Messages

1476

TalkBack / Sammy to Release GameCube Keyboard

« on: July 08, 2003, 06:19:47 PM »

Its ironic that a company that was this close to merging with Sega is making peripherals specifically for their games. What's also interesting is their venture in hardware outside of Pachinko machines. what else is next?

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TalkBack / Eternal Darkness the Movie?

« on: June 27, 2003, 08:39:44 PM »

(Perhaps some minor spoilers. You've been warned...)

hmm...TV series, Mini Series, or Full length movie? As much as I love all three of those options, the question is how the mainstream will recieve it? Will they catch or simply scratch their heads?

I remember Mr.Dyack saying the appeal of ED was that of an Indie film, and since only (relatively) a handful of people bought it, it will be difficult to target an audience. As far as a sequel (or Prequel) to ED is concerned, it MAY be possible; it may not of sold well but it did get props at this years DICE and GDC if memory serves correctly. Getting recognition from your peers has to count for something, right?

Of the three options I mentioned, a movie would be least likely; there'd be no way you can put the focus on the 12 characters equally; it'd have to focus on the Rovias line with the other characters having less than half an hour each. A TV series is more feasible, if the episodes were an hour long, each episode dealing with 1 or 2 characters (assuming they put a lot of effort in this) but it would be over in one season.  It could probably use this oppurtunity to fill in gaps that the game purposely left blank. A mini series? I don't know much about them, so I can't say much.

Here is a licscense who's source material is like gold. If Mr.Dyack or some other member of Silicon Knights who were involved in the process (Nothing too major, kind of like the Metal Gear Solid remake where Konami is looking over their shoulder) it may be crazy enough to work. But on the other hand, it was a quirky game, but those who love it, LOVE it, like yours truly

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TalkBack / ESRB Adds New Content Descriptors, Tweaks Ratings

« on: June 26, 2003, 06:40:31 PM »

its interesting that the Violence descriptions got updated, not the Sexual ones. But there aren't too many games with sexual content to be worried about anyway but hopefully the ESRB will treat Sex and Violent content differently. DOAX for Xbox had NO violence (Unless you count hitting a volleyball really hard and the ladies preforming Kata [or forms if you will] as violent) but it because some areas were bouncy and some areas were left bare, it was stamped with an M rating.

Beach Spikers, on the other hand squeeked by with an E rating, despite some Psudeo-Lesbiansim (Girls just don't palm butts like that, and other suggestive embraces..)

Looks like the ESRB will need a set of magnifying glasses with this new system. This time, Parents will have no one to blame but themselves.

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TalkBack / The Return of the $60 Game?

« on: June 26, 2003, 06:21:17 PM »

(off topic)
Those are some funny Comics Infernal Monkey. Can't wait to see more!

(on Topic)

It'll be interesting on how it pans out. I'm picky enough as is, I own only three 3rd party titles (NBA Street Capcom Vs SNK 2 and Baldur's gate Dark Alliance), the rest  I have are exclusives. And that's just because of personal preference, not price! Nintendo is stubborn as it is to lower prices compared to PS2 or Xbox.

There aren't going to be any Triple A, Top Tier, system Sellers like Metroid Prime or GTA: Vice City for the rest of 2003. There's gonna be good titles like Viewtiful Joe, Soul Calibur II, the Metal Gear remake, etc, but they aren't worth 60 dollars. To quote Kapp n', if 3rd parties are jacking up the price, I don't give a Squid because I won't buy them anyway!! As long as Sega, Capcom, Namco, Nintendo, SquareEnix, Konami stay level, its all good.

I personally thought competion between companies would be enough to keep prices steady. But I guess that's another realm altogether.

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TalkBack / Acclaim Dropping Nintendo Support?

« on: June 23, 2003, 06:30:41 PM »

I agree with Bartman on the this one. Acclaim seems to be one of quantity, not quality.

This still bodes bad for Nintendo, as it will stick the stigma of a "kiddie" console and release its more ambitious projects to other platfroms.

This seems to be kind of a waltz. A game comes out from a so-so 3rd party, it does pitiful sales on Gamecube but decent to maybe excellent on other platforms, and the so-so company says "We're dropping support because it doesn't sell."

Any why? Because we're too used to good 1st party, and 2nd party collaborations, and there's not enough of them (Because they take their time to make them excellent) and when so-so 3rd part comes out with games, we just hold our noses because it stinks so bad.

Of course this doesn't happen ALL the time (Burnout 2 and Def Jam Vendetta is an example) but more often than not. And maybe its not all the devolopers fault, Publishers can crack the bullwhip to get the game out in time, resulting in rushed ports. What a dilliema indeed...

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TalkBack / Nintendo Releases Game Boy Player

« on: June 23, 2003, 06:17:56 PM »

Alright before I get stoned, I'm probably one of the few forum members who's hesitant to buy one.

*dodges the flames and stones being thrown*

Why you may ask? Because my television is shared with my familiy, so when I do get the TV to play games, I'd want to play my GC. I take pride that I can go upstairs to my room or wherever to play my SP and not get Inturrupted (I wanna watch the news son, so be off in a few minutes)

Are their anystores that show the Game Boy Player in action? If I can see it working right in front of me, not some video, it could be enough to lay down the cash.

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TalkBack / The Millenium Falcon Soars to GBA

« on: June 23, 2003, 06:08:36 PM »

Damn, that's a harsh thing to say. But that's your opinion...

The press release says that LucasArts will be devoloping this project, you can't really badmouth them, they're a good company, and who better to do a Star Wars game than the company close to George Lucas himself? The only complaint I've got is that Nintendo has done and redone and reredone the original triology (Rogue Squadron 3 comes to mind) while other platforms are taking the StarWars universe beyond the movies, prequels and novels. I hate to steal one liners but "Throw me a friggin' bone here!"

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TalkBack / Special Edition FInal Fantasy GameCube Bundle

« on: June 23, 2003, 05:58:50 PM »

Color is in the eye of the beholder. Yet it seems those quirky Japanese love releasing a new special edition color of the GC or GBA when A big name title comes out. Question is: Who are they targetting this to? Obessive gamers with fat wallets or those wanting to buy GC or GBA for that one game? (FF Tatics pearly GBA and Boktai's Black Red GBA with matching coffin for example.)

Maybe because I don't have a lot of money to spend is why  I don't understand this. Do you really need more than one GC or GBA? I don't want to call people friviolous if already have 2 or more GBA's or GC; its your money, you don't need anyone to tell you how spend it.

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TalkBack / Nintendo Busts Hong Kong Pirates

« on: June 19, 2003, 03:18:31 PM »

What will Nintendo do with 600k? What CAN they do with 600k?

Interesting is the fact that their money maker known as GBA is also its greatest weakness. GameCube's propiety disc has yet to be hacked, and PS2, even Xbox with its similiarites to the PC have lent themselves to some sort piracy, if not now, very soon.

If I were a betting man, the successor to GBA is going to be disc based a la Gamecube. Though as cliche as it sounds, nothing is 'ever' impossible, just unlikely.

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TalkBack / People Continue to Enter The Matrix

« on: June 19, 2003, 03:05:16 PM »

hmm... it appears Matrix Heads are content with the final product afterall.Either that or casual gamers outnumber hardcore ones by a ridiculous ratio. Looks like Style over Substance won this round....  

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TalkBack / Acclaim Announces 100 Bullets

« on: June 11, 2003, 03:05:30 PM »

I'll admit to not knowing a lot about Western comics, but I get the impression that DC wasn't doing so hot. Probably because Marvel's been on a roll in the big screen. Guess I'm wrong...

First 4 Horsemen, then Red Star, now 100 bullets. Looks like 3rd parties are starting to get imaginitive and ambitious again. But we'll have to exercise the art of patience until then. And if they cancel this game for Gamecube for "Demographic reasons" (In other words, Gamecube's too kiddy, we can't make a profit, blah blah blah..) it will prove most upsetting.

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TalkBack / Haven Returns

« on: May 29, 2003, 01:48:40 PM »

What seems to be an odd turn of events, a canceled game is ressurected. But the question is:Why? Haven had pitiful sales to begin with, and the reviews were so-so to ok. Traveler made a smart move by canceling it, but if someone else wants to take up the slack, who's really going to complain?

It'll be interesting how it will sell this time around...

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TalkBack / 3DO Files for Bankruptcy

« on: May 28, 2003, 07:58:29 PM »

This is a lesson for 3rd parties. You can't make so-so to bad games and stay in business. Just like Dee Snyder said back in the 80s, "We're not going to take it..." mediocre games that is. Though 4 horsemen would seem to be the title to get them into the spotlight. Its a great concept, it seemed to be [tastefully] mature and c'mon its all about that Traci Lords!!

But if by some act of some deity it becomes an XboX or PS2 exclusive, I'll be very...tempermental indeed. The question now is: Who's going to want to scoop up 3DO? They're no Sega, Square, Enix, or Capcom who have really good games on under their belts. I can envison someone like THQ or EA to maybe throw in their names in the hat, unless something random happens (Atari maybe?). Guess we'll have to stay tuned.

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TalkBack / Sega in Partnership Talks <b>Again</b>

« on: May 27, 2003, 08:12:20 PM »

I think some people are misreading the article. As far as it sounds, Sega's in talks with EA in PUBLISHING its games stateside, not MERGING with them. The example of Square and EA is such an example, EA simply talks care of production and promotion. I wouldn't go as far as loathing EA, I just haven't bought many of their games, save for NBA Street.

I said it before, and I'll say it again: Sega's like a prostitute. Yeah, she's good, she's real good at she does, but she gets around and only wants that money. You can't make her a housewife if you catch my drift. In this case, she wants a sugar daddy on this block known as North America.

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TalkBack / Sonic Heroes to Use Renderware

« on: May 27, 2003, 07:57:33 PM »

Interesting point. Perhaps the upside of using Renderware will be a MUCH better camera that will work with you. Those who played SA2 know what I mean.

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TalkBack / THQ and Sega Ship Sega Arcade Gallery

« on: May 22, 2003, 02:48:47 PM »

After Burner and Outrun bring back some memories. I remember in the arcades kind of looking at them with confusion, but once I played them, it was a blast.

But what would really,really be cool if they release a Streets of Rage collection. It seems feasible, and I still say that the Final Fight series just couldn't measure up to Streets of Rage's style and pace. But hey, that's just my opinion I could be wrong....

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TalkBack / Nintendo Sales and Profits Fall Again

« on: May 22, 2003, 02:41:13 PM »

Pretty much all the bases have been covered from you people. My 2 cents is this:

The rules have changed. PS1 launched their 1st strike in '95, and Nintendo was cocky enough to release N64 a year later (Even delaying it from April to September). Sega also had some console, named after some planet, Saturn was it?

Fast foward to 2000. PS2 launches their 2nd strike, despite one of the weakest launches in Video Game history. but hey, when you're first you can get away with it. Nintendo overestimated its prowess, saying "Hey lets wait till 01."

2001, Software giant Microsoft enters the foray and by some miricle/coincidence brought in the launch title that people still talk about: Halo. What did nintendo have up their sleeve? A purple box and Luigi with a Vacum cleaner (Nintendo played it smart by also releasing Jet Black.) And before I get speared, Nintendo unveiled the new Zelda in the form of a cartoon. Simple rule of Psychology, 1st impressions are important and very hard to erase. I know a good deal of people (myself included) who pretty much went "What in the..." when the 1st screens of Zelda were shown. Granted, as time grew on, Surprise and anger gave way to patience and understanding to those who love Nintendo, not those who probably to this day say Zelda is kiddie and when this game starts getting awards, will be scratching their heads. Also at 01, PS2 had their two home run hitters, namely GTA 3 and FFX. Casual gamers scratched their heads at Pikmin, and Luigi's Vacum was no match Yuna's Summons and Halo's verstility.

Holiday season 2002, by some fluke Splinter Cell was able to topple Metroid Prime, despite being a more verstile game. and GTA Vice city's nickname should be "Sponge" because it sucked up sales in its opening weekend.

What will happen next? Nintendo won't be so cocky this time around, and will play to win. No more year behind launch dates, definately get a good launch game.

The future of Game Boy? Nothing to worry about N-Gage, it may be able to run Tomb raider, but I'd just as soon buy an Xbox and a slew of games (I might anyway, 179 looks feasible.) and have more fun.  PlayStationPortable? Be afraid. When a company like Take Two (they made around 77 Million Dollars 2002) says they won't make games for GBA because it won't reach their "audience" and decide to make games for PSP, Nintendo will be in a world of hurt. They're safe now, but they're gonna have to be aggressive; GBA is the last haven of classic gaming.

That's my 2 cents, some of these figures were brought to by CNN/Money's website.

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TalkBack / UbiSoft announces Splinter Cell Sequel

« on: May 21, 2003, 03:12:48 PM »

My question is: How will it play?

I'm trying to envision stealth multiplayer (Get the most stealth kills as opposed to just running around killing each other) Co-op play seems feasible, it'd be interesting how deathmatch will be implemented.

Online play for Gamecube? we'll see....

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TalkBack / Iwata Discusses Online Plans

« on: May 21, 2003, 03:05:59 PM »

hmm.... While it sounds good I gotta ask the question:

How Much?

Or will it cost anything? And what will Nintendo do with its Online capabilites? The announcements of the future of XboX live make it sound like a media player (ability to get music, movies, contact players when they're offline). PS2 has seemed to make a compromise by making any games published by Sony (with some exceptions) and offering to pay a lump sum per year to play their titles online. (like 20 dollars a year or so).

Now here's the theory/fantasy: Nintendo and Gamespy give us seamless online play for no or little charge (comparable to XboX live minus bells and whistles, just gaming) and make both Microsoft and Sony look really stupid b/c they're asking for cash for "upkeep."

2nd question: How will they do it? Sounds kind of stupid since there PS2 has shown the way of online gaming w/o a hard drive (SOCOM for example, Midnight Club 2) yet something like FFXI will need one. Lastly, will this enthrall companies who were skeptical to put online play (at least for gamecube) a second look because Nintendo has ironed out the kinks of online play. Or will Nintendo and Gamespy track companies down and say "You want online play? Look at this... (shows demo of its capabilites.)

Its interesting how a few sentences can get the old noodle going.

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TalkBack / Triton Labs Announces Stealth Link

« on: May 19, 2003, 03:49:44 PM »

One could say wireless gaming isn't too feasible, but the Wave Bird seems to slap that idea silly. XBoX wireless controllers are 3rd party and cost nearly 80 dollars or so, and you can't use the port with Xbox Live because it takes up that spot. There was a 35 dollar one too, but its cheaply made.

PS2 I believe has no wireless controllers aside from something from Logitech, correct me if I'm wrong.

As far as the rumor of another wavebird is concerned, Nintendo mad a deal to from some company (Matsushia I believe) to use their 2.4 Ghz chips (rumble perhaps?) (Check the news archives) So who knows??

Wireless GBA?  Like you said, 'bout time, all it needs to be is decently priced, OR  heavly Advertised of its strengths outweigh the price. Since I got a Wavebird, I really never looked back, so just picture Wireless GBA!  

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TalkBack / The X is for Fox Box

« on: May 19, 2003, 03:35:39 PM »

It depends on your area. I live in the Metro Detroit area, and I have the major station Fox2 in Detroit and Channel 38 which broadcasts from Mt.Clemens. Your best bet is to peruse TV guide, and check the channels for commericials for it. Don't panic, it will be a while before it hit stateside.

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TalkBack / Happy Birthday, Karlie!

« on: May 16, 2003, 03:46:48 PM »

Let me clear my throat...

H-A-P-P-Y B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y!

Thanks for your reporting and hopefully you'll get a big cake with a big surprise...

Though going to E3 is nice enough present hmm?

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TalkBack / Full Nintendo E3 Game List!

« on: May 13, 2003, 06:34:09 PM »

OH the insanity! Mario 3! *gains compusure*

*Salivates wildly*

Okay its out of my system now. Looks like I better start saving again, cuz my wallets gonna get a workout

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TalkBack / Nintendo's Upcoming Schedule

« on: May 13, 2003, 06:30:43 PM »

Yay! Fire Emblem is hitting stateside. Don't know too much about it though, save that it never ever came on this side of the world legally.

Looks like there's going to be more news than you shake a stick at. Wonder what other bombs Nintendo will drop?

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TalkBack / Nintendo: The Problems, The Plans and The Future

« on: May 12, 2003, 03:51:55 PM »

I must say that it was nice to hear from all sides, pros and fans alike. Each brought their opinions and put in their input in a tasteful manner, though it seemed Game Cube Advanced implied more on the image.

Gotta give it up to Mr.Rick Powers for giving a very feasible 'what-if' on what Nintendo should put on the next console. I would like to know how the boys at IGN know that F-Zero GC (Or GX) won't be LAN-able?

Its pretty much a consensus that hardcore fans aren't the driving force they use to. The casual gamers are content with their ignorance and like the impressionable teenager, will buy what they publisher pushes.  

As far as competition goes, if we flash back to GDC and DICE, it was PS2 and GCN going neck and neck.  The 2 XboX games that got some recognition were Splinter Cell and the unsung Jet Set Radio future was nominated for best music, going up against the likes of GTA: Vice City. If there were any more, let me know, those were the two that stuck out.  So Nintendo CAN hang and throw down with the best of them, the question is, (Pause for cliche) can they go all the way?

Stay tuned....(And buy those titles, IF you don't have Eternal Darkness and Resident Evil, shame on you! At least give them a test drive. Now if I could just beat RE 0 and rent Ikaruga...)