Author Topic: New DS news 9/13/04 (Read 12888 times)

joeamis · « **on:** September 14, 2004, 05:38:09 PM »

Hot off the presses today! Or more aptly put, the new issue of GI that came in the mail today, I subscribe to (not yet out to stores).

Good News:
"some rumors say that it will even appear before Thanksgiving."

Not much to comment here, that's excellent if it turns true, getting the system out before Turkey Day could make a big impact on the DS' holiday/launch sales.

Bad News:
Reggie Fils-Aime quote, "The DS will also be equipped to allow long distance connections via wireless internet browser... but as we know, we're still some time away from actually having wireless head-to-head play in any contemporary game sense."

I don't know if that 2nd comment was already posted online somewhere, but anyways I included it incase it has not been. Anyways, although it is bad news that there will be no wireless online play for some time, if at all. I didn't expect it for launch titles or even titles to release through Q1/2/3 of next year (not financial quarters, seasons). However, I hope it is included eventually, I would say they should atleast make some dip into it by Nov 2005, it could be a great testing ground to determine an online strategy for the Revolution, and alot easier given the DS' built in technology. If they don't release any title that can go online in some form (something small as downloadables); (before the Revolution comes out) then I think they kinda didn't take an opportunity to test the market directly (rather than watching other statistics/companies). Basically I think it would be easy testing ground and if it wasn't very successful it wouldn't hurt them much (E-Reader comes to mind).

-Sorry I couldn't resist editing the title. Magazines almost never have new quotes, and this is no exception. -Bloodworth

kurst_chao3030 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 14, 2004, 06:00:22 PM »

no wi-fi online play? what the heck... what about animal crossing ds, and all the other things nintendo has been stating

Stimutacs Addict · « **Reply #2 on:** September 14, 2004, 06:13:42 PM »

so i was talking to a guy at EB about the DS release; EB Games says $200 on nov. 31st, and of course this guy was confident in what his computer told him.
(though i never believe those bastards)

now...

i mentioned how it would be crucial for nintendo to come out before thanksgiving, and this guy tried to tell me that to release before thanksgiving would be stupid, that too much would be going on etc. I told him that the biggest shopping day of the year is the day after thanksgiving, and that would be an ideal time to be on the market; he didn't listen etc.

on top of all that madness my friend (who doesn't really know what he's talking about, he just likes to try and prove me wrong) jumps on the EB clerk's side of the arguement

now, what i'm asking all of you is, have i gone mad?
or are those two just fing morons?

Chongman · « **Reply #3 on:** September 14, 2004, 07:37:22 PM »

dont get your panties in a bunch!!!

we'll see. I highly doubt there will be no major growth of long distance wi-fi play in ds' lifetime.

oh and yes, valid arguments indeed

ruby_onix · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2004, 01:50:32 AM »

Quote
I don't know if that 2nd comment was already posted online somewhere, but anyways I included it incase it has not been.

Yeah, we knew about it. It was part of a big speech Reggie made more than a month ago.

Talkback Thread.

That line looks pretty bad when taken out of context. Heck, a lot of people reading/hearing the entire speech and getting it in context were confused by it. It's gonna be hitting a lot of magazines right about now, and a lot of people are going to think "online on the DS" is doomed.

But, I for one am fairly confident that when you take a closer look at what was said, it turns out that Reggie didn't say what people think he said.

I believe he's talking about Nintendo's ideal of "no-line", meaning a planet-wide wireless multiplayer network, without any requirement for bouncing a signal off a wireless internet connection.

Also, he's speaking about "now", as in... sometime last month. With the DS being part of "the future", and a "first step" towards creating something new.

Also, he brought up the subject of "massively multiplayer" games, presumably with presistant worlds, and all that jazz, while the DS supposedly only allows for peer-to-peer 16-player multiplayer games.

Anyways, the full speech is linked above. You can decide for yourself what it was he really said.

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #5 on:** September 15, 2004, 04:38:07 AM »

There have been plenty of rumors going around about date of the DS launch.

I remember even hearing one stating it would be out around Nov. 3. That is laughable. So is I think the Nov. 30th.

If you really want to know around the time the new system will launch lets do some research. One thing I have noticed about Nintendo is they are very repetitive. They launch their holiday games always around the same date for years. Lets do some research and see when Nintendo has released its new systems. We can start by looking at the GBA, N64, Gamecube, GBASP. I bet we can find a pattern and predict the launch within a week.

My personal bet it that the system will be released before thanksgiving. My prediction would be around Nov. 18. Why? Because it screws me over because my birthday is on the 17th, and in Texas if the ship date is the 18th we don't get the game until the 20th or so.

Its an evil Joke Nintendo does to me, because they realize I am 100% loyal to them and they love to taunt me.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2004, 05:22:50 AM »

N64 - September 30, 1996
GBA - June 11, 2001
Gamecube - November 18, 2001
GBASP - March 23, 2003

If there's a pattern I'm sure not seeing it... ^_^

couchmonkey · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2004, 05:23:07 AM »

Nintendo released the GBA and the GBA SP in, like, summer or spring, did it not? I don't think those two really tell us much about the DS date, but Nintendo did release SNES, N64 and GameCube between September-November BEFORE Thanksgiving. So there is something to go on there. I don't think Nov.30 is out of the question, but I think between the 14th and 25th is much more likely.

Just wait a couple of weeks, and Nintendo will spill all the beans. I think it's just waiting for any PSP announcements to happen at TGS.

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #8 on:** September 15, 2004, 08:02:16 AM »

Blast that idea sorry guys. It was worth a try.

I mean look at when they release games.

For the past years its big Christmas release has always been Nov. 18th. They always have one game released in October.

I guess Nintendo doesn't do a pattern similar with consoles.

Though the November date is interesting. Hmmm...how about just focusing on November for a bit.

What dates has Nintendo regularly used for releases in November?

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #9 on:** September 15, 2004, 10:10:19 AM »

Wave Race 64 - November 5, 1996
Killer Instinct Gold - November 25, 1996
Diddy Kong Racing - November 24, 1997
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - November 23, 1998
NBA Courtside 2: Featuring Kobe Bryant - November 8, 1999
Donkey Kong 64 - November 22, 1999
Hey You, Pikachu! - November 6, 2000
Mickey's Speedway - November 13, 2000
Banjo-Tooie - November 20, 2000
Golden Sun - November 12, 2001
Luigi's Mansion - November 18, 2001
Wave Race: Blue Storm - November 18, 2001
Wario Land 4 - November 19, 2001
Metroid Fusion - November 19, 2002
Metroid Prime - November 19, 2002
Fire Emblem GBA - November 3, 2003
Mario Party 5 - November 7, 2003
Mario & Luigi - November 17, 2003
Mario Kart Double Dash!! - November 18, 2003
Mario Tennis GC - November 8, 2004
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest - November 15, 2004
Metroid Prime 2 - November 15, 2004

And Minish Cap was going to be released this November as well(the 16th), but was pushed back to January here due to the DS...

15-19 are the most popular dates, which obviously makes sense...

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #10 on:** September 15, 2004, 11:36:52 AM »

Bill you are amazing with the homework. Being at work has made it hard to do anything but check in here randomly.

I will place my bets that the system will be launched within that Nov. 15-19 timespan.

I may have little to no sold proof, but if I was a gambling man it makes the most sense.

Now I wonder which game will be launched first the new "2D" Super Mario Bros game, or the Super Mario 64*4 game? I don't think both will be launch games because it would be confusing.

My bet is the Mario 64. It would be very easy to use the same worlds, or similar worlds to the 64 game and launch that with multiplayer.

Though I heard from Gamespot (I think) that the single player experience for this game was actually going to allow you to use any character and switch between the 4 to solve puzzles and such within the game. That could be very very cool. I don't know if I like it more than just getting a pure portable Mario 64, but it does sound intriguing.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #11 on:** September 15, 2004, 11:47:54 AM »

I do all I can to procrastinate...

And I'm betting on Mario 64x4 as well...Not only does it give the DS a jumpstart with an revitilized classic, it also gives more time to Ninty to make the new Mario something to write home about(Notice that the second screen was concealed in released screens of the game)...

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #12 on:** September 15, 2004, 12:48:01 PM »

So Bill what are your thoughts of launch titles for the system?

I think that the most obvious launch games would be:

New Mario (Super Mario 64*4 most likely)
Metroid: Hunters (Depends on if they are going to bring a single player game experience or just release it as a portable Metroid Prime 2 multiplayer game.) I can see this launching alongside Prime 2 though easily, perhaps with some sort of connectivity?
Wario Ware Easy game to program and design. Most of the code probably just needs to be refined for the DS. Provides several different kinds of gameplay into one.

Games that will most likely not be out for launch:

Animal Crossing DS: too much translating to prepare it for both markets for launch.
Super Mario DS: No two Mario games going to be out at the same time.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #13 on:** September 15, 2004, 12:58:39 PM »

Animal Crossing could be easily be a launch title if the translation was started early on...At E3, AC DS was shown in English form...

But other than that the 3 possibilities you listed are the most likely...But there may even be a surprise or two...

Pale · « **Reply #14 on:** September 15, 2004, 01:01:34 PM »

I would take metroid off your list and give it a mid december release. I'm banking on mario 64 and wario ware as the only first party titles... But i bet we'll see a sega game and an ea game or two at launch as well.

MaleficentOgre · « **Reply #15 on:** September 15, 2004, 01:15:56 PM »

Yeah, metroid hunters won't happen any time this year. They don't wany to take anything away from Metroid Prime 2. They need that game to do very well this year. I wouldn't be surprised if instead of mario 4X4 we get mario kart instead, I doubt that'll happen, but its likely.

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #16 on:** September 15, 2004, 01:19:17 PM »

I was going to list 3rd party possibilities too, but then decided to focus just on Nintendo.

3rd party launch definates would be:

Bomberman: (Hudson has a good relationship with Nintendo, and a Bomberman game isn't too hard to throw together since they can easily use code already used on other Nintendo systems.)
Madden Football:EA is already stated they are working on the game. They are usually quite good at releasing games during launch. At least one or two. So this game is a sure thing. Mid-Football season too. We definately will need a portable game to play while watch the games with our friends.
Sims: The Urbz Ea is working on this game as their definate launch title. Perhaps even more than Madden this game will be out for launch.

Other games who knows for sure. One of those Ultimate Games should be out at launch easily.

I suspect that either at launch or by years end we should have atleast 5 Nintendo published games on the DS. I think they will all be out during launch. Nintendo needs be able to hype the system with a solid list of games fast.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #17 on:** September 15, 2004, 01:24:02 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: MaleficentOgre
Yeah, metroid hunters won't happen any time this year. They don't wany to take anything away from Metroid Prime 2. They need that game to do very well this year.

Ninty didn't have a problem releasing Metroid Fusion the same time as Prime...And Ninty *definitely* needs a real Mario game at launch...Why? Because I say so... ^_^

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #18 on:** September 15, 2004, 01:34:13 PM »

See I think IF Metroid: Hunters is primarily a multiplayer game with a simple or no single player experience Nintendo will HAVE to launch it with Metroid Prime 2. The entire concept of Hunters is to allow people to play multiplayer Prime on the go.

Metroid is also a big name series now for Nintendo. Its the game mature players hype that Nintendo has and the others don't. I wouldn't be surprised if its not a launch game. But then what will take its place?

Mario Kart is a possibility. They already had the game running they can design new courses in this amount of time, and Mario Kart is a huge fan favorite.

kurst_chao3030 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 15, 2004, 05:22:01 PM »

i know they wouldn't sell ds for more than $180, would they

?

MaleficentOgre · « **Reply #20 on:** September 15, 2004, 06:30:42 PM »

I don't think they would, and as far as third parties go I think there'll be more than four launch titles. maybe as many as 10 I consider the first month a launch title.

KDR_11k · « **Reply #21 on:** September 15, 2004, 09:45:15 PM »

I hope they know what's good for them and scrap 64x4 or at least delay it and release the 2d Mario first. A rehash (or near rehash, twist it as you like) as a launch title would create lots of bad publicity.

MaleficentOgre · « **Reply #22 on:** September 16, 2004, 04:31:24 AM »

Better than luigi's mansion. I can't gauge when 2D mario will be done because it wasn't playable and I couldn't see any flaws in it. with all the playble demos you can see how much work needed to be done.

joeamis · « **Reply #23 on:** September 16, 2004, 06:25:10 PM »

I don't think they would release a multiplayer only Metroid Prime Hunters, especially on a portable system. I think that multiplayer was shown at E3 for it because it was easier to make in such a short development time than it would be to write out the story, plot, etc. There just wasn't enough time to flesh all that out.

As for release date, I'm betting now that the system will come out right before Thanksgiving, they're just rushing to get enough produced and launch titles done.

As for launch titles, I don't know about Mario Kart, because what was shown at E3 looked identical to the tech demo Mario Kart shown for the N64 at E3 way back. Or that could be a good thing, but that possibility is less likely, still there though.

Here our games I think could possibly be launch titles or released before 2005:
Atari Classics
Bomberman
Frogger 2005
Pac-Pix
Pictochat (possibly free)
Snowboard Kids
Super Mario 64x4
Urbz: SiC (very likely)
Warioware Inc
Assortment of small games together as 1 including: (balloon trip, carving, Nintendogs, Submarine, Table Hockey) or possibly 1 of these games could be full fledged and a stand alone game.
Castlevania
Mr. Driller
Rayman
Sonic DS
Ultimate games (1 of them)
Viewtiful Joe

I think maybe 4-8 games at launch or close after, and of the titles I listed I'm just saying it's possible, but not likely for some of them, still possible though.

Above all I think Nintendo will have a launch title that is a surprise, and possibly a 2nd surprise title before 2005 or just after.

My dream would be for an Earthbound title, even if it's released years later. Actually the gba Earthbound 1+2 title has completely fallen off the radar, and Mother 3 has as well, could they have decided to release one of these on the DS with special DS features? Even if the graphics were still gba quality it wouldn't matter.

EDIT: I won't be surprised to see Majesco's new cartoon releases on the DS eventually, I think they already said they're interested in doing it. Who knows when they will get the programming done to make them, months or a year.

kurst_chao3030 · « **Reply #24 on:** September 16, 2004, 07:35:54 PM »

sorry...but, those are barely any of the games i'd think to come out with system, but Viewtiful Joe would be nice

oh and Joeamis, is star ocean till the end of time, and could u tell me about the 2 player, please...

Blackknight131 · « **Reply #25 on:** September 16, 2004, 08:12:31 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
I do all I can to procrastinate...

And I'm betting on Mario 64x4 as well...Not only does it give the DS a jumpstart with an revitilized classic, it also gives more time to Ninty to make the new Mario something to write home about(Notice that the second screen was concealed in released screens of the game)...

You know, it may just be that Super Mario Bros. is a single screen game...
Tho, I personally wouldnt care whether they used the second screen in any considerable fashion. I trust Miyamoto-san to make the judgements about what a Mario game will be.

That fact, and the one about it possibly being a remake of sorts of the very first game...

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #26 on:** September 16, 2004, 08:34:56 PM »

"You know, it may just be that Super Mario Bros. is a single screen game..."

How much do you want to bet that it isn't?

Spak-Spang · « **Reply #27 on:** September 17, 2004, 04:36:39 AM »

I would love a dual Screen platform game where you control Mario and Luigi at the same time.

In fact only one aspect could be Platform (Mario up top) and Luigi could be engaged in a completely different style game where you must use the touch screen. This would be cool, because very few games have really been designed where you must real time handle very different multiple objectives and gameplay types.

That would be innovative.

joeamis · « **Reply #28 on:** September 17, 2004, 04:51:56 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: kurst_chao3030
sorry...but, those are barely any of the games i'd think to come out with system, but Viewtiful Joe would be nice

oh and Joeamis, is star ocean till the end of time, and could u tell me about the 2 player, please...

I listed those games because they are either: 1) remakes/ports, 2) already well in development, 3) easy to make, 4) successful on gba/early in gba lifetime. Huh what do you mean, "is star ocean till the end of time" ? I haven't bought it yet, it's one of the titles I am seriously considering once I have money to, but by the time that happens, I may find an even newer release attracting my attention.

MaleficentOgre · « **Reply #29 on:** September 17, 2004, 05:55:28 PM »

Too confusing to control mario and luigi at the same time. Not simple enough, not easy enough to pick up and play. That kind of idea won't work until the DS is on the way out when the user base is use to the weird controls.

KDR_11k · « **Reply #30 on:** September 17, 2004, 09:41:34 PM »

The G&W game Mario&Luigi was simple enough so a player could control both at once, but a full mario platformer wouldn't be that simple to control.

MattVDB · « **Reply #31 on:** September 17, 2004, 11:22:28 PM »

Superstar Saga can give us a good example of what to expect, if we were to have a dual platformer like spak is suggesting. Anybody remember the mine cart ride? Personally, that was one of my favorite moments. It was challenging, yet simple. The DS could expand on this type of duality a lot, and that excites me. Here's hoping Bill comes in and carries this torch, as I really don't have any more energy to take it further...

Stimutacs Addict · « **Reply #32 on:** September 18, 2004, 09:57:17 AM »

i am awaiting an adventure title the speed of smash bros. using touchscreen controls for the movement of your character

Pale · « **Reply #33 on:** September 18, 2004, 10:10:21 AM »

As far as a dual platformer...... Think Three Vikings or whatever that game is called......

KDR_11k · « **Reply #34 on:** September 18, 2004, 10:30:11 AM »

Lost Vikings? Well, that wasn't simultaneous control.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #35 on:** September 18, 2004, 01:17:37 PM »

I think controlling two characters at once is entirely possible, as Matt showed in the example from M&L...To apply this sense of hand-eye coordination even further I'd set it up so that you control a character on the top screen(with the d-pad) while manuevering the second character's actions(perhaps not in the same manner as the character on the top screen would) with the touch screen on the bottom...

MaleficentOgre · « **Reply #36 on:** September 18, 2004, 02:02:40 PM »

Yes its possible to control two characters at once, but in a full platformer that's just too much work, and with your control scheme people who's hand eye coordination sucks, and people that haven't been playing games forever will easily get frustrated and lost with the controls, therefore sinking and destroying the game.

joeamis · « **Reply #37 on:** September 18, 2004, 07:08:02 PM »

I tend to agree that controlling two characters onscreen at the same time, for the average consumer will equal frustration, atleast for the whole game. If it was part of a short part or a mini game then maybe most would enjoy.

Not to get off topic here, but do you think Nintendo will send DS demo setups to retailers by the time of launch, or slightly earlier, so everyone can try out the system. I know they will eventually, but hopefully they'll have them up the day of or a week earlier.

KDR_11k · « **Reply #38 on:** September 18, 2004, 08:33:48 PM »

The old 2d Marios need your full attention, having another game run at the same time would take more attention than you have. And I'd rather have a single screen 2d Mario than a dumbed down dual screen one.

Bloodworth · « **Reply #39 on:** September 18, 2004, 11:32:16 PM »

I've been playing Pikmin 2, and while I doubt the DS could run the Pikmin engine, two screens would be great for situations when you're switching between groups. You could set one group in motion to build a bridge or something and continue to watch their progress as you have another group collect pellets and nectar near the base. Once the bridge is almost done, you can gather up the rest of the guys and head over just in time to cross.

kratos · « **Reply #40 on:** September 19, 2004, 10:28:40 AM »

Pikmin could be run on the DS. Reduce the number of Pikmin to 50, use sprites for enemies and Pikmin. I don't see where it couldn't be done.

KDR_11k · « **Reply #41 on:** September 19, 2004, 09:05:19 PM »

I have a feeling the DS could handle 100 sprite Pikmin, too.

Blackknight131 · « **Reply #42 on:** September 20, 2004, 04:15:55 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
"You know, it may just be that Super Mario Bros. is a single screen game..."

How much do you want to bet that it isn't?

OK, I'll bite on that. If Im wrong I will pay mighty homage to your namesake in my avatar caption thingy.
That is, if I remember. BWAHAHAHAHAH.

I declare:

THE SUPER MARIO BROS GAME WILL NOT USE THE SECOND SCREEN FOR ANYTHING SIGNIFICANT.

ahem.

Damn, now that Ive all-cap~sed it, I cant ever take it back.
Oh wait....dont want to get confused with 64x4:

addendum: AND IM NOT REFERRING TO 64x4!!!

There. Now its crystal.

Its on like Donkey Kong, friend.

Blackknight131 · « **Reply #43 on:** September 20, 2004, 04:22:09 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: joeamis
Not to get off topic here, but do you think Nintendo will send DS demo setups to retailers by the time of launch, or slightly earlier, so everyone can try out the system. I know they will eventually, but hopefully they'll have them up the day of or a week earlier.

Yes.
That I do.

Any less would be...uncivilized.
And no, you cant have my Grey Poupon.

In all seriousness Ive been reading impressions from retailers that supposedly ballpark a release of DS "try-me-out" kiosks in the neighborhood of "very very soon" and uhh...one month. Whichever comes first.

Geez, I wish I could find the link for the guy's post. He was talking about his personal DS impressions as well...the size, BUTTON SIZE, screen quality, Air Hockey and Wario Ware demos...