Author Topic: EA Brings The Urbz to the Nintendo DS (Read 6268 times)

TheYoungerPlumber · « **on:** July 15, 2004, 07:18:02 AM »

Another DS title is revealed, this time with a release date...

The Urbz Will Hit the Streets on the Nintendo DS; EA Announces Its First Game for the Highly-Anticipated Handheld Platform

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 15, 2004--Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS) today announced that The Urbz(TM): Sims in the City(TM), the latest franchise from the celebrated studio behind The Sims(TM), is in development for the Nintendo DS. EA, in conjunction with Griptonite Games, is developing the game in Redwood City, CA and will ship in November 2004 under the EA GAMES(TM) brand.

The Urbz(TM): Sims in the City (TM) will benefit from the unique Nintendo DS capabilities by offering players a wireless multi-player mode, touch-screen input a multitude of in-game features that are not available in any other version of the game. Exclusive features for the Nintendo DS version include 24 objects, a unique touch-screen menu system, 5 minigames, 7 characters and 8 pet species that players can create with the special in-game 'gene manipulator'.

These aren't your typical Sims. These are the Urbz - and they have a completely new look, attitude and outlook on life. Sims are living in the city and it's all about building, and improving, their reputation. For the first time, players will not only be able to create their own Sim, but in addition will also have the opportunity to create their own pet. Daddy Bigbucks is trying to take over the city of Miniopolis and keep Splicer Island a secret. It is up to you to uncover the truth by training your pet, increasing your reputation and keeping your crew on Splicer Island happy.

"We're thrilled that this new franchise is the first from Electronic Arts to illustrate the power of the Nintendo DS," said Sinjin Bain, Vice President and Executive Producer. "On the Nintendo DS, we are able to do things with The Urbz(TM): Sims in the City (TM) that we could not do with any other console. Like the system itself, this game is completely unique. Never before have Sims players been able to unleash their alter egos in an urban environment - complete with the sounds, scenes and settings of the city."

Syl · « **Reply #1 on:** July 15, 2004, 07:28:48 AM »

just as you said, makes perfect sense.
but, nothing that interests me.

The Omen · « **Reply #2 on:** July 15, 2004, 08:00:19 AM »

Well, thats confirmation that the DS will be available in November. I know it was rumored to be out this year, but its nice to see it come to fruition.

Jonnyboy117 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 15, 2004, 08:20:22 AM »

I didn't see the Talkback comments until after updating the article, but yes, this basically confirms that Nintendo DS will be released in November at the latest. Good news for everyone who was worried about the delay rumors.

couchmonkey · « **Reply #4 on:** July 15, 2004, 09:15:59 AM »

Why must the Urbz be so hip? Hopefully I'm wrong, but it seems like EA is trying to inject a bunch of "cool" attitude into the games, and frankly, I'm not cool. Still, this is one DS title I will be looking for.

Thrakkerzog · « **Reply #5 on:** July 15, 2004, 09:44:46 AM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Jonnyboy117
I didn't see the Talkback comments until after updating the article, but yes, this basically confirms that Nintendo DS will be released in November at the latest. Good news for everyone who was worried about the delay rumors.

Not exactly. Didn't some gamecube games get released a week or so before the gamecube? I seem to remember Super Monkey Ball being available before the cube.

Ian Sane · « **Reply #6 on:** July 15, 2004, 09:57:19 AM »

Yeah but those Cube games were only about a week or so early. They wouldn't have come out then if the Cube was delayed to December or next year. If this game is released in November that means the DS will be too. If it comes out early it would like only a week to get a jump on competing launch titles. Anything earlier would be a waste of time. No one would buy it.

TheYoungerPlumber · « **Reply #7 on:** July 15, 2004, 10:28:49 AM »

Gee, a month-specific release date. Those always hold. Yes sir, DS in November at the latest.

Sorry for being cynical, but I just want to point out that a delay still isn't impossible. Heck, the GameCube and Xbox were delayed after exact dates!

nickmitch · « **Reply #8 on:** July 15, 2004, 12:14:51 PM »

Ebgames.com has the DS due out for 11/29 while the all the games are due for 3/01.

Syl · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2004, 12:36:53 PM »

Yesterday it was "announced" that the DS was coming out november 4th in Japan, november 11th in america.
19,000 yen and $180 respectively.

I saw this with multiple sources.

Flames_of_chaos · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2004, 01:43:32 PM »

$180 for the DS ehh not bad of a price but it would of been better of 150 but hey console and game for 200 something not that bad it reminded me of cube price when i got it with games.

Jale · « **Reply #11 on:** July 15, 2004, 01:49:39 PM »

Wonder what it will be over here.

Renny · « **Reply #12 on:** July 15, 2004, 02:10:00 PM »

What was the GCN's launch MSRP in Japan?

Ian Sane · « **Reply #13 on:** July 15, 2004, 02:34:32 PM »

$180 US is $238.19 Canadian. That will likely get rounded up to $240 (or down to $235 I hope). That's a little pricey. I'll probably wait for the first price cut. I don't want a situation like the Cube where I buy it at launch and then they drop the price right after the post-launch drought. Paying extra to play SSBM and Pikmin for six months was NOT worth it.

Uncle Rich AiAi · « **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2004, 03:45:13 PM »

Same with me, Ian. I've been thinking of buying a DS after the first price cut too. It really depends what games are available during the first few months.

USD$180 = AUD$250. A bit too pricey for a handheld to me.

Mario · « **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2004, 04:19:32 PM »

I'd be surprised if it was $250 AUD, I expect NAL to sell it for $300.

Yay for DS info. This game came out of nowhere, we still have no idea about what games the DS will launch with, this is exciting. An onslaught of DS news is approaching!

Good to see EA actually using the DS features too.

Renny · « **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2004, 04:34:58 PM »

After some digging... the GCN launched in Japan at ¥25,000. Which at the time was equivalent to $210.25 US. Which means they priced the Cube for the US at 95% of the JPN price to hit the $200 mark. My unnecessary and irrelevant calculations suggest a price at exactly $164.83, assuming the exchange rate is precisely the same as it is now. Yeah.

So is it possible to see it priced at $170 come a most assuredly November release [this one's optimistic!]? Or even $160?

http://www.cnn.com/2001/TECH/fun.games/08/24/gamecube.release.idg/

http://www.oanda.com/convert/fxhistory

Infernal Monkey · « **Reply #17 on:** July 15, 2004, 06:34:47 PM »

It's cool because the PSP and DS will engage in a price war like three seconds after they're released.
"Nintendo DS, fourty five cents next month, get 100 games free!"
"Sony PSP, free! 7, 000 copies of Death Jr. bundled in!"

KDR_11k · « **Reply #18 on:** July 15, 2004, 10:17:50 PM »

Currently 25kY equal 227USD, 19kY equal 173USD.

Thrakkerzog · « **Reply #19 on:** July 16, 2004, 03:41:18 AM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
Yeah but those Cube games were only about a week or so early. They wouldn't have come out then if the Cube was delayed to December or next year. If this game is released in November that means the DS will be too. If it comes out early it would like only a week to get a jump on competing launch titles. Anything earlier would be a waste of time. No one would buy it.

What I am saying is.. if the same thing happens, the DS could actually be released the first week of December.

Renny · « **Reply #20 on:** July 16, 2004, 11:58:20 AM »

Was that directed at me? I realize what the current exchange rate is. What I'm saying is that if they are as generous with the US market as they were for the GCN launch, then the price would be $164.83 [excessive precision previously noted]. So isn't it certainly possible to see it for $170, which would be 97% of the JPN price?

mouse_clicker · « **Reply #21 on:** July 16, 2004, 12:35:24 PM »

So, uh, where was the DS's price "announced"? Wouldn't Nintendo have a press conference for something like this? Or wouldn't I at least see it on different websites? This thread is the first I've heard of it.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #22 on:** July 16, 2004, 12:40:53 PM »

It's only a rumor at this point, though a realistic one...

The Omen · « **Reply #23 on:** July 17, 2004, 03:06:41 AM »

I was kind of hoping for a price closer to 120 USD.

KDR_11k · « **Reply #24 on:** July 18, 2004, 10:48:42 AM »

Still cheaper than two GBASPs and some duct tape.

News:

Author Topic: EA Brings The Urbz to the Nintendo DS (Read 6268 times)