Topics

61

Video Game Chat / Wow... Microsoft is really stupid...

« on: May 16, 2004, 08:28:26 PM »

I have been reading rumors on the internet that Microsoft might launch the Xbox 2 in 2005! WHAT?! That is way too early to launch a new game system. Microsoft just wants to get a head start on Sony and Nintendo...

Microsoft should do what Sony did with the PS one, give their system a long 10-year lifespan, that way gamers can appreciate the current system more. Then release the Xbox 2 when the time is right, not just to get a head start on the competition.

Anyone remember when the Dreamcast launched too early...? (*cough* failure *cough*)

I am glad Sony and Nintendo are taking more time with the creation of their next game systems, instead of quickly releasing crappy products like Microsoft does. I thought Microsoft made stupid decisions before, but this tops all of their "fantastic ideas"!

What do you guys think about Microsoft releasing the Xbox 2 in 2005? Is it a good idea, or a bad idea?

62

Video Game Chat / The Legend of Zelda for GameCube!

« on: May 11, 2004, 07:18:28 PM »

Nintendo released screenshots of a new Zelda gamme for GameCube! The game is called The Legend of Zelda (tentative title?), and looks A LOT like the Ocarina of Time for the N64. This means the game has NO CEL SHADING! The graphics...oh my gosh, look so real!

Link looks even better than he did in Soul Calibur 2. His clothes have seams and knotches, his hair is free-flowing, his shield and sword look like real metal and stone (they are shiny and actually look like the materials they are made of).

One screenshot showed Link inside a huge castle, fighting monsters and traversing through mazes. Like fought two Dinofols (I think that is what they are called), which looked real.

Another screenshot showed Link ina  feild with his horse Epona, battling an army of monsters on horseback!

Another screenshot showed Link and Epona inside a forest, surrounded by tall trees that allowed specks of light to shine through...

As I said before...The graphics look very detailed and actually look like a CG movie! I am glad that Nintendo has FINALLY made a new Zelda game for GameCube, one that looks better than the Ocarina of Time!

Go to www.nintendo.com for more info on The Legend of Zelda game for GameCube.

63

Video Game Chat / Official pictures of the Nintendo DS and games!

« on: May 11, 2004, 06:20:45 PM »

Go to www.nintendo.com for more info on the Nintendo DS!

The system looks like a large Game Boy Advance SP, with the two screens stacked vertically. One screen is hinged above the main screen which is built into the unit.

Nintendo is making some SWEET games for the Nintendo DS, including:

Super Mario 64X4 (a 4-player version of Super Mario 64!)

Metroid Prime!!! (the graphics look almost as good as the GameCube version!)

Wario Ware (uh again?...)

Yes, the Nintendo DS does have 3D Nintendo 64-type graphics! The second screen is actually a touch-sensitive screen (like those on a Palm PDA). The system has a rechargeable battery, which is very good for this type of technology!

The Nintendo DS is going to be so cool! I can't wait to buy one!

64

Video Game Chat / Multiple versions of PS3?

« on: April 20, 2004, 07:17:56 PM »

I juse read some news at a PlayStation fansite about Sony possibly releasing multiple versions of the PlayStation 3...

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Sony is planning to diversify its PlayStation product family significantly in the coming years, with the company set to show a remodelled PS2 at E3 next month and multiple versions of the PS3 on the horizon.

Speaking in an interview on an official Sony website - which has now been pulled, and was apparently made public in error - SCEE president David Reeves strongly suggested that the PSP handheld and PSX home media centre would not be the only new PlayStation hardware devices on show at E3.

"Something we haven't talked about, is that we made a change from PlayStation to PSone," he explained, "so we may, in the course of time, make some cosmetic changes to PlayStation 2 and come out with something that's a little bit sexier, but probably no changes to specs or anything like that."

The PStwo console is likely to follow in the footsteps of the PSone by being significantly smaller, and the redesign would allow Sony to maintain a healthy price point for the PS2 platform going forward. Packing the PS2 components into a small case wouldn't be difficult at this point - after all, the company has effectively done just that to create the handheld PSP.

On the topic of the PlayStation 3, Reeves revealed that the company is considering launching multiple versions of the next-generation console, catering for a variety of different requirements and price points.

A version of the console described as the "home server" version would follow in the footsteps of the PSX media system, with "all-singing, all dancing features with maybe a hard disk drive" and a retail price take of "whatever it might be, $600 or $700."

However, for those just seeking a new games machine rather than a fully fledged home media server, the company could offer a stripped down system catering to the needs of those who "just [want] to pay 200 Euros for a new generation games machine," Reeves said.

Reeves also confirmed that the company is investigating the possibility of electronic distribution of content over broadband for its next generation system - describing the pursuit of this as the "ultimate goal" for the PlayStation 3, and stating that Sony hopes to see always-on network access and viable broadband distribution in place when the PS3 becomes available in 2006.

"It's going to have to be 2 or 3MB, something like that," he said, speaking about connection sizes - which are currently generally at 512k (0.5MB) in most UK broadband-enabled homes. "Ken [Kutaragi]'s even talking about 30MB! And when it gets to that, then it is broadband distribution, and people then can just download whatever game they want. But it's got to be secure, and that's where DNAS [Sony's online security protocol] comes in."

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As you read above, Sony plans on releasing multiple versions of the PlayStation 3.

One version of the PS3 would be a high-tech machine with advanced technology like a computer, possibly costing about $700. ($700 seems like a reasonable price for a high-tech computer entertainment system...)

Another version of the PS3 would be a games-only machine, possibly costing about $200.

Do you think it is a good idea for Sony to create multiple versions of the PlayStation 3, each with different features and prices?

I think it is a great idea, since it would give consumers more of a choice.

Edited by - Mario Maniac on 4/20/2004 6:25:28 PM

65

Video Game Chat / The new N-Gage...

« on: April 15, 2004, 07:03:01 PM »

I just went to www.n-gage.com and found some info on the new, redesigned "N-Gage QD."

SYSTEM INFORMATION (taken from www.n-gage.com):

DESIGN

Size

Metric:
* Weight: 143 g (with standard battery)
* Dimensions: 118 x 68 x 22 mm, 123cc

US:
* Weight: 5.05 ounces
* Dimensions: 4.65 x 2.68 x .87 inches

Improved Games-Oriented Design
* Hot swap MMC-card slot for quicker game insertion and switching
* Game key for quick launch
* Game auto-start when game card is inserted
* Select function removed from rocker key for better gaming
* Game manager application for memory management
* IHF speaker for game sounds plus vibrating game effects

Display and User Interface
* Illuminated high-contrast, full-graphics 4096-color display (size 176 x 208 pixels)
* Series 60 graphical user interface enabling application multitasking with five-way navigation
* Separate OK key for selecting in menus
* Separate application key, gaming shortcut key, highlighted game keys

GAMES

Interactive Games
* Ever-growing catalog of branded AAA-quality games available on game cards (MMC)
* All games fully compatible with both N-Gage and N-Gage QD game decks
* Single-player and local multiplayer games using Bluetooth wireless technology
* N-Gage Arena game services include cheats, additional levels, and community features (chat)
* N-Gage Arena launcher software pre-installed to access N-Gage Arena
* Download Javaâ„¢-based games and N-Gage Arena features over the air

MESSAGING AND CONNECTIVITY

Enhanced Messaging
* Full email support (IMAP4, POP3, SMTP, MIME2)
* Multimedia messaging (send, reply, forward, play audio, stop audio, insert multimedia content) enables easy and more colorful messaging with compatible devices
* Enhanced SMS support including: multiple SMS sending, SMS concatenation, templates, smileys, and picture messages
* Instant Messaging with Chat application

Note: Messaging features are dependent on the network as well as on the compatibility of devices used and content formats supported.

Wireless Connectivity
* Data support HSCSD, GPRS Multislot Class 6 (2+2, 3+1, class B)
* Bluetooth wireless technology supports real-time multiplayer gaming and data sharing
* Wireless phone-to-phone or phone-to-PC connectivity
* Send/receive pictures, graphics, and business cards
* Play games
* SyncML

High-Speed Data
* HSCSD up to 43.2 kilobits
* GPRS up to 40.2 kilobits (Class B, 3+1, 2+2)

Java Technology
* Supports the standard Java 2 Micro Edition (J2MEâ„¢)

Content with XHTML Browser
* XHTML browser
* Over-the-air download of new Java-based games/game levels

WAP
* XHTML over GSM data, HSCSD, and GPRS
* Access current WAP services with the XHTML browser

Some features are network dependent. Please check the availability of WAP services with your network operator and/or WAP service provider.

PHONE

Memory
* 3.4 MB internal + external memory cards (32, 64, 128 and 256 MB available separately)
* Shared memory for images, contact data, calendar, messages, and add-on applications

Operating System
* Symbian OS with Java 2 Micro Edition (J2MEâ„¢) support

Personal Information Management
* Calendar
* To-Do list
* Contacts/Address book
* Pinboard

Polyphonic Ringing Tones
* Mono ringing tone composer
* MIDI and WAV ringing tones

Dual-Band Operation
* EGSM 900/GSM 1800; automatic switching between bands
* GSM 850/1900 MHz

Voice Features
* Voice dialing; memory for 20 names and numbers
* Voice recorder
* Integrated handsfree speaker

Standard Sales Package
Transceiver
ACP-12 charger
HS7-N dual mono headset
BL-6C Li-Ion Battery
Booklet (including User's Guide and Warranty card)
CD-ROM
Games brochure

Power Management

  Capacity (mAh) Talk time Standby Games
BL-6C Li-Ion 1070 Up to 3.5 h Up to 240 h 5-10 h


Note: Variation in operation times will occur depending on SIM card, network settings and usage. Talk time is increased by up to 30% if half rate is active and reduced by 5% if enhanced full rate is active.

Certification Information (SAR) (PDF file, 49 KB)

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Well, I'm impressed that Nokia FINALLY listened to our complaints and redesigned the N-Gage. The new design of the N-Gage QD is more ergonomic, and is less cluttered than the original version. The battery life has been enhanced (which is very good), and the new design makes it easier to swap games.

Also, the price of the N-Gage QD has been REDUCED to only $99! This is the same price as the GBA-SP, which is a VERY good thing! Now Nokia hopes to really compete with Nintendo's GBA...

With these improvements over the original N-Gage, including the reduced price, I might get an N-Gage after all! I'm glad Nokia listened to our complaints and redesigned the N-Gage...

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Edited by - Mario Maniac on 4/15/2004 6:12:28 PM

66

General Chat / BLAH BLAH BLAH!

« on: April 05, 2004, 09:16:14 AM »

Here's a useless topic where we all post idiotic sentences, and then combine them to form a story!

I'll start...

Mario was eating a sandwhich that was given to him by Cackletta after he and Luigi had defeated the Mother Brain on Planet Zebes. But this was before Samus had the audasity to run into a burning building and save SpiderMan from total destruction by... (finish scentence)

67

Video Game Chat / Metroid: Zero Mission...

« on: April 04, 2004, 03:59:10 PM »

I finally got Metroid: Zero Mission a few months ago. It is one of my favorite Nintendo games!

The only Metroid games I have played are Metroid Fusion and Metroid: Zero Mission. I think Metroid: Zero Mission is the hardest of the two.

What do you guys think of Metroid: Zero Mission?

68

Mario Chat / Mario and Luigi is too hard!

« on: April 04, 2004, 03:55:54 PM »

HELP! I got to the last boss in Mario and Luigi (Bowletta, in Bowser's Castle) and I cannot beat her! Please give me some tips on how to beat Bowletta!

69

Video Game Chat / The N5...

« on: April 04, 2004, 01:14:15 PM »

Do we know anything about the N5 yet? Sony has been giving out information on the PS3 for months now! Why hasn't Nintendo said anything about the N5?

What feautres will it have? Will it be backwards-compatible with GameCube games and accessories?

I hope Nintendo reveals more about the N5 and the DS at this year's E3; I know Sony is going to talk about the PSP and PS3...
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70

Video Game Chat / Nintendo companies...

« on: April 03, 2004, 04:29:28 PM »

Which subsidary companies does Nintendo own? I've thought of three so far:
HAL Labs
Retro Studios
Intelligent Systems

Are those the only ones?
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Edited by - Mario Maniac on 4/3/2004 3:02:20 PM

71

Mario Chat / I'm Mario Party'd out...

« on: April 03, 2004, 11:15:56 AM »

Do you think Nintendo has marketed the Mario Party franchise for too long? The first few games were fun, indeed. But Mario Party 6 will be the second Mario Party game released this year! Isn't that a bit too much? I think Nintendo needs to take a break from all the Mario Party games, and instead focus more on their other franchises.

I'm glad Nintendo hasn't over-produced the Mario Kart franchise, because that would be just too much!

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Edited by - Mario Maniac on 4/3/2004 9:17:00 AM

72

Video Game Chat / What? The N-Gage is still here?

« on: April 02, 2004, 02:24:57 PM »

I thought the N-Gage was a failure, so why is it still on the market?

At a N-Gage fan site, I read that Nokia is already making the N-Gage 2, and it will be redesigned. Nokia hopes to fix all of the problems that plauged the first N-Gage.

Well, it's good that Nokia has admitted their failure, and that they are willing to improve the N-Gage. Yeah right, good luck Nokia (NOT!).

I don't care how much Nokia wants to improve the N-Gage, Sony's PSP and Nintendo's DS will still overshadow the N-Gage's sales. Nobody cared about the N-Gage to begin with, and I highly doubt Nokia will become successful. They failed with their first gaming system, and that has ruined their reputation.

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Nintendo and Sony make the best gaming systems, N-Gage was a failure!

73

General Chat / HTML help!

« on: April 01, 2004, 07:41:16 AM »

I have not figured out how to post website links on these forums! How do you make website links active in HTML mode?

74

Mario Chat / Paper Mario 2 for GameCube!!!!!!!!

« on: April 01, 2004, 07:30:21 AM »

I just went to a Nintendo fan site (n-philes.com) and found some screenshots on the new Mario RPG for GameCube: Paper Mario 2!

Here's a link to see the screenshots for yourself: Paper Mario 2!

Nintendo

The graphics are MUCH better than the N64 version (obviously), and they look more like the box art of the original game--very smooth cel-shaded graphics, with some sweet-looking visual effects!

Edited by - Mario Maniac on 4/1/2004 6:08:11 AM

75

Video Game Chat / It's about time this happened...

« on: March 18, 2004, 05:02:30 PM »

The Nintendo GameCube sales have really picked up, ever since Nintendo cut the price down to $99. Only one question: why didn't people buy the GameCube before the price cut?

News flash people: The GameCube has been on the market for over 2 years, it is not a brand new system. There have been many games released for the GameCube that you stupid PS2 fans have simply overlooked because they seemed "childish." These people seem to think that the GameCube is worth buying now, because of Mario Kart: Double Dash and Final Fantasy. But the real reason more people are buying the GameCube now is because the price was cut down to $99.

People shouldn't base a system's quality on the price. If these people would just stop playing with their stupid PlayStation systems, they would realize that Nintendo makes quality systems as well. But no, they only want the system with the most games, even though most of the games on PS2 are crap!

If this is the way the public appreciates Nintendo systems, then I have a solution to Nintnedo's sales problems. Nintendo should simply launch their systems at a low price (around $150), and with a large amount of games, that way more people will be interested in the system.
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