Topics

[This is only newsworthy because the court is kickin'-rad.]

176

TalkBack / New Mario Tennis Court

« on: September 09, 2004, 07:47:47 AM »

This is only newsworthy because the court is kickin'-rad.

Included in the deluge of new Nintendo game information in the latest issue of Famitsu Weekly, there is a preview of Mario Tennis. Many of the screenshots included with the preview show off and brand new court for Mario Tennis. The court, titled the Mario Classic Court, is styled after the original Mario Bros. arcade game. The court is littered with baddies wandering all over, and there are pipes hanging all over the place. Words don't really do the court justice, so feast your eyes on this retro Mario Tennis court.

[Get your spin on.]

177

TalkBack / Famitsu Scans Reveal More on MaWaRu Made in Wario!

« on: September 09, 2004, 07:10:27 AM »

Get your spin on.

The latest issue of Famitsu Weekly is jam packed with information on upcoming Nintendo games. Among the games previewed is MaWaRu Made in Wario. This all new Made in Wario (known as Wario Ware in the states) has a special motion sensor built in that will detect how you move the Game Boy system around.

Famitsu Weekly's article shows off screens from a couple new micro games. It also showcases some of the game's new zany characters. Check them out below:

Thanks to the Gaming-Age Forums for the scans!

[They took home a phat prize.]

178

TalkBack / Dallas Wins the Nintendo Street Team Challenge

« on: September 01, 2004, 11:24:00 AM »

They took home a phat prize.

NINTENDO RAISES THE MINIMUM WAGE: TEAM OF 8 FROM DALLAS WINS $40,000 BONUS

After a Summer of Crazy Stunts and Promotions, Each Member Leaves $6,800 Richer

REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 31, 2004 - They completed a Nintendo scavenger hunt, created a cyber mural and instigated a flash mob. After a summer of fun and video games, the Dallas chapter of the Nintendo Street Team has walked away with the ultimate reward for their hard work: a $40,000 bonus, distributed equally among the eight members. That bonus complements their regular salaries of $100 a day for six weeks of three-day workweeks.

"Week after week the Dallas Nintendo Street Team met the challenges we gave them with skill and creativity, and they came out on top," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "In addition to the cash, they take away a summer's worth of lessons in a variety of skills that will help them no matter what careers they pursue."

The winning team is made up of eight Texans, including Brad Rosenquist of Dallas, Tiffany King of Aledo, Corey Olcsvary of Midlothian, Justin McIntosh of Carrolton, Brad Scarborough and Derek Dodd of McKinney, and Bryan Adams and Charles Boltas of Irving.

Nintendo also organized Street Teams in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles,Seattle and Atlanta. Each week judges awarded the teams points, depending on how well they performed the various challenges. Members of the public also cast votes online for their favorite teams. After weeks of tough competition, Dallas emerged as the champion. Additional details about the competition can be found online at www.nintendostreetteam.com.

Nintendo tasked the six Street Teams with a series of five challenges designed to test their creativity. Besides the scavenger hunt, mural and video, the Dallas team members arranged a live radio interview and instigated a flash mob among a convention of PC gamers. The team performed these tasks in addition to their weekly promotional duties of representing Nintendo at concerts, fairs and sporting events.

[There's a new ad campaign too.]

179

TalkBack / Nintendo Drops GBA SP Price!

« on: September 01, 2004, 11:25:39 AM »

There's a new ad campaign too.

NINTENDO DROPS PRICE OF BEST-SELLING GAME BOY ADVANCE SP TO $79.99!

Companion Marketing Campaign Urges Players to ''Start Mayhem''

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 1, 2004 - The hottest video game system in history is getting the best price in the universe. Starting Sept. 2, Nintendo's record-breaking Game Boy® Advance SP will sell at an all-time low manufacturer's suggested retail price of just $79.99, a full $20 less than its current price. The reduction significantly expands the potential audience of an already-dominant consumer electronics device to a wider range of consumers.

At the same time, Nintendo also paves the way for more "Mayhem" - the watchword of the new "Start Mayhem" Game Boy Advance SP marketing campaign that debuts with the new price point, showcasing different personalities for each of the GBA SP colors. "This new price point makes Game Boy Advance SP affordable for the vast majority of the mass market, and gives people a 'gotta-have' gift to automatically put at the top of their holiday gift lists," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Nintendo has always owned the portable video game market, and this further strengthens our leadership position."

Game Boy Advance SP, which is front-lit and sports a clam-shell design, has sold more than 20 million units worldwide, and will continue its dominance this fall with an impressive lineup of games. Before the end of the year, Nintendo will launch titles like Pokémon® FireRed, Pokémon® LeafGreen, F-Zero® GP Legend, Mario Pinball Land™, Kirby™ & The Amazing Mirror, Donkey Kong® Country 2, Final Fantasy® I & II: Dawn of Souls and Classic NES® Series 2, which features old-school games like Metroid®, Castlevania®, Dr. Mario® and Zelda II™: The Adventure of Link®. Added to this will be more than 50 titles hitting the market from Nintendo licensees.

In addition, Game Boy Advance SP continues to expand its range, with the Game Boy® Wireless Adapter that comes packaged with Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen, as well as Game Boy® Advance Video, novel video paks that let users watch cartoons right on their Game Boy Advance units.

The "Start Mayhem" campaign features CGI-animated Game Boy Advance SP units brought to life in a variety of fun situations. Each color unit demonstrates a different personality. The campaign kicks off with videos featuring the Flame and Onyx systems. To view the videos, log onto www.startmayhem.com starting Sept. 2.

[I hope you like singing.]

180

TalkBack / Nintendo Reveals Mario Party 6 Details, Microphone

« on: August 26, 2004, 10:14:45 AM »

I hope you like singing.

Nintendo has updated their press information with new details regarding the forthcoming Mario Party 6 game. Previous information regarding the game, which is scheduled for release on December 6th, told of the party franchise being controlled with a new peripheral instead of a standard controller.

This new information reveals that Mario Party 6 will be controlled via a brand new GameCube Microphone peripheral. The mic will be included with the game.

Mario Party 6 will include 75 all new minigames, and six new game boards. There is also a new day and night system in the game, which will affect the way the game boards and mini games behave based on the time of the day.

In addition to single and multiplayer games, Mario Party 6 will now include a new game show mode in which players will answer questions with the microphone.

[Let the speculation begin...]

181

TalkBack / DS has a

« on: August 23, 2004, 10:28:47 AM »

Let the speculation begin...

According the an interview with Mitsuaki Hagiwara in the latest issue of the Japanese magazine Nintendo Dream, the Nintendo DS includes a port which Nintendo has not yet commented on a use for. The small square port is located on the lower right side of the unit, next to the headphone port. Higiwara said that the hole is not to hold the stylus (this slot is on the back of the DS) and that the purpose of this port will be revealed at a later date.

Higiwara also mentioned that Nintendo is considering releasing the DS in multiple colors. There are no details as to specific color schemes yet, but all the DS systems will be two-toned. Higiwara said that if Nintendo does release the DS in multiple colors, they would appeal to every region of the world, as the system is being released at almost the same time worldwide.

[Don't forget your thick rimmed emo glasses.]

182

TalkBack / Nintendo Fusion Tour Returns

« on: August 11, 2004, 06:10:53 AM »

Don't forget your thick rimmed emo glasses.

Nintendo Fusion Tour Rocks America with Story of the Year

Multi-City Tour Features Video Games and Other Top Bands

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 11, 2004--The Nintendo Fusion Tour -- merging cutting-edge music with the hottest gaming technology -- is set to launch its second outing Sept. 18 in Phoenix. This year's 37-city tour brings together alternative and punk rock music and gaming with hotly tipped headliners Story of The Year and support acts lostprophets, My Chemical Romance, Letter Kills, Anberlin and Autopilot Off.

Two special shows are on tap for Seattle (Oct. 7 and Oct. , when Taking Back Sunday (whose new album, "Where You Want To Be," entered the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart at No. 3), Fall Out Boy and Matchbook Romance join the tour's regular lineup. Tickets for most shows are priced at less than $20, plus applicable service charges, and go on sale Saturday, Aug. 14 (for specific prices and on-sale information, check www.nintendofusiontour.com).

At each tour stop, the Nintendo Fusion Tour will transform the lobby of the venue into an immersive entertainment space with music, custom lighting and specially designed gaming kiosks featuring the hottest upcoming Nintendo GameCube(TM) games. There will be giveaways at each show, and one lucky radio station winner will have the opportunity to compete against a member of Story of The Year. Fans also will get a sneak preview of the new Nintendo DS(TM), an innovative dual-screen, wireless, hand-held video game system.

Story of The Year's debut album, "Page Avenue" (Maverick Records), is rapidly approaching platinum, spurred by the singles and videos "Until The Day I Die" and "Anthem of Our Dying Day," which was a buzzclip at MTV, as well as constant touring. The band headlined its own U.S. tour earlier this year. Check them out at storyoftheyear.net.

"We're excited to take part in the second annual Nintendo Fusion Tour this fall with our friends," says Story of The Year singer Dan Marsala. "Touring with these bands means there's a whole new group of guys we can beat up on while playing Nintendo video games on the bus!"

Also, here's a partial list of tourdates (more dates will be announced later):

• Saturday, Sept 18th - Pheonix, AZ
• Monday, Sept 20th - Dos Amigos - Odessa, TX
• Tuesday, Sept 21st - Austin Music Hall - Austin TX
• Friday, Sept 24th - The Fillmore Auditorium - Denver, CO
• Saturday, Sept 25th - Utah State Fairgrouns - Salt Lake City, UT
• Sunday, Sept 26th - House of Blues - Las Vegas, NV
• Tuesday, Sept 28th - The Grove of Anaheim - Anaheim, CA
• Wdensday, Sept 29th - Soma - San Diego, CA
• Sunday, Oct 3rd - The Wiltern Theater - Los Angeles, CA
• Thursday, Oct 7th - Premier - Seattle, WA
• Friday, Oct 8th - Premier - Seattle, WA
• Sunday, Oct 9th - Roseland Theater- Portland, OR
• Wednesday, Oct 13th - Uptdown Theatre - Kansas City, MO
• Thursday, Oct 14th - The Quest - Minneapolis, MN
• Friday, Oct 15th - The Rave - Milwaukee, WI
• Sunday, Oct 17th - Cowles Fieldhouse, Indianola, IA
• Saturday, Oct 23rd - Ice Garden - Bell Vernon, PA
• Sunday, Oct 24th - Electric Factory - Philadelphia, PA
• Tuesday, Oct 26th - Roseland Ballrom - New York, NY

Planet GameCube will keep you updated on future tour dates.

[Nintendo's got more classic lovin' headed your way.]

183

TalkBack / Four More Titles for NES Classics

« on: August 11, 2004, 06:00:30 AM »

Nintendo's got more classic lovin' headed your way.

Game Informer Online has learned that Nintendo will be releasing four more games into the Game Boy Advance Classic NES series later this year. The four games are:

• Dr. Mario
• Castlevania
• Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link
• Metroid

The four games will be available on October 25th and will carry a suggested retail price of $19.99.

[-----FINAL RESULTS-----StrikerObi: 3]

184

Podcast Discussion / Radio Trivia Results for 8/6/04

« on: August 06, 2004, 07:05:54 PM »

Game 1: Metroid Fusion

Correct: Obi, NikJam, ulanshad

Q: Which two blokes composed that creepy music? (ONE LINE)
<ulanshad> Minako Hamano, Akira Fujiwara




Game 2: Dragon Spirit

Correct: nobody

Q: Which two companies are credited in this NES game?
<StrikerObi> bandi namco




Game 3: Final Fight

Correct: nobody

Q: What does the car owner say after you trash his car?
<TKnHappyNess> Oh my car




Game 4: Balloon Kid (GB)

Correct: nobody

Q: Who do you play as, and who are you trying to rescue? (ONE LINE)
<MegaByte> Alice, her runaway brother




Game 5: Liberty of Death (SNES)

Correct: nobody

Q: Which platforms did this game appear on? (ONE LINE)
<StrikerObi> snes, genny, dos


-----FINAL RESULTS-----

StrikerObi: 3
Ulanshad: 2
NikJam: 1
TKnHappyNess: 1
MegaByte : 1

[KEEP ON TRUCKIN'!!]

185

General Chat / Juno is my new favorite poster.

« on: August 05, 2004, 02:08:31 PM »

KEEP ON TRUCKIN'!!

[Get a double dose of Metroid action this fall.]

186

TalkBack / Nintendo Announces Metroid Prime Bundle

« on: August 04, 2004, 06:00:45 AM »

Get a double dose of Metroid action this fall.

NINTENDO DELIVERS A BUNDLE OF BADASS: GET METROID PRIME AND A BONUS DISC -- FREE!

Learn How to Fight Like a Girl – a Butt-Kicking, Bounty-Hunting Girl

REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 4, 2004 – One of the toughest characters in the video game universe is about to become part of a powerful new package deal. Starting Aug. 15, Nintendo's Metroid® Prime Bonus Bundle gives consumers a Nintendo GameCube™ system and not one but two free discs. The first disc contains a complete version of the award-winning Metroid Prime game, while the bonus disc contains a playable demo version of the highly anticipated sequel, Metroid Prime 2 Echoes.

"Other companies sell their systems starting at $150," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "No one can match Nintendo's value as we offer a Nintendo GameCube and two free discs, all at an MSRP of just $99.99."

The great value of the bundle builds on the already-strong interest in Metroid Prime 2 Echoes and carries the enthusiasm into the holiday season. The bonus disc features a wealth of information about the Metroid franchise, such as:

• an exclusive playable demo of Metroid Prime 2 Echoes
• The Metroid Chronicle, an interactive history of the Metroid franchise
• two Metroid Prime 2 Echoes cinematic trailers
• a stunning Metroid Prime art gallery

And the whole bonus bundle comes in a Metroid-styled Nintendo GameCube packaging. This incredible value will be available only while supplies last.

Game enthusiasts who already own a Nintendo GameCube can get the bonus disc in one of two ways, while supplies last. The bonus disc can be obtained by purchasing a one-year subscription or renewal to Nintendo Power® magazine, the official print source for product-related updates and information. The second option allows "My Nintendo" members of Nintendo.com to obtain the bonus disc by registering a Nintendo GameCube system and five eligible software titles. Complete details for both options can be found at www.nintendopower.com/metroidprime2.

Metroid Prime remains one of the most adrenaline-soaked Nintendo GameCube titles of all time, with more than 1 million units sold. Metroid Prime was named the 2003 first-person action console action game of the year by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, and was named "Game of the Year" by GameSpot.com, GameSpy.com, IGN Cube.com and Planet GameCube.com.

Metroid Prime 2 Echoes, set to launch Nov. 15, sends heroine Samus Aran to explore the dual Light and Dark sides of split-dimension planet Aether. The tension-packed first-person adventure features new power-ups, a new ammo system and special suit upgrades. And for the first time in the Metroid franchise, up to four players can battle against each other in multiplayer mode using all of Samus' unique powers and abilities.

Here are a couple pictures of the bundle:

[It's got new games and a new look.]

187

TalkBack / Details on Midway Arcade Treasures 2

« on: August 03, 2004, 10:55:42 AM »

It's got new games and a new look.

Midway today announced the list of titles that will be included in Midway Arcade Treasures 2. The list has a total of twenty games. In addition to announcing the games that will be included in the compilation, Midway also unveiled a new box art style for the series. Here's the list of games:

• A.P.B.™  
• Arch Rivals™  
• Championship Sprint™  
• Cyberball 2072™  
• Gauntlet® 2  
• Hard Drivin’®  
• Kozmik Kroozr’™  
• Mortal Kombat® 3  
• Mortal Kombat® II  
• NARC®  
• Pit Fighter™  
• Primal Rage®  
• Rampage World Tour®  
• Spy Hunter® 2  
• Timber™  
• Total Carnage™  
• Wacko™  
• Wizard of Wor™  
• Xenophobe®  
• Xybots™

Plus, here's the new box art.

Midway Arcade Treasures 2 will ship to retailers on October 11th, and carries a suggested retail price of $19.99.  

[Find out what some more of Square-Enix's upcoming DS games are. Updated! with a list of all the new titles.]

188

TalkBack / Expanded DS Development Lineup Revealed

« on: August 01, 2004, 06:59:50 PM »

Find out what some more of Square-Enix's upcoming DS games are. Updated! with a list of all the new titles.

Nintendo has recently updated its Japanese Nintendo DS website, and has added a large list of titles in development. Most notable are some of the games coming from Square-Enix. Here's a list of their games.

• Egg Monster Heroes
• New Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles
• New Seiken Densetsu games (Mana series)
• Dragon Quest Monsters
• Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest

Most notable are the addition of a Seiken Densetsu game, also known as the Mana series here in the US (Secret of Mana, Sword of Mana, Legend of Mana). Also notable is a Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest title. The first Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest game, which came out on Game Boy Advance, was very popular in Japan but sadly was never released stateside.

Thanks to the Gaming Age Forums for the translation.

PGC will have more on this when we get the full list translated.  

Update: Thanks to The MagicBox for a translation of all the games that were previously unannounced.

• New RPG (GameArts)
• Living High Killing Low (Genki)
• Shutokou Battle / Tokyo Xtreme Racing (Genki)
• Goemon (Konami)
• Vandal Hearts (Konami)
• Survival Kids (Konami)
• Boktai (Konami)
• Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball series (Konami)
• Castlevania (Konami)
• Winning Eleven series (Konami)
• Jissen Pachislot Hisshouhou Hokutonoken (Sammy)
• Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles New Work (Square Enix)
• Seiken Densetsu (Secret of Mana) New Work (Square Enix)
• Dragon Quest Monsters New Work (Square Enix)
• Slime Mori Mori Dragon Quest New Work (Square Enix)
• Sonic DS (Sega)
• Rakugaki Kingdom Series (Taito)
• Puzzle Bobble Series (Taito)
• Mysterious Dungeons (Chun Soft)
• Action Game (D3 Publisher)
• Monster Farm Latest Work (Tecmo)
• Team Ninja New Work (Tecmo)
• Naruto (Tomy)
• Zoids (Tomy)
• New RPG (Namco)
• New Mr. Driller (Namco)
• Tengai Makyou Series (Hudson)
• Nintendogs (Nintendo)
• One Piece (Bandai)
• Meteos (Bandai)
• Dragon Ball Z (Banpresto)
• Harvest Moon DS (Marvelous)
• River King series (Marvelous)
• Original RPG (Marvelous)
• Wrestling (Yukes)
• Chobi Island 3 (Rocket Company)

189

Nintendo Gaming / Animal Crossing DS - multiplayer confirmed

« on: July 29, 2004, 08:04:18 PM »

So it turns out that we've known Animal Crossing DS was going to have multiplayer ever since E3. Take a look at the screenshots:

http://www.planetgamecube.com/media.cfm?action=screens&id=2143

They clearly show two player characters interacting with each other (one boy and one girl).

Now, what I don't think is that two players living in the same town can play together at the same time. This wouldn't be possible without some kind of centralized server which Nintendo most certainly won't be doing with their "no online" philosophy. To have two people living in the same town they really would still need to be on the same save file, and two players wouldn't be able to affect the same save file at the same time without the save file being avaliable in a central location.

But it does mean that you will probably be able to visit other towns in your Local Area Network (or over WiFi) by hopping on the train in the game. Then you can run around somebody else's town and talk to them (as seen with the chat interface, maybe it'll even be revised with microphone support), trade items, and interact with their AI villagers.

[Gotta pre-order 'em all!]

190

TalkBack / Nintendo Reveals Pokémon Fire/Leaf Pre-Order Bonus

« on: July 29, 2004, 08:34:57 AM »

Gotta pre-order 'em all!

CATCH 'EM EARLY: GET A FREE POKÉMON GIFT

Pre-Order Pokémon Games and Receive Exclusive Guide to the World of Pokémon

REDMOND, Wash., July 29, 2004 – Once again, it pays to be a fast-acting Pokémon® fan. Starting Aug. 1, fans and interested novices who place a deposit to reserve a copy of Pokémon FireRed or Pokémon LeafGreen for Game Boy® Advance at participating retailers will immediately receive the Pokémon Pocket Trainer's Guide – a handy reference guide for seasoned players or a tutorial for beginners.

The guide provides detailed Pokémon facts and information about the various characters, perfect for an introduction to the Pokémon universe, yet enough to satisfy even the most rabid Pokémaniacs. The Pokémon Pocket Trainer's Guide includes stats about each of the 17 types of Pokémon, suggestions about how to find them, evolve and battle them, plus a beautiful, full-color map of the Kanto region. Guides are pocket-sized and easily portable with the Game Boy Advance.

Fans will receive another bonus when the games arrive in stores on Sept. 7. Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen will come bundled with the new Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter, which lets players trade, battle and chat with one another with no connecting cords. Each game will sell at an MSRP of $39.99.

The Pokémon franchise remains as popular as ever. Pokémon has sold more than 128 million video games worldwide, accounting for more than $4 billion in sales. For several weeks in early 2004, Pokémon Colosseum™, made exclusively for Nintendo GameCube™, and its pre-sell bonus disk outsold every software title and video game console on Amazon.com. And in Japan, Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen sold more than 2.5 million units in just over three months.

Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen offer never-before-seen features, including Union Rooms, hubs for social game play where up to 40 players can meet and chat wirelessly to trade and battle Pokémon or just make conversation using chat functions. The games also feature a more colorful and easier-to-use Pokédex that lets users sort their Pokémon in a variety of different ways.

[Get your reg on, and join Nintendo's online summer camp.]

191

TalkBack / Camp Hyrule 2004 Registration is Open

« on: July 28, 2004, 01:25:19 PM »

Get your reg on, and join Nintendo's online summer camp.

Registration for Nintendo's annual online summer camp, Camp Hyrule, is now open to the public. In Camp Hyrule, Nintendo fans from all over can get together in their assigned cabins and talk about all things Nintendo. There are games to play all official Nintendo chats to go to. Registration is simple. First, you'll need a My Nintendo account on Nintendo's official website. After you've got one, or if you already do, just head on over to the Camp Hyrule website and register by entering your My Nintendo username and password.

Update: Thanks to LousySpy in our forums for pointing out that according to the latest Nintendo Power magazine, Nintendo will giving away new Nintendo DS systems at Camp Hyrule this year. However, it's unknown how many will be given away. You'll have to be registered for Camp Hyrule to even have a hope of a chance of winning.

192

TalkBack / Mega Man Battle Network 4 Review

« on: July 25, 2004, 06:16:43 PM »

Lan and Mega Man are back. Does this new adventure measure up with their past outings? Read this review to find out.

Mega Man and Lan have returned for another Internet adventure, this time in Mega Man Battle Network 4. The game comes in two versions, Red Sun and Blue Moon, and while both are basically the same they do have some differences in plot and items.

If you’ve never played a Mega Man Battle Network game before, here’s a basic rundown on how they work. You control 6th grader Lan in the real world, and his cyber-pet, also called a “navi,” Mega Man in the cyber world. Lan and Mega Man work together to fight bad guys and compete in tournaments. All the real action takes place in the cyber world. While Lan simply walks around talking to people and occasionally collecting things, Mega Man fights enemies on the Internet and in tournaments.

Battle is set up on a six by three grid, with each side controlling nine squares of the battle field. Combat is in real time, and players can move Mega Man around the grid to dodge and attack enemies. Mega Man has a folder of attack chips at his disposal which are used to dish out the pain. He’s also got his trusty Mega Buster cannon to use at any time. Mega Man can only hold so many chips at a certain time, and all the chips he’s currently using must share either the same name or chip code letter. This keeps players from using an absurd amount of powerful chips at the same time. Mixing certain combinations of chips (such as Cannon A, Cannon B, and Cannon C) together will sometimes yield an Advance chip, which can deal out some major damage.

The combat system remains basically unchanged since the last Mega Man Battle Network game. There are a couple alterations though. Battle Network 4 focuses on Dark Chips. These chips will be offered to Mega Man at difficult moments in the game. They deal out ridiculous amounts of damage, but will permanently decrease Mega Man’s health. Also, style changes from Battle Network 3 have been replaced with a new Soul Unison system. With this system Mega Man can permanently give up a chip of a certain element to switch into that element mid-battle, and take on all its characteristics. The Soul Unison system is a step up from style changes because it offers more versatility. Players can switch Mega Man through multiple forms in the same battle, if they are so inclined.

Unfortunately, while the battle system has been improved upon slightly, Mega Man Battle Network 4 remains basically the same as its three previous incarnations. It’s not such a bad thing, because the battle system is still remarkably fun. The style of mixing an RPG battle system into a real-time duel works very well. Random battles are ok, but the battle system really shines in the tournament fights. Squaring off against a tough opponent (I’m looking at you, Videoman) is a real challenge and some fights will take multiple tries to win. Finally besting a tough opponent rewards you with a real sense of accomplishment.

However, while the battle system remains fun, the plot has taken a turn of the worse. Too much of the story revolves around tournaments and interacting with your various opponents in the real world. The game likes to follow a formula wherein Lan meets his opponent and discovers they have a problem that will prevent them from competing in the tournament. He then goes about solving this problem. After the problem is resolved, Mega Man beats the ever-loving crap out of his opponent and proceeds to the next round of the tournament. The whole format is highly repetitive and gets old real fast. It would be better if Lan both competed in tournaments and went out solving problems that weren’t related to the tournaments. The tournament-plot system feels very forced unlike the plots of the previous games.

It’s worth noting that the Mega Man Battle Network series has finally received a minor graphical update this time around. The overworld characters have all been shrunk down somewhat, but also sport more detail. The over all look is more anime-styled and is an improvement over the previous ones. The design of the characters in battle has remained unchanged.

Also changed this time is the layout of the Internet. The map always varied from game to game, but this time the overall design philosophy has been greatly improved. The ‘net now supports a “main street” that can be easily followed from section to section. Thanks to the new main street, the web has become much easier to navigate.

To keep it simple, fans of the previous three Mega Man Battle Network games are going to enjoy this title. The combat is just as good as ever, even if the plot has been mucked up a bit. It’s not like these games ever had the best plots to begin with anyway. For first timers, it would probably be better to start off with the second or third incarnation of the series as opposed to this fourth one. Of course, if you’ve never liked the Mega Man Battle Network games, you aren’t going to enjoy this one.

Pros

Combat remains just as fun

Soul Unison system offers more variety in battle

Crazy Boktai crossover appearance

The Gun Del Sol battle chip wipes the floor with enemies

Cons

Little has changed over previous incarnations

Plot is abysmal

Graphics: 8.0

   Character design has improved over the previous versions, finally.

Sound: 7.0

   The tunes are similar to previous versions and the sound effects are the same. Most of the stuff is good, but there’s nothing fantastic here.

Control: 9.0

   The battle controls are sharp and responsive, and navigating the overworld and Internet is a breeze.

Gameplay: 8.5

   The battle system remains just as fun as the previous version, and boss battles offer a high level of difficulty and sense of accomplishment upon victory. The plot, however, has taken a total nose dive.

Lastability: 8.0

   It’ll take a decent amount of time to finish either Red Sun or Blue Moon. However, the plot might want to make you stop before you’re done. The link functions between the two versions will appeal to those who have to “collect them all.”

Final Score (Not an average): 8.0

   Overall, Mega Man Battle Network 4 remains widely unchanged from the previous versions. It still offers a fun experience, while the plot may not be as interesting this time around. Regardless, fans of the series are sure to enjoy it.  

[The People's History of Less Than Jake]

193

General Chat / Buy Less Than Jake's new album, DO IT NOW

« on: July 24, 2004, 05:01:17 PM »

www.lessthanjake.com

B is for B-Sides

The new album from Less Than Jake. It's all B-Sides recorded along with the stuff that was on anthem. It f#cking rocks. The whole album has a more urgent song. Vinnie's lyrics are fantastic. It's not over-popped like anthem. was.

Stand-out songs included

Bridge and Tunnel Authority - my favorite on the CD, it rocks me like no other
Jay Frenzal - totally old school LTJ, yelling about some dude they know (who happens to be Jay Wally from Frenzal Rhomb) who hit their bus with a 2x4
National Anthem - best ending of any LTJ song ever

Really though, the whole album is fantastic. I absolutly f#cking LOVE it. Probably my second favorite LTJ album of all time. The order would go

1. Hello Rockview
2. B is for B-Sides
3. anthem.
4. Losing Streak
5. Pezcore
6. Borders & Boundries

In other news, I saw LTJ twice in three days this past weekend. I saw them in their (and my) hometown of Gainesville, FL. Excellent f#cking show. I saw them again on Monday in Tallahassee (where I'm up at school), another great show. I talked to Roger after the Tallahassee show, he's a cool guy. They played Liquor Store and motherf#cking Where the Hell is Mike Sinkovich? Actually, they played my favorite song off of every album (except Losing Streak).

Favorite LTJ songs for each album

1. Hello Rockview - Scott Farcas Takes it on the Chin (History of a Boring Town is an extremly close second)
2. B is for B-Sides - Bridge and Tunnel Authority
3. anthem. - Plastic Cup Politics
4. Losing Streak - Lockdown
5. Pezcore - Where the Hell is Mike Sinkovich?
6. Borders & Boundries - The Last Hour of the Last Day of Work  

----------------------------------

The People's History of Less Than Jake

Less Than Jake's first ever DVD is now avaliable. For $12 you can own a boat load of live footage, interviews, and zany skits.

I got mine today, and it's awesome.

Order at www.fueledbyramen.com  

[All you need to do is get to San Diego in the next four days.]

194

TalkBack / Play Resident Evil 4 and Metroid Prime 2

« on: July 22, 2004, 08:31:12 AM »

All you need to do is get to San Diego in the next four days.

Thanks to a tip from one of our readers, we've found out that Nintendo has a booth this year at the San Diego Comic-Con. Convention goers will have the opportunity to play two huge upcoming Nintendo Gamecube titles, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Resident Evil 4. Along with these titles there are also some Game Boy Advance demos.

Other companies, including Konami, EA, Activision, and THQ also have booths at the cons with demos of their games.

The San Diego International Comic Convention runs from July 22nd to the 25th and is being held at the San Diego Convention Center. Entry costs $60 for a four day pass, or anywhere between $15 and $30 for a single day (depending on which day it is).

[And it only took them three years.]

195

TalkBack / Japan gets a Golden GameCube

« on: July 20, 2004, 08:42:43 PM »

And it only took them three years.

Nintendo Corporation Ltd. is releasing a special edition "Starlight Gold" Gamecube in Japan, exclusively through the Japanese branch of the popular toy store, Toys "R" Us. This special edition Gamecube has a gold tint to it. The unit, which is available now, costs 13,799 yen ($127), the same price as a regular GameCube system, and includes the same accessories, including a golden controller. Here's a picture of the system:  

[In celebration of the forthcoming Pokemon Emerald.]

196

TalkBack / Japan Gets Green SP

« on: July 20, 2004, 09:35:49 AM »

In celebration of the forthcoming Pokemon Emerald.

In classic Nintendo fashion, a special limited edition green Game Boy Advance SP will be released alongside the release of Pokèmon Emerald. This limited edition SP is a dark green color and features a silhouette of the Pokèmon Rayquaza on its cover.

This Green SP will be available for the price of 12,500 Yen ($115), the same as a regular GBA SP, but it will only be available through Nintendo's Japanese Pokèmon Centers (and their website). The system won't be available until September, but the website will be taking pre-orders starting August 16th. Below is a picture of the unit.

[Find out what Nintendo's doing with the wireless internet functions on the DS.]

197

TalkBack / Miyamoto speaks on DS WiFi

« on: July 13, 2004, 10:03:57 AM »

Find out what Nintendo's doing with the wireless internet functions on the DS.

In an interview recently posted on the website of Earthbound creator Shigesato Itoi, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto made some comments about the Nintendo DS's 802.11 (also known as WiFi) wireless functionality. According to Mr. Miyamoto, the possibility of a wireless internet connection on the Nintendo DS is there, but Nintendo is not currently developing any software that will enable to DS to access it. Apparently, Nintendo is leaving this part up to third-parties. He said that Nintendo is not interested in developing internet software for the DS. The company is very interested in keeping the DS an "out of the box" experience that will require no accessories, such as a wireless router to link systems over the internet via broadband connections.

Mr. Miyamoto was quoted as saying: "We added the wireless LAN (IEEE802.11) to the DS mainly for the handhelds to communicate between each other, but if someone releases appropriate software that allows it to connect to wireless LAN access points, it could also be used to connect to the Internet."

Update: There has been a lot of confusion surrounding Mr. Miyamoto's quote. Apparently Miyamoto-san is only saying that Nintendo will not be making an application to browse the internet over the DS. They are only interested in using the WiFi to link DS systems in remote areas. According to a close friend of PGC, independent gaming journalist Chris Kohler, "If you look at the questions that Itoi asks, he's talking about using the DS as a web browser. He says it's a 'technical' question, not a 'game fan' question. And he asks if the 'specs' of the machine would be enough to support its use as an 'Internet terminal,' as Miyamoto puts it." Thanks to Chris for clearing this up for everybody.

[Including everyone's pal, Pit!]

198

TalkBack / Round 3 of Famicom-Mini for Japan

« on: July 07, 2004, 07:10:54 AM »

Including everyone's pal, Pit!

Nintendo has announced the lineup for the 3rd series of Famicom Mini GBA games for the Japanese market. Unlike the first two series, this one features quite a large number of titles specific to Japan. Here is a rundown of the games in volume 3.

• No. 21: Super Mario Bros. 2
• No. 22: Nazo no Murasame
• No. 23: Metroid
• No. 24: Palthena's Mirror (Kid Icarus)
• No. 25: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
• No. 26: Shin Onigashima
• No. 27: Famicom Tantei Kurabu: Kieta Koukeisha
• No. 28: Famicom Tantei Kurabu II: Ushiro ni Tatsu Shoujo
• No. 29: Akumajou Dracula (Castlevania)
• No. 30: SD Gundam World: Gachapon Senshi Scramble Wars

If you're wondering, The Famicom Tantei Kurabu games are the Famicom Detective Club Series. Shin Onigashima is a game based on a classic Japanese folk tale.

[Gentlemen, start your web browers.]

199

TalkBack / Camp Hyrule is Coming

« on: July 01, 2004, 07:20:56 PM »

Gentlemen, start your web browers.

Nintendo's online summer camp is back for more fun! This will be the 10th year Nintendo has done Camp Hyrule. The idea is simple. Nintendo has created a virtual summer camp where fans can hang out and chat with each other. There are also all sorts of contests and games to play. This year's camp will start on August 16th. There is currently no indication of its ending date. In the past camp has run for a week.

Registration for Camp Hyrule 2004 begins on July 27th and ends July 29th. You can sign up right at the camp website. Campers are placed into virtual cabins and compete aganist each other to determine which is the best.

[Nintendo's got a new survey and wants your feedback.]

200

TalkBack / Tell Nintendo Which Classic NES Games You Want

« on: June 15, 2004, 05:01:03 PM »

Nintendo's got a new survey and wants your feedback.

From time to time Nintendo updates their official website with a reader survey. The new survey is all about the Classic NES Series. Nintendo wants to know which NES games you want to relive on your Game Boy Advance. So head on over to the survey and give Nintendo a piece of your mind! Rock the vote!