Messages

8026

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Nintendo Revolution, Discuss it here!

« on: January 28, 2005, 04:18:05 PM »

I don't like the idea of a true 3D game system.  

Here is why:

One of two things would happen.

1)  You will have to wear goggles, or Nintendo will find away to make that illusion without goggles (with may be impossible) then the system is just one big gimmick from the get go.

2)If it actually projects a 3D world up then I would be worried that the view would be too limited because of how little space would be available to view the image.  As well would I have to design my room around the system and the image for me to have the perfect experience?  Too many variables to make it viable to play.

Something like this would actually be great for an arcade system, but I have my doubts as for an actual home system.

8027

Nintendo Gaming / RE:What characters would you like to see in the next SSB?

« on: January 28, 2005, 06:27:35 AM »

When I look at characters I want to add to SSB, I don't just look at characters that would be cool to play, but characters that would have original and different play mechanics...someone truly different.

The numbers become far fewer when you think on those terms.

Here is an idea or two.

Olimar:  Ok.  Olimar has very little to no attacks on his own.  However, his space suit allows him to soak up damage.  When you do your down special attack you pull Pikmin out that fight with you.  Now when you punch Pikmin jump out to give you further strength and further range.  

Forward B gives you a toss move like Yoshi with the Pikmin.  Different Pikmin effect players differently.  Red-attach and do damage until shaken off and killed.  The more you attach to them the higher % damage is taken off and faster.  Other Pikmin can slow opponents down.  Make their attacks weaker, or even disable special attacks.  

Up B could give him a jet pack boost jump that could be cool.  Pikmin on screen could do other cool things like throw them at an item and they will bring it to Olimar and such.  

8028

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Something important to know about the Revolution

« on: January 28, 2005, 03:35:12 AM »

For that matter.  How about just putting a USB port and allowing cosumers to use Flash drives to go online.  256MB memory should be enough to safe any games going online, and if it isn't you can use your PC to save and organize all your game files.

It would also allow you to do cool stuff like edit photos to put into your games, create custom music files to play, and much more.

8029

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Iwata: "Paradigm Shift"

« on: January 27, 2005, 03:33:39 AM »

KDR_11k

Most of the time those new developers creating amazing games and graphics are creating those games for PC.  That is a completely different animal than console development.  

1)  Its easier and less expensive to get started on a PC game.  A group of programmers and artists could easily work on a new PC game while having other jobs and become successful.  

2)  When you see these startup developers they usually have all their eggs in one basket.  Meaning if that game they spent years on developing isn't successful then the company may completely go under.  Its very high risk.

You usually do not see new developers jumping to console games first because its even higher risk and more costly do develop for one of the console systems.  Besides you may not even be let into the door with aid from development kits and such.  

So I still believe in my analysis that the more graphically intense the games, and the more advanced that smaller companies will be eaten alive.  At the same rate games will become shorter, and multiplayer will began to be used for longevity of the game even if its a game that should be designed with multiplayer in mind.

8030

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

« on: January 25, 2005, 08:33:53 AM »

You know.  I didn't like the model of 3D lil Mac in the game either.  But then I saw the character Art from Super Punch Out and it looks very similar.  I would have perferred something looking younger and less developed.  But, then that would be too I LOVE HALO 2.  

Punch Out was cool because you were this little guy taking on the giants, I loved that feel.  This guy just looks like a really mad baby faced boxer.  

Still, I am actually considering buying this game just for Super Punch Out.  I loved the rythme-pattern solving gameplay of the original.  Each Battle was like facing a boss battle of other games.  

Punch Out to me was one of the first rythme games and therefore kinda the first music game.

Having the Super Nintendo sequel will be great.

8031

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Iwata: "Paradigm Shift"

« on: January 25, 2005, 03:42:03 AM »

Here is something to remember about graphics.

We aren't at the pinnacle of graphical perfection yet with games.  We won't be close to that probably until another 2 full generations after this coming generation.  However, I would argue we DON'T want to be there.

With each generation of 3D consoles it becomes more and more costly to artistically design games.  You want to know why larger companies are buying all the small development firms.  

1)The smaller firms can't compete in the marketplace and still make a profit.  The time and resources it takes to make spectacular graphics for just this generation are incredible, yet next generation the price will skyrocket even more.  

2)The larger firms are even having a problem keeping up with the challenge and they are ever needing to enlarge their development teams and artistic teams just to create their normal games.

If all we do is push for games to be graphically superior then eventually costs of gaming will go down and the only games will get receive are those which will sell millions of copies.  In other words in future consoles we will actually be getting less variety not more.  You can actually see it this generation with games.  The variety of original games is shockingly low.  

Nintendo may not have the exact answer by trying to create a new means to interface with your games, and focusing on the interaction more than the games, but at least its a bold step in the right direction.  

To me the DS is a perfect example of the risk Nintendo is will to take to effect the future of gaming.  Yes right now the system doesn't have many games, but don't judge a system on its launch titles, and wait and see what it will be in the future.  The DS is bold in design, but it still brought us enough advancement in technology to play 3D games and 2D as well brought us a new way of playing games.

From what developers have said Nintendo is creating a system that is graphically superior than the Gamecube, and should compete nicely with the PS3 and Xenon.  However the emphasis on the system was never the power, but the interface.  

Lets see what Nintendo creates before we get upset.  

After all I would rather see an awesome new interface than really nice graphics that don't change gameplay for me at all.

8032

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Next Gameboy

« on: January 21, 2005, 06:28:25 AM »

I don't believe that the next Gameboy is going to be a portable Gamecube, but I think that within this statement is the truth.

I believe Nintendo is trying to deliver a portable with similar functionality of a Gamecube.  Similar or Better Processor and RAM, obviously same programing tools and language, but I believe Nintendo will change the obvious.  Different media format and different memory for storing memory.  I would also predict that the control will be redesigned, and probably won't feature the same functions.

So in reality, it won't be a portable Gamecube, but will be a portable with the power and functionality of a Gamecube.

Why do I believe this?  It just doesn't seem feasible for Nintendo to make a comfortable, safe, affordable, portable Gamecube.  At the same time it doesn't seem economical either.  

Think about it.  If Nintendo gives gamers a huge library of Gamecube quality games with their portable from the start it will hurt sales of new projects and products.

However, if the system is similar enough Nintendo could compile games into a portable format that people would buy.  I would buy a portable version of both Mario Golf and Mario Tennis together with wifi support to play multiplayer games.

I guess what I am saying is I am actually expecting something different from the Gameboy Evolution and something MORE from it.

8033

General Gaming / RE:Microsoft to release three versions of Xbox 2

« on: January 14, 2005, 04:03:31 AM »

I think both Sony and Microsoft are looking at trying to create a device that everyone will buy because it has many functions.  Its like the new PSP, you can get it to play games, but you can also use it to play music and movies.  

Microsoft wants to create something that can be used to link all your devices together.  But if you don't want to go that route you don't have to.

It will be interesting to see how it plays out...and how it affects costs.  Microsoft and Sony could be shooting themselves in the foot by throwing in all these added extra that will bring the cost higher, while Nintendo can bring in an equally powerful system at a cheaper cost.

Remember, it wasn't the cost that hurt the Gamecube it was the marketing, and lack of 3rd party developers...but if Nintendo could market the system, gather developer support, and have a cheaper system, then Nintendo could easily gain back marketshare.

And yes I know MS is going to have a cheap system with 3 versions of it...but that does confuse the customer and they may not know which one to buy.

8034

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Let's Talk Controller

« on: January 12, 2005, 07:59:19 AM »

Mode Red:

As I look at your idea, I can't help but feel its too complicated.

Nintendo is looking for ways to make games more intuitive to play, and create a controller that feels natural, and will be instantly comfortable and accessable.  Your design really doesn't offer that at all.

The more I think about what Nintendo is thinking up the more I realize it will probably be more traditional than we think...and I am tired of trying to figure it out.  I hope this year Nintendo shows us something about this new system at E3.  I really don't care about seeing games, all I want to see is tech demos that are playable with the new control system...whatever it is.

8035

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Something important to know about the Revolution

« on: January 11, 2005, 03:20:37 AM »

I would love Nintendo to give Retro a budget and a chance to create their own game.  

However, you must realize that although they deserve the chance, any original game made won't be as big as Metroid...And even Retro Studios themselves may not want to take that chance.  Right now they are batting 2 for 2.  If they can create another 3rd game with the quality of the first 2, then they can prove themselves as designers better than most in the market.  

Although, if they could do that same achievement with an original RPG then wow.  Who knows Nintendo may have asked them to purposely scrap the game for the cube, so that they could have it for later.  

8036

TalkBack / RE:NOA Announces Q1/Q2 Release Schedules

« on: January 10, 2005, 08:30:55 AM »

I noticed that the the release lists game titles for games that will be out much later, like the Zelda Cube and such.  I think this is because Nintendo wants to remind people they will be out.

I expect most of those DS games listed without a date to be end summer, fall, and winter releases...

Some interesting games coming out.  I am waiting for Wario Ware, because its the only game interesting me that will be out for the DS.

8037

TalkBack / RE:Nintendo and Konami Announce DDR with Mario

« on: January 07, 2005, 09:03:24 AM »

I just realized.  

My idea for inputting the dance with the Bongos, could easily be done with a Gamecube Controller or even the Gameboy advance.  

They could even have a create a dance mode where you create the dance for a song.

I think the impromptu verse create-a-dance mode is definately the coolest idea, but so is creating your own dances, being able to speed up and slow down the tempo of the music.  

8038

TalkBack / RE:Nintendo and Konami Announce DDR with Mario

« on: January 07, 2005, 06:32:52 AM »

Here is the game I want.

Mario DDR Vs. Donkey Konga

Exclusive Mode....VERSE MODE.

Think about it.  

1)You could have the Konga player hit the Konga to the beat of the music recording steps that the dancer would have to do.  (Might be hard to do since there is more variety in DDR than is available to program within the Kongas)

2)An easier means to create verse.  The Konga player actually manipulates the beat to the music.  The song is choosen and the Konga player can use the Kongas to change the beats speed.  Hit his roll faster and he can make the song speed up, or slow it down.  

3)Last is have a more regular competition.  Have the screen show DDR moves and Konga lines and whomever can get a higher score wins.

(I really wish Nintendo and Konami could be this creative with the game.)

8039

Nintendo Gaming / RE:I can't believe this hasn't been posted. Sega talks about the next gen: Revolution

« on: January 07, 2005, 04:41:47 AM »

Well what Sega is right about is the cost of developing games for the larger systems.  With each new system it becomes harder and harder for small development companies to produce a game that can compete.  

This will create two seperate trends.

1)Small development houses will start developing more for the DS and possibly the PSP where it will be easier to compete.

2)Larger development houses like EA will continue to swollow the small creative development teams and make them their own.  These development houses are still going to need large amounts of resources to develop timely games as well.  I also expect the polish of games to go down not greatly increase with the next console system, but that is just me.

I really hope this means Nintendo will consider buying up some of these creative teams.  Nintendo really needs to expand their development power as much as they can.  They need to be able to release one new game a month for both the DS and Cube/Revolution when it comes out.

8040

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Let's Talk Controller

« on: January 07, 2005, 04:34:56 AM »

VR was a fad for gaming.  Remember the arcade games you would pay 5-10 dollars to play where you would walk around and hunt other players.

You don't?

Well I remember it.  It disorientated you, it was very heavy and the play mechanic was anything but intuitive.  It was pretty darn bad.

We haven't advanced enough for VR to be a functional gaming system yet...and I have my doubts if we will ever get to that point.

We will have to design a light helmet that gives true depth perception that won't disorientate the player, and be able to give truely responsive controls which feel natural.

That is alot of ifs, that will be hard to impliment.

8041

TalkBack / RE:Nintendo and Konami Announce DDR with Mario

« on: January 07, 2005, 04:21:56 AM »

This is pretty cool, and this has alot of potential promise.  

Nintendo is making connections with 3rd party developers and they are giving exclusive benefits to Gamecube owners...however this could be dangerous and could backfire.

Soul Caliber was a huge success including Link as a playable character, and most likely NBA Street with Mario All-Stars will be a big success too.

But eventually Mario is going to get old.  Throwing him out into the public sea too often for guest appearances and stuff could get tiresome.  And the first game that sells bad even with Mario in it as a bonus will once again scare 3rd party developers.

Will Mario DDR be the game that does this?  Probably not.  But when will Nintendo draw the line?

Will the Next Tony Hawk or SSX get a hidden Mario character?
Will Mario continue to learn to play Baseball, Hockey, Waterpolo, Cricket?
Will Nintendo have to make these deals to continue to persuade developers to the next generation system?

Its good to see Nintendo working and building relationships with developers, I am just worried to see what happens if anything goes bad.

8042

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Are u still sure buying the DS (instead of the PSP) was a good choice?

« on: January 04, 2005, 03:16:07 AM »

Do I think I made the wrong choice?  No, well except for buying Spiderman 2, I am very happy with the DS.  

The way I judge whether a purchase is good for me is simple.

1)Can I afford it.
2)Is it something I need or want.
3)Will I use it.

The DS is much more affordable than the PSP.  SO Check number one off.

It is a new portable system, that provides a unique experience, and doesn't sacrifice the traditional gaming that I enjoy.

Great games are coming out for the system, plus it plays my GBA games, and it is a nifty gadget.  

Yeah.  It was a great purchase.

Now lets look at the PSP.

1)I can afford it, but can I afford it and the more expensive games...its alittle more costly.
2)Do I need a portable system that plays and acts like a home system...nope.  I usually play my system at home anyway.
3)Not really.  As I said.  I have a Gamecube for 3D games.

8043

TalkBack / RE:Castlevania DS Revealed

« on: January 03, 2005, 03:58:55 AM »

At least the map is on the top screen.  Just because the only announced use of the touch screen is the "seal" magic of bosses doesn't mean that it is the only use.  I can see drawing shapes as a means to use magic and such.  

Lets be glad we are getting a new Castlevania that is more traditional than the company trying something new and screwing it up.

8044

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Let's Talk Controller

« on: December 30, 2004, 06:41:27 AM »

Hey I really like the memory in the controllers idea...however it begs a few questions.

When creating character profiles and game files would it just default to controller 1 or do you choose?  What happens when your controller gets old or messed up, or you want a friend to borrow a controller?  

Right now memory sticks are getting cheaper and cheaper and more stable than ever.  I still like the idea of memory stick saves than a hard drive.  I guess you could have both but that seems like overkill.  

The idea of full analog buttons are interesting...but it also makes controlling games more complicated than simplier.  Nintendo is trying to bring gaming back to an easier style of play not more complicated.

As well Analog buttons will work for certain games and not others.  PS2 tried to have analog buttons that could do both functions, and it isn't very successful.  The analog feels just off and hard to determine where you are on the button.  

If Nintendo could figure away to get D-PAD responses from an analog stick and still have analog stick functionality that would be an awesome improvement, but I do not think the same is possible with the buttons.

I also understand what Ian Sane is worried about with Touch Screen controllers not having the ability to have the same response that buttons have, because you can't feel when you are pushing the buttons in.  However that is one single (albet large) downside, to an otherwise pretty amazing setup of allowing you to design a controller with unlimited button configurations.  Will it work?  I have no idea, but it would be revolutionary.

8045

Nintendo Gaming / RE:Let's Talk Controller

« on: December 27, 2004, 11:16:55 AM »

IGN has reported a story from a Japanese source stating that the Nintendo revolution won't have a D-PAD or A/B Button Combo.

Hmmm.  

This is very interesting.  The Button Combo makes me wonder what the new configuration is.

The D-PAD could mean anything.  It could just mean that Nintendo managed a way to combine D-PAD control with an Analog control stick...or that Nintendo just wants to simply the controller and take the D-PAD element that is hardly used out.

However, the A/B button thing is baffling.  It begs the question will there be buttons at all?  

8046

Nintendo Gaming / RE:NEW Super Mario Bros, Another - RELEASE DATES REVEALED

« on: December 27, 2004, 03:48:03 AM »

Hmmm...a Zero Hour type Remake.

I don't think that would be as nice as you think.  The original Metroid needed to be remade.  It was way to frustrating with the limited graphics to understand where to go, or even sometimes HOW to go.  

The original Mario didn't have that problem and it is still as playable today even compared to today's standards as it was to play back then.

I would love to see a blending of the Mario 64 game mechanics in a 2D Mario personally.  I would love to see levels designed to require wall jumps, sumersault jumps and all the other special jumps from Mario 64 within the tight game design of a 2D experience.

Keep the Mushrooms, and the fireplant, but now allow all enemies to collect all powerups.  Make a powerup  a doubleedged sword if you miss collecting it.  

This to me is the next step for the Mario experience and gameplay.  Fuse the two concepts together into one experience.

8047

Nintendo Gaming / RE:DS vs PSP - Sales Figures

« on: December 23, 2004, 03:56:44 AM »

The Big question for DS verse PSP will not come from Japanese sales...but will come from the world sales.

Will the American public still be into the DS when the PSP is launched or will they jump ship?  Actually the worst scenario would be that they buy a PSP and keep the DS, however only get games for the PSP.  I see this as very likely, and will hurt Nintendo because 3rd party developers will feel they can't make a profit from the DS.  

one million units in the United States and in Japan are chump change right now.  Nintendo may have a lead, but it better work hard to keep it, and it is still all in the hands of the public how they will receive both systems once they are competing on a world market.

That being said I am really excited about the DS future lineup.

One Line Puzzler
Wario Ware Touched
Super Mario Kart DS
and
Metroid: Hunters

all these games sound really exciting to me.

8048

Nintendo Gaming / RE:DS vs PSP - Sales Figures

« on: December 22, 2004, 11:52:22 AM »

Actually.  Guys.  Sony isn't in that bad of shape.  In the US Sony could easily catch up.  It won't take too long for Sony to advertise and get the information out about the PSP.  

However, it is going to be an uphill battle.  Sony really made a mistake, by not spending money and having advertising for the PSP before the DS came out.  I would have done everything I could to let the American public know that there is an alternative.  Since they didn't Nintendo is going to have until March to sell DS without any competition.  And if Nintendo is smart to release a killer app or 2 before the PSP is launched then the choice to get a DS and one killer game for the Price of the PSP will be huge.  Or in reality getting a DS and 2-3 games for the price of a PSP, one game and a memory card.  

Also don't try to play any network games with the PSP, IGNPSP reported 2 hour 45 min battery power when playing against another player...and that was a game that didn't have heavy UMD consumption.  

8049

Nintendo Gaming / RE:DS price

« on: December 22, 2004, 09:21:09 AM »

I would continue searching.  Some companies may try to make extra money on the system because they are in demand, but you should be able to find companies that will not raise the price.

8050

Nintendo Gaming / RE:AAAAHAHAHAHAHA...Nintendo to make a football game!?

« on: December 21, 2004, 08:33:56 AM »

Bill:  What would you like to see in a football game?

I am with you I generally hate sports games.  (However arcadey sports games are fun.)

The Mario Sports series games are the only ones I have truly ever enjoyed.  Mario Golf, and Mario Tennis are both great examples of how Sports Video Games should use the Sport as a basic principle of the game, but go way beyond that to create a more surreal, fun, and unique experience.  After all no video game can truly feel like you are playing the sport so why not spice it up?