Messages

[The fast single-transistor RAM in the GameCube hits a milestone ...]

1226

TalkBack / NEC Ships Over 25M 1T-SRAM Chips

« on: October 14, 2002, 04:14:25 PM »

The fast single-transistor RAM in the GameCube hits a milestone ...

NEC announced today that the MoSys 96-Mbit 1T-SRAM used in the Nintendo GameCube hit the 25 million units shipped mark.

Perrin Kaplan, Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Affairs at Nintendo of America  said "We are very pleased with the successful partnership we have with both NEC and MoSys, allowing us to leverage their technologies to produce a unique gaming experience with Nintendo GameCube for our customers."

Nintendo's GameCube uses 192Mbits of the single-transistor SRAM, with it's key feature being it's extremely low latency.  

[What's the worst thing that can happen to a publicly traded company? Not having your shares listed comes to mind ...]

1227

TalkBack / Interplay Delisted from NASDAQ

« on: October 09, 2002, 04:50:41 PM »

What's the worst thing that can happen to a publicly traded company?  Not having your shares listed comes to mind ...

As of the start of trading this morning, Interplay was no longer listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange.  Interplay was informed of the delisting yesterday by NASDAQ officials.

A delisting occurs when a publicly traded company's stock falls below a certain price, and for a certain period of time.  For NASDAQ, it's usually a price of one dollar, and for a period of 30 trading sessions.  It is possible to be delisted for different reason, such as not meeting certain net worth requirements.

Interplay can still be traded publicly on the "Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board" (OTCBB) under the ticker IPLY.  However, not being listed on a major exchange means no analyst coverage, and virtually no profile in the investor community.  It also means that the likelyhood of raising additional capital becomes nil.

Interplay has until October 23rd to appeal the ruling, but as Interplay closed at just seven cents at the time of it's delisting, it's highly unlikely an appeal would yield any positive result for the company.

It is possible for the company to be relisted on NASDAQ at a later time, due to recently amended rules NASDAQ instituted in the current economic climate.  However, the company would likely need to show significant improvement before that would happen.

[There's fighting in my puzzles! There's puzzles in my fighting!]

1228

TalkBack / Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo coming to GBA

« on: October 09, 2002, 11:59:52 AM »

There's fighting in my puzzles!  There's puzzles in my fighting!

ADDICTIVE CONSOLE CLASSIC SUPER PUZZLE FIGHTER II TURBO™ BREAKS ONTO THE GAME BOY® ADVANCE THIS WINTER

SUNNYVALE, Calif. - October 9, 2002 - The console game hailed by industry critics and consumers alike as the best and most addictive game ever played, will soon be available for the Game Boy Advance system. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, the award-winning puzzle game featuring "super deformed" characters from the Street Fighter and Darkstalker series, breaks into the handheld market this winter. In the game, miniature versions of Capcom's fighting game icons battle it out while players attempt to devastate their opponent in a columns-style puzzle game. This irresistible game is rated 'E' for everyone by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board). Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo is a one or two-player game using the Game Boy Advance Link Cable.

"Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo originally released in 1997 and now more than five years later, the game continues to be popular," said Todd Thorson, director of marketing, Capcom Entertainment. "Just this year alone, the Official PlayStation Magazine named Super Puzzle Fighter as the second best puzzle game for the PlayStation. We have also seen the game selling on popular online auction sites for upwards of $100.00. With an installed base of eight million Game Boy Advance owners, I'm sure Super Puzzle Fighter will be the game to own."

In Super Puzzle Fighter, the player attempts to outwit either the computer or another human opponent in a one-on-one battle of intellect and adrenaline. As a linked pair of gems descends from the top of the screen; the player moves and rotates these gems to form groups and piles of the same color. Groups of gems can be destroyed by either a Crash Gem, which will break all gems of the same color that are touching, or a Rainbow Gem, which when placed on a gem, will destroy all on-screen gems of the same color. When the player breaks their own gems, Counter Gems will fall onto the hapless rival. Counter gems at first appear as blank blocks with a colored number five, which means that the player has to drop five sets of gems before the counter will turn into a normal gem.

To compliment the frenetic pace of Super Puzzle Fighter, the player must choose one of eight familiar characters from the Street Fighter and Darkstalkers series. Among the selectable characters are Ryu and Ken, the karate masters; Sakura, the high-kicking teen; everybody's favorite Chinese detective Chun Li; vampire hunter Donovan; Felicia the cat-woman; Scottish succubus Morrigan, and Hsien-Ko the ghost-girl, as well as three extra hidden characters. Each of the characters is a "super deformed" (a shrunken cartoon parody) version of the familiar fighter, with a Japanese, highly comical look to them. The characters all have unique Drop Patterns which effects individual playing styles, determining how counter gems are sent onto the opposing side. During play, the characters will attack each other with their respective signature moves, resulting in bursts of energy, streaming fireballs, flaming uppercuts, and a host of other on-screen actions to entertain the players. The backgrounds and in-game music are also full of inside jokes and parodies from a number of other Capcom titles. In addition, there are five hidden characters that players can access and the ability to play head-to-head, using the link cable, adding even more appeal to an already great game.

Capcom Entertainment, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capcom Co., Ltd. of Japan. A leading force in the multi-billion dollar interactive entertainment industry, Capcom's legacy spans more than 22 years of entertaining video gamers. Capcom develops, markets, and distributes home video games for the PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo® GameCube, and XboxÔ game consoles, Game Boy® Advance and Game Boy® Color video game systems, personal computers, and coin-operated games. Worldwide recognizable product lines include the Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Breath of Fire, and Onimusha series. World headquarters in Osaka, Japan, the company also has offices in Tokyo, Hong Kong, London and Sunnyvale, California. The company is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange code number 9697.

[Are you obsessed with games? Maybe this will sober you up a bit ...]

1229

TalkBack / Gaming for 86 hours straight will KILL you

« on: October 09, 2002, 11:49:23 AM »

Are you obsessed with games?  Maybe this will sober you up a bit ...

A 24-year-old unemployed South Korean man was found dead in an Internet Cafe bathroom after playing computer games for 86 hours straight.

Witnesses claim that the man had not left his terminal since last Friday, and had not eaten or slept in any significant manner since starting his binge.  He then collapsed at the counter yesterday, only to recover and head towards the bathroom, where he was later found dead.

The Police have ruled out murder as a cause of death.

Most internet cafes in South Korea are open 24 hours, and are very popular.  There are over 22,000 such cafes, called "PC Rooms" in South Korea alone.

South Korea is considered one of the world's most internet-aware nations, with over half of it's 47 Million person population having access to the Internet in some fashion.

[Tired of badly compressed video in GameCube games? Fret no longer, DivX and your pals at Factor 5 have the answer!]

1230

TalkBack / Factor 5 and DivX Networks release SDK for GameCub

« on: October 01, 2002, 08:14:09 AM »

Tired of badly compressed video in GameCube games?  Fret no longer, DivX and your pals at Factor 5 have the answer!

The small size of the GameCube discs makes them easy to manage and cheap to make, but they only hold a fraction of the data a standard DVD-ROM can.  While most games can be made to fit in 1.5GB of space, FMV, or full-motion video is much harder to compress without significant loss in video quality.

PC users have long known the advantages that the DivX format (not to be confused with the ill-fated DIVX alternative to DVD) has in terms of files sizes and image quality.  Now Factor 5 in a partnership with DivX Networks are bringing tools to developers to compress FMV with the DivX format, allowing for better looking video in smaller file sizes.

How much smaller?  It depends on the source and the aggressiveness of the compression, but DivX says that the tools can create movies at DVD Quality that are 7-10 times smaller than MPEG2.

The code is hand built in assembly language for the Gekko processor as well, and the playback portion uses both the Gekko CPU and the Flipper graphics processor to decode.

Since the tools have been developed by Factor 5, they are tightly integrated with the MusyX and AX sound libraries.

More information is available at the DivX for GameCube SDK page.

[If you think games cost too much, Fair Play wants you to stop buying games for the week 1st December to 8th December.]

1231

TalkBack / UK Campaign for Cheaper Videogames

« on: September 30, 2002, 02:49:30 PM »

If you think games cost too much, Fair Play wants you to stop buying games for the week 1st December to 8th December.

Everyone cringes when it comes time to buy a new game.  $50 (£40-£45 in the UK) is always hard to stomach, even for the well off.  Video games have traditionally been viewed as a kid's hobby, so why have the prices skyrocketed past what most kids earn in allowance or odd jobs?  The Fair Play campaign aims to fix that.

The campaign, headed by a number of industry professionals and concerned consumers aims to cut the price of videogames, and draw attention to the problems they see with the current cost on which they are sold.

Their largest argument is pointing towards the initial failure of the Xbox to sell in quanity at it's intial launch price.  Microsoft was forced to make two rapid price cuts in order to gain any traction in the market.  Fair Play points to this as their concept in action.

The first initiative planned is a boycott of buying games for one week. They believe that much like the Xbox's failed launch, that consumer power will demonstrate that prices cannot be kept as they are for much longer.  And the way to do that is to directly impact company bottom lines.

There is a wealth of information including more facts and figures, opinions from developers and details of how you can help on the Fair Play campaign website.

Karlie Yeung collaborated on this news item.

[Get ready for the most ambiguously obscene Nintendo promotion EVER.]

1232

TalkBack / Who's the best Licker? Yoshi knows!

« on: September 27, 2002, 07:21:53 AM »

Get ready for the most ambiguously obscene Nintendo promotion EVER.

Lizard Lick, North Carolina is set to be the location of "Yoshi's Clash of the Tongues", where on September 28th, contestants will vie for the title of "Ultimate Licker."  Other titles include the "Lengthiest Lick", "Most Imaginative Lick", and "Most Daring Lick".

We can't make this stuff up, folks.

Of course, this is all to promote the release of Super Mario Advance 3, Yoshi's Island.  A Nintendo prize back will be awarded by Yoshi himself to the highest scorer.

All this zaniness is going down Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the Lizard Lick Town Hall, located at 2605 Highway 97.

[Nintendo announces the release of Animal Crossing. I am Jack's complete lack of surprise.]

1233

TalkBack / Animals Across America

« on: September 19, 2002, 08:00:42 AM »

Nintendo announces the release of Animal Crossing.  I am Jack's complete lack of surprise.

Nintendo's Highly Anticipated ``Animal Crossing'' Spreads across United States

Revolutionary Communication Game Creates Virtual Life in Actual Time

REDMOND, Wash.--Sept. 19, 2002--Nintendo of America's groundbreaking new game, Animal Crossing(TM), exclusively for NINTENDO GAMECUBE(TM), is now available on store shelves.     An exciting new genre gaining worldwide momentum, Animal Crossing is a virtual existence in actual time which extends for the next 30 years. In this pioneering game, time progresses parallel with the real world giving players a daily reason to play and allowing them to experience the compelling game play in any way they choose. The game, for one to four alternating players, is available at an MSRP of $49.95 and includes one memory card.     "Animal Crossing is redefining video games," explains Peter MacDougall, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Nintendo of America Inc. "Players can fish, garden, design furnishings, collect great works of art, cooperate with or play tricks on their neighbors. It's all up to them, and with the real time clock, they can continue to cultivate or compete against their friends and in-game characters until 2032!"     Players of Animal Crossing design a virtual life that unfolds more each day as they build relationships with other players and the animals of their village by talking with them, exchanging gifts, completing tasks, and sending letters. The other occupants of the town carry on their lives whether the game is being played or not and will respond to players based not only on the type of interaction but the amount of it. Players even need to be careful not to be gone too long as weeds will grow and villagers may decide to move away, leaving few acquaintances.     The life the player builds can be shared within the game by up to four other players who each can buy a home and become a member of the community. By saving a personalized village on a memory card, players can travel via a train to a friend's hometown to collect rare items, meet other villagers, and possibly convince some of the townsfolk to move back to their hometown. This form of travel allows players to interact outside the game with an unlimited number of other players.     Animal Crossing also delivers connectivity between multiple systems. By linking Animal Crossing with the Game Boy Advance(R) using the NINTENDO GAMECUBE Game Boy Advance cable, players visit a special island, meet a new companion and download classic 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System(R) (NES) games for portable gaming fun. The cable link also allows players to download a tool for creating designs in the NINTENDO GAMECUBE game.     Additionally, players can attach the exclusive e-Reader(TM) accessory right into the game slot on their Game Boy Advance. Then, by swiping exclusive Animal Crossing-e cards through the e-Reader, players get special letters from animal friends and more opportunities to collect classic NES games. E-Reader is on sale now at an MSRP of $39.95; Animal Crossing-e cards will be available on October 28th at an MSRP of $3.29.     As the worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co. Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems. The systems include Game Boy(R), Nintendo(R) 64, Game Boy Advance(R) and NINTENDO GAMECUBE(TM). Since the release of its first home video game system in 1983, Nintendo has sold more than 1.6 billion video games worldwide, creating enduring industry icons such as Mario(TM) and Donkey Kong(R) and launching such franchises as Zelda(TM) and Pokemon(R). As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere.     For more information about NINTENDO GAMECUBE or any other Nintendo product visit the company's Web site www.nintendo.com.

[And of course ... what does the outsourcing of production mean to consumers?]

1234

TalkBack / Nintendo to outsource GameCube production to FIC?

« on: September 17, 2002, 08:06:13 AM »

And of course ... what does the outsourcing of production mean to consumers?

Reports are coming in this morning that Nintendo may have settled on a third-party manufacturer for it's GameCube hardware.  First International Computer (FIC) in Taiwan has apparently already shipped some of the GameCube consoles, and will ramp up production in the fourth quarter.

Previous reports were that Q-Run Technology would be utilized to produce over 300,000 consoles at a cost of $100 each.  It's possible that this deal is still in place, with FIC making more units to supplement Q-Run.

[Bad news from Nintendo's website, the cel-shaded Zelda game isn't coming 'til NEXT Summer ...]

1235

TalkBack / Zelda Delayed?

« on: September 16, 2002, 05:26:57 PM »

Bad news from Nintendo's website, the cel-shaded Zelda game isn't coming 'til NEXT Summer ...

While the game was just confirmed for release in December of 2002 for the Japan market, the game has seemingly been delayed until June, 2003 in the North American market.

We're still waiting for offical word of the delay from Nintendo, and it's possible that this is out-of-date information.  However, it wouldn't be the first time a localization project with a great deal of text took six months or more.  Animal Crossing's localization was a nine-month job, but Animal Crossing has much more text than a Zelda title.

[NINTENDO GAMECUBE will have 100 not-to-be-missed titles for gamers to choose from this Christmas]

1236

TalkBack / 100 Games in Europe Shops for Christmas 2002

« on: August 29, 2002, 07:24:06 AM »

NINTENDO GAMECUBE will have 100 not-to-be-missed titles for gamers to choose from this Christmas

NINTENDO GAMECUBE will have 100 not-to-be-missed titles for gamers to choose from this Christmas. Not content with an astonishing 20 titles available for the day of its European launch on 3 May 2002, Nintendo are adding another 80 1st and 3rd party titles to the console that is already entertaining a million gamers across Europe.

Nintendo have been working hard ever since the launch in May to keep quality gaming a top priority, and the Christmas season will see seven exciting 1st party titles added to the already excellent stable of Nintendo titles… And the 3rd parties have also been flexing their game-developing muscles to bring a range of excellent new titles that will keep thumbs a-tapping this Christmas. So, whatever age, or whatever game takes the gamers fancy this festive season … the NINTENDO GAMECUBE section in-store is the place to be.  

And from these Hot 100 titles, Nintendo have selected the 'Scorchers', games any serious gamer would be a fool to miss. These include the best of the 1st and 3rd party titles which will be available in time to grace the Christmas lists of all discerning games enthusiasts. Some of these games are detailed below.

Easily the biggest game yet for NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Super Mario Sunshine will make Mario's presence felt this autumn. It's Mario's first starring role on the console, and a departure from his usual casual platform hopping. Mario is falsely accused of vandalising a beautiful tropical paradise, and armed with a powerful & versatile water gun, he must repair the damage. Watch this one fly off the shelves. Actually, watch Mario fly too - that water gun is full of tricks.

In possibly the most epic and evolving adventure game you'll see this year, Star Fox Adventures lures you into the eagerly awaited next chapter of the legacy. Basking in colourful graphics and irresistible gameplay and eight years on from defeating Andross, the Star Fox team prepare themselves in their new roles to investigate Dinosaur Planet and save the ancient paradise from being plunged into chaos.  

In a move that may surprise those who thought they were only capable of primary colours and cartoon characters, Nintendo are unleashing Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem in Europe in November. A psychological thriller, Eternal Darkness will pit gamers wits against a dark gaming world where things are never quite as they seem. It could be time to hide behind the sofa.

Nintendo are very proud to welcome Capcom's Resident Evil series exclusively to NINTENDO GAMECUBE, with episode 1 of the gore-filled zombie romp appearing this September, followed by a further year of the digitised un-dead coming to the console starting with Resident Evil 0 in the first half of 2003.

Other NINTENDO GAMECUBE Scorchers coming this autumn include Turok Evolution from Acclaim, James Bond: NightFire from EA, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 from Activision, Lucas Arts' Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Time Splitters 2 from Eidos and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets from EA.

With these, and many more irresistable games to come, NINTENDO GAMECUBE will be at the top of more than its fair share of Christmas lists this winter. You'd better drop Santa a line early this year.

There will be over 100 NINTENDO GAMECUBE games available by Christmas including,

Exclusive First Party:
Disney's Magical Mirror 13th September
Doshin the Giant 20th September
Super Mario Sunshine 4th October
Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem 1st November
Star Fox Adventures 22nd November
Mario Party 4 29th November
Wario World 6th December

Third Party Games:
Time Splitters 2 (Eidos) 1 September
Resident Evil (Capcom) 13 September
Turok Evolution (Acclaim) September
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 (EA) 25 October
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (LucasArts) 8 November
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (EA) 15 November
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (Activision) 30 November
Die Hard: Vendetta (VUG/NDA Productions) 8 November
James Bond: NightFire (EA) November
FIFA Football 2003 (EA) November

Click onto www.nintendo-europe.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.

[The waiting is over as the most anticipated game of the year is set to launch in an exclusive NINTENDO GAMECUBE bundle]

1237

TalkBack / Nintendo unveils Super Mario Sunshine Bundle

« on: August 29, 2002, 07:20:02 AM »

The waiting is over as the most anticipated game of the year is set to launch in an exclusive NINTENDO GAMECUBE bundle

The first ever NINTENDO GAMECUBE bundle is set to hit the shops on October 4, 2002 to celebrate the release of this year's biggest, and most anticipated game, Super Mario Sunshine. For the first time NINTENDO GAMECUBE is giving you the opportunity to buy the hottest home games console of the year complete with the most anticipated game of the year, all in one new bundle.

Super Mario Sunshine will see the world's most famous video games character return in the biggest Mario experience so far. The journey begins, when along with Princess Peach and Grandfather Toad, Mario visits the Dolphic Islands. After arriving into town, Mario, in a case of mistaken identity, is arrested for a graffiti crime he didn't commit. His punishment is to clean up the paint splattered island whilst using his freedom as an opportunity to find the mischievous mystery double who got him arrested.

Mario is given a special water cannon pack which not only cleans graffiti but also doubles up as an awesome weapon which can prove lethal when sprayed at enemies. Super Mario Sunshine features stunning new graphics, a superb summer soundtrack and a whole batch of new characters from the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto.

The NINTENDO GAMECUBE Super Mario Sunshine bundle contains a purple console, a controller, a copy of Super Mario Sunshine as well as a Memory Card 59 allowing you to record Mario's latest adventures, which promise to continue Mario's legacy as the world's most loved video games icon.  

Since its launch on May 3rd, the millionth NINTENDO GAMECUBE has been shipped into store in Europe, after just 11 weeks. With an outstanding line up of games being released before Christmas including Star Fox Adventures, Resident Evil and Eternal Darkness, Nintendo once again delivers the quality of entertainment it is famous for.

Super Mario Sunshine is exclusive to the NINTENDO GAMECUBE and launches on 4 October 2002 at the estimated retail price of around 60 Euros.

The NINTENDO GAMECUBE Super Mario Sunshine bundle also launches on 4 October 2002 at the estimated retail price of around 259 Euros.

Click onto www.nintendo-europe.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.

[Nintendo celebrates its 100th game with launch of Star Fox and the biggest epic adventure exclusively on NINTENDO GAMECUBE]

1238

TalkBack / The Star Fox Gang is Back!

« on: August 29, 2002, 07:17:59 AM »

Nintendo celebrates its 100th game with launch of Star Fox and the biggest epic adventure exclusively on NINTENDO GAMECUBE

From the makers of Donkey Kong 64, Banjo-Kazooie and Goldeneye 007, comes a game of epic proportions that will unveil a breath-taking new world never before seen on a console. Fox McCloud cunningly takes the lead in Star Fox Adventures, as Nintendo's secret weapon and 100th game on the NINTENDO GAMECUBE takes off on 22nd November 2002.

In possibly the most epic and evolving adventure game you'll see this year, Star Fox Adventures lures you into the eagerly awaited next chapter of the legacy. Basking in colourful graphics and irresistible gameplay, players will be immersed in the game as the story unfolds across Dinosaur Planet.  

After an emergency call, the Star Fox team prepare themselves in their new roles to investigate Dinosaur Planet and save the ancient paradise from being plunged into chaos. Eight years on from defeating Andross, Fox's team has since been disbanded - Slippy's working in research and development; Peppy has retreated to the calmer life of mission support; and Falco? Well, play and see.

Fully equipped with a magical staff, Fox will have to complete a series of missions but not without the difficulty of fighting off mutated dinosaurs and coming face to face with a towering T-Rex. Progress hangs on the help of a young but smart-mouthed triceratops named Tricky and a mysterious young woman - only with their help can you save the unspoilt planet from the evil grasp of General Scales. Fans can also sample some classic Star Fox action and take to the skies with the famous fighter plane, Arwing. Pilot through dangerous asteroid fields and engage in some seriously intense dogfights.  

Follow the team through a world set across vast landscapes and explore the dangerous depths of ice-capped mountains, stone temples & exotic forests inhabited by lots of prehistoric animals. Thanks to the breathtaking graphics achieved by the NINTENDO GAMECUBE, players will witness detailed environments brimming with intricate shadow and water effects as well as state of the art character rendering.  

Also launching on November 22 is Nintendo's revolutionary NINTENDO GAMECUBE WaveBird wireless controller. So whether you're experiencing the thrill up close or hiding away from reptiles and beasts, take charge of your game without restrictions.  

Since its launch on May 3rd, one million units of the NINTENDO GAMECUBE have been shipped into store in Europe, after just 11 weeks. With an outstanding line up of games being released before Christmas, starring the biggest names in interactive entertainment, Nintendo once again delivers the quality of entertainment it is famous for.

Star Fox Adventures is exclusive to the NINTENDO GAMECUBE and launches on  22 November 2002 at the estimated retail price of around 60 Euros.

Click onto www.nintendo-europe.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.

[Mario Party 4 on the NINTENDO GAMECUBE - definitely a party worth gatecrashing]

1239

TalkBack / Nintendo Announces its Biggest Party Yet

« on: August 29, 2002, 07:12:19 AM »

Mario Party 4 on the NINTENDO GAMECUBE - definitely a party worth gatecrashing

Haven't received your invite yet? Well, it may be time to beg, as the exclusive party hosted by Nintendo is definitely the place to be seen this year. Mushroom Kingdom is a scorcher of a venue to be at, and a great place to rub shoulders with the stars.  

Mario Party 4 promises to be the best fun yet with up to 50 all-new mini-games to throw yourself and your friends into. With awesome graphics and fun-filled gameplay, this game will have you on the edge of your seat as you pitch to win to be party king. As you make your way around a giant boardgame, you'll find yourself frantically competing in basketball challenges, a drawing race, dodging a shower of oversized books, and winning lots of crazy competitions.  

In what promises to be multi-player pandemonium, up to four people can choose their favourite Nintendo characters, hit the controller, and give it their best. Whether you're a seasoned Mario Party veteran, or it's your first invitation, you'll have a blast racing against your friends to grab every last star you can.  

It's time to battle it out in a series of exciting contests and prove your 'passion to party'. Feeling down on your luck? Well, the newly introduced Tag Battle means you can now pair up into two-man teams; bump, whack and bang your way to glory.  

What's more, throughout Mario Party 4, you can dash through a huge array of different challenges that'll pit one player against three, two against two, four against one or all the players against each other. If it's a little practice you need before the big night, then switch onto the story mode that will give you a sneaky opportunity to get ready for victory.

As one of the key must-play games on the NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Mario Party 4 is set to join the superb 100 titles available on the console in time for Christmas. So grab your drinks and secure that seat on the sofa - Mario Party 4 is coming…

Mario Party 4 is exclusive to the NINTENDO GAMECUBE and launches on  29 November 2002 at the estimated retail price of around 60 Euros.

Click onto www.nintendo-europe.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.

[22 years of the world's most famous video games character]

1240

TalkBack / MARIO: THIS IS YOUR LIFE

« on: August 29, 2002, 07:01:34 AM »

22 years of the world's most famous video games character

The year is 1980 and a little known Nintendo artist by the name of Shigeru Miyamoto, creates a game called Donkey Kong. The hero of the game, Jumpman, is a moustached plumber racing to save his girlfriend Pauline from the clutches of an ape by the name of Donkey Kong as they race up a skyscraper. Jumpman must use all his skill and determination to dodge the traps laid by Donkey Kong if he is to climb the tower and be reunited with his beloved Pauline.  

Sound familiar? Nintendo Co., Ltd later decided to rename Jumpman in honour of his resemblance to the landlord of the warehouse now established as Nintendo of America; a man by the name of Mario Segali.

Since Mario's first appearance in Donkey Kong the combined sales figures for all Mario titles have amassed over 165m units. That's more than 7m a year for every year of his life! So while you do your sums, here's the history highlights…  

MARIO - THE HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS*

all dates are based on worldwide launch dates

1980s

 Created by Shigeru Miyamoto in 1980, Mario's first appearance was as the hero in the original arcade game - Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong was the first arcade video game that incorporated a storyline and in which the main character could move across the screen. Originally called 'Jumpman', Mario first appeared in his red cap, moustache and dungarees on his mission to rescue his girlfriend. It could be said that Donkey Kong paved the way for the current video games.

 1982 - Mario Bros was the first game to star Mario with his brother Luigi. This is the first two-player Mario title where the brothers must clear sewers from different monsters including Shell Creepers, Fighter Flies, and Sidesteppers. Players can clear the sewers by hitting them and then kicking them away.  

Mario on his first handheld!!!! Mario stars in Mario Bros and goes on to appear in a series of Donkey Kong games as well as Mario's Cement Factory and Mario's Bombs Away. The Game & Watch series appeared in a variety of formats including Table Tops, Multi-Screen, Panorama and Wide Screen.

 1985 - Mario leaps onto Nintendo's first home console - Nintendo Entertainment System - in Mario Bros. Armed with an array of skills from hopping onto enemies to defeat them and jumping blocks to access new bonuses, Mario reinvented and redefined the "platform adventure genre" for fans to experience.

The top selling Super Mario Bros. releases on the NES and goes on to clock over 40 million sales worldwide. This is the first game to feature Mario's lovely lady Princess Peach and her aide, Toad. However, Bowser's first appearance in a Mario game also means that the Princess never gets a rest as Bowser develops a long history of kidnapping Princess Peach to lure his nemesis, Mario, into traps. He leads an enormous group of mischievous creatures, not the least of which are his seven children.

With the success of Super Mario Bros. around the world. Studies show that children are as, or more, familiar with "Mario" as they are with Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny.

 1988 - Mario takes flight and is able to fly! With a special yellow cape and also an exciting array of fun disguises (including a raccoon costume), fans get to experience the fun and frolics in Super Mario 3 for the NES.

 1989 - Game Boy launches with Super Mario Land, as Mario propels onto the most popular console in the world (the Game Boy series has sold over 130 million units to date). This is the first game where Princess Daisy is introduced to the world of video games.

1990s

 1990 - Mario becomes a doctor in Dr. Mario for NES. In the fast and frantic game, players can get to grips with an innovative puzzle game where they have to match the colours of the medicine.

In the same year, the world is introduced to a wonderful green dinosaur character named Yoshi in Super Mario World for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Yoshi quickly becomes an excellent sidekick to Mario. With a great tongue reach and an extra height to his jump, Yoshi is able to open a whole new way to Mario in defeating his enemies.

 1992 - Mario gets to compose his first tunes and explores his artistic talent in Mario Paint on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.  

In the same year, Mario and an all-star cast of Nintendo characters including Yoshi, Luigi, Donkey Kong and many more go head to head in a race for pole position in Super Mario Kart. The game immediately won over gaming fans and is thought of as the most entertaining racing classic of all time.

 1993 - All the Mario classics on one superb collection - Super Mario All-Stars launches on the SNES much to the delight of his fans. Browse and choose your favourite adventure and jump straight into the action.

 1996 - Mario goes 3-D! The biggest Mario experience yet comes to the small screens as his new game launches on NINTENDO 64 home console. Representing both the worlds first realistic 3D home console game and the first game to feature analogue controls, Super Mario 64 is proclaimed by many as "the greatest video game of all time!"

 1999 - Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64 showcases Mario like never before. In a clash of the titans, Mario and Nintendo's stable of famous characters are thrown into fight arenas to battle it out against memorable Nintendo landscapes. Fans can use wacky objects such as sledge-hammers and even throwing Poké balls to achieve victory.

 2000

 2000 - Mario wins 6-4, 7-6, 6-0 in the action-packed tennis title, Mario Tennis, for the NINTENDO 64. Facing some of the most familiar Nintendo faces in the industry, this fun-filled sports game celebrates the great multi-player release published by Nintendo.

 2001 - Mario turns 21 - and to celebrate his birthday, not only does he make his debut on Nintendo's latest consoles but stars in a host of hot games.  

For the release of the next generation handheld Game Boy Advance, Mario scores his own Super Mario Advance series as well as appearing in the multi-player smash hit Mario Kart: Super Circuit.  

Nintendo's launch of NINTENDO GAMECUBE console sees his brother, Luigi, make his starring debut in Luigi's Mansion as he rescues Mario who is trapped in a haunted painting.

 2002 - This is the life! Sunshine, sea and sand play a major part in Mario's starring debut in Super Mario Sunshine on the NINTENDO GAMECUBE, but he is framed for spraying graffiti and paint on the beautiful vacation island. With a special new water cannon, Mario goes to investigate the crime and cleans up the island with his new aqua device. At Japanese launch, Super Mario Sunshine sold a phenomenal 400,000 in just 4 days, according to an independent survey in Japan!!!

 More than 160 million units of the total Mario series have been sold worldwide to date (as of March 2002)

Mario - Nintendo Software Appearances*

*All dates are based on worldwide launch dates

Arcade Game 1981 Donkey Kong 1982 Donkey Kong Jr. 1983 Mario Bros. 1984 VS. Tennis 1984 VS. Wrecking Crew 1984 Punch Out!

Game & Watch 1982 Donkey Kong (Multi Screen) 1982 Donkey Kong Jr. (Wide Screen) 1983 Donkey Kong II (Multi Screen) 1983 Mario Bros. (Multi Screen) 1983 Mario's Cement Factory (Wide Screen) 1983 Donkey Kong Jr. (Table Top) 1983 Mario's Cement Factory (Table Top) 1983 Donkey Kong Jr. (Panorama Screen) 1983 Mario's Bombs Away (Panorama Screen)

Nintendo Entertainment System 1983 Donkey Kong 1983 Donkey Kong Jr. 1983 Mario Bros. 1984 Tennis 1984 Pinball 1985 Wrecking Crew 1985 Super Mario Bros. 1988 Super Mario Bros. 2 1988 Super Mario Bros. 3 1990 Punch Out! 1990 Dr. Mario 1991 Mario Golf 1991 Mario & Yoshi 1992 Super Mario USA

Game Boy 1989 Super Mario Land 1989 Alleyway 1989 Tennis 1989 Tetris 1990 Quicks 1990 Dr. Mario 1990 F1 Race 1991 Mario & Yoshi 1992 Super Mario Land 2 1992 Yoshi's Cookie 1994 Wario Land : Super Mario Land 3 1994 Donkey Kong 1995 Mario's Picross 1997 Game Boy Gallery 2 1999 Game Boy Gallery 3 Game Boy Gallery 4 1999 Mario Golf 2000 Mario Tennis

Super NES 1990 Super Mario World 1992 Mario Paint 1992 Super Mario Kart 1993 Super Mario All-Stars 1993 Yoshi's Safari 1995 Yoshi's Island 1996 Super Mario RPG 1998 Tetris & Dr. Mario

Virtual Boy (Japan & USA only) 1995 Mario's Tennis 1995 Mario Clash

NINTENDO 64 1996 Super Mario 64 1996 Mario Kart 64 1999 Super Smash Bros.  1999 Mario Golf 1998 Mario Party  1999 Mario Party 2 2000 Mario Party 3 2000 Paper Mario 2000 Mario Tennis

Game Boy Advance 2001 Super Mario Advance 2001 Mario Kart: Super Circuit 2001 Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 2002 Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3

NINTENDO GAMECUBE 2001 Luigi's Mansion 2001 Super Smash Bros. Melee 2002 Super Mario Sunshine

[What other colour would do for the world's fastest selling handheld console?]

1241

TalkBack / GAME BOY ADVANCE GOES PLATINUM

« on: August 29, 2002, 06:59:17 AM »

What other colour would do for the world's fastest selling handheld console?

Game Boy Advance is joining the jet set, with the imminent arrival of the most sophisticated looking console ever. As Nintendo announce their fastest selling handheld is to be produced in a limited edition platinum finish, collectors and the style conscious are poised to go wild for this seasons must have accessory, after it hits the shelves on 27th September 2002

With an exclusive library of over 200 titles expected by Christmas 2002, and the Game Boy Advance's backward compatibility with every Game Boy game ever produced, the platinum edition console really is the icing on the cake for hand held fanatics. Armed as ever with superior graphics and sound, multi player options and easy to grasp controls, the Game Boy Advance Platinum is at the forefront of functional fashion. Set to be at the top of many a Christmas wish list, the Game Boy Advance Platinum makes the coolest addition to the traditional Christmas colour palette. So kick off your shoes, lie back and take your pick from the amazing first and third party software highlights available for the coolest thing to leave Japan since sushi.

See Samus as you've never seen her before in Metroid Fusion, the sci-fi action adventure that's not for the faint hearted. The critically acclaimed Super Mario Advance series becomes a trilogy, with the return of the heroic duo Yoshi and Mario in Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3. Feeling sentimental? Take a trip down memory lane in the compilation of 1980's classics, Game and Watch Gallery Advance.

Want to run your own city? Then Grand Theft Auto 3 and Sim City from Digital should satisfy both the good and the bad in you, while those in need of an adrenalin fix will find Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 from Activision gets their pulse racing. Tomb Raider and Rayman 3, both from Ubi Soft will fulfill even the most die-hard action adventure fans, while Lord of the Rings from Vivendi Universal is a role-play game of epic proportions.

The limited edition platinum Game Boy Advance completes the colour palette of consoles available, with purple, clear blue, clear red, white and black also on hand for those who crave co-ordination. Since the Game Boy Advance launched on June 22 2001 Nintendo have sold over 4m units in Europe alone, making it the fastest selling console on the market to date. Having already wowed gamers in the USA and Japan, the Game Boy Advance Platinum is sure to turn heads in Europe.

Game Boy Advance Platinum launches on 27 September 2002 and will retail at around 99 Euros Game Boy Advance software retails at around 50 Euros.

Click onto www.nintendo-europe.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.

[Doshin the Giant takes his first great steps into gaming stardom]

1242

TalkBack / NINTENDO MAKES A BIG IMPRESSION

« on: August 29, 2002, 06:56:01 AM »

Doshin the Giant takes his first great steps into gaming stardom

Probably the largest newcomer in the games industry this year - Doshin the Giant is Nintendo's latest addition to their character hall of fame and sure to shoot to stardom following his appearance in this new game, exclusive to the NINTENDO GAMECUBE and in the shops on September 20 2002.

Doshin the Giant is the first game on the NINTENDO GAMECUBE where you set the rules and create the world you live in. With two characters available to play, you must first make the choice between the good-natured Doshin or the evil and destructive Jashin, before your quest begins. With an entire community to build, you will be kept thinking on your feet as this fun-filled and imaginative title will surprise you with its charming gameplay. Doshin the Giant is crammed full of the creativity and quirkiness that made previous Nintendo games, such as Pikmin and the legendary Mario series so popular.

Based on the ancient myth that good and evil giants roam the land, the four different village tribes on Barudo Islands live day-to-day worshipping the legend. Players get to control Doshin, a good giant whose altruistic nature impacts on the future of the community. You can wander around the weirdly wonderful island, planting trees and building houses.  

Here's where the fun begins. At the flick of a button, players can also switch into Jashin, Doshin's evil alter-ego who is prone to destruction and terrorising villagers and their homes. Being good or evil is up to you, but be sure to make the right choice at the right time.

In the game, the different tribes must build 16 monuments between them to worship the giants. Each tribe has different cultures, knowledge and abilities but live apart in their own groups. He may be friendly, but Doshin's long yellow arms and giant strength enables you to change the landscape, raise or lower the fields and draw the tribes together. Only then will tribes begin to mix and work together to build each monument. With every good deed, you can absorb the love emotion and collect hearts allowing him to grow bigger and stronger.  

Jashin, the red alter-ego is not only stronger but also allows you to destroy buildings and breathe fire onto the island. Collecting hate emotions and skulls lets you cause mass destruction across the islands, creating havoc and chaos amongst the tribes. The monuments your tribes construct differ, depending on their good or evil origin. Between the two giants, you must ultimately bring members of each tribe together to build all 16 monuments.  

But disaster can strike at any time! Tornados or volcanoes can rip through the island leaving the villages and monuments destroyed. Time is of the essence and a cool head is required when you attend to each problem and swiftly limit the amount of damage caused. Whether you choose to live life on the good or bad side there's a great feature to take pictures of your favourite Doshin/Jashin moments along the way to show to your friends.

Another giant thing to come on Nintendo is the launch of the awesome Memory Card 251 as it sets foot onto the NINTENDO GAMECUBE. Players no longer have to worry about saving files mid-game as this new accessory provides up to 4 x more memory than before! The Memory Card 251 is estimated to retail for around 30 Euros and is also available from 20 September.

Since its launch on May 3 2002 the NINTENDO GAMECUBE has flown from shelves across Europe, with the millionth console being shipped into store just 11 weeks later. What's more, with an outstanding line up of games coming to the console by Christmas 2002, the NINTENDO GAMECUBE is sure to be top the list on many a letter to Santa this Winter, whether you are aged 8 to 80

Doshin the Giant is exclusive to the NINTENDO GAMECUBE and launches on 20 September 2002 at the estimated retail price of 60 Euros.

Click onto www.nintendo-europe.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo

[Want to know what it's like to have a flat screen TV, battery pack, and GameCube strapped to you for hours on end? So did they!]

1243

TalkBack / Hypothermia interviews Nintendo Street Team Member

« on: August 13, 2002, 05:28:08 PM »

Want to know what it's like to have a flat screen TV, battery pack, and GameCube strapped to you for hours on end?  So did they!

The fine folks at Hypothermia (a site for all things overclocked) took time to interview Tanya Woo, a Nintendo Street Team member from Seattle.

So what does the job description entail for this just graduated Communications major at the University of Washington?

As a part of the Nintendo Street Team we create awareness and excitement of the GameCube, Game Boy Advance and their games by encouraging people at the different community events to play the games with us.  

That’s the book description of what we do.  I consider the Nintendo Street Team as a special unit of Nintendo that saves people of all ages from the evil forces of boredom.  We’re equipped with our special utility belts, and superhuman boredom fighting abilities. Now the world may finally be safe!

Read the full interview over at Hypothermia!

By the way, they're giving away three GameCube systems over there.  Be sure to enter!

[Winners of the "Nintendo and Mario Make My Community SHiNE" National Contest Create Mural Art for Their City]

1244

TalkBack / Nintendo, Five Young Artists Make America "SHiNE"

« on: August 08, 2002, 08:15:08 AM »

Winners of the "Nintendo and Mario Make My Community SHiNE" National Contest Create Mural Art for Their City

REDMOND, Wash.--Aug. 8, 2002--In the coming weeks, communities in Seattle, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia and Tucson will present a fresh new look with the help of Nintendo and the national youth organization SHiNE (Seeking Harmony in Neighborhoods Everyday).

Five artists, inspired by the forthcoming release of Mario's first game for NINTENDO GAMECUBE(TM), Super Mario Sunshine(TM), created works of art that will decorate their neighborhoods with larger than life murals as part of the "Nintendo and Mario Make My Community SHiNE" contest.

Beginning today and continuing through the end of August, the winning murals will be unveiled in each of the finalist's cities. Nintendo, SHiNE teens, friends and family of the winners and community members will paint the murals and clean-up the surrounding area in dedication of Mario's restoration efforts in his upcoming game. Event dates, locations and additional details are available at www.shine.com.

"Nintendo has always focused on family entertainment, and we're honored to see our audience embrace Mario and help their community SHiNE," says Peter MacDougall, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Nintendo of America Inc. "Everyone who entered gave a heroic and artistic effort, showcasing vibrantly rich and colorful worlds, much like those in Mario games."

The winning entries were selected from hundreds of imaginative and enthusiastic young people nationwide. The winners are: Roland Sabalza of Seattle; Steven McIlroy from West Covina representing Los Angeles; Han Tran from Wynnewood representing Philadelphia and Davria King from Wilton Manors splashes in for Miami. Finally, Earnest Clark Jr. of Tucson was selected as the national winner in a wild card search calling for entries from across the nation. Each mural embraces the vision of a virtuous world in which the young artists would like its community to share and represent.

"The process of selecting winners was difficult, as each represented incredibly creative and positive messages," adds Alan Rambam, SHiNE founder. "It is refreshing and invigorating to know Mario fans across the country devoted time and energy to express themselves and think about how they can make a difference."

Available August 26, Super Mario Sunshine for NINTENDO GAMECUBE takes players on Mario's latest adventure to clean-up the mess on tropical Isle Delfino, a once-pristine island that is polluted and plastered with graffiti. Players help Mario overcome obstacles, reach progressive goals, and restore peace and harmony across the land.

As the worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co. Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems. The systems include Game Boy(R), Nintendo(R) 64, Game Boy(R) Advance and NINTENDO GAMECUBE. Since the release of its first home video game system in 1983, Nintendo has sold more than 1.6 billion video games worldwide, creating enduring industry icons such as Mario(TM) and Donkey Kong(R) and launching such franchises as Zelda(TM) and Pokemon(R). As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere.

For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site, www.nintendo.com.

About SHiNE:

SHiNE (Seeking Harmony in Neighborhoods Everyday) is a non-profit organization that empowers young people to promote respect for diversity and end youth violence. SHiNE's innovative programming uses art, music, technology and sports to inspire creative self-expression and action.

For more information on SHiNE, visit www.shine.com.

Note: A Photos are available at the following URLs:

Winning mural from Earnest Clark Jr. of Tucson:

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.080802/bb2

Winning mural from Seattle:

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.080802/bb2a

Winning mural from Han Tran:

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.080802/bb2b

Winning mural from Davria King:

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.080802/bb2c

Winning mural for Los Angeles:

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.080802/bb2d

[Camp Hyrule is on. Find out when to register ...]

1245

TalkBack / What makes for a happy Camper?

« on: August 06, 2002, 07:37:33 AM »

Camp Hyrule is on.  Find out when to register ...

Nintendo's Camp Hyrule site is finally up, just in time for Registration.  To sign up, head over to http://www.nintendo.com/camp at 12:00 PM Pacific time (3PM for people on the East Coast).  Yes, that is today.

Registration continues until August 8th at 5PM.  Nintendo claims to be allowing all registrants into Camp this year, but it might be a good idea to register early, just in case.

Camp Hyrule is a Flash-based series of chat events, activities, and games based on Nintendo's games.  This year, the theme will be around Super Mario Sunshine, Star Fox Adventures, Super Mario Advance 3, and more.  There tend to be prizes involved as well ... last year, they gave away a Nintendo GameCube before you could buy one!

See you all there!

1246

Announcements / Welcome to our NEW FORUMS!

« on: July 31, 2002, 12:04:32 PM »

Old fans might recognize these Forums somewhat.  Well, we decided to bring them back for a return engagement and see how the server handles it.  However, the rules are still the same.  Make sure to read them again, just for a refresher.

We apologize for making everyone sign up again, be we had no choice.  It was a necessary evil to get off ezBoards.