499

NWR Feedback / Fanboy mayhem?

« on: February 16, 2003, 02:17:34 PM »

I have seen it in action.  It's ugly, and lame beyond belief.  Most of the people who know enough to not sound stupid while arguing, either decide to stand by and watch, or simply flame the idiots.  The idiots of course simply jump right in and start shouting about how much Celda sucks, or how much GTA is the best game of all time, or how much one or two of the good games on Xbox rule.  (Strangely enough, I find that it really IS almost impossible for a Microsoft fanboy to list their top 5 games)
http://www.planetgamecube.com/specials.cfm?action=profile&id=359

Quote
That said, I asked one very simple question to a few of these editors:  What are your five favorite Xbox games?  Funny thing is was, they all touted Halo as their favorite game, but then argued with each other with what else was good.  There never was a 4th or 5th game.  The food came, and then we never got back to the subject again.

The best quote from this site ever IMO.

3500

Nintendo Gaming / Hot Deals for Canada...

« on: February 16, 2003, 01:32:09 PM »

My Toys R' Us told me that they are begging for copies of Skies of Arcadia now, and they are supposed to get them sometime before the end of the month.  That satisfies me anyways.  At least I am now assured of a chance to buy a copy.