Gaming Forums => General Gaming => Topic started by: NWR_insanolord on March 25, 2013, 02:03:14 PM
Title: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on March 25, 2013, 02:03:14 PM
Console launches are always exciting, and bring with them a wide variety of games (or not, in the case of the N64). With new hardware, developers often try new things or make creative use of new hardware. I'm asking what you think the best launch game ever was. (For the purposes of this discussion, anything that came out within a month of launch is a launch game.)
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: pokepal148 on March 25, 2013, 02:05:23 PM
i think mario world aged the best on the nintendo side
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: TJ Spyke on March 25, 2013, 02:45:52 PM
Sticking with actual launch games (meaning launch day; not launch window, with is what insano is talking about), I would say Luigi's Mansion holds up best today for Nintendo systems. I think Super Mario 64 was most effective though since it essentially sold the N64 and showed how the controller can be used.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Adrock on March 25, 2013, 03:08:58 PM
(For the purposes of this discussion, anything that came out within a month of launch is a launch game.)
This is easily Super Smash Bros. Melee for me.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Ian Sane on March 25, 2013, 03:31:45 PM
Super Mario World is my favourite. It lacks the influence of Super Mario Bros or Super Mario 64 but that actually helped it age better. It's a refinement of an existing gameplay design so it doesn't feel very dated while SMB and SM64 are raw and unpolished due to all the new ideas they introduced. The Super Nintendo is my favourite system ever and Super Mario World is one of its best games.
For Nintendo first party games, my least favourite would Luigi's Mansion. It's actually an enjoyable game, it just isn't worthy of its marketing as the flagship launch title of the Gamecube. Nintendo needed to really blow everyone away to come back from the N64 and then they pushed their new system on the strength of a game that can be completed in a weekend. I remember I rented it for a four day rental and beat the game in only two days and felt kind of ripped off just for paying for rental time I didn't need. I shudder to think how I would have felt if I bought it. It's just the wrong game at the wrong time and did not have enough meat to it to make a good first impression for the Gamecube. The Xbox had less decent games for its launch but it had Halo which made a great first impression and we all know which system sold better. Your first impression for what needs to be a big comeback is not the time to do some quirky short game starring a supporting character. Even if SSB Melee or Pikmin got Luigi's Mansion's "slot" as the flagship title the Cube probably would have done better.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: ejamer on March 25, 2013, 03:42:00 PM
Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
Easy call too - this game is fantastic, and any real Star Wars fan needed to own/play it. There have been some solid launch titles for various systems... but this game blows them all out of the water.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: TJ Spyke on March 25, 2013, 03:59:07 PM
Whoops, I forgot about Super Mario World for a second since I didnt get a SNES at launch, SMW is the best 2D Mario game and I still play it from time to time.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Oblivion on March 25, 2013, 04:00:05 PM
Pilotwings Resort.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: ShyGuy on March 25, 2013, 04:40:21 PM
Wii Sports?
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: magicpixie on March 25, 2013, 05:04:40 PM
Perfect Dark Zero! No, wait, that's not right...
Although I never owned one at launch, I'm casting my vote for Super Mario 64.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 25, 2013, 06:27:57 PM
Ihaveto go with Super Mario World. When you think of a game that is instantly playable and just fun it is that game. No bells andwhistles, just an extremely well designed platformer.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Pixelated Pixies on March 25, 2013, 07:20:36 PM
I think it's got to be either Super Mario 64 or Wii Sports for me. Both games were system sellers and aptly demonstrated what made those platforms great. If you really push me though, I'd have to say Super Mario 64 takes it. It was just such a mind blowing experience to play 64 for the first time. It was truly seminal.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: jvgsjeff on March 25, 2013, 08:54:39 PM
Hmm, good question. I think I'd have to go with Super Mario World, although Super Mario 64 is a close second.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Stogi on March 26, 2013, 02:17:30 AM
Got to go with Super Mario 64. As much as I loved SMW, 64 I never had a grin so large the first time I literally took control of a game.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 26, 2013, 02:51:25 AM
You know what is funny, I don't even remember what the launch titles were for systems other than Nintendo systems.
Usually, I don't feel the exclusive launch games for other systems are anywhere near the same quality as Nintendo's.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Pixelated Pixies on March 26, 2013, 03:07:00 AM
You know what is funny, I don't even remember what the launch titles were for systems other than Nintendo systems.
Usually, I don't feel the exclusive launch games for other systems are anywhere near the same quality as Nintendo's.
I think it's because most of the great launch games are first party, as those studios have had the most time with the hardware, and Microsoft and Sony's internal studios aren't as strong ad Nintendo's.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: MagicCow64 on March 26, 2013, 04:07:14 PM
I don't love SMW at this point, kind of find it too easy, and I never liked all the food themes/dinosaur design stuff. The only thing that really stands out about that game to me from the series is the secret/map path structure, which has yet to be topped. Otherwise I much prefer the vibe of SMB3.
I think Mario 64 can't be undersold, particularly if you hadn't grown up with 3D games. It didn't just invent 3D platformers, it invented 3D games, and was also incredible on the fundamentals. Playing that for the first time was like seeing a movie in color for the first time (or some better analogy).
Past that, I agree that Rogue Leader was awesome. Beautiful, chock full of content, played great, lots of challenge if you wanted it, tons of unlocks. It's kind of a wonder that the studio was never able to make anything decent again.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Pixelated Pixies on March 26, 2013, 04:16:37 PM
Past that, I agree that Rogue Leader was awesome. Beautiful, chock full of content, played great, lots of challenge if you wanted it, tons of unlocks. It's kind of a wonder that the studio was never able to make anything decent again.
Rebel strike was pretty awesome.
*I can do this all day people*
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: shingi_70 on March 26, 2013, 04:41:34 PM
Super Mario 64 and a shortlist of runner ups would be Super Mario Bros Halo Combat Evolved Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Khushrenada on March 26, 2013, 06:08:21 PM
Kid Icarus Uprising.
*I can do this all day people*
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 26, 2013, 06:24:36 PM
Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess also deserves mention.
Halo, not so much...the first Halo to me is horrible...the second was when Halo began to get its legendary status in my opinion.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Shaymin on March 26, 2013, 06:39:58 PM
My choice is the game that basically made its system AND its form factor, and it's the only launch game in the history of anything I've gone out of my way to rebuy repeatedly.
I speak of... Tetris GB.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Drizzt on March 26, 2013, 09:05:27 PM
Super Mario World. The game that introduced me to Mario and the best console the SNES. The music, controls and level design were all great.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: TJ Spyke on March 26, 2013, 09:34:32 PM
IIt didn't just invent 3D platformers, it invented 3D games
Actually, it did neither. There were 3D platformers before, its just that they pretty much all sucked (Jumping Flash! for the PlayStation came out in April 1995).
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: pokepal148 on March 26, 2013, 10:00:31 PM
IIt didn't just invent 3D platformers, it invented 3D games
Actually, it did neither. There were 3D platformers before, its just that they pretty much all sucked (Jumping Flash! for the PlayStation came out in April 1995).
i own that game too, it's not bad but don't get it for more then 3$ imo
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: MagicCow64 on March 26, 2013, 10:33:12 PM
IIt didn't just invent 3D platformers, it invented 3D games
Actually, it did neither. There were 3D platformers before, its just that they pretty much all sucked (Jumping Flash! for the PlayStation came out in April 1995).
i own that game too, it's not bad but don't get it for more then 3$ imo
Ha, I'd never heard of that game before. Still, that seems to me closer to a demented Duke Nukem mod than what Mario 64 introduced. I remember how it was jaw-dropping just to dink around with the camera.
Also, am I wrong in remembering that the Playstation 1 could barely output true 3D environments, and that nearly everything was a mix of polygonal models and isometrics, a la Crash Bandicoot?
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: pokepal148 on March 27, 2013, 07:26:27 AM
IIt didn't just invent 3D platformers, it invented 3D games
Actually, it did neither. There were 3D platformers before, its just that they pretty much all sucked (Jumping Flash! for the PlayStation came out in April 1995).
i own that game too, it's not bad but don't get it for more then 3$ imo
Ha, I'd never heard of that game before. Still, that seems to me closer to a demented Duke Nukem mod than what Mario 64 introduced. I remember how it was jaw-dropping just to dink around with the camera.
Also, am I wrong in remembering that the Playstation 1 could barely output true 3D environments, and that nearly everything was a mix of polygonal models and isometrics, a la Crash Bandicoot?
no spyro the dragon proved otherwise
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Leo13 on March 28, 2013, 09:59:01 AM
To the shock and dismay of all of you...Nintendo Land!!! I prefer playing video games with other people and so it was either this or Wii Sports, but I got bored of Wii Sports much faster than I got bored of Nintendo Land
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Pixelated Pixies on March 28, 2013, 10:16:14 AM
To the shock and dismay of all of you...Nintendo Land!!! I prefer playing video games with other people and so it was either this or Wii Sports, but I got bored of Wii Sports much faster than I got bored of Nintendo Land
I wouldn't think anyone would be dismayed by your choice. Mildly surprised perhaps.
The reason I don't think Nintendoland is a great launch game is because it did not succeed in selling me on the features of the Gamepad. I have always had a tough time seeing what it is about the Wii U that I'm supposed to be excited for. Nintendoland aptly demonstrated asynchronous multiplayer, but unfortunately that's a feature that I don't particularly value.
Plus, there are only so many times you can play a variation on 'Hide and Seek' before you get bored. Mario Chase, Animal Crossing: Sweet Day, Luigi's Ghost Mansion, and Metroid Blast all seemed kind of similar to me.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Ian Sane on March 28, 2013, 12:31:30 PM
To the shock and dismay of all of you...Nintendo Land!!! I prefer playing video games with other people and so it was either this or Wii Sports, but I got bored of Wii Sports much faster than I got bored of Nintendo Land
I've got over 21 years of perspective on my choice and you have four months. I'm surprised in the sense that the game is too new to really have an unbiased opinion of it. In "best of all time" lists I typically disregard picks involving games less than two years old as there hasn't been enough time to see the overall impact of the title. Too often have I seen fan voted "best of all time" lists where the results are almost no different than a "best of last year" list.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: pokepal148 on March 28, 2013, 02:07:40 PM
and i hate to start 'dragon this along' but there is one thing worth noting here At the time, most 3D games limited the view distance because of technical limitations, thus creating the illusion of fog. Spyro the Dragon featured a brand new panoramic 3D graphics engine that was specifically created for the PlayStation to provide large viewing distances without fog the n64 is certainly guilty here so i could say that the N64 couldn't output true 3d enviroments ;)
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: alegoicoe on March 28, 2013, 07:15:16 PM
Super Mario World :cool;
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Pixelated Pixies on March 28, 2013, 07:25:08 PM
really, 64 cannot be experienced the way it was then(THIS AMAZING NEVER BEFORE SEEN EXPERIENCE) so that nostalgic speech of yours is void and wii sports is a tech demo in a cd case,
everyone in this day and age likely played a 3D game before even touching the trident so Mario 64 must stand on its own merits,
and in that way mario world wins, it just doesn't feel dated, it's as much a joy to play then as it is now...
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Pixelated Pixies on March 28, 2013, 08:08:40 PM
really, 64 cannot be experienced the way it was then(THIS AMAZING NEVER BEFORE SEEN EXPERIENCE) so that nostalgic speech of yours is void and wii sports is a tech demo in a cd case,
Ouch, dude! :P:
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on March 28, 2013, 08:12:57 PM
My stance on Super Mario World is pretty well known 'round these parts, so I won't go into that. To me it has to be Mario 64. It's still, in my opinion, one of the best games I've played, and I fully intend to get all 120 stars again once Nintendo puts it on the Wii U VC.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Pixelated Pixies on March 28, 2013, 08:18:27 PM
My stance on Super Mario World is pretty well known 'round these parts, so I won't go into that. To me it has to be Mario 64. It's still, in my opinion, one of the best games I've played, and I fully intend to get all 120 stars again once Nintendo puts it on the Wii U VC.
I agree.
The funny thing is that Super Mario World was a huge part of my childhood. The first game I remember ever playing was Super Mario Bros 3 (Am I lucky or what?). So by the time I played Super Mario World I was psyched out of my mind. I loved SMW. It was great. As time has gone by though, the feelings that I had for SMW have diminished, whereas my appreciation for SMB3 and SM64 have remained constant (or, in the case of SMB3, become stronger).
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Sundoulos on March 29, 2013, 12:15:48 AM
Combat for the Atari 2600. :) I was really young, and I don't remember when my Dad bought our Atari, but, if I think about it, I probably spent more time playing that game against family and friends than I did with any game on any other system until the N64.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 29, 2013, 01:55:10 AM
Super Mario 64 is amazing. I think anyone that doubts the importance and impact of that game on all of gaming and all genres is foolish. I have played and beat Super Mario 64 countless times, and have been impressed with the overall quality of that game...and yet, the game is sometimes lacking something. It is lacking something that many 3D games have for me. Replay-ability. Super Mario World has that charm that I can't resist. If it is available to play, I will play it. I can not count how many times I have played and beaten the game 100%. I have almost every secret engraved into my memory. (Though I know of there are some that elude me.) There are only 2 games give me that much excitement over. Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Super Mario World.
So to me I have to vote Super Mario World, because it is a game that even now I still desire and want to play, and would my kids to play and experience.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Pixelated Pixies on March 29, 2013, 07:35:37 AM
I have played and beat Super Mario 64 countless times, and have been impressed with the overall quality of that game...and yet, the game is sometimes lacking something. It is lacking something that many 3D games have for me. Replay-ability.
You've replayed it countless times, but you think it lacks 'replayability'?
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 29, 2013, 09:15:43 AM
Compared to Super Mario World...yes. I find it hard to turn down Super Mario World. I have double, triple, quadruple dipped that game, and I would buy it again instantly...and if Nintendo did and HD remix of that game I would love them forever and pay full price.
However, I don't think that is true for me and Super Mario 64. (Though I would love an HD Remix) The simple fact is I am personally more charmed and in love with Sprite based 2D games. That really influences my vote for best of all time. Super Mario 64 is probably second to me.
I just gave myself a new dream. Dear Nintendo please higher Wayforward to do a 2D sprite based remix of all the Super Mario series starting with World. I would gladly pay $20.00 for the game download. Or package them all together for full retail price.
Thank You,
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: lolmonade on March 29, 2013, 09:28:44 AM
Going against the grain and siding with my nostalgia to say Sonic the Hedgehog is my favorite launch game. For a kid who grew up with a Sega Genesis, Sonic was my first foray into platformers, and still defines the way I play them (I often have to force myself to slow down when I'm playing Mario).
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: TJ Spyke on March 29, 2013, 03:17:01 PM
Going against the grain and siding with my nostalgia to say Sonic the Hedgehog is my favorite launch game. For a kid who grew up with a Sega Genesis, Sonic was my first foray into platformers, and still defines the way I play them (I often have to force myself to slow down when I'm playing Mario).
Sonic wasn't a launch game, in any region. The Genesis launched in the US in 1989, Sonic came out in 1991.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: Oblivion on March 29, 2013, 03:21:05 PM
My favorite launch game is Goldeneye 007.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: TJ Spyke on March 29, 2013, 03:32:12 PM
OK, I can see Oblivion is joking. But I feel like pointing out that wasnt a launch game either.
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: pokepal148 on March 29, 2013, 03:33:16 PM
so OBLIVIOUS to how launch dates work don't worry, we still love you...
My god. It was a joke. Read the post above mine.
that was a joke also, one is the lonliest number you know so OBLIVIOUS on the art of humor
Title: Re: What's your favorite launch game of all time?
Post by: NWR_insanolord on March 29, 2013, 03:54:06 PM
I think thread is going to get me to replay Mario 64 again with the DS game. It's not true analog, but people have said the Circle Pad makes the controls in that game a lot better.
