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[Every Zelda game is magical for a different reason. Here are some more thoughts on the GameCube version.]

101

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

« on: July 25, 2002, 02:44:29 PM »

Every Zelda game is magical for a different reason. Here are some more thoughts on the GameCube version.

To start, I just want to comment on how delightful this game looks. It is really like playing a cartoon, Link’s expressions seem endless. The demo shown was the same as the E3 version (down to the screen saying “Thank you for playing this E3 demo") with five levels.    

The first was a dungeon level, Link started off fighting some torch-wielding enemies in a dark tunnel. After killing the monsters you can pick up a torch and light it so you can see your way to the next room, which is full of Keese (bats). It is possible to swing the torch to kill them. Another weapon Link can use is the giant knife, which smashes multiple pots and wooden barriers easily.    

Outside of the cave there is an area with ledges that Link needs to “sidle" along, side-stepping with his back to the wall to get across. Once, he had to crouch while “sidling" to get past the overhanging rock; the look in his eyes and little bent knees looked so funny and his body was squashed into a small rectangular shape!    

In the second level you could wander around the village. From what people are saying Link’s green outfit was given to him for his twelfth birthday. In one of the houses you can learn the different sword techniques including the 5 second spin attack after which Link stands there, eyes all dizzy panting for a second before recovering to a normal pose. It is wonderful to see him reacting to just about anything you do. When you find your sister, Arill, she gives you a telescope and says she has one just like it. This can be used in later levels to zoom in on far away areas.    

Next up was a boss battle. A huge, scaly, beast with lots of legs is sitting in a pool of lava waiting to smash up Link with its claws. It seems that it has invaded a dragon’s den, the tail hanging from a hole in the ceiling belongs to a red dragon. After swinging on the tail with the grappling hook, a layer of the ceiling shatters and crashes onto the spider/crab/monster thing weakening its shell. A couple more times and it will be completely exposed, leaving you to slash at its eye and destroy it completely. In this level was the first time I saw Link die, and the animation is so full of expression, he closes his eyes and staggers dramatically before collapsing onto his back. Even better when he ends up with half his body through a wall.    

The stealth level was the most difficult; make one wrong move and you’re right back where you started. To get into the Fortress where your sister was captured, you first put on a barrel, something Link is rather discontent about (and he shows it on his face, as expected) and then you are hurled into the building, landing in the moat which breaks your fall. Link finds a stone that was put into his pocket. This allows the pirate girl who catapulted him in to communicate with him and give help and hints. Sneaking into and around the castle is tricky; first you have to avoid the floodlights by hiding in a barrel, and moving carefully so that you are not detected. Once inside the castle Link must sneak around yet again in a barrel to avoid being spotted by the Moblins. Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are one of them notices the barrel wasn’t there before and smashes it open to find Link inside. He surrenders and is thrown into their prison. Fortunately, they are not very good at maintenance and you can escape by moving aside a crate and finding a tunnel which will lead you deeper inside the building. And, er, it’s funny watching Link’s bottom as he crawls along. You’re looking right up his tunic at his white tights. The light casts on different parts of his bottom as he crawls along in the tunnel! Not that I was taking a lot of notice or anything, it was just really amusing (I blame Zosha for corrupting me).    

The final part of the demo was a mini game. Link uses his boat to sail over horizontal barrels and jump over vertical barrels to collect rupees. Jumping is pulled off by hoisting and furling the sail and crashing into a barrel means that Link has to swim back over to the boat, which gives you less time to reach the finish. Barrels that flash red explode as Link sails past so steer clear of them. I will finish by saying how beautiful the water looks as the boat carves through, creating white crests on the otherwise solidly blue expanse.

[Meet the talking hat that dances on Link's head in the new GBA Zelda game.]

102

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

« on: May 18, 2004, 03:53:35 PM »

Meet the talking hat that dances on Link's head in the new GBA Zelda game.

The title of this game comes from the magical hat that Link has somehow acquired for this game. It looks the same as his usual green hood but it has a beak and eyes that resemble a bird. The character model for Link is from Four Swords. The Minish Cap gives you hints about the game as you go through and can transform you to the same size as the Minish people, a minature race that look like gnomes. It is only possible to transform on certain spots, these can be in the overworld or inside dungeons.    

In the normal environment Link is reduced to a small figure just larger than a dot with a picture of his head in a speech bubble showing where he is as you walk around. When he enters the Minish world when shrunk down he returns to a comparatively normal size and surroundings appear huge until he enters the Minish Village, which is conveniently the right size now. The enemies encountered en-route to the Minish village were bees and Dodongo worms that appeared to be the size of any normal enemy. Above their village is a minature Forest Temple. The entrance is tiny so you have to be Minish-sized to enter.    

Inside the dungeon, everything is normal sized. There are around four rooms and you needed to push statues around to reach them all. Link cannot yet cross water so he has to rely on strechy toadstools growing next to them to cross. By holding on to the toadstool and pulling it backwards, it throws you across. The first time you do this you find a chest that contains a magical jar. This can suck air or objects in and blow them out again. To get back across the water you need to suck the mushroom towards yourself for the same effect as it is now on the other side and you cannot reach it. The magical jar is also used to suck away cobwebs that are blocking doors. Outside, the magical jar can be used to move you across the water when you’re standing on a leaf by blowing out air, similar to the Deku Leaf in Wind Waker.    

The control system is slightly different for this game. The R shoulder button is used as the "action" button and A and B can both be mapped to items. R can also used to roll making walking around a bit faster.    

Waking up in your house in the village you find that Princess Zelda has come to visit. She explains about the kinstones that every person has one half of. Pieces of kinstones can be found in chests, jars or just long grass. They are always found as a piece and they can be fused with another, this causes events to happen. Pressing L while next to someone will bring up a menu where you can choose which kinstone to try and fuse. Sometimes the environment will change so that you can get into an area that was previously inaccessible. In one case a giant beanstalk grew up into the sky where a chest of rupees could be found. I found that in the village, most keystone pieces were found close to the owner of the other half but this might not be the case in the rest of the game. The kinstones can also be traded wirelessly, as the game supports the Wireless Adapter and you may be able to fuse kinstones from another game.    

There were two other dungeons shown in the demo both of which Link entered at normal size. The first was fairly similar to the Forest Temple but had a few more rooms. In the largest main room there was a large barrel that acted as a bridge of sorts. By burning down the vines that hold it to the walls it is possible to roll it around by running when inside it. There were holes in this barrel and these acted as doors so you could roll it around to where you needed to exit to reach the part of the room you required. One of the holes was covered with a cobweb so again you needed to find the magical jar to clear your path.    

The boss of the dungeon is a giant green Chu Chu. Blobs of jelly fall down from above when you enter the room and these form the giant Chu Chu. To make it fall over you have to slash at the base so that it shrinks and then you can attack it while it has toppled over onto the ground. The second dungeon had the same boss but it was much more expansive.    

The other dungeon was much larger and you have a boomerang instead of the magical jar. This was also the dungeon where you first got the Four Sword allowing Link to be split into four when on Split Panels. Holding out the Four Sword will charge up the panel that Link is currently standing on, this allows you to make different formations. You will need different formations for pushing large blocks or stepping on multiple switches. You control the “main" Link and the others following are faded. If any of the Links touches a wall or other obstacle the extras disappear and you have to start again. There is a power meter for the Four Sword and once this runs out the Links also disappear.    

Other features of this dungeon were a stone platform where you could stand and be shrunken down by the Minish Cap, allowing you to go through the small tunnels in the walls. The Minish Cap also acts as a parachute, in one room you have to cross lava by jumping into whirlwinds, your fall is slowed down by the hat so you can fly across to the next whirlwind.    

The game is very similar in style of gameplay to the previous Game Boy Zelda games by Capcom but this is not a bad thing. With the addition of the Four Sword and magical jar as well as the Minish Cap there is plenty of opportunity for new level design that is as much fun as the other games.

[The version of shown at TNS was complete with a land level, boss battle and Arwing level.]

103

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: Star Fox Adventures

« on: September 05, 2001, 11:12:33 AM »

The version of shown at TNS was complete with a land level, boss battle and Arwing level.

Being a huge Rare fan, this was the first game I headed for at TNS. The unfortunate side to this was that there was a queue and the ten minute limit was still strictly enforced at this point.    

I started off having a run around . This was the first GameCube game I had seen in person and I was very impressed with the graphics. The game looked sharp and very smooth. The first thing I did was lift a rock up using the staff. You tap the A button to lever up the boulder and then can collect the Scarabs you find. That is the currency on Dinosaur Planet.    

In this level also come across some SharpClaws you can kill with your staff. Holding down the L button locks onto your enemy. Tricky the triceratops is following you all this time. He can help you in ways such as digging a hole, you stand on the spot in the ground and select the action from the menu accessed by the C stick. Items such as eggs to replenish your health can be found.    

The T-Rex battle was quite impressive. To kill the dinosaur you would have to stand on a block, this would send rays blasting from the walls. I had to wait for the dinosaur to round the corner and approach a bit before stepping onto the pad. Too early and it would miss, forcing you to retreat. Timing it just right and hitting the T-Rex would make it faint, the next step is to go up to it and hit the nose with your staff. The level is a corridor going round in a square, there are gaps on the inside wall so that you can avoid the dinosaur when it's stomping past. The camera was a little awkward when you turned around in a gap like this, and the hanging vines looked a little flat. Aside from this the level was very good.    

I died after hitting the T-Rex a third time and was asked to hand the controller over. The booth attendant consented to allow me a single turn at the Arwing level as long as I was quick. The general idea resembled previous incarnations of StarFox but it looked far more impressive. Blasting asteroids has never been more spectacular. Attempting to fly through a trench I crashed and died. Oh well, that was the end of my turn.

[Sabre Man is in top shape for his Game Boy Advance adventure. Sabre Wulf's behind you, run!]

104

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: Sabre Wulf

« on: September 02, 2001, 11:46:48 AM »

Sabre Man is in top shape for his Game Boy Advance adventure. Sabre Wulf's behind you, run!

Hearing the Sabre Wulf theme tune while walking past the stand I saw that there was a GBA free with the game restarted. I went over and picked one of them up to begin a new game.    

Sabre Man is an explorer, at the start of the game you follow the Mayor, who wants help with... something.   Sabre Wulf comes along, steals some treasure and digs a passage in the ground. Obviously you chase after and you'll find that the view changes from the top down before when you were exploring to a side scrolling area.    

You have to cross the level to Sabre Wulf and reclaim the treasure. You do this by collecting "animals" which you find in magic bags in the level. The first level is relatively simple, you use "Jello" to allow you to bounce over a cliff. Your inventory is shown on the screen by pressing R, and the D-pad lets you choose your item. The creatures can be put down once only during the level but at the end, they all come back to you.    

When you reach the end of the level you will find the item which you are to retrieve along with a sleeping Sabre Wulf. Picking up the item will wake him up, your next task is to run out the level as fast as possible, there's a wolf on your tail! Successfully getting back to your tent at the start of the level will give you your escape from the wild animal and the item will be yours.    

Walking around the game the first place you will come to (after the second level where you rescue the Mayor) is the Town. There's a village hall and houses to explore where people may offer you information. One of the houses I ventured into was the tea room as seen in screenshots. I was unsure what this was for though.    

In later levels there are more creatures, such as "Girder" and "Bomb" which will aid you on your way to Sabre Wulf's den. Creatures are cumulative, you find around one each level and they remain with you so they can be used in the next level. Later levels have you using multiple creatures to help you navigate the obstacles in your way.    

I didn't manage to completely explore the demo but I completed three levels. These first ones are very simple but they are bound to get more complex during the game. With a new creature each level all your skill will be required to figure them out.

[What could possibly be more valuable than a Panasonic battery?]

105

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: Pikmin 2

« on: August 27, 2003, 11:59:55 PM »

What could possibly be more valuable than a Panasonic battery?

Nintendo is showing a Japanese version of Pikmin 2 with five playable levels. The level selection screen has a grid of bubbles, and new levels are represented by a leaf. Once a level is completed, this changes into a flower.    

Each level starts with an assigned number of various types of Pikmin. With this team you can adventure down to the different floors of the level, but there is no way of growing more Pikmin. Each level has treasure, enemies, and most importantly, a key. Once the key is returned to the spaceship a hole in the ground opens leading to the next floor.    

The first level I tried had a total of fifty red, blue, and yellow Pikmin. There were a few enemies and treasure items such as a ring and a flattened can. As with all the levels, there is a time limit, so I left before collecting all the treasure. To get the key, one of the larger insects had to be killed. There is a boss level with a large creature with four legs. I had forty yellow Pikmin to start, and again, this large enemy had to be defeated for the key to appear.    

Another level features twenty of the purple and white Pikmin. There aren’t any obstacles that require their special abilities here, but a lot of treasure is partially underground, and the Pikmin have to dig it up before carrying it to the ship. The key was in plain sight this time so there was plenty of time left to hunt for treasure. I found an enemy that resembles a piranha plant, and it ate a few of my Pikmin before giving up a large piece of treasure. The larger pieces of treasure are worth more money, and it seems that every level has a Panasonic battery that is one of the biggest treasure items.    

When the level is complete, you are given a score based on how much treasure you’ve collected and how many Pikmin you have remaining. The three highest scores for each level are recorded. All the levels I tried apart from the boss level had two floors, when you unlock the final hole in the ground it turns out to be a geyser that shoots everyone back up to the surface after the Pikmin break it open.      

The levels I played are short and quite simple to complete. Assuming that later levels have more floors, it will be harder to decide whether to collect more treasure and risk losing Pikmin to enemies, or to work down the floors as fast as possible. With the separate level structure, it is easier to play the game for a short period of time, and quite satisfying to complete a level with just a few seconds to spare.

[Lost your marbles? Find them in the battle mode.]

106

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: Pikmin 2

« on: May 19, 2004, 02:07:20 PM »

Lost your marbles? Find them in the battle mode.

They appeared to be showing the final version of Pikmin on the show floor, with all features intact. In the challenge mode there are five levels available to play freely and a new level is unlocked on completion of any of them. Each level can be played with one or two players. The levels seen were the same as those shown at ECTS (but were in English this time) so I will move on to the other choice of play.    

A new feature on display was the battle mode for two players. There are two methods of winning this, the first is to collect four yellow marbles from the playing field and the second is to steal your opponent’s marble from their base. The yellow marbles are found half buried and scattered around the level. You’ll need your Pikmin to dig then up and carry them back to your base. Each marble only needs one Pikmin to carry, but up to eight can take a single marble so that you can retrieve it more quickly. You cannot pick up your own marble so if it is moved closer to your enemy it stays there.    

Olimar’s team of Pikmin is red and Louie’s are blue. It is possible to set a handicap so that one player starts with more Pikmin than the other. You can grow more Pikmin in the battle level so that you have a maximum of 50 on your team. The Pikmin attack each other when they meet. Although you cannot kill your opponent’s Pikmin they are sent back to the base and respawn as leaf Pikmin that have to be pulled up from the ground once again.    

There were ten different arenas to choose from to battle in. The terrain and enemies are different in each. Picking up cherries starts an item selection, this will stop spinning after a while and you can press Y to activate the selection. If you get a ghost you turn invisible and the other player cannot see you on their screen. Other items that can be chosen are enemies and earthquakes, which can be sent to the other player. Cherries will regenerate as the game goes on so there’s never a shortage of items.    

The battle mode is a nice diversion but the real gameplay is in the main mode of the game. It can be fun to play against a friend for a while but you’re doing the same thing every time. It’s a good way to test for the better player though!

[What is there to see in the next installment of 007? Guns, gadgets and transporters.]

107

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: James Bond 007: NightFire

« on: September 01, 2002, 11:48:42 PM »

What is there to see in the next installment of 007? Guns, gadgets and transporters.

The version I played was quite an early build, but there was already quite a variety of levels with many vehicles, as well as stages on foot. In the snow mobile level you are shooting down enemies from all directions. The vehicle takes you down a snowy hill, through a forest. Voice acting is in place, with your partner who is driving telling you which direction enemies are coming from. There is also an underwater level, and from your car you can shoot missiles at submarines.    

The cut scenes are shown in third person and feature Pierce Brosnan as James Bond and are all fully voice acted. Subtitles were not on the screen while I played.    

I also played a couple of stealth levels. In one, the only weapons were darts and you had to leave the indoor area undetected avoiding guards and alarms. A larger level had a variety of mission objectives and environments. Floodlights could be shot out to avoid detection; guards sniped from far away (with a sniper rifle, obviously). There are a variety of ways to get around the level, with choices such as jumping on the truck or walking. All the outdoor levels I played were set at night (unsurprisingly) and in the snow.    

The controls feel quite well suited, with the control stick used for moving and strafing, and the C-stick for turning. Shooting is with the R shoulder button and switching weapons uses the D-pad. It seemed that the pause screen could only be navigated using the D-pad and not the control stick. I still find this rather difficult; it’ll be a while yet until I can hit the D-pad correctly without looking. There are also various control methods that can be changed through the pause menu.

[Pokemon Card E was described at the press conference as well as shown on the show floor.]

108

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: e-Reader and e-Reader Cards

« on: September 01, 2001, 01:38:54 PM »

Pokemon Card E was described at the press conference as well as shown on the show floor.

At first glance the cards may not look very different to the standard Pokemon TCG affair. However, they have barcodes along the bottom and right edges. The horizontal strip can store 1296 bytes of data, the vertical, 2064 bytes.    

Swiping one card will show up a Pokedex entry for that Pokemon, with stats and evolution information. The cards have to be swiped quite slowly across the reader in order to work properly.    

Swiping two or three cards in sequence will download a small animation or a mini game.    

Examples are one where Machop has to smash boulders raining down into the single screened level, 100 must be smashed in order to win the game.   In another game, Pichu must tug on the Hoppip balloons to stop them flying away. There are six balloons, once one reaches the top of the screen, the game ends. It is a timed game, and the record for longest time is displayed at the top of the screen.    

The games can be quite addictive, they need little instruction so can be picked up and played instantly. Just right for travelling, which is what the GBA does best.    

The animations involve Pokemon interacting with each other. It seems that the cards you swipe dictate the Pokemon that'll be in the sequence.    

With over 250 Pokemon, and a card for each one, there can be many combinations with different things happening for each.    

Nintendo's vision is that they can "distribute games in large quantities and cheaply on printed paper". They expect to deliver "Gaming experiences from a piece of paper".

[Capcom's Disney title for GameCube managed to grab one of the 11 spots at the Nintendo Games Day.]

109

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: Disney's Magical Mirror: Starring Mickey Mouse

« on: July 27, 2002, 01:03:55 PM »

Capcom's Disney title for GameCube managed to grab one of the 11 spots at the Nintendo Games Day.

I don’t really know what to say about this game, it didn’t seem to do anything.    

There is a hand shaped cursor on the screen that can be moved around the screen. It’s usually a pale grey colour but highlights white over certain items on the screen. Different bits of the air in the room, possibly. Ok, perhaps it lights up when the hand is over a door, for example, but what happens when you press a button? Very little, seemingly.    

In one of the rooms I think I managed to make Mickey walk over to the door, open it and take a look inside. Or he could have done this independently, I have no idea. There was a door on the opposite side of the room to where Mickey was looking (on the right) and a second Mickey Mouse came out from this door who the first Mickey Mouse was oblivious to even when he crept up and waved ridiculously at him. In the various rooms Mickey seemed to be content with standing on the spot bouncing from foot to foot with a stupid grin on his face.    

If this doesn’t make sense to you, I cannot help. I was so confused; I didn’t understand this demo! Needless to say, it was free for most of the show, not many were willing to play as Mickey Mouse.

[Lots of exciting games due including Electroplankton, Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? and Big Brain Academy for the DS.]

110

TalkBack / European Q2 Release Dates

« on: January 25, 2006, 02:35:34 AM »

Lots of exciting games due including Electroplankton, Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? and Big Brain Academy for the DS.

WHATEVER THE WEATHER  NINTENDO HAS SOMETHING FOR YOU TO DO THIS SPRING    

- Q2 2006 line-up-    

24th  January 2006 –Nintendo of Europe has unveiled its software line-up for Q2 2006 and Nintendo DS owners are spoilt with the selection of games to choose from, including the eagerly anticipated Metroid Prime: Hunters, the relaxing and beautiful Electroplankton and the incredibly addictive Prof. Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? and Big Brain Academy.    

Nintendo GameCube has titles launching including Harvest Moon: Magical Melody, ChibiRobo! and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe to keep them busy. The Game Boy Advance will be graced by a selection of great games including Polarium Advance, Drill Dozer and Final Fantasy IV. With so many titles to look forward to in Q2 2006 you won’t be able to wait for Spring to come.    

Q2 Releases - Nintendo DS    

Title Release Date    

Prof. Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? (Nintendo)  Q2    

Game Fortune Bag (Nintendo) (tentative title)  Q2    

Top Spin 2 (2K Sports)  7 April    

Megaman Battle Network 5 Double Team DS (Capcom/Nintendo)  13 April    

Electroplankton (Nintendo)  21 April    

Tetris DS (Nintendo)  21 April    

Tamagotchi (Bandai / ATARI) (Exclusive)  21 April    

Pokémon Link!   28 April    

Trauma Centre: Under the Knife (Nintendo)  28 April    

Mini R/C Racing (Game Factory/K.E. Media)  April    

Harvest Moon DS (Marvelous/Rising Star Games/Nintendo)  Spring    

Beetle King (D3DB)  1 May    

Gugu Gugu Naget (Digital Bros)  1 May    

Metroid Prime Hunters (Nintendo)  5 May    

Super Princess Peach (Nintendo) (tentative title)  26 May    

Cameltry (Digital Bros)  30 May    

Miss Spider (Game Factory/K.E. Media)  May    

Metroid Prime Pinball (Nintendo)  June    

Puzzloop (Nintendo) (tentative title)  June    

Brick’em all DS (D3DB)  30 June    

Dragon Booster (Konami)  Q2    

New SUPER MARIO BROS. (Nintendo)  TBC    

Big Brain Academy (Nintendo)  TBC    

Q2 Releases - GameCube    

Harvest Moon: Magical Melody   (Marvelous/Rising Star Games/Nintendo)  Spring    

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Disney/Buena Vista Games)  April    

ChibiRobo! (tentative title)  26 May    

Super Monkey Ball Adventure (SEGA) 2 June    

  Q2 Releases - Game Boy Advance    

Polarium Advance  7 April    

Top Spin 2 (2K Sports)  7 April    

Disney`s The Wild (Disney/Buena Vista Games)  EXCLUSIVE  April/June    

Garfield and His Nine Lives (Game Factory/KE Media)  April    

Drill Dozer (Nintendo) (tentative title)  26 May    

Babar 2D – working title (Game Factory/KE Media)  May    

Final Fantasy IV (Nintendo)  2 June    

Wario Ware Twisted! (Nintendo)  TBC    

 

[If you're looking for one, you might have to wait until next week for new stock to arrive.]

111

TalkBack / 1 million DS Units Sold in the UK

« on: January 20, 2006, 04:03:29 AM »

If you're looking for one, you might have to wait until next week for new stock to arrive.

NINTENDO DS HITS 1 MILLION SALES IN THE UK    

- Nintendo’s dual screen handheld reaches UK sales landmark -    

20 January 2006 – Nintendo UK has today announced that 1 million units of its Nintendo DS handheld console are in the hands of gamers across the country. The announcement is just another highlight in a long line of successes throughout 2005 where the Nintendo DS has led the handheld market not only in the UK but across the globe. Many stores across the UK are continuing to report they are sold out of Nintendo DS until new stock arrives in the coming week.    

Following Nintendo DS’s launch in Europe in March 2005, almost three and a half million Nintendo DS units have been sold. Worldwide sales have shown a similar pattern with millions of people turning to Nintendo for their portable gaming.  Approximately 13 million* Nintendo DS were in the hands of people all around the world by the end of December 2005, leaving any competition standing.    

UK sales of the Nintendo DS have been significantly bolstered by the launch of ground breaking games such as Nintendogs, which has sold over 1.6 million copies in Europe since launch in October and Mario Kart DS which stormed the Christmas charts selling 800,000 copies in Europe since its late November launch.    

UK gamers have a lot to look forward to in 2006, including Animal Crossing: Wild World which has been a huge success in Japan having already sold over one million copies and is launching soon in the UK.    

The Nintendo DS is available for around £89.  Mario Kart DS and Nintendogs are now available for around £30 and both games are also available in bundle packs (including a copy of the game and a Nintendo DS), available for around £99.    

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

* Combined sell-thru numbers in Japan, North America, Latin America, Australia and other territories.    

[In a partnership with BT Openzone and The Cloud, from the 25th November over 7,500 Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection hotspots will be available for DS users.]

112

TalkBack / Nintendo Annouces Wi-Fi Hotspots in the UK

« on: November 03, 2005, 01:01:26 PM »

In a partnership with BT Openzone and The Cloud, from the 25th November over 7,500 Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection hotspots will be available for DS users.

NINTENDO ANNOUNCES SIMPLE, SAFE AND FREE*, Wi-Fi ACCESS AT OVER 7,500 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE AS IT LAUNCHES Wi-Fi GAMING SERVICE    

THE CLOUD & BT OPENZONE PARTNER FOR   LAUNCH OF NINTENDO Wi-Fi CONNECTION IN THE UK    

03 November 2005 – There is a revolution afoot in the worlds of Wi-Fi and gaming.  Nintendo UK is bringing Wi-Fi technology into play from the 25th November 2005 with a new groundbreaking deal with wireless providers BT Openzone and The Cloud. The launch of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service means the UK will take an unprecedented step forward into a new era of gaming, allowing anyone to play against friends and family across the globe simply, safely and best of all - for free*.    

To ensure that anyone really can play against others from all over the world with their Nintendo DS, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection can be accessed in any one of three ways:    

1)Gamers will be able to visit any one of over 7,500 Wi-Fi hotspots at locations across the UK.  These include McDonalds restaurants, Coffee Republic coffee houses,  Hilton and Ramada Jarvis hotels, Road Chef and Welcome Break service stations, First Great Western railway stations, over 25 student unions and city centre BT Payphones and airports, football stadiums and even the British Library and Canary Wharf. By logging onto www.thecloud.net or www.btopenzone.com and entering your town or postcode; you can find the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection hotspots closest to you.    

2)Nintendo UK will also be installing BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspots into major video games retailers and other key outlets across the UK, meaning it really is possible to game anywhere!    

3)Gamers with a broadband internet connection at home will be able to enjoy the free*, simple and safe Wi-Fi gaming service, you simply need a Wi-Fi access point or hotspot, like a Wi-Fi wireless router, and an active broadband internet connection. If you do not have a wireless access point, you can purchase a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector (available 25th November for around £30) which plugs into a PC and automatically sets up a connection for you.    

Nintendo’s Wi-Fi gaming service is free* - there are no fees or subscriptions to pay. It’s incredibly easy to use - you simply turn it on and select Wi-Fi, there are no complicated menu screens and minimum configurations required and most importantly Nintendo’s Wi-Fi Connection service is a safe environment for players.  Players have the option to select to play with just friends, or people of a similar skill level around the world without fear of harassment.  Players do not have direct communication with each other when playing anonymously and therefore personal details or inappropriate comments cannot be exchanged.    

David Yarnton, General Manager, Nintendo UK said:  “Nintendo are bringing a significant, groundbreaking deal to the UK. Launching our Wi-Fi service in partnership with two of the UK’s leading providers of hotspots is a massive statement of our commitment. Nintendo has revolutionised Wi-Fi video gaming, removing all of the negative aspects whilst retaining the fun and diversity it offers. The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service truly offers the mass market a great opportunity to fully embrace Wi-Fi”    

George Polk, CEO of The Cloud, said: “Consumer Wi-Fi has finally arrived, and in a big way.  Now hundreds of thousands of Nintendo users can play networked games when they are out and about, while they are waiting for a train, walking to meetings, at shopping malls, at the football, and many other places.  Nintendo Wi-Fi can fill all those little spaces in the day, keeping Nintendo customers in touch with friends and gaming rivals across town and across the world.   By bundling free usage in with the game, engineering the DS so it can automatically connect to the network, creating market leading games, and pioneering new communities of users, Nintendo is breaking down all the barriers to usage that have slowed the growth of Wi-Fi. Business usage of our network continues to grow quickly, but we have thousands of consumer locations that have been waiting for this kind of service to come to market.  To say we are excited and impressed by their new service would be a vast understatement."    

Chris Clark, CEO of Converged Mobility Operations, BT said: "Wi-Fi is increasingly becoming part of everyone's lives, whether you are a business traveller, a professional working away from the office or now someone who enjoys playing games on consoles against people round the world. We are delighted to be working with Nintendo on this partnership which will broaden the appeal of Wi-Fi from the business into the consumer market.    

"We believe the future for Wi-Fi is that people will be able to access the internet, their corporate networks and their games consoles any time, anywhere using whatever device they have."    

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection will be rolled out across Europe, with different service providers and Wi-Fi partners in each country. There is really no excuse not to get online and get involved now it has been made so simple, safe and free*!    

The Nintendo DS is the first Nintendo system to connect via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, but Nintendo Revolution will soon follow with its technology.    

The launch of Nintendo Wi-Fi coincides with the return of infamous Nintendo title Mario Kart DS. Mario Kart is the first in what looks set to be a long line of titles to fully benefit from the Nintendo Wi-Fi offering. Also launching for the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on 18th November and designed to take full advantage of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, ‘Tony Hawk's American SK8Land’ from Activision. The first 3D Tony Hawk game experience for a Nintendo handheld system.    

Nintendo Wi-Fi launches in the UK on 25th November 2005, at no cost to users. The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector launches on the same day for a cost of £30.    

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

[Nintendogs "Puppy Party" to celebrate tomorrow's game launch.]

113

TalkBack / Nintendogs Party For UK Game Launch

« on: October 06, 2005, 07:36:34 AM »

Nintendogs "Puppy Party" to celebrate tomorrow's game launch.

 Virtual Puppy Phenomenon Finally Hits UK      

 We’ve been hearing about it for weeks now, but today is the day that the UK wags its tail to welcome nintendogs, made exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld console.  Touted as the number one toy this Christmas, the virtual puppy phenomenon already has the US and Japan firmly in its paws.  With tales of retailers already being inundated with dog-loving fans eager to catch the latest craze, the game finally goes on sale on the British High Street from 8am tomorrow (Friday 7th October).    

To herald its arrival, Nintendo is today (Thursday 6th October) throwing one of the most lavish parties ever seen for virtual or real dogs.  The Puppy Party, hosted by all-round animal lover Bill Oddie, features dog-loving celebrities Myleene Klass and Jeremy Edwards as well as canine celebrities - Betty from Eastenders and Coronation Street's very own Schmeichel.  There’ll be dogs-eye video screens, a VIP (very important pooch) chill-out area, doggy Olympics and a doggy disco to round off the get-together with some barking good tunes.    

People already going barking mad for nintendogs include 12-year-old Becky Green from Sawbridgeworth, Herts.  She says:      

“They’re the cutest thing I’ve ever seen and my mum won’t let me have a real dog.  It's different to other games. It's real life and it's cool how it responds to how you treat it. You'd more or less treat it how you'd treat a real dog"    

Surrey housewife Nina Shaplow, 43, seems set to give in to her teenage children’s demands:    

“There is a need to bring out games that are less violent...it will attract parents like me to buy for their children.  And they are awfully cute.”    

Twenty-four year old Julia Newbury – in retail - added:    

"Great idea, great toy - for women like me and younger kids it is a brilliant idea.  Play with dogs on your Nintendo DS stylus...if you can't get a real dog, play with a virtual one.  Excellent!".    

nintendogs is a brand new way to play and develops the concept of the virtual pet by adding a whole new dimension of interaction.  Players can actually touch and speak to their dog which, will in turn react realistically to this attention. This interaction is unlike any other seen before on a games console. nintendogs is an ideal pet for people who can’t own a real dog, it makes no mess, will never die and definitely won’t moult all over your sofa!      

nintendogs will come in three different versions – Labrador Retriever, Miniature Dachshund and Chihuahua - each with six different breeds of puppies to begin with, giving a total of eighteen breeds to choose.      

Since its launch in Japan, the Japanese have been going barking mad for “nintendogs” – so much so that sales of the Nintendo DS console have rocketed to five times the average amount during the nintendogs launch week.  In the US, the game racked up 250,000 sales in its first week – making it the fastest selling new franchise ever.    

It could be the best £30 you’ve ever spent.    

     

   

   

   

   

Launch Event Photos:    

   

   

   

   

   

[HMV will have a special store opening for the UK launch of Nintendogs this Friday at 8am.]

114

TalkBack / Take your (real) dog shopping!

« on: October 04, 2005, 02:59:38 AM »

HMV will have a special store opening for the UK launch of Nintendogs this Friday at 8am.

DOGS ALOUD! –   HMV THROWS OPEN DOORS FOR VIRTUAL PUPPY PHENOMENON    

Virtual puppy craze hits town!    

You’ve been hearing about it for weeks… well it’s finally here! To celebrate the UK arrival of Nintendogs, the hugely anticipated virtual puppy phenomenon - HMV’s famous mascot Nipper the Jack Russell will be throwing the doors open for the very first time to shoppers AND their dogs! Taking place at HMV’s flagship store - at 150 Oxford Street on Friday 7th October, 8am - the launch of Nintendogs signals the end of a very long wait for shoppers pining for ‘the next big thing for Christmas’.    

On sale across the UK from Friday, gamers, dog lovers and kids alike will be able to get hold of a copy of Nintendogs before anyone else in the country. In addition, the first 50 people (or dogs!) reaching the till will get another free Nintendog from a choice of three breeds plus an exclusive doggy bag including free Nintendogs treats and another free Nintendo DS game!    

The Nintendogs arrival at HMV is the stores’ first ever early morning launch and the first time dogs have been allowed in store - breaking the tradition of midnight store openings to open its doors to pooches across the capital taking their breakfast time walk.    

Tim Ellis, HMV Head of Games, commented: "There's been a real buzz around this release for some time now and many of our stores have been inundated with customer enquiries.  It has wide player appeal, which will make it a perfect gift item and a big seller for us all the way through to Christmas.      

"HMV feels a natural affinity towards this title given that our own company mascot is Nipper the dog.  Call us 'barking mad', but we're really excited about hosting the official Nintendogs UK launch at our Oxford Street Games Department on October 7th, when Nipper will be joined in-store by lots of his canine friends."    

Click onto http://nintendogs.nintendo.co.uk for all of the most up-to-date official information on Nintendo.    

[Launching on 11th November 2005 with the name Mario Baseball.]

115

TalkBack / Mario Baseball European Release Date

« on: September 26, 2005, 03:36:48 AM »

Launching on 11th November 2005 with the name Mario Baseball.

MARIO AND FRIENDS ARE PITCHING FOR A SERIES OF HOMERUNS THIS SEASON    

-Mario Superstar Baseball launches on the Nintendo GameCube-    

26 September 2005 – You can homerun like Babe Ruth or strike it like Joe DiMaggio, but whatever your skills are, be sure to challenge Mario and friends in Nintendo’s first baseball game - Mario Baseball - which is hitting the Nintendo GameCube on 11th November 2005 across Europe.    

Following in the footsteps of Mario Golf, Mario Power Tennis and Mario Smash Football, Nintendo once again brings sport to life in the latest of the Mario themed sport games series. Be prepared, this isn’t your average baseball game - it’s an arcade style outing featuring over 30 of your favourite characters and icons from Nintendo’s Mario franchise including Wario Ware, Donkey Konga and Bowser Jr.    

The game is packed full of fun features and surprises. There are more than 5 different themed stadiums to play in, each with their own unique characteristics inspired from previous Nintendo games like Peach Garden, Yoshi’s Park and Wario Palace.    

There are several game types in Mario Baseball including Exhibition mode, which features standard matches for up to two players and Challenge mode, where players wander through a world of wild trials, playing mini-games to earn coins and power ups, unlocking characters and clearing baseball–related challenges on their way to a showdown with Bowser. Toy Field Mode can be played with up to four players and the objective is to collect points through hits and coins in a selection of mini-games. Finally Mini-Game Mode involves a series of five mini-games, all of which can be played with up to four players.    

Mario Baseball will score a homerun with both Nintendo and Baseball fans giving them a chance to play against their friends to decide who is the king of swing! This big hitting game certainly does not disappoint and provides addictive playing modes and fun all round entertainment.    

Mario Baseball will strike on the Nintendo GameCube when it launches on November 11th 2005 at the estimated retail price of around £40.      

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

[Battalion Wars reaches Europe on 9th December 2005.]

116

TalkBack / Battalion Wars European Release Date

« on: September 26, 2005, 03:35:56 AM »

Battalion Wars reaches Europe on 9th December 2005.

PREPARE TO BE CONSCRIPTED TO SERVE…
  YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!      

6 September 2005 – Ever wondered what it would be like to be a War Room General leading a loyal troop, or a soldier battling for king and for country?  This Christmas Nintendo is taking military command out of the Pentagon, away from the UN and bringing it to thousands of living rooms across Europe. Will you prove to be a paltry Private or the world’s greatest General… only time will tell! Battalion Wars is an all-out action adventure and launches an offensive on the Nintendo GameCube on the 9th December 2005 across Europe.    

Following on from Advance Wars: Dual Strike in full 3D glory, Battalion Wars is set in the 21st century where a minor border dispute between the Western Frontier and the Tundran territories has escalated into an all out war. Exhausted by the fighting the two armies reach a stale mate, until the despotic ruler of a nearby country, Kaiser Vlad, seeks to use this situation to conquer both countries. Forced to sign a desperate alliance, the Western and Tundran armies now must fight together to survive the new menace.    

In Battalion Wars the player has absolute control over all units, switching back and forth between their different troops with the tap of a button. Victory in this game requires the combination of vehicles which include jeeps and tanks, along with aircraft such as helicopters and fighter jets with a strategic deployment of infantry forces. The player can even choose what equipment individual units are issued with. Troops can use a range of equipment from rifles to flamethrowers to combat enemy infantry or defeat armoured vehicles with rocket launchers and explosives.    

This game’s main mode features twenty huge missions set in varying locations across the map. Once on a mission the player chooses one unit, which they control from a third, person view, and at any point can switch to another better-situated soldier. Players control the remaining forces using the C stick in conjunction with an innovative menu to give orders and move troops. The intuitive command interface makes commanding simple, giving orders like advance, attack and defend to groups or individual units.    

Variety is the name of the game and Battalion Wars doesn’t disappoint with huge variation between the missions. Some levels are simply a heated battle between two opposing forces, others have a single soldier escaping with vital captured information, and each stage is different enough that nothing will feel too familiar. Offering enough real time action to keep the biggest adrenaline junky hooked, it also offers fiendishly tough challenges to keep strategy fans on the edge of their seats.    

Battalion Wars will be marching onto a Nintendo GameCube near you on December 9th 2005 for an estimated retail price of around £40.    

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

[E3's still going on, but here's the latest trade show plan for London this Autumn.]

117

TalkBack / Games Market Europe Coming to London

« on: May 19, 2005, 07:01:55 AM »

E3's still going on, but here's the latest trade show plan for London this Autumn.

Games Market Europe: New European video and computer games business trade event announced for the UK    

New European Industry Expo: August 31st and September 1st 2005 Business Design Centre, Islington, London, UK.    

Thursday 19 May 2005/... A major new trade showcase for the European computer and video games industry has today been announced.    

Games Market Europe will take place on August 31st and September 1st 2005 at London's Business Design Centre. The event will herald a new era for the European games industry, as it welcomes one event that will unify the continent and the business.    

The event is a collaboration between Barrington Harvey and Tandem Events, a new venture being headed up by Andy Lane, who held the position of event director of ECTS over the last 10 years.    

"After the confusion of the last couple of years, the games market has been asking for a single, focused, no-nonsense trade event - Games Market Europe is this event," says Andy Lane, event director. "It delivers on every front: it provides the right environment for business and networking, it's in the right place and it's the right price."    

"We wanted to build an event that is inclusive for all sectors of the industry, which is why entry is free to all pre-registered trade attendees and exhibitor packages are priced far below previous events, with a uniform approach to booth sizes doing away with the need for high additional event costs."    

"The UK is the home of the games business in Europe and we believe it is essential that we deliver the right event in the UK, this year."    

Lane added: "The feedback has been tremendous and indeed we sold 10 per cent of the event before we had a floor plan. I'm looking forward to growing Games Market Europe into the continent's de facto games exhibition and showcase."    

Andy Payne, of the Mastertronic Group, said: "The UK is the hub of the European games industry; it's vital we fly the flag and have the right event for business. I was impressed with the plans the team has and they have delivered on price, venue and timing.    

"We will be at Games Market Europe and we will urge all of our partners and suppliers to support the event as we need to retain the leadership position in Europe within the UK."    

Roger Bennett, ELSPA director general, said: "ELSPA believes it is essential to have a UK trade event for Europe. The plans for Games Market Europe are clearly designed to ensure just that."    

Games Market Europe will have three booth sizes: 12 sqm, 24 sqm and 36 sqm with prices fixed for all three options. Trade visitor entry for Games Market Europe is free. UK and international visitor marketing commences over the next 10 days.    

Games Market Europe will take place on August 31st and September 1st 2005, at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London, UK.    

[Missed an update? Here's a list of everything from yesterday.]

118

TalkBack / Update Listing for 17/05

« on: May 18, 2005, 12:50:37 AM »

Missed an update? Here's a list of everything from yesterday.

The PGC Annual E3 Update Fest has been going on all day, we’ve brought you so many news articles, previews and screenshots that we’re off the page! To help you find our posts we have compiled a handy list below which you can use for reference. Of course we have many more updates coming up as E3 opens its doors.    

NEWS:    

Revolution Revealed! 8:11 AM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=61>Karlie Yeung
The first details and picture of the Revolution surface.    

Nintendo Reveals Revolution Features 12:21 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=61>Karlie Yeung
Still no name but we have the details! Lots of features inside. Update: Smash Bros will be online for Revolution's launch.    

Nintendo Announces Game Boy Micro 12:28 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=61>Karlie Yeung
It plays the same games as your SP does, but now it's tiny.

 Nintendo E3 Preview Release 12:55 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=61>Karlie Yeung
Details of the consoles and games at Nintendo's Booth from tomorrow.    

DS Wi-Fi Services Launching This Year 1:05 PM CST CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=61>Karlie Yeung
Wi-Fi compatible versions of Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, and Tony Hawk all planned for this year.

 Legend of Zelda Name Finalized 1:27 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=61>Karlie Yeung
The name is Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and yes, Link does turn into a wolf.

 GameCube Release Schedule 1:52 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=61>Karlie Yeung
Your GameCube Release Dates until the end of the year.

 Nintendo Press Conference Tidbits From Jonny 1:56 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=46>Jon Lindemann
Our own man at the scene, Jonny Metts, relayed some thoughts on the Nintendo Press Conference via cell phone.

 Game Boy Advance Release Schedule 2:05 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=61>Karlie Yeung
Now the same for the GBA games.    

DS Release Schedule 2:08 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=61>Karlie Yeung
Now for the DS games. Third pillar, you know.    

Online Details for Nintendo DS 2:14 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=73>Ben Kosmina
Nintendo announces the first few details on Nintendo DS online games.

 New Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Trailer 2:15 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=46>Jon Lindemann
There's a new trailer up for the game we're all waiting for.

 Tantalus Announces Anaka For DS 2:40 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=46>Jon Lindemann
Australian developer also commissions short CG film to be shown at E3.    

Hi-Res Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Trailer! 6:04 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=18>Zosha Arushan
If you can't wait for slow servers, we've got just the torrent for you!    

Hi-Res Fire Emblem GC Trailer! 9:59 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=18>Zosha Arushan
We've set up another beautiful trailer on BitTorrent!    

New Super Mario Bros. Trailer!10:38 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=18>Zosha Arushan
You want more Mario on DS?    

Nintendo E3 2005 Press Conference Summary 10:38 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=66>Daniel Bloodworth
New revelations and pulled punches left fans wondering how to react.    

Nintendo DS Online Publishers List 11:06 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=66>Daniel Bloodworth
Check out some of the games using the Nintendo DS online service.    

Metroid Prime Hunters Trailer 12:02 AM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=43>Rick Powers
More BitTorrenty goodness, direct from E3!    

Konami Reveals E3 Line Up 2:36 AM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=66>Daniel Bloodworth
Karaoke and dancing at the same time... oh.    

  PREVIEWS:    

Geist Preview Updated 2:35 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=17>Mike Sklens
nSpace's spooky shooter makes third showing at E3.    

Mario Baseball Preview Added 2:36 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=17>Mike Sklens
Mario and pals take a swing at the great American past time.    

Metroid Prime: Hunters Preview Updated 2:39 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=17>Mike Sklens
Metroid Prime Hunters is showing move improvement at E3 2005.    

Nintendo Pennant Chase Baseball Preview Added 2:40 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=17>Mike Sklens
Nintendo returns to realistic sports games.    

Advance Wars Dual Strike Preview Added 3:02 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=14>Ty Shughart
Shoot guys, but with strategy!    

Super Mario Strikers Preview Added 3:03 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=28>David Trammell
Nintendo reveals its upcoming Mario themed soccer title for GameCube.    

Battalion Wars Preview Updated 3:07 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=14>Ty Shughart
Fight the enemy face-to-face!    

Touch Golf Preview Added 3:31 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=32>Jeff Shirley
The game was invented in Scotland, you know.    

Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix Preview Added 3:54 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=14>Ty Shughart
Mario takes to stomping on arrows, in addition to Koopas.    

Mario Tennis GBA Preview Added 4:05 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=73>Ben Kosmina
Pocket tennis? Sure, why not?    

Metroid Prime Pinball Preview Added 4:46 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=73>Ben Kosmina
Samus takes on a Metroid-infested pinball table.    

Animal Crossing DS Preview Added 5:14 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=32>Jeff Shirley
Hey there, Anna Banana.    

EDITORIALS:    

Nintendo Can't Win For Losing 8:44 PM CST by: http://www.planetgamecube.com/staff.cfm?action=profile&id=43>Rick Powers
Nintendo's press conference manages to both stun fans and under-deliver at the same time, despite showing off not one, but two new hardware devices.    

  MEDIA:    

New artwork and screenshots are available for:    

Nintendo Revolution
 Game Boy Micro
 Battalion Wars
 Animal Crossing DS
 Chibi Robo
 Mario Kart DS
 Advance Wars Dual Strike
 Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix
 Kirby: Canvas Curse
 Mario & Luigi 2
 Metroid Prime Pinball
 Nintendogs
 Geist
 Metroid Prime: Hunters
 Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
 New Super Mario Bros.
 Super Mario Strikers
 Donkey Kong Country 3
 Touch Golf
 Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
 Electroplankton
 Trace Memories
 Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
 Mario Tennis GBA
 Odama
 Screw Breaker
 Yoshi Topsy-Turvy
 Dynasty Warriors Advance
 Kirby GC
 Mario Party 7
 Meteos
 Mario Baseball
 Fire Emblem Path of Radiance
 Nintendo Press Conference
   

We hope you will check back soon for more updates!  

[Now for the DS games. Third pillar, you know.]

119

TalkBack / DS Release Schedule

« on: May 17, 2005, 10:08:58 AM »

Now for the DS games. Third pillar, you know.

Below you will find the release schedule for DS games between Q2-Q4 2005.    

 Title   Release Date
   

Star Wars® Episode III: Revenge of the Sith™ (Ubisoft)   5 May
 Yoshi Touch & Go (Nintendo)   6 May
 PAC-PIX (Namco)   20 May
 Need for Speed™ Underground 2 (EA)   27 May
 Cocoto Kart Racer (Neko Entertainment)   May
 Ridge Racer DS (Nintendo)   3 June
 DS Accessory: Nintendo DS Stylus   10 June
 DS Accessory: Nintendo DS Power Supply   10 June
 Another Code: Two Memories (Nintendo)   24 June
 Bomberman DS (Ubisoft)   30 June
 GoldenEye: Rogue Agent™ (EA)   June
 Madagascar (Activision)   June
 Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell™ Chaos Theory  (Ubisoft)   End of June
 Space Invadors Revolution(Marvelous/ Rising Star)   Q2 2005
 Madden NFL 2006(EA)   Summer 2005
 Snood 2 (ZOO Digital)   August
 Meteos  (Bandai)   23 September
 Advance Wars DS (tentative title)(Nintendo)   30 September
 Big Mother Truckers (ZOO Digital)   September
 Ford Racing 3 (ZOO Digital)   September
 Ultimate Spider-Man(Activision)   September
 Castlevania DS (working title)(Konami)   Autumn
 The Sims™ 2 (EA)   Autumn
 Garfield (Game Factory/ KE Media)   October
 nintendogs (Nintendo)   October
 Metroid Prime Hunters (tentative title) (Nintendo)   October
 Franklin (Game Factory/ KE Media)   October
 Mario Kart DS (tentative title)(Nintendo)   November
 Touch! Kirby (tentative title)(Nintendo)   November
 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™  (EA)   November
 Land Before Time(Game Factory/ KE Media)   November
 Mini R/C Racing (Game Factory/ KE Media)   November
 Harvest Moon DS (working title)(Marvelous/ Rising Star)   November
 Need for Speed™ Most Wanted (EA)   November
 King Kong (Ubisoft)   Q4 2005
 Bubble Bobble (Marvelous/ Rising Star)   2005
   

[Now the same for the GBA games.]

120

TalkBack / Game Boy Advance Release Schedule

« on: May 17, 2005, 10:05:33 AM »

Now the same for the GBA games.

Below are the Game Boy Advance games releasing this Q2-Q4 period.    

 Title   Release Date
   

Yoshi’s Universal Gravitation (Nintendo)   22 April
 Star Wars® Episode III: Revenge of the Sith™ (Ubisoft)   5 May
 KINGDOM HEARTS CHAIN OF MEMORIES (Nintendo)   6 May
 KINGDOM HEARTS CHAIN OF MEMORIES BUNDLE (Nintendo)   6 May
 Rapala Pro Fishing (ZOO Digital)   20 May
 Scrabble Blast (ZOO Digital)   May
 Mario Party Advance (Nintendo)   10 June
 Megaman Battle Network 5 Team: Protoman(Capcom)   10 June
 Megaman Battle Network: 5 Team Colonel (Capcom)   10 June
 Batman Begins (EA)   15 June
 Dragonball Advanced Adventure (ATARI)   17 June
 WarioWare Twisted! (Nintendo)   24 June
 Madagascar (Activision)   June
 Robocop (ZOO Digital)   June
 Cocoto Kart Racer (Neko Entertainment)   June
 Koala Brothers (Game Factory/ KE Media)   June
 Barbarian (ZOO Digital)   June
 Fantastic Four (Activision)   July
 Pacman World 2 (ZOO Digital)   July
 Steel Empire (ZOO Digital)   July
 Herby Fully Loaded (In-line with movie release) (Buena Vista Games)   July
 Snood 2 (ZOO Digital)   August
 Premier Manager 2005/2006 (ZOO Digital)   August
 Ultimate Spider-Man (Activision)   September
 Witch (Buena Vista Games)   September
 Ford Racing 3 (ZOO Digital)   September
 Care Bears (Game Factory/ KE Media)   September
  Postman Pat (Game Factory/ KE Media)   September
 Big Mother Truckers (ZOO Digital)   September
 Cinderella (THQ/ Buena Vista Games)   September
 The Nightmare Before Christmas (Buena Vista Games)   End September/ Early October
 The Sims™ 2 (EA)   Autumn
 Digitylsh Series (tentative title) (Nintendo)   October
 Pokémon Emerald (tentative title) (Nintendo)   October
 Noddy(Game Factory/ KE Media)   October  Fire Emblem 2 (tentative title) (Nintendo)   November
 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ (EA)   November
 Franklin 2 (Game Factory/ KE Media)   November
  Land Before Time (Game Factory/ KE Media)   November
 Need for Speed™ Most Wanted (EA)   November
 Strawberry Shortcake (Game Factory/ KE Media)   November
 Mario Tennis (tentative title) (Nintendo)   December
 King Kong (in-line with movie release) (Ubisoft)   Q4 2005
   

[Your GameCube Release Dates until the end of the year.]

121

TalkBack / GameCube Release Schedule

« on: May 17, 2005, 09:52:05 AM »

Your GameCube Release Dates until the end of the year.

Below are the Q2-Q4 releases for GameCube.    

   

Title Release Date    

Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean (Namco)   1 April
 Star Fox Assault (Nintendo)   29 April
 Animaniacs: The Great Edgar Hunt(Ignition)   May 2005
 Donkey Konga 2 (Nintendo)   3 June
 Medal of Honor: European Assault (EA)   16 June 2005
 Batman Begins (EA)   15 June 2005
 Madagascar (Activision)   June
 Fantastic Four (Activision)   July
 Cocoto Fun Fair (Neko Entertainment)   July
 Killer 7 (Capcom)   Summer
 Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Lockdown(Ubisoft)   Summer
 Legend of The Spartan: Total War (SEGA)   September
 Madden NFL 2006 (EA)   September
 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2006 (EA)   September
 Harvest Moon: Another Wonderful Life(Marvelous/ Rising Star)   September
 Ultimate Spider-Man (Activision)   September
 The Sims™ 2 (EA)   Autumn
 Disney’s Chicken Little (in-line with movie release)(Buena Vista Games)   Autumn
 Prince of Persia 3 (working title)(Ubisoft)   Q3/Q4 2005
 Geist (tentative title)(Nintendo)   October
 Dancing Stage MARIO MIX (tentative title) (Nintendo)   October
 X-Men Legends 2 (Activision)   October
 Cocoto Fishing Master (Neko Entertainment)   October
 Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects(EA)   October
 The Legend of Zelda  (tentative title) (Nintendo)   November
 Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness (tentative title) (Nintendo)   November
 Fire Emblem (tentative title) (Nintendo)   November
   

[The name is Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and yes, Link does turn into a wolf.]

122

TalkBack / Legend of Zelda Name Finalized

« on: May 17, 2005, 09:27:54 AM »

The name is Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and yes, Link does turn into a wolf.  

NEW LEGEND OF ZELDA GAME  MAKES FANS HOWL FOR NINTENDO GAMECUBE    

Meanwhile, Mario Parties and Dances, Plays Soccer and Baseball    

LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2005 – Like the phases of the moon, software for video game consoles evolves as time passes. Nintendo GameCube™ enters one of the fullest, brightest moments of its life cycle over the rest of 2005, highlighted by the debut of the spectacular new game, The Legend of Zelda®: Twilight Princess. The gritty, sweeping adventure will set a new standard for video games with vast lands, stunning visuals and amazing new game play that allows players to control the main character, Link, whether he travels on foot, on horseback or on all fours – as a wolf. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess remains the most anticipated game of 2005 on any system and will hit stores during the holiday season.    

  “The Zelda franchise again demonstrates the awesome power and versatility of Nintendo GameCube, but there’s much more to our software appeal,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “The rest of our 2005 lineup builds on these strengths to widen the appeal of Nintendo GameCube to new audiences.”    

  Nintendo GameCube has sold more than 10 million systems in North America alone. More than 400 games are available for Nintendo GameCube, including some of the most popular and creative games of this console generation, from Super Smash Bros.® Melee to The Legend of Zelda®: The Wind Waker™ and the Metroid® Prime series.    

  Mario™, the video game industry’s most recognizable and beloved character, has plans to star in four new games that build on his reputation for fun and versatility. Dance Dance Revolution®: Mario Mix gets players on their feet and dancing to 25 songs on an included dance pad. Mario Baseball™ and Super Mario® Strikers put a Mario twist on two of the world’s most popular sports. Each game features authentic game play found in the actual sports, but with special power moves that add to the craziness of the competition. And finally, Mario Party® 7 incorporates voice recognition into some 80 new mini-games through the use of the included Nintendo GameCube Mic. Nintendo and its third-party partners will release more than 60 new games for Nintendo GameCube this year.    

[Wi-Fi compatible versions of Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, and Tony Hawk all planned for this year.]

123

TalkBack / DS Wi-Fi Services Launching This Year

« on: May 17, 2005, 09:05:32 AM »

Wi-Fi compatible versions of Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, and Tony Hawk all planned for this year.

NINTENDO WI-FI CONNECTION BOOSTS RANGE OF DS FROM YOUR HANDS TO THE WORLD    

DS Versions of Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Tony Hawk All Planned by Year’s End    

LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2005 – By the end of the year, Nintendo DS™ owners around the world will be able to play their favorite franchises via Wi-Fi. Mario Kart® DS, Animal Crossing® DS and a new Tony Hawk title from Activision are targeted to be among the first using Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, a groundbreaking portable, wireless gaming network. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection fulfills the promise of the wireless capabilities of Nintendo DS by taking advantage of yet another innovative aspect of the system and using it to expand the gaming experience to wider audiences.    

  “Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection has an immediate user base of more than 5 million Nintendo DS owners worldwide, and it’s growing every day,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “The service invites everyone to enjoy the game-play experience for Nintendo-developed games using wireless connections with very easy setup procedures and no added service fees.”    

  Nintendo is partnering with IGN Entertainment to manage the service’s architecture and navigation. Using IGN’s GameSpy Technology, DS players will connect wirelessly at any Wi-Fi hub, find their friends and begin racing, battling or chatting as easily as if they were sitting in the same room. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection also lets players post high scores and includes an option for games to have online storage space to store game data. More than 25 publishers worldwide are working on titles that will use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.    

  In the six months since it launched, Nintendo DS has redefined portable gaming. With Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, the next six months will bring equally exciting innovations. Mario Kart DS, due in Q4, lets up to eight players race against one another in classic Mario Kart fashion on new tracks and arenas. Zip through raceways and environments while firing shells at your opponents using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Animal Crossing DS, also due in Q4, gives players in different locations the ability to explore their worlds and manage their homes. Using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, players can hang out, collect items or visit with friends.    

  A number of other upcoming titles will make use of the DS Local Area Network and build on Nintendo’s reputation for innovation as they expand the definition of what portable games can be. Nintendogs™ puts a simulated puppy into the Nintendo DS. Owners bond with incredibly realistic – and insanely cute – puppies and train them to do tricks using both the touch screen and voice recognition. Users can toss a ball and watch the pup retrieve it, or teach the puppy to come at the sound of their voices. The puppies will stare longingly through the screen, and do everything but lick your face. When in “Bark Mode,” puppies bark when they pass by other Nintendo DS owners using Nintendogs, so that people and their puppies can interact with one another. Nintendogs received a rare perfect score from Weekly Famitsu, Japan’s leading video game magazine. Nintendogs represents a dramatic leap forward in artificial intelligence for video games and is scheduled for an Aug. 22 release in North America.    

  Another creative title, Electroplankton™, turns Nintendo DS systems into musical instruments. Users create pulsing or soothing rhythms with the touch screen. Each new setting changes the tune and takes the user on a new musical path. Electroplankton includes 10 different enchanting musical landscapes designed by multimedia artist Toshio Iwai.  Additional games in every genre will round out the impressive 2005 software lineup for Nintendo DS. Metroid® Prime Hunters brings first-person shooting dynamics to the dual screens and touch screen. Fans will rejoice about the wild adventures in both Mario & Luigi 2™ and New Super Mario Bros.® And Trace Memory™ unfolds like an interactive mystery adventure novel.    

[Details of the consoles and games at Nintendo's Booth from tomorrow.]

124

TalkBack / Nintendo E3 Preview Release

« on: May 17, 2005, 08:55:53 AM »

Details of the consoles and games at Nintendo's Booth from tomorrow.

AT E3, NINTENDO SHOWS PRODUCTS THAT EXPAND  APPEAL OF VIDEO GAMES TO NEW AUDIENCES    

Nintendo’s Next Console, Game Boy Micro, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for DS  Represent New Directions for the Industry    

LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2005 – Nintendo continues to lead the video game industry in innovation. No matter the hardware system, no matter the software title, Nintendo remains on the cutting edge of what’s possible. At the Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, Nintendo demonstrates how it will open the video game experience to new audiences. Nintendo announced a variety of new initiatives, including details about its next console, the slick new Game Boy® Micro, the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection wireless service for Nintendo DS™ and surprising information about the new Legend of Zelda® adventure.    

  “No company has a stronger history or a brighter future,” says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales & marketing. “We want everyone to join us in that future, which is why we’re expanding our products to new audiences and investing in the concept of All-Access Gaming.”    

  Here are some of the Nintendo highlights that people will be talking about during E3 and beyond:  Nintendo’s next console turns the world of video games on its side: Due in 2006, the new console will be backward compatible with Nintendo GameCube™. The console also will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo® 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System® (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System® (NES). Players also can buy and add new levels and characters to games made specifically for the new console. The new console has 512 megabytes of on-board flash memory. A bay for an SD memory card will let players  expand the internal flash memory.    

The console’s stylish look houses a single, self-loading media bay for both 12-centimeter optical discs for new games as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. It will have wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. A number of Wi-Fi-enabled games will be ready at launch, and the new console will build on – and add   to – Nintendo’s rich stable of star franchises. A new development architecture will accommodate both big-budget games as well as artistic, indie offerings designed to make sure that everyone from video game experts to newcomers find ways to share and enjoy the gaming experience.    

  Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection extends Nintendo DS’ range from your hands to the world: By the end of the year, owners of the dual-screened Nintendo DS will be playing Mario Kart® DS, Animal Crossing® DS and a new Tony Hawk title from Activision wirelessly with their friends worldwide. The new Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection portable, wireless video game service debuts later this year and lets players join in for no added Nintendo subscription charges. IGN Entertainment will manage the architecture and navigation of the service. DS players will connect at any Wi-Fi hub, whether in their home, at a coffee shop or elsewhere. The service will let friends join together as easily as if they were playing in the same room and instantly broadens the gaming experience to players worldwide.    

  With more than 60 licensee titles due this year, Nintendo also seeks to expand the idea of what constitutes a video game. New software titles like Nintendogs™ and Electroplankton™ for Nintendo DS provide unique experiences beyond traditional definitions. Nintendogs lets users choose an extremely realistic puppy and form emotional bonds with it, while Electroplankton lets users create their own ethereal or pulsing rhythms using the touch screen.    

New Game Boy Micro projects a dynamic image: The best-selling system, Game Boy Advance, gets an extreme makeover for image-conscious people who like to play games. A slick, polished new look called Game Boy Micro shrinks Game Boy Advance technology into a stylish silver casing. It boasts a super-clear screen but weighs just 2.8 ounces, about the weight of 80 paper clips. A removable face plate gives owners the option to buy replacements to customize the look of their systems again and again with new colors and designs. It’s a cool new look, but not a successor to any existing  product line. The Game Boy Advance line has sold more than 28 million units worldwide.    

  Fans howl for new Zelda game on Nintendo GameCube: The Legend of Zelda®: Twilight Princess remains the most anticipated game on any console this year. Players control Link as he travels on foot, battles on horseback or roams the vast countryside – as a wolf. With lush graphics and a deep storyline, the gritty, sweeping adventure demonstrates the awesome power and versatility of Nintendo GameCube. More than 60 new titles are expected for Nintendo GameCube this year, from kid-friendly games to Mature-rated titles. Four Mario titles are set to debut at E3, including Dance Dance Revolution®: Mario Mix, Mario Baseball™, Super Mario® Strikers and Mario Party® 7.    

[It plays the same games as your SP does, but now it's tiny.]

125

TalkBack / RE:Nintendo Announces Game Boy Micro

« on: May 17, 2005, 08:28:59 AM »

It plays the same games as your SP does, but now it's tiny.

NINTENDO’S GAME BOY MICRO  PROJECTS A DYNAMIC NEW IMAGE    

Best-Selling Video Game System Sports a Striking New Look    

LOS ANGELES, May 17, 2005 – The original Game Boy® Advance fits comfortably into the pocket of a backpack. The retooled Game Boy® Advance SP fits into a coat pocket. Now Nintendo takes aim at the pocket of your tightest jeans with the tiny Game Boy® Micro system, quite simply the smallest and sleekest Game Boy® product that Nintendo has ever created. It’s thinner than a cell phone, as chic as an MP3 player and as fun as a Game Boy. In an instant it attracts attention and positions the image-conscious player as someone on the cutting edge of cool.    

  The sporty, silver metal Game Boy Micro measures a mere 4 inches wide, 2 inches tall and 0.7 inches deep, allowing it to sit comfortably alongside today’s hippest technological gadgets. It weighs an astonishing 2.8 ounces, or about the weight of 80 paper clips. Yet Game Boy Micro has the same processing power and plays the same games as Game Boy Advance SP models, complete with standard face controls and gleaming shoulder and Start/Select buttons that literally shine.    

  With Game Boy Micro, everyone plays with style. A removable face plate gives owners the option to buy replacements to customize the look of their systems again and again with new colors and designs. Most notably, its 2-inch backlit screen shines with incredible power, rendering games in startling clarity with fantastic colors on the best Game Boy screen ever. For the first time, users can adjust the brightness of the screen to adapt to indoor lights or outdoor sunshine.  “We’re making the gorgeous Game Boy Micro for image-conscious folks who love video games, the ones who want the look of their system to be as cool as the games they play on it,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “Because of its diminutive size and industrial-hip look, Game Boy Micro immediately identifies the person playing it as a trendsetter with discriminating style.”    

  Game Boy Micro represents the latest evolution in the image of the Game Boy Advance line, but it is not a successor to any current system. Game Boy Micro will be released this fall. The system comes with a built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery and supports standard headphones.    

  The Game Boy Advance line remains tied for the most popular video game system of this generation. More than 28 million units have sold in the United States, yet Game Boy Advance launched a full eight months after PlayStation 2. Video game fans clearly appreciate great game play and portability. Nearly 700 games are now available for Game Boy Advance.