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Nintendo Gaming / Mario Kart Discussion (TALK ABOUT MARIO KART HERE)

« on: April 28, 2003, 03:05:27 PM »

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What?  The driver can still drive.  Say your attacker has fallen off the kart or, using Eggytoast's idea, is stunned.  How will that stop the driver from driving?  The attacker will be on your kart in 5 - 10 seconds time.  

Hmm...most weapons in the Mario Kart series were made for halting your opponent's progress in a race.  This will add one layer of gameplay to the game.  And losing your attacker, as I stated, would not halt your progress.  It would allow you to continue down your track, but you would not be able to attack for a very limited amount of time.

And you do not know how the "gunner/pilot dynamic" will work.  For all you know, this could be one of the major things of the feature.  More will probably exist, but as for now, this is a decent suggestion...and it will remain that until E3.

First, remember how often you got stopped in your tracks in MK64. Second, remember how long those periods were. Shells (even the spiky one), bananas, squishes, and spins stopped the character, but allowed the character to get back going as soon as the incident animation finished. Falls took a hell of a long time and real annoying and those took, what, 5 seconds?
5-10 seconds is a hell of a long time, especially in a racing game, which is what made falling off the track in MK64 practically fatal if you're playing against even just 1 good person (the computer and its cheap AI...ugh...and, no, all the Lightnings and Stars in the world don't help when you've fallen off a couple times). Try this, start up a Mario Kart game, and every so often, take a 10 second break. See how great that is. And there's a BIG difference between getting stunned and starting from 0 mph (like what happens when most weapon hit a character), stopping for a couple seconds or so (like with getting squished), and not being able to move because your gunner's been knocked off. And if you can drive off without your gunner, what's the gunner going to do, catch up by running? Are you going to pick 'em up when you come around the next lap, losing your ability to switch characters and use weapons for an entire lap? Yeah, that makes sense
Obviously, I could be wrong, but if it is the sort of thing that keeps the players from getting back into the race quickly or doesn't happen too often, it could the sort of minor gameplay point that can make a game an exercise in frustration.

[Ninja X]

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Nintendo Gaming / Mario Kart Discussion (TALK ABOUT MARIO KART HERE)

« on: April 28, 2003, 01:01:40 PM »

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Originally posted by: Ninja X
That's a cool little feature to integrate with this two characters thing.
Knocking the other character off the kart would add strategy to the races and be much more fun all around.

I have to disagree. I didn't think constantly falling off the track (especially Yoshi's Valley or Banshee Boardwalk) or getting flattened by a semi in MK64 made the game more fun. Getting the gunner knocked off would bring the player to a standstill for several seconds at the very least, and when you add to the things that can potentially halt progress, it will just make the game frustrating, especially to new drivers, making them less likely to take the time to get to know the game.
Remember, this game isn't Gran Turismo, or Twisted Metal: it's Mario Kart. It's supposed to be readily accessible to people. Considering  there are probably going to be at least a few damn hard tracks and the gunner/pilot dynamic, adding even more layers and layers of strategy and factors that can frustrate the average driver won't make it all that accessible, and thus fun, to the average gamer- none of whom frequent these forums, I imagine.

[Hemmorrhoid]

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Nintendo Gaming / Mario Kart Discussion (TALK ABOUT MARIO KART HERE)

« on: April 27, 2003, 05:46:05 AM »

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Originally posted by: Hemmorrhoid
What? Since when where the coins in Mario Kart?
I just know that DK Racing had bananas to collect, but it didnt really make a difference in motorpower, stupid gimmick nothin else.

Actually, the bananas made a big difference if you got the max number of them, 15, I think. I remember using Diddy Kong with the max bananas and passing my friend using Banjo when he had none on a straightaway.

[Berto2K]

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Nintendo Gaming / If you were unimpressed with the rs3 pics look here...

« on: April 26, 2003, 10:47:53 AM »

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Originally posted by: Berto2K
Even more, they have Ewoks in there!! I love the Ewoks, they rock .

Me too, they taste great roasted by lasers with a little BBQ sauce on 'em. I hope they have a level where you can play the Empire on Endor, so I can blow up some useless Ewok butt

[Hemmorrhoid]

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Nintendo Gaming / Nintendo has something even bigger...

« on: April 26, 2003, 10:35:58 AM »

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Originally posted by: Hemmorrhoid
Myiamoto never said there would be two Zeldas, that was a mistake which originated from themagicbox.com and was quickly corrected.
Myiamoto did say that another Zelda would be made, that the Spaceworld engine would be considered and the WW engine might be used in other projects.

If the Wind Waker engine isn't used for another Zelda game (or even if it is), I think the engine and the cel-shaded style would be perfect for a Kid Icarus game. Wind Waker already has a bit of a flight mode, so it wouldn't have to be adapted so much.
That shadowed image of Link from Nintendo Power looks pretty familiar: I think that's from Soul Calibur 2, a game featured on Nintendo's E3 site.

[PIAC]

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Nintendo Gaming / Nintendo has something even bigger...

« on: April 26, 2003, 08:06:31 AM »

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Originally posted by: PIAC
i wasn't being serious about ice climbers was just somthing to well.. make people ask qustions

Actually, I found Ice Climbers to be pretty fun. Frustrating as hell? Yes. But fun still.

I still don't think another Zelda game is going to show up at E3. I think it'll hurt Wind Waker sales in Europe if they do anything other than just announce that there will be a sequel on the 'Cube, as WW will only be out for less than 2 weeks when E3 kicks off. Even showing a teaser clip, especially a clip that shows a drastically different art style that WW's, could negatively impact sales. I think the big gun at the show will either be something (or somethings) brand new or Star Fox Armada. Of course, two Star Fox headlining shows in a row (Star Fox Adventures was pushed pretty heavily last year, if I remember correctly) would seem kinda odd, but Armada will be 'real' Star Fox.
I'm really looking forward to seeing Dead Phoenix playable. That game sounds like it has a very cool control system, and looks pretty promising. Killer 7 sounds pretty good. But of course, P.N.03 did also...
Oh yeah, I believe Dydack said in the interview he did with Berghammer at D.I.C.E. or GDC (or something like that) that Silicon Knights will be showing something at E3 (maybe behind closed doors). That's a distinct possibility to at least co-headline, considering how well Eternal Darkness was received by the gaming press (the buying public is another matter)

[Nintendo Gamecube]

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Nintendo Gaming / Nintendo has something even bigger...

« on: April 25, 2003, 02:22:42 PM »

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Originally posted by: Nintendo Gamecube
'Ice Climbers: Uh.......no. How many people actually knew of the Ice Climbers before Smash Bros. Melee? Exactly"

Oh man, that was the greatest game on NES. It is a must for people who like classic games like Bomberman and Tetris.

I don't mean to say it wasn't a good game, I actually knew someone who had the cart way, way, WAY back when, but if you polled a thousand game fans for the top 10-20 most memorable Nintendo games, franchises, or characters before Melee came out, I don't think you'd have many 'Ice Climbers' responses.

Oh yeah, I forgot a couple  in my list:
Kirby's Air Ride: There's no way in hell this game can compete with anything else Nintendo is putting out this year. I'd headline Mario Party 5 (you know it's coming) before this game. I'm not too sure why this game is even getting out this year, with two AAA racing franchises coming out with F-Zero and Mario Kart. This game should have come out last year, when there was a utter dearth of racing games. They should delay it either a year so it doesn't get smothered by Double Dash and F-Zero or put some other Kirby game on the disc too, because I can't see how it'll sell well at all in its current state with Nintendo's 2k3 lineup (Kirby mini-golf anyone? That was a fun little diversion on the SNES, like I'm assuming Air Ride will be no more than). Of course, I think Mario Golf and Tennis should be on the same disc, but that's just me. Air Ride should have been made on the GBA, if anything. It really doesn't seem all that great as a console game.
Pokemon: A Pokemon Stadium game is due soon, I think. Pokemon Box is just an organizer, really, so that doesn't count. Still, I wouldn't call a Stadium game headliner material. A more involved Pokemon game....well, that definitely could, but Nintendo would get creamed in the PR arena for making a kiddy-game a headliner over a more 'mature' title. I would be surpised if Stadium Cube isn't shown at E3, though.

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Nintendo Gaming / Nintendo has something even bigger...

« on: April 25, 2003, 01:25:09 PM »

If Mario Kart or F-Zero are not going to headline E3- and since they've already been unveiled (and in F-Zero's case, played by the press in Japan), I too doubt they actually will- Nintendo will have to have either a franchise of equal or greater repute or something all-new. Since there's no way for me to speak knowledgeably about anything all-new, lets go down the usual suspects.
Any GameBoy game: I don't think a GameBoy game can headline E3 for Nintendo. Even though it's Nintendo's cash cow, they need to pimp something on the console to get its rep up, and they'd be better off using Mario Kart to headline rather than a Game Boy game.
Mario: could be, as Miyamoto has stated it's already in development. But I'm not convinced just yet. I expect something on video, though. But a short video clip probably isn't good enough to headline a show.
Zelda: Another possibility, but considering the Wind Waker will only have been out less than 2 weeks in Europe when E3 comes around, If anything Zelda is shown, I don't expect anything more than a short video clip, again, not highlight material
Metroid: I don't think Prime 2 is far enough im develop to have something playable. Video at most.
Kid Icarus: As geeked as I'd be to see a new Kid Icarus game, I gave up hope after Icarus wasn't a playable character in Smash Bros. Melee and just had a stupid-looking trophy (I still contend he'd be perfect for the game). Still, he's not big enough to headline a show, unless they do something really dramatic with it. I'd like to see a third person action game like Zelda/Star Fox Adventures, but with the character capable of flight! That would be freaking great. But I doubt that could headline.
Earthbound: It's already been unveiled (in a small way), and I HIGHLY doubt Nintendo would use a game that stars a little round boy with a magic yo-yo and a waddling sidekick with a huge schnoz to headline the biggest show of the year when they're trying to shake their 'kiddy' image.
Donkey Kong: This would work nicely. If it exists.
Donkey Kong Racing: I fell in love with the video clip shown so long ago, but with Rare over with Microsoft, I think this is a dead game. Anyway, with Diddy Kong and Donkey Kong both in Mario Kart, and there might be even more DKC characters as hidden playables, I'm not sure there's a point of this game even existing anymore, even without Rare.
Pikmin 2: Same boat as Mario Kart
Something by Silicon Knights: Hmmm...Nintendo might want to use something by these folk to emphasize their commitment to shaking the kiddy image, but I don't think so.
Ice Climbers: Uh.......no. How many people actually knew of the Ice Climbers before Smash Bros. Melee? Exactly
Smash Bros. 3: Not a headliner, but I would love to see it. I probably wouldn't have a GameCube if it wasn't for Melee.
This is my pick, barring anything brand new and unexpected:
Star Fox Armada
Nintendo said they're going to focus on third parties at this show. Armada is made by Namco. Star Fox has the 'star power' to headline a show. Not quite as much as Metroid, Mario, or Zelda, for sure, but it's still one of Nintendo's best franchises. Plus, peopple have been clamoring for a return to the Star Fox/Star Fox 64 style game for a while now, so the anticipation for this game is high. Plus, we haven't seen any of Armada yet, save for a poster,so Nintendo can unveil it in a big way. The big problem with Armada is that it isn't due until next year (at least I think), so it may not be appropriate for a headliner, but I'm sure Microsoft will use Halo 2 as at least a co-headliner (along with something from Rare I think, like Perfect Dark 2) and that's not due until next year, so who knows.

[Ninja X]

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Nintendo Gaming / Mario Kart Discussion (TALK ABOUT MARIO KART HERE)

« on: April 25, 2003, 11:38:59 AM »

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Originally posted by: Ninja X
Eggytoast, your system could be like that, but it could be a pain.  The "A" button would probably accelerate your kart, so switching from the "A" button to the camera stick back and forth would be a big pain.  One thing, you'd lose control of your kart, so you better keep your eye on where your kart is going while you aim your shot.  It all depends on how Nintendo implements this two character system.

I agree about the A button to accellerate, the B button to brake, and the C-stick to use weapons (and, presumably the R trigger to powerslide) doesn't make too much sense. I guess the left trigger could be used for weapons, but there's a better way.
I think using the triggers to accelerate and brake would make the most sense for any driving game: they most closely approximate the action of actual car pedals (F-Zero doesn't count, due to its different mechanics). So, in my 'vision' of Mario Kart, it would be like Rogue Squadrion. You're probably wondering how powersliding would then work. Easy: the 'digital click'. If you think how you powerslid in Mario Kart 64, you were holding down the A button and the R trigger at the same time. This way, you only use (presumably) the R trigger to do both. Also, for the brakes, the sharp brake-turn that is in Diddy Kong Racing would be assigned to the left trigger's 'digital click'. Using this setup, the four face buttons, the z button and the c-stick are freed up. I think the z-button will switch the driver and gunner.

As for the actual game, I'm pretty excited. The reason I have a GameCube is because of Nintendo's in-house games, and I have yet to be disappointed. This game looks like it's going to be chaos on the order of Smash Bros, and that can only be a good thing. I just hope the computer A.I. isn't as cheap in Double Dash as it was in Mario Kart 64, and they have a hell of a lot of tracks. Super Circuit had, what 40 tracks? I sure hope Double Dash has more than that. I HOPE it's a sequel to MK64, rather than Super Circuit. Super Circuit's track setup isn't appropriate for a true party game, while something wideopen is far more suitable for the chaos that this game looks like it contains. Chaos needs room or it just gets reduced to a cluster---k.
Are the graphics great? Of course not. But while the Super Smash Bros. Melee Mario is the benchmark I have for Mario detailing (as well as Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Donkey Kong, and Dr. Mario) , but I don't think the SSBM Mario would fit quite right with the Mario Kart visual style. Of course, I do think they should be able to come up with a similar level of detail with the Mario Kart visual style, and hope they improve the graphics when the game comes out.
About Toad not being in the initial character list: if he's not a hidden character, I get the sinking feeling he's going to be one of Peach's weapons, like he was in Smash Bros.
About the vehicles not being go-karts: Uh..........so? Can someone explain to me what that matters? Having different vehicles adds a splash of personality to the game, and that can't be bad. Anyway, seing Luigi drive a pink granny-car is just TOO funny!
About when it'll come out: check the release schedule- Wario World is due in June, 1080 Avalanche and Mario Golf are due in July, F-Zero is out in August, and Rogue Squadron is supposed to be out in November, with Mario Tennis due sometime between the latter two. Plus, Pikmin 2, Doshin the Giant, Kirby's Air Ride, Animal Crossing 2, Giftpia, Star Fox Armada, and a host of other Nintendo games have yet to be scheduled. I'm guessing, IF (and that's a big if) comes out this year, Double Dash will either fall into the same timeframe as Mario Tennis, meaning September or early October, or early December. That is, unless Nintendo's miraculously just about done with it and it's ready to be released in June (yeah, right. I wish.)