Topic: Revolution to Launch with Mario

[ShawnSt3r]

     I am starting this thread because I believe the Revolution will lunch bundled with the New Mario game.  Someone in another thread posted the fact that the two era's that Nintendo had utter domination (NES, SNES) the systems launched with Mario.

The timing is perfect for the new Mario in production to launch with the Revolution.  Launching a Grade-A , top of the line game with the Revolution that will demonstrate its unique capabilities will be paramount to getting new gamers in the door, especially if they can do it at a reasonable price point.  There was nothing like ripping open a brand new SNES with Super Mario World fresh and waiting to be popped into that shiny new system.   With a shell controller, nun-chuck, and main controller this would truly be a complete package.

Mario is certainly a culture icon worldwide but undoubtedly some of his luster has been stolen by the sucess of various Sony and Microsoft franchises. (e.i. Master Chief.).  In Nintendos prime (as far as smarket share) Nintendo meant video games and Mario meant Nintendo.  For Mario to regain his former status, a new Mario must be bundled with the Revo.

Bundling Mario with the Revo. will not only be an incredible value but will also entice alot of the non-gamers who Nintendo seems to be placing extra special attention on.  Even non-gamers know who Mario is and once the buzz of Nintendos new system gets going full swing, they just might be enticed to pick on up, not feeling like a complete outsider and know-nothing concerning the gaming world.

For these reasons (and more) I see bundling the New Mario with the Revolution at launch will be a key component if Nintendo hopes to gain the penetration necessary to once again take the #1 spot.      

I would like to get everyone elses opinion on this matter.  

[Mario]

Honestly... as much as i'd LOVE this to happen, I don't think a new Mario game will be ready for launch. Last time Miyamoto talked about it he still didn't have a solid direction for the game, they're probably still just "experimenting".

[mantidor]

Damn, they way you worded the title, I thought that this was being confirmed by Nintendo in some news magazine or something.

[Mario]

Yeah, me too. Might want to add a question mark to that.

[JonLeung]

I remember counting a dozen games (literally) featuring Mario to come out earlier this year.  Many of those have come out by now but a few are still to be released.  (When's New Super Mario Bros. for the DS coming out again?)  Would it be a surprise if there was one of the two expected Revolution ones at launch?  Those being the next Super Mario game or the next Smash Bros. game.  I would bet on one of the two, probably Smash Bros., but not both.

[Spak-Spang]

I don't believe Nintendo will waste Mario as a bundle.  Mario is going to be the first Million seller for the Revolution, and be the first game that Nintendo can tout as a success for the system.  If they pack the game in, they will lose the money from that revenue source.  Nintendo just won't do that at all.  

However, I do believe this will be the first console system (since when?) that will launch with a game packed in.  The reason I believe this is because of the focus on the none gamer.

To reach the non-gamer and to reach all who have never bought a game system, EVERYTHING must be packed in and ready to play from the instance you open then box.  If you have to buy the analog nunchuk, or the Shell base unit, or the first game then the preceived value is less.

$99 dollars with no game but with all the controllers you want is nice, but buying that extra game for $45-55 dollars is going to hurt.

However,

$149.99 can you get that extra game, and all the sudden you feel like you are getting a better deal.

For this reason, I believe Nintendo will either have a demo disk, or a simple fledging game that they can pack into the system.  Something simple, fun, and multiplayer.  Along with that I believe a few free game downloads will actually come pre-installed on the system, so that buyers and gamers will know the service is out there.  

Imagine randomly pre-installed NES game and SNES game on your Revolution.  Instantly you build suspense and surprise with your purchase.  As you advertise the abililty to download the "virtual console"

[BiLdItUp1]

Honestly, I don't believe a Mario pack-in will sell more Revs. Back in the day, the people buying NES were either the hardcore that were put off by the implosion of Atari and the arcades or kids. The SNES succeeded because of 'Ian's rule' - as long as the market leader doesn't screw up, they won't tank.

Spak has a point - Nintendo is cheap, and the general trend has been away from pack-ins.

I don't think we'll get a full game, but we'll definitely get some sort of built-in demo and chat functionality for the non-gamers spak mentioned.

All that said, if we do get a pack-in game, it should be a multiplayer bonanza, not a 3D platformer. (That said, I do want Mario at launch)

I do believe that one major VC game should be packed-in, or it should be released at a reasonably small cost.

Aight I'm out.

[Kairon]

Maybe they'll pack in the NES Super Mario Bros. AND Duck Hunt.

Mario Bros. from the NES seems the king of all retro titles, my aunt taught me how to keep hitting a green shell against the stairs to get extra lives. And Duck Hunt would be an EXCELLENT demo for the gyroscopic pointer.

~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com

[BiLdItUp1]

Yeah Kairon I'd LOVE to see Duck Hunt again.

[Darkheart]

Quote
Honestly... as much as i'd LOVE this to happen, I don't think a new Mario game will be ready for launch. Last time Miyamoto talked about it he still didn't have a solid direction for the game, they're probably still just "experimenting".

\

Last Iwata interview he said he is pushing Miyamoto to have it ready at launch along with Smash Bros. . . . Anything is possible but really I hope its delayed a month or two.  If we get Metroid Prime 3 and SSBRevolution I dont want another AAA title being tossed in there.  I dont want all my Nintendo games tossed all at once for fear that people will ignore one of them.  Indeed they all belong to diffrent genres: FPA, fighting, and platforming, but I dunno, I kind of want some of my fav Nintendo franchises to be spaced out.

[Spak-Spang]

Launch periods have now become extended to mean the first 4 months of a launch.  I really think that is stupid.  But, Nintendo did it with the Gamecube with Pikmin, Super Smash Brothers Melee being launch games that arrived late.

Microsoft is even doing it with Xbox 360 claiming an huge launch line up however most of those games won't be out till way after January.

Truthfully, Super Smash Brothers Revolution or Mario at launch with Metroid as the mature themed game along side it will make a great launch.  Then 3-4 months later hit us with the other either SSBR or Mario will be a big boost.  

Remember, Nintendo has tons of AAA franchises to exploit.  The sooner in the first year they are out the better for moving Revolutions...and building excitement.

[Don'tHate742]

I honestly believe that Nintendo will pack-in a gamecard good for one or two game downloads rather than Mario REV.

I really see this happenening. Then again, the most popular game downloads will probably be the first Mario or Super Mario World, so it's kinda taking away the from the sh!itload of profit that could arise from those two games alone.

Still, packing-in a gamecard would get consumers aqquainted with the Virtual Console. Plus, as they are looking for Mario, simply scrolling through the mass quantity of games is sure to entice consumers to buy a couple more sometime. Honestly, the VC could become the most addictive and most profitable aspect of the REV. The pack-in gamecard could just jump-start that addictiveness.

[Spak-Spang]

See, I really like the Random Download idea for a pack in.

Nintendo could easily just give you 1 of 10 NES and 1 of 10 SNES games they are allowing available for Download, and you really have no idea which one you are getting.  It creates instant buzz and instant community and discussion.  Which games did you get packed in?  I got Punch Out and F-Zero, you?  I got Mario 2 and Pilot Wings.  COOL!  I never played Pilot Wings let me try it some time.

Then a free download could be available for those that REGISTER their Revolution on Nintendo.com.  Of course this doesn't allow you to experience the Revolutionary controller fully...so I predict that some sort of simple addictive demo disk be provided.  Something like 5-10 little basic games that can be played multiplayer that will introduce everyone to the concept.  

[Kairon]

OMG...Random free download? That'd be an AWESOME idea!

And it'd also be a good test for a system of offering a specific downloadable game as a reward for pre-ordering a new Rev game, ala the Zelda bonus disc.

~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com

[ThePerm]

if they do make a mario revolution it iwll probably be a groundbreaking game..... they should pack it in with revolution. That way everyone has it. Those also who fell off of the mario bandwagon might just jump back on...

[Don'tHate742]

If it's as groundbreaking as we hope, then there is no need to pack it in. I mean, did they pack-in Mario 64? No, yet everyone has that game because its so damn good. It would be redundant and alot of potential sales could be lost.

[IceCold]

Quote
Originally posted by: Spak-Spang
However, I do believe this will be the first console system (since when?) that will launch with a game packed in.  The reason I believe this is because of the focus on the none gamer.

To reach the non-gamer and to reach all who have never bought a game system, EVERYTHING must be packed in and ready to play from the instance you open then box.  If you have to buy the analog nunchuk, or the Shell base unit, or the first game then the preceived value is less.

$99 dollars with no game but with all the controllers you want is nice, but buying that extra game for $45-55 dollars is going to hurt.

However,

$149.99 can you get that extra game, and all the sudden you feel like you are getting a better deal.

Yeah...but if the console is $99 then you can buy ANY game for $50, not only Mario. If they packed it in for $129.99, though...

And the Revolution should DEFINITELY include a demo disc which gives you countless short demos of how the Rev controller can be used in all the scenarios imaginable, with games from as many genres as possible. This should also include some multiplayer games. It should be the one thing that makes everyone understand the Revolution.  

[nickmitch]

$99 is waaay too underpriced. That makes the console look bad, especially if it comes with a free game. I don't like the free  from the start idea. It'd be better to offer bundles later on. However, the demo disk IS a good idea. While I don't think that it should feature upcomming/current Rev titles (at that time in the future), I do like the series of mingames idea. A turturial with maybe some franchise characters explaining the Rev and its features would work. Perhaps, having it saved on the Rev's hardware would be a good idea?

[IceCold]

Well yeah, I don't like $99 at all either, but I was using Spak's example to show my view on the bundle. The GameCube was perceived as worse because of its price, and it still is, even though it's so much more powerful than a PS2. I really think that Nintendo shouldn't go too low, since it will be looked at as the "cheap" console which is suspicious since it costs so much less.

[animecyberrat]

No I think Nintendo SHOULD pack Mario in at LAUNCH, but only for a limited time to help sell those first few million systems to gain 3rd party support and build momentum, then sell the game seperately to those who bought a core system latter on. Because that way every one gets a rev right of the bat AND aa great Mario game to play, that will add to teh Nostalgia of the system since teh last time a system had a Mario bundle was SNES.  

Including Mario as a packin will attract the retro gamers and the non gamers alike in addittion to the hardcore fans and gamers. I beleive this die hard because  the non gamers will want mario cuz its something they can pick up and play, as long as its simple enough like the original Mario Bros or Super Mario Bros, because non gamers recognize mario and will want to see what its like especialy once they learn all the features the rev has.

Next the Retro gamers, my label for the older gamers who mostly buy compliations or childhood favorites, will want it because they will remember way back when they got thoer first NES/SNES and want to take a trip down memory lane. Coupled with the Demo disk and the Virtual Console ideah this will go over big time not just for people in their 20s but older people also, I knwoa  LOT of grandparents who will still sit down and play thier old NES systems JUST CUZ of Mario bros and the many simple games for that system.

Then the hard core fans will get one also and have something to play along with whatever other titles they pick up.

The system shoudl also include a Demo disk and AT LEAST 1 free download, either built int or a card or whatever to chose a game. I would HIGHLY expect DUCK HUNT to be the retro game in addition to an updated version on either the Demo Disk or included as a seperate game with Clay Shooting and some other mini games that will 'emulate' Light gun games.

NOT inlcuding Mario as a pack n but making it a seperate purchase will make more money for Nintendo AT FIRST but if it doesnt sell systems and build userbase/hype all is lost. GC had HYPE and a pretty good launch, but it lost the momentum once sunshine came into the picture and realy turned a lot of people off. Not that it was a HORRIBLE game but not what most nintendo or Mario fans were looking for.  I think teh CORE sysetm, just teh machine and 1 controller no accessories, well maybe a shell OR Nunchuck, should be priced at 149.99 LAUNCH.

The Mario Bundle witha Demo disk and analong attachment and shell would price 179.99 and

then the super value pack would include the Mario game, Demo disk, 2 controllers and both attachments plus a card for a free download for a retro game.

Also every system should come with a Demo disk packed in and a DL presintalled, preferable Duck Hunt or maybe Super mario Bros, cuz most people will already have that game for GBA by now, or on thier old NES and arent likely to DL it, plus they will just DL Mario ALL Stars anyways and get upated version that way.

Anyways if Nintendo has been working on this "Mario 128" since GC launch and if its true REV dev kits are so similar to GC kits it wont take them too long to get a game ready for launch.

[Mario]

The free downloads thing wont be effective because not enough people have a broadband internet connection, it should be something everyone can access.

[Spak-Spang]

Mario:  The Random Download I am talking about is ALREADY installed in the memory.  This allows people that don't have the broadband to enjoy the games.  Then when you register your Revolution then you can get another free game.  Registration would indicate being able to get online somehow, and being able to then download a game.

[Mario]

So all the games are stored in the memory? Or just one game, that Nintendo randomly shoves in during production?

[Hocotate]

I think a pack-in Mario game would be nice, but I think they'll go with a demo and maybe a free download or two. If Mario 128 is as big a hit as Super Mario Bros. or Super Mario 64, then it would be better for Nintendo not to bundle it in. If the game is a hit then everyone will buy it anyway! I think it would be best for Rev to be bundled with Mario later down the road though, a good few months after launch to pull in those few who need that little extra incentive.

[IceCold]

Quote
Originally posted by: Mario
So all the games are stored in the memory? Or just one game, that Nintendo randomly shoves in during production?

I think Spak's saying that 10 or so of the most popular games will be emedded in the Revolution, and available to unlock without internet. However, it would be easy for people to hack the system and get the games free of charge if that were the case..

[Ceric]

Hello everyone this is my first post and I've been trying to join for a while.  To date me I was here when the controller was revealed and before.  I personally think that a Traditional Mario game is Terribly unsuitted for this style of controller.  If you ever played the game where you shoot the little guy to make him go through a platformer.  It could be that bad.  Lets face it Platforming itself in the bounce on head style is best done with traditional controls.  What needs to launch is there new IP.

This IP will be something that really takes advantage of the new controller in such a way that no one can imagine it playing anyother way.  A conversation should end up like this:

Bob:  Yeah it controls like Bomb'em Blastem 3049
Snoop:  Yeah Bembem is the shizzam
Bob: Word...

Sort of like when you tell someone it plays like Mario.  The character should be instantly recognized with the Genre and it should be one of those pure joy moments to use the controls.  Unfortunately Mario is already typed and as I said I don't see flicking the controller being anymore control then analog buttons.  So it's up to the new IP.  The last thing we need at launch is Mario stuck in a new click game, I know the Mario Sports titles are fun and so is Mario Party but no one consider them true hardcore Mario games.  

So as I say it's new IP to the bat.

Also I think it be neat if the tutorial thing unlocks your free "random downloads."  In actuallity it probably be best that 1 was already on the disk and  walked you through the process offline and then the other you get when you connect and fully set things up to go online.  Because face it I just got my Wireless router and I'm a geek.  So what do you think that thy mere mortals will have from the get go? -Ceric

[Spak-Spang]

Yeah I was just talking about having 10 games embedded and 2 of them are unlocked when you boot up the system.  Then perhaps 2-3 more unlocked when you register the system.  You don't have to make them the top 10 AAA games.  Just popular fun games.  Like:

NES:
Mario 2 (US)
Duck Hunt
Baseball
Legend of Zelda 2
(Some Racer)

SNES
Kirby
Stunt Racer FX
Pilot Wings
(Something else)

The idea is to give some great games, but aren't the ones everyone wants to download.

[Ceric]

Only if they fix the bug in Legend Of Zelda 2 would I like to see that one. The rest I can see.  Plus maybe throw in the chance to get 1 or 2 N64 ones like Blast Corp and Quest 64.  Both had a lot of potential but didn't quiet make it, but those would be in loo of one of your SNES or NES ones.  Sort of like getting a legendary rare card.

[Kairon]

I still say that it will be the NES Mario/Duckhunt packed in/preloaded or offered as a free download, period. Possibly with an additional demo disc.

Its the simplest solution.
It demonstrates the controllers pointing functions well.
It demonstrates the controller's retro functions well.
And Mario on the NES would be the most recognizable and universal Retro recognition I could think of.

Old school gamers would like it.
New school gamers would be exposed to classic gaming.
And nonschoolgamers would play DuckHunt, basically the quintessential nongamer game: skeet-shooting? hunting? Yeah.

~Carmine M. Red
Kairon@aol.com

[couchmonkey]

And I still say Nintendo will most likely include nothing.  There's a reason nobody has bundled a game with a system at launch since the Super NES/Genesis era.  I'd like a bundled game, but a demo is the most I'd hope for.

[Hawkeye_a]

Great discussion going on here.

I think bundling in Mario1128 with the NRS, says to customers "we're not like the other guys, we care about your gaming experience. they sell hardware, we sell games". Thats  a very important perspective, from a consumer standpoint. Also, this is Mario we are talking about.... i dont thinnk there's a Nintendo fan who doesnt like Mario, and as  far as new gamers his face will be instantly recognizable.

We can babble on and on about business practice and how nintendo can make more mone(if that even matters at this point). But Nintendo's stated goal is expanded market share through expanding the market. Can they appeal to "everyone" by bundling in Mario128 ? I beleive so. Should they bundle in Mario128 ? Yes. especially seeing as the competition will have a few months head start.

The question about bundling Mario128 shouldnt be about market share and profit , etc. It's about appealing to the targeted audience. And i think more non-gamers would be inclined to pick up a NRS with mario128 bundled than picking up a box with just hardware(and possibly a demo).

Having Mario128 bundled will also persuade people to connect the NRS with their fond memories from the NES and SNES days, which is a very powerful connection to gamers and older gamers. the message "This is the same Nintendo that brought you the NES, Gameboy and SNES".

Cheers

[Gamebasher]

"Having Mario128 bundled will also persuade people to connect the NRS with their fond memories from the NES and SNES days, which is a very powerful connection to gamers and older gamers. the message "This is the same Nintendo that brought you the NES, Gameboy and SNES"."

Brilliant idea! That is exactly how Nintendo should kick-start their re-ascension to the top spot in videogaming!!

Still, I really do think that Iwata is going to have to kick Miyamoto´s behind good in order for the long awaited Mario platformer to come out with the NRS. I have long tired of hearing Miyamoto doing experiments with Mario gameplay. But I do think that Iwata will have a bone to pick with Miyamoto if he doesn´t get his ass in gear, and deliver that Mario 128 game at the launch of the NRS. It is vital for the success of any new Nintendo console, to have a Mario platformer launching with it from day one, and Miyamoto has had time long enough for his "experiments"!!!!

[Requiem]

Well Miyamoto's job is alot harder than you think.

They have alot riding on this next Mario, but can YOU think of any good ways to use the NRC other than replace jump with *Flick upwards*?

Ya, I didn't think so.....Let the man do his thing. It'll come out when it comes out.

[stevey]

I know Miyamoto will have mario128 at launch, or he delay the launch of the system to have it at launch. I think mario 128 souldn't be bundled, M128 and SSBO will have great sale at start because non-gamer know of them, but MP3 really need to be bundled to give it a bost to get the non hard core into metroid.

[nickmitch]

MP3 should be bundled when it's released, but I think that it should come out a year after launch and substitute a price drop.

[kirby_killer_dedede]

Things like that and price drops signal distress to me.

[Gamebasher]

Requiem, I KNOW that Miyamoto´s job is hard. I really do. Thet must get it right, for the gamers to be happy, live up to the high expectations, which is NOT easy.

But I also know that I would very much like to very soon see a great Mario platformer which is second to none since Mario 64 with Mario Sunshine dissapointing me, and many others a lot, since I am running out of must-have titles on the GCN, and there is still some time to go before we´ll see the Revolution launching worldwide. Hell, I know how hard it is overall for Nintendo to get all of the things ready for the worldwide release of their generation-next console, but I am just a gamer, a consumer, and therefore my perception doesn´t have to go any further than to the level where I after years upon years naturally begin to wonder about the whereabouts of a long-awaited, half-promised, and rumoured-to-death follow-up Mario title which I would looove to get my itchy hands on right now.

Still, no word from Nintendo about it leaving us in the dark prolonged, except that Iwata is putting pressure on Miyamoto to get a Mario game out for NRS launch. I know many other Nintendo gamers around the world feel the same way, so I hope Nintendo is understanding the seriousness of the situation if there is no Mario platformer at launch. I mean, there was many many people who was talking here on the internet about how the Luigi game, which came instead of a Mario game, at the launch of the GCN ruined the sales of same, and gave it a slower than expected start. That is why I feel it is crucial that a Mario platformer is launching with the Revolution, since Mario is the gaming icon which most people in the world know well, and therefore will respond to positively in terms of initial reaction if they see it launching on the Nintendo generation next console.

If Mario launches with SMBM, Metroid Prime 3 and a good selection of third party titles, we might be seeing the sales of the NRS skyrocket, which will be good for the brand new control approach seen in it. It is definitely important that the games with which one has to control in such a radical new manner are superb, famous, outstanding and just plain great in terms of game play. No better promotion of the new hardware than that!!!

I know nothing about the NRC controls, though.