Messages

2101

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Wii U

« on: April 15, 2012, 06:34:11 PM »

Well GameCube discs are just Minidiscs, not DVD's.

The Gamecube used modified mini-DVDs.


Minidiscs were a completely unrelated and relatively obscure recordable media format which competed with audio cds back in the 90s. AFAIK they are no longer made or sold. No video game console has ever used them.


This is what a Mini-disc looks like: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Memorex-minidisc.jpg

The PSP's UMD's are custom-made (since no other product uses UMD's). Were the PS1's black CD's custom made? What about the Dreamcast's GD-ROM discs?

The PS1 and I think the Dreamcast just used standard CDs, or a modified form thereof. The PSP's UMD format is custom made, though. As you said no other device supported it, and likely never will now that Sony has kicked it to the curb.

PS1 CDs were definitely modified, since they were black. Dreamcast used a proprietary GD-ROM disc.

2102

TalkBack / Re: Pokémon Smash Details Starters, Shows Off Early Areas in Black and White 2

« on: April 15, 2012, 06:27:27 PM »

So it's basically a small graphical and gameplay upgrade with a new story. Similar to all the 3rd-iteration Pokemon games (Yellow, Crystal, Emerald, Platinum).

2103

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Wii U

« on: April 15, 2012, 06:12:25 PM »

The Wii U won't have a standard Blu-ray drive. The discs used by the Wii U are custom made, like the GameCube and Wii discs.

They are not custom made. They are blu-ray discs which have been modified, just like the Gamecbue and Wii discs were modified DVD discs. When you say "custom made" you are suggesting its made completely from scratch, and that's simply not true.

Well GameCube discs are just Minidiscs, not DVD's.


The PSP's UMD's are custom-made (since no other product uses UMD's). Were the PS1's black CD's custom made? What about the Dreamcast's GD-ROM discs?

2104

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Wii U

« on: April 15, 2012, 06:10:29 PM »

Damn double-post.

2105

General Chat / Re: Favorite smartphone?

« on: April 15, 2012, 06:01:36 PM »

You all know this was a poll right? I'd like to see a percentage of votes.


I'm surprised no one picked Blackberry. I thought they were still popular?

2106

Movies & TV / Re: New Movies/TV Shows we should keep an eye out for!

« on: April 15, 2012, 05:57:06 PM »

Goldmember was horrible. It was nothing but pop culture references and way too many SELF-references.

Aren't all the Austin Powers movies like that? It's Mike Meyer's style of humor, I guess.

2107

General Gaming / Re: Xbox720 - that's 2 full revolutions - to hit in 2012? ~Rumor/Speculation Thread~

« on: April 15, 2012, 05:55:17 PM »

Re playing games streaming: I could see MS (or Nintendo with VC) doing a Netflix-like service where a large catalogue is available all the time for a flat fee and you stream-play what you want.
 
Maybe with console games (not VC or XBLA type games), MS could charge a monthly fee that would let you play up to 3 or 5 selected games at once or something like that.

For VC and XBLA games, this is a great idea. For full-size games, I'd rather have the physical copy of the game.

2108

General Gaming / Re: Xbox720 - that's 2 full revolutions - to hit in 2012? ~Rumor/Speculation Thread~

« on: April 15, 2012, 05:53:36 PM »

Streaming only is a terrible idea and I think any system that uses it will bomb, it's even worse than having to enter a Online Pass for a game.

I think giving players the option to do it is fine, but not the only option.

How is streaming-only bad? OnLive does it, and that's been pretty successful. Look at how popular Netflix is for movies, and Pandora Radio & LastFM are for music.

2109

General Gaming / Re: PS4 - Officially Under Development (2014 release?)

« on: April 15, 2012, 05:49:54 PM »

It sounds like the PS4 will be about on-par with the current generation of PCs.  Considering what they are capable of, I don't really see that being a problem.  Besides, it was unlikely that the next generation Playstation was going to be that far ahead of modern PCs anyway, especially after how much money Sony lost on the Cell.

If the PS4 will be as good as current pcs, then in 2013 when it launches, it'll be 2-3 CPU/GPU generations behind.

And how is that surprising or bad? Game consoles have always been less powerful than PC's. Console manufacturers use a base set of specs and keep it that way throughout the console's lifecycle. This makes it easier for developers to make games, since they won't have to constantly update their games for the newest hardware.


Also, tablets, handhelds, and other mobile devices are less powerful than PC's too, yet no one complains about that.

2110

Nintendo Gaming / Re: The OFFICIAL Big N rumor thread *bring your own salt*

« on: April 15, 2012, 05:45:55 PM »

Weren't there rumors that the system would simply be called the "Nintendo" last year?

Yep. It's on the list if you want to check.


edit: and while you're in there, I just updated the list with 4 rumors.
2 previous ones that got skipped over on accident (2 in 2011 and the other in 2012), and the latest about the Universal uMote.

The previously omitted entries:
April 2011 - Head mounted 3DVR potentially using uMote motion tech being worked on right now bu Nintendo
August 2011 - Patents reveal uMote may use Flash Mem, H.264, WirelessN, Multi-Touch & have a Cradle/Docking Station
Feb 2012 - Nintendo planning to turn Wii U into a media centerpiece taking a page from Xbox LIVE

The Wii U controller uses a resistive touch screen and a stylus, similar to the DS / 3DS. This was confirmed by Nintendo at E3 2012, and they even showed pictures of it.

2111

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Wii U

« on: April 15, 2012, 05:41:14 PM »

"SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES is a global manufacturer of CD/DVD/BluRay replication systems"



http://www.singulus.de/uploads/media/2012_Singulus_bpk_01.pdf


Just incase anyone was doubting that the Wii U was using a Blu ray drive.
Hopefully the option to purchase Bluray movie playback licensing is in the eShop though.

The Wii U won't have a standard Blu-ray drive. The discs used by the Wii U are custom made, like the GameCube and Wii discs.


So that leaves Xbox 720 (and of course PS4) as the only consoles with actual Blu-ray drives.

2112

Nintendo Gaming / Re: E3 2012 Predictions

« on: April 15, 2012, 05:35:24 PM »

Retro's next game (for Wii U) will either be:

• StarFox (a direct sequel to StarFox 64, with exploration segments similar to StareFox Adventures)
• Metroid Prime HD (a re-imagining of the original Metroid Prime, with some entirely new areas and bosses)
• F-Zero WX (a direct sequel to F-Zero GX, with a mix of brand new & re-imagined tracks, online multiplayer, and updated music)

I have a feeling that Wii U games will feature some sort of Achievement system. 3rd-party developers love that stuff, so it's only logical that they request Nintendo to use them. If Nintendo does use Achievements, it should be on a system level, not a game by game basis.

And if Nintendo decides to use Friend Codes, they should have a one code per system, just like the 3DS. Also, the ability to add friend requests and game invites.

2113

Nintendo Gaming / Re: E3 2012 Predictions

« on: April 15, 2012, 05:25:46 PM »

I refuse to believe that an F-Zero game will be announced, especially with Miyamoto talkign about how they haven't even thought about it yet.

Star Fox is the best bet for Retro's new game.

Nintendo has surprised us plenty of times before with unannounced games.

- Kirby's Return to Dreamland (previously known to have been cancelled for the GameCube)
- Kirby's Epic Yarn (came out of nowhere)
- Donkey Kong Country Returns (no one expected Retro to revive Rare's greatest series)
- Metroid Prime (a 3D Metroid game in first-person was a huge shock back then)
- Metroid Other M (Nintendo teaming up with Team Ninja was a big surprise)

2114

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Wii U

« on: April 09, 2012, 08:37:51 PM »

So if you hypothetically had a PS3, what would you do with all your games when you travel? You can't install an entire Blu-ray game to the hard drive, and there are only a few full-size games for sale on PSN.

Irrelevant hypothetical.

And you're really complaining about having to bring a bunch of discs to a friend's house? Really? You don't have to bring your entire collection, just bring what you'll play the most. I have a 3DS and a bunch of cartridge games, yet I only bring one or two games with me when I'm travelling. The rest of my 3DS games are eShop titles.

One, I wasn't complaining, just pointing out one of the reasons I would use custom firmware. Two, I may not know what I or my friends might want to play at any given time. Three, you've basically proven my point by saying that the rest of your games are eShop titles.

...

BTW, that Colors! 3D that just came out would never have happened if the DS hadn't been hacked, and it's far from the only story like that.

How is my example of the PS3 irrelevant? You hack your Wii games and store them on a hard drive, so why not do the same thing with PS3 games?

All I'm saying is doing that stuff will void you warranty. Most companies don't want to deal with homebrew or custom firmware, because it can easily break your system.

And downloading eShop titles is completely different than cracking a game's IOS code and putting it on a storage device. Many people do that to distribute games over torrent sites.

In the case of Colors 3D, does that mean Nintendo is ok with homebrew stuff now? How did they give that guy permission to turn it into a full eShop game?

2115

General Chat / Re: Favorite smartphone?

« on: April 09, 2012, 08:31:44 PM »

Anyway, Android all the way. It's open source...


...and you aren't locked down to any specific desktop software or just a single shop for programs.

Google Play?

2116

Nintendo Gaming / Re: The OFFICIAL Big N rumor thread *bring your own salt*

« on: April 09, 2012, 08:20:18 PM »

Actually, I think Nintendo having the most conservative hardware is the smart move and I'm fine with that. Using conservative hardware allows them to keep the MSRP lower than the competition, which means better sales.

I remember when Sony was doing that with the PS1 and PS2. Then they suddenly threw everything into the PS3.

2117

General Gaming / Re: Xbox720 - that's 2 full revolutions - to hit in 2012? ~Rumor/Speculation Thread~

« on: April 09, 2012, 08:18:41 PM »

Actually, the iOS file size limit is 2GB. 50MB for over the air files though.

Even so, I haven't heard any developers complaining to Apple about their size limits for iOS devices. And Apple doesn't even allow for expandable memory via SD cards!

2118

General Gaming / Ideas for the next 2D Mario game

« on: April 09, 2012, 08:11:42 PM »

Let's post ideas for the next 2D Mario game (whether it's on 3DS or Wii U).

I'll start (UPDATED 4/15/2012):

• A large, connected world map (like in SMW)
• You can take Yoshi to any level, even castles and ghost houses
• 4-player online & offline play, with drop-in / drop-out multiplayer
• Four types of multiplayer modes: Co-op, Coin Battle, Boss Battle, and Race
• You can even choose to play with CPU players
• You can now attack other players to kill them (using fireballs, stomps, etc.)
• Co-op is similar to NSMBWii, where other players can join a single-player game at any time
• Coin Battle is similar to NSMBWii, where players need to collect the most coins to win
• Race mode has players racing through a set of 5 levels
• Boss Battle has players fighting through a gauntlet of bosses
• Trade items in your Reserve Box with other players
• Game has a level editor, which allows you to create and share levels with other players
• Levels are uploaded online for other people to download
• When uploading a level, choose who can download it: "Friends Only" or "Everyone"
• You can also submit levels to Nintendo for contests
• You can customize a level's timer, background art, and music
• You can even select what graphical style you want (SMB1, SMB2, SMB3, SMW, Yoshi's Island, or NSMB-style)
• You can make your levels play like SMB2, by adding vegetable items
• Play Coins (on 3DS) allow you to unlock new level editor parts
• You can transfer levels between the 3DS and Wii U
• Levels can receive a star rating
• Players can filter and report levels based on objectionable content
• Anyone that you've played with online can be sent a Friend Request
• All levels feature Time Trials and Mirror Modes (like in DKC Returns)
• One world has randomly-generated level designs, which are different each time you play
• Hammer Suit, Boomerang Suit, Frog Suit, Tanooki Suit, Cloud Flower all return
• Bowser, the 8 Koopa Kids, and Bowser Jr. all return, but their locations are random each time you play
• When you beat the game, the next time you play the bosses will be in different locations
• New type of Bob-Omb, Aquomb
• Aquombs can swim underwater, they can also be found in the air riding bubble jets
• Plumpa is a fat bug that pushes Mario into walls and obstacles
• Goobit is a small slug that moves under Mario's feet, causing him to get stuck to the ground
• Koopa Troopas can kick their shells back at Mario (like in SMW)
• New type of Thwomp constantly smashes into the ground, without waiting for Mario to approach it
• Dry Bones throw their bones (like in SMW)
• Lakitu now tosses various items, not just Spinies, he may even toss a power-up or coin
• Airship and tank levels return (from SMB3)

2119

General Gaming / Re: Favorite Nintendo-centric indie developer?

« on: April 09, 2012, 07:35:04 PM »

I'm still waiting for 5th Cell!

Last I heard, 5th Cell has been focusing their development on iOS. They haven't made a game primarily for Nintendo platforms in a while. Super Scribblenauts was their last big game, right?

2120

TalkBack / Re: Classic Sonic Director Leaves Namco Bandai, Joins Nintendo Subsidiary

« on: April 09, 2012, 07:33:47 PM »

A little late, aren't we NWR? I found out about this on GoNintendo days ago. RMC (GoNintendo's creator and editor) always seems to get the inside scoop before anyone else.

2121

Nintendo Gaming / Re: The OFFICIAL Big N rumor thread *bring your own salt*

« on: April 09, 2012, 01:22:56 AM »

I'm afraid I am getting more and more disheartened by everything I hear now.  I am growing more and more fearful this will be the Wii all over again.  An underpowered machine with a gimmick strapped onto it. 

I hear ya. The only difference for me is that I'm not really disheartened, because in order to be disheartened I would have to be heartened in the first place, but ever since E3 2011 when Reggie announced the name of the new console was going to be "Wii U" my heart sank like the Titanic, and ever since then my expectations for the new console have been very low.

But that said, I did expect at the very least it was going to be more powerful than the PS360. If it can't even pull that off then even my very low expectations for it won't be met. I guess we just have to wait and see. Maybe in two months time at E3 more stuff will come to light and maybe alot of these rumors about the hardware being trash will be put to rest.

I never thought I would say this, but if this thing does turn out to be thus I will not be purchasing it until it see it in a bargain bin somewhere.  Which incidently I don't think will be that long a wait.  Can they really pull off a Wii miracle for 2 generations?  I doubt it very much.

I think they can and they will. By being the first on the market and at such a low price and with the Wii name attached they will draw the same casual crowd they did 6 years ago. Maybe its possible it won't do quite as well as the Wii did, but I can't see how it can really fail in a commercial sense.

But that doesn't matter to me. It can sell 200 million units for all I care, but if its severely underpowered and developers don't want to support it with the sort of games I want to play then what good does it do me if it is breaking sales records left and right? I don't care at all about the "Wii ---" series of games, or the raving rabbids or "let's dance" casual party stuff. Millions of people do love this stuff though, so the Wii U should do quite well sales wise, but what does that mean to me as a "core" gamer?

So you're lumping all traditional gamers (I hate the term "core gamer") into one demographic by saying the "Wii ____" games are mainly enjoyed by casual gamers? I find that highly stereotypical. I've been playing video games since 1990 (I'm 27 now), and I highly enjoyed Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort.


Simplicity in video games can be fun too, you know. Look at the various arcade/puzzle games out there: Pac-Man, Tetris, Angry Birds, Dig Dug, Galaga, Asteroids, Donkey Kong Arcade, Mario Bros. Arcade, etc.


I find games with a simple concept and engaging gameplay to be more captivating than games with the latest graphics, guns, violence, cinematic presentations, etc. The whole concept of a video game is fun, and sometimes the most simple games can be the most fun. If it has that special gameplay hook that keeps me playing and enjoying the experience, then it's a good game to me.


Why do you think some of the most highly-revered games came during the 2D era (8-bit and 16-bit generations)?


Do you really think:
- Call of Duty
- Assasin's Creed
- Gears of War
- Bioshock
- Uncharted
- Forza Motorsport
- Killzone
- LittleBigPlanet
- Uncharted
- SOCOM
- Plants vs Zombies
- Angry Birds
- Cut the Rope
- Infinity Blade
- Dead Space
- Mass Effect

...etc. will be remembered 20 years from now?

Will we have the same nostalgia for those franchises that we have for:
- Mario
- Zelda
- Metroid
- Pokemon
- Sonic
- Mega Man
- Castlevania
- Street Fighter
- Mortal Kombat
- Final Fantasy
- Chrono Trigger
- Resident Evil
- Mario Kart

...etc.? I doubt it.

2122

Nintendo Gaming / Re: POLL: Your Experience With Kid Icarus Uprising's Controls

« on: April 09, 2012, 12:39:39 AM »

It's more about being away from the corporate oversight, and it seems to have worked wonderfully. He's able to do stuff the way he wants that probably nobody else would be able to get away with working at Nintendo proper yet has the full backing of Nintendo.

Doesn't HAL Labs have full creative freedom of their games? They aren't 100% owned by Nintendo, and they do work in their own office away from Nintendo HQ.

2123

General Chat / Re: Favorite smartphone?

« on: April 09, 2012, 12:37:58 AM »

I don't own one, but want one. If there was a iPhone with a pay as you go plan (here in the US) rather than those super expensive contracts, I would get one. I can get a Android phone with it though and for a decent price, so that will be default my pick.

There are Blackberry phones on no-contract plans, but are they really that popular now that iPhone and Android are dominating the smartphone sector?


And I wonder if we'll ever see Windows Phones on no-contract plans? It took a while for Android phones to appear on no-contract plans, so who knows.

2124

Nintendo Gaming / Re: Wii U

« on: April 09, 2012, 12:33:38 AM »

Yes.

Even if that's true, it doesn't matter what a majority people use it for as long as that's not what we're talking about. For instance, I use one so that I don't have to carry a giant stack of discs around if I take the system to a friend's house or have to go digging for a game, as well as being able to play import games, etc.

So if you hypothetically had a PS3, what would you do with all your games when you travel? You can't install an entire Blu-ray game to the hard drive, and there are only a few full-size games for sale on PSN.


And you're really complaining about having to bring a bunch of discs to a friend's house? Really? You don't have to bring your entire collection, just bring what you'll play the most. I have a 3DS and a bunch of cartridge games, yet I only bring one or two games with me when I'm travelling. The rest of my 3DS games are eShop titles.


The things people say to "excuse" their hacking and custom firmware nonsense. This type of stuff killed the PSP and cause a majority of developers to abandon it, because most developers knew that by cracking the firmware, users could easily install ISO files and downloaded games.

2125

General Chat / Re: Google's Quest for World Dominance

« on: April 09, 2012, 12:30:26 AM »

I'm not sure what you mean by that, but they are supposedly working on a version that is part of your glasses, a version for people that don't wear glasses and a version for those what would prefer a contact lense.

Google's now testing its Project Glass augmented reality glasses, but it sounds like this is only the first step in its AR plans. One of the engineers on Project Glass, Babak Parviz, is an associate professor at the University of Washington who specializes in bionanotechnology and helped to create a single pixel contact lens display, which was recently tested on live animals. Obviously, a lot more than a single pixel will be needed for this technology to be useful, Google appears to have the right people in place to take augmented realty from glasses to lenses. We're years away from that being a reality, but it's something to look forward to if you think the Project Glass hardware is just a bit too obtrusive to wear on a day-to-day basis.

I don't get the point of animal testing for vision-related products. I oppose most forms of animal testing in general. Wouldn't a human subject be a better candidate for vision testing, since humans can provide much better feedback?