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Well we’re just days away from the biggest UK gaming moment of 2001; yes the Gameboy Advance is nearly here… So lets take a look at what’s on offer.
+++The Hardware+++
No doubt you’ve all read or downloaded the GBA specs… the TFT reflective screen and the 32,000+ colours available are just some of the major advances the GBA will bring to handheld gaming. All in all the GBA’s ability is outstanding and it’s sure to bring great graphics, as well as the unique gameplay, to the gamers all around the world.
As I said, you’ve probably seen the system specs 1000 times, but for those of you who haven’t they’re here:
CPU - 32-Bit ARM with embedded memory
MEMORY - 32 Kilobytes + 96 Kilobytes VRAM (in CPU), 256 Kilobytes WRAM (external of CPU)
SCREEN - 2.9" TFT reflective screen
SIZE - Width 144.5mm - Depth 24.5mm - Height 24.5mm
WEIGHT - 140g
POWER - 2 AA batteries
BATTERY LIFE - 15 hours
SOFTWARE - Cartridge format - Game Boy and Game Boy Colour compatible
Missed a few GBC classics? Not to worry, almost all GBC and GB games are GBA compatible. In other words, you can pick up an old Zelda 'classic' for a tenner and experience it through the power of your GBA!
+++The Games+++
What would a Nintendo console be without Mario? Nothing! And whether you like it, or whether you don’t the Mario Bros. 2 Based Super Mario Advanced will be the first time Mario graces out little 2.9 reflective screens! But why a remake of arguably the least popular Mario game released. Well, if the truth be told… I haven’t got a clue! But if you remember back to playing the game, there was a lot more RPG-ish-ness to the game and although it’s still a 2D side-scroller there were key and bit you had to collect. An emphasis on ‘Gameplay’ you think? Let's hope so!
No doubt the number 2 game is Tony Hawks Pro-Skater 2. Everyone, bar er-no-one was ‘wowed by Activisions 3D-ish skateboarding phenomenon… and rightly so I say… despite some intense training needed to measure the right location and depth of some of the objects, TH: PS2 looks like a real ‘Pick-up and Play’ title and it’s sure to be a hit amongst most fans of the games PS, N64 and DC counterparts.
The last ‘major’ title in my book is F-Zero: Maximum Velocity. You’ve all seen the screen-shots by now the game looks great and Nintendo have done well with keeping the ‘key’ elements from the original and sprucing them up for the Handheld version. I am not sure if the game has been built from the ground up, I have a feeling it has, but whatever the story behind this retro classic the game looks great and you can be sure the gameplay is there as well… I mean hey, It’s Nintendo!
The next game we’ll look at is Konami Krazy Racers. The Japanese developers’ answer to Mario Kart Advance? Well not an answer as such, obviously, but the pre-Mario Kart racer should sell pretty well as racing games are what made the SNES so great aside the great RPG’s like Zelda and Secret of Mana. The racers include characters from Komani’s past and present with the main character being Goemon. Others include the ninja from Metal Gear Solid in cartoon form… How Cute!
Next is… Pinobee: Quest for Heart, or something like that. I have only just found out that Pinobee is a male bee. Quite scary really considering he has eyelashes and speaks like a full-of-herself 14-year-old girl! This one’s a 2D side-scroller, one for the girls I say! Lads, wait for Sonic!
Dodge Ball Advance, one of my personal favourites, is next. The biggest sports title scheduled for launch and although it’s no NBA Jam Street, it is still quite a cracker. After spending hours, literally, playing an emulated version I have come to the conclusion that this games… rules! The gameplay is fast and frantic and sending your opponent flying through the air with a black eye or two can’t be bad!
Next is… Kuru Kuru Kuruin. Don’t look at me for an explanation; I’m as baffled as you as to the thought of a flying twirly stick providing good gameplay! I guess we’ll have to wait and see!
Wrestling, a real mans sport… or maybe not, but I guarantee you’ll be getting through more muscles than a starving sailor if you get this title. There are loads of wrestlers, options and gimmick matches to make your way through! I just hope they’ve included The Rock, if you smell what I’m cooking!
GT Advance is a game… I know nothing about! I presume it’s a super-fast car racing game with official cars licensed by companies like Mitsubishi and Honda! Like Krazy Races it will use the GBA’s ‘3D’ ability to crate depth, shadowing and draw-distance… Coooool!
What next, let me see. Ah yes… Rayman Advance… fitting name really, albeit a little boring. Seeing as its Rayman on the GBA. Again a 2D side-scroller. You control Rayman the limb-less luminary ion his latest adventure… as usual I haven’t got a clue what it’s all about, but if I knew this and told you it would spoil all the fun. Go out and buy it for yourself!
Iridion 3D… Imagine Lylat Wars on the GBA with about 10% of the gameplay and you’re there… Very linear, which is good for some, Iridion 3D offers fast frantic gameplay through a load of levels. Very noticeably a rushed title through the lack of features but a great shooter all the same. The GBA’s answer to the Stress Relief Ball/Head/Breast/Thing!
Lets Get Ready To Rumbllllllllllllllllllle… Boxing Round 2, it sounds like a good idea in my book. Punch, Punch, Punch, Bite, what more do you want? Ready to Rumble Round 2 is a 3D-ish boxing game from developer Midway. Remember Afro-Thunder? How could we forget?! You can now use a miniaturised version of the fast-fisted freak to take on the gruff, buff and tuff opponents in the ring!
A-Chu (Pardon Me) Chu Rocket is another game scheduled for launch. It is a re-make of the DC ‘classic’ that so many people hated, but then again it wasn’t really a consoley game, was it?! The hand-held version looks set to make the way for more GBA puzzlers, let’s just hope it makes a mouse… I mean mark!
Tweety and the Magic Jewel is a game that quite surprised me. Searching for screen shots with my mind full of pictures from the terrible Mega-Drive game ‘Sylvester and Tweety’ stuck in my head I expected the worst. But to my surprise and joy, the game looks like it could shower us in great gameplay in abundance! I know it’s a Paper Mario-esque game looks-wise, I’m not sure of the storyline but it seems as though you have to travel America, if not the world in search of, you guessed it, a magic jewel! Looks MUCH better than it sounds! Lets just hope the ‘classique’ Loony Toon voices are clearly audible, and we’ll have a screamer in the mix!
Top Gear GTA Championship is the next game. I’m not sure how it compares to GT Advance for not having played either… lets just hope the two 3D-ish racers are equal in quality and that they have quite a battle on their hands! Racing Wars! Is this a cue for Vigilante?! No.
Green Men. O.N T.H E G.B.A. Code red! Fun available from level Alpha to Omega! Army Men Advance puts players in the role of Sarge while attempting to foil the dreaded General Plastro of the tan army. It is a Sonic 3D style game with a angled overview of the action. Let’s hope this 3DO title doesn’t turn into shelf fodder! A possibility for all launch games with TH: PS2 and Mario as competition! Mind you, there’s a babe on the front cover… that could sell a few copies… to girls… what do you mean you know what I was thinking… you!
Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure. No it’s not a Banjo-Tooie sub-game. It’s Majesco port from the SNES version. You’ve GOT to swing on vines, leap over pits, jump onto crocodile heads as if stepping-stones, and avoid creatures like snakes and scorpions as best you can to run away from this terrible game. Bad Sound. Bad Gameplay. Don’t buy, unless you’re a big fan!
Earthworm Jim, don’t you love him… a skinny, helpless loser transformed in to the heroic gaming hero he is today all thanks to a super bionic suit thingy! And he’s set for more success in the GBA version of the Mega-Drive classic. New game or not, it’s sure to be great and hey, most new gamers won’t have experienced Jim yet… they’re in for one hell of a treat!!
+++Peripherals+++
Yes, finally, after finishing short descriptions of the launch games we’re moving on.
The worm-light is probably the most notorious Gameboy peripheral. Now it has advanced, conveniently, to provide light for the dark moments in your 24:7 Gaming sessions!
GBA carry-case/wallet – Quite a nifty-looking cool peripheral. If I can call it that. It stores your GBA nice and safely in a padded pouch and provides room for little stowaway games. Dandy!
The ‘Link-Lead’ is probably the most important peripheral for GBA owners. From 2 to 3 to 4 players you can link up for extra fast, frantic, gaming action 24:7! I like the sound of that! And for under £10 can you go wrong?… I don’t think so!
Magnifier – pretty self-explanatory really. Why anyone wouldn't want a bigger screen is beyond me, and if it means you get to experience the GBA where you otherwise wouldn’t, get it! Well thought of Nintendo!
+++Conclusion+++
Overall the launch looks very promising and hopefully it will be just a taster of what’s to come. To me Nintendo are the best, and although all the games aren’t great, there sure are some ‘classics’ in the making… and if this post hasn’t persuaded you to get on the phone and Pre-Order a GBA I suggest you visit a doctor! Below is a very good one who’ll prescribe just the thing!
www.drmario.com - ^_^
Thanks for Reading, and please feel free to voice your opinion and contribute to the thread.
Game: Notable Material with Aching Fingers! - OUCH!
+++The Hardware+++
No doubt you’ve all read or downloaded the GBA specs… the TFT reflective screen and the 32,000+ colours available are just some of the major advances the GBA will bring to handheld gaming. All in all the GBA’s ability is outstanding and it’s sure to bring great graphics, as well as the unique gameplay, to the gamers all around the world.
As I said, you’ve probably seen the system specs 1000 times, but for those of you who haven’t they’re here:
CPU - 32-Bit ARM with embedded memory
MEMORY - 32 Kilobytes + 96 Kilobytes VRAM (in CPU), 256 Kilobytes WRAM (external of CPU)
SCREEN - 2.9" TFT reflective screen
SIZE - Width 144.5mm - Depth 24.5mm - Height 24.5mm
WEIGHT - 140g
POWER - 2 AA batteries
BATTERY LIFE - 15 hours
SOFTWARE - Cartridge format - Game Boy and Game Boy Colour compatible
Missed a few GBC classics? Not to worry, almost all GBC and GB games are GBA compatible. In other words, you can pick up an old Zelda 'classic' for a tenner and experience it through the power of your GBA!
+++The Games+++
What would a Nintendo console be without Mario? Nothing! And whether you like it, or whether you don’t the Mario Bros. 2 Based Super Mario Advanced will be the first time Mario graces out little 2.9 reflective screens! But why a remake of arguably the least popular Mario game released. Well, if the truth be told… I haven’t got a clue! But if you remember back to playing the game, there was a lot more RPG-ish-ness to the game and although it’s still a 2D side-scroller there were key and bit you had to collect. An emphasis on ‘Gameplay’ you think? Let's hope so!
No doubt the number 2 game is Tony Hawks Pro-Skater 2. Everyone, bar er-no-one was ‘wowed by Activisions 3D-ish skateboarding phenomenon… and rightly so I say… despite some intense training needed to measure the right location and depth of some of the objects, TH: PS2 looks like a real ‘Pick-up and Play’ title and it’s sure to be a hit amongst most fans of the games PS, N64 and DC counterparts.
The last ‘major’ title in my book is F-Zero: Maximum Velocity. You’ve all seen the screen-shots by now the game looks great and Nintendo have done well with keeping the ‘key’ elements from the original and sprucing them up for the Handheld version. I am not sure if the game has been built from the ground up, I have a feeling it has, but whatever the story behind this retro classic the game looks great and you can be sure the gameplay is there as well… I mean hey, It’s Nintendo!
The next game we’ll look at is Konami Krazy Racers. The Japanese developers’ answer to Mario Kart Advance? Well not an answer as such, obviously, but the pre-Mario Kart racer should sell pretty well as racing games are what made the SNES so great aside the great RPG’s like Zelda and Secret of Mana. The racers include characters from Komani’s past and present with the main character being Goemon. Others include the ninja from Metal Gear Solid in cartoon form… How Cute!
Next is… Pinobee: Quest for Heart, or something like that. I have only just found out that Pinobee is a male bee. Quite scary really considering he has eyelashes and speaks like a full-of-herself 14-year-old girl! This one’s a 2D side-scroller, one for the girls I say! Lads, wait for Sonic!
Dodge Ball Advance, one of my personal favourites, is next. The biggest sports title scheduled for launch and although it’s no NBA Jam Street, it is still quite a cracker. After spending hours, literally, playing an emulated version I have come to the conclusion that this games… rules! The gameplay is fast and frantic and sending your opponent flying through the air with a black eye or two can’t be bad!
Next is… Kuru Kuru Kuruin. Don’t look at me for an explanation; I’m as baffled as you as to the thought of a flying twirly stick providing good gameplay! I guess we’ll have to wait and see!
Wrestling, a real mans sport… or maybe not, but I guarantee you’ll be getting through more muscles than a starving sailor if you get this title. There are loads of wrestlers, options and gimmick matches to make your way through! I just hope they’ve included The Rock, if you smell what I’m cooking!
GT Advance is a game… I know nothing about! I presume it’s a super-fast car racing game with official cars licensed by companies like Mitsubishi and Honda! Like Krazy Races it will use the GBA’s ‘3D’ ability to crate depth, shadowing and draw-distance… Coooool!
What next, let me see. Ah yes… Rayman Advance… fitting name really, albeit a little boring. Seeing as its Rayman on the GBA. Again a 2D side-scroller. You control Rayman the limb-less luminary ion his latest adventure… as usual I haven’t got a clue what it’s all about, but if I knew this and told you it would spoil all the fun. Go out and buy it for yourself!
Iridion 3D… Imagine Lylat Wars on the GBA with about 10% of the gameplay and you’re there… Very linear, which is good for some, Iridion 3D offers fast frantic gameplay through a load of levels. Very noticeably a rushed title through the lack of features but a great shooter all the same. The GBA’s answer to the Stress Relief Ball/Head/Breast/Thing!
Lets Get Ready To Rumbllllllllllllllllllle… Boxing Round 2, it sounds like a good idea in my book. Punch, Punch, Punch, Bite, what more do you want? Ready to Rumble Round 2 is a 3D-ish boxing game from developer Midway. Remember Afro-Thunder? How could we forget?! You can now use a miniaturised version of the fast-fisted freak to take on the gruff, buff and tuff opponents in the ring!
A-Chu (Pardon Me) Chu Rocket is another game scheduled for launch. It is a re-make of the DC ‘classic’ that so many people hated, but then again it wasn’t really a consoley game, was it?! The hand-held version looks set to make the way for more GBA puzzlers, let’s just hope it makes a mouse… I mean mark!
Tweety and the Magic Jewel is a game that quite surprised me. Searching for screen shots with my mind full of pictures from the terrible Mega-Drive game ‘Sylvester and Tweety’ stuck in my head I expected the worst. But to my surprise and joy, the game looks like it could shower us in great gameplay in abundance! I know it’s a Paper Mario-esque game looks-wise, I’m not sure of the storyline but it seems as though you have to travel America, if not the world in search of, you guessed it, a magic jewel! Looks MUCH better than it sounds! Lets just hope the ‘classique’ Loony Toon voices are clearly audible, and we’ll have a screamer in the mix!
Top Gear GTA Championship is the next game. I’m not sure how it compares to GT Advance for not having played either… lets just hope the two 3D-ish racers are equal in quality and that they have quite a battle on their hands! Racing Wars! Is this a cue for Vigilante?! No.
Green Men. O.N T.H E G.B.A. Code red! Fun available from level Alpha to Omega! Army Men Advance puts players in the role of Sarge while attempting to foil the dreaded General Plastro of the tan army. It is a Sonic 3D style game with a angled overview of the action. Let’s hope this 3DO title doesn’t turn into shelf fodder! A possibility for all launch games with TH: PS2 and Mario as competition! Mind you, there’s a babe on the front cover… that could sell a few copies… to girls… what do you mean you know what I was thinking… you!
Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure. No it’s not a Banjo-Tooie sub-game. It’s Majesco port from the SNES version. You’ve GOT to swing on vines, leap over pits, jump onto crocodile heads as if stepping-stones, and avoid creatures like snakes and scorpions as best you can to run away from this terrible game. Bad Sound. Bad Gameplay. Don’t buy, unless you’re a big fan!
Earthworm Jim, don’t you love him… a skinny, helpless loser transformed in to the heroic gaming hero he is today all thanks to a super bionic suit thingy! And he’s set for more success in the GBA version of the Mega-Drive classic. New game or not, it’s sure to be great and hey, most new gamers won’t have experienced Jim yet… they’re in for one hell of a treat!!
+++Peripherals+++
Yes, finally, after finishing short descriptions of the launch games we’re moving on.
The worm-light is probably the most notorious Gameboy peripheral. Now it has advanced, conveniently, to provide light for the dark moments in your 24:7 Gaming sessions!
GBA carry-case/wallet – Quite a nifty-looking cool peripheral. If I can call it that. It stores your GBA nice and safely in a padded pouch and provides room for little stowaway games. Dandy!
The ‘Link-Lead’ is probably the most important peripheral for GBA owners. From 2 to 3 to 4 players you can link up for extra fast, frantic, gaming action 24:7! I like the sound of that! And for under £10 can you go wrong?… I don’t think so!
Magnifier – pretty self-explanatory really. Why anyone wouldn't want a bigger screen is beyond me, and if it means you get to experience the GBA where you otherwise wouldn’t, get it! Well thought of Nintendo!
+++Conclusion+++
Overall the launch looks very promising and hopefully it will be just a taster of what’s to come. To me Nintendo are the best, and although all the games aren’t great, there sure are some ‘classics’ in the making… and if this post hasn’t persuaded you to get on the phone and Pre-Order a GBA I suggest you visit a doctor! Below is a very good one who’ll prescribe just the thing!
www.drmario.com - ^_^
Thanks for Reading, and please feel free to voice your opinion and contribute to the thread.
Game: Notable Material with Aching Fingers! - OUCH!
Page:
Bonus: A Pork pie short of a picnic
Game: A little thin around the edges!!
Bonus: A wee bit thick
Game has his Konami Krazy Racers through the post!!!
Ha, beat you to this one!!
Ha, beat you to this one!!
Skating is really cr@p, sorry.
Did anyone listen to radio one this morning or yesturday morning, Sara Cox is giving away Game boy Advances, some lucky people got them too, i think. It was on that game 'phrased and confused'.
Did anyone listen to radio one this morning or yesturday morning, Sara Cox is giving away Game boy Advances, some lucky people got them too, i think. It was on that game 'phrased and confused'.
Pah! Tony Hawk, who is he?!
Larry Penfold is the best skater around.
What do you mean you don't know who Larry penfold is?!
You obviously haven't been watching TV!
Larry Penfold's Skateboaring Fiasco! Only on the Gameboy Advance... coming Nov 6 1999!
Larry Penfold is the best skater around.
What do you mean you don't know who Larry penfold is?!
You obviously haven't been watching TV!
Larry Penfold's Skateboaring Fiasco! Only on the Gameboy Advance... coming Nov 6 1999!
Tony Hawks 2 GBA - you will be mine.....
There are loads of alternatives due out between now and christmas.
Konami Krazy Racers - Mario Kart Advance
Fire Pro-Wrestling - THQ Wrestlemania (?)
Well, there's two, one thing is, I would seriously reccommend Konami Racers... Purely because it is quality, the sound is ace, the characters and cool, the detail is Rare-like, the control is simple yet effective...
It may not have the likes of Toad or Peach, but with Goemon, The MGS Ninja and Dracula to get aquainted with, you don't need Mario and Co. just yet!
Think about it!
Game
Konami Krazy Racers - Mario Kart Advance
Fire Pro-Wrestling - THQ Wrestlemania (?)
Well, there's two, one thing is, I would seriously reccommend Konami Racers... Purely because it is quality, the sound is ace, the characters and cool, the detail is Rare-like, the control is simple yet effective...
It may not have the likes of Toad or Peach, but with Goemon, The MGS Ninja and Dracula to get aquainted with, you don't need Mario and Co. just yet!
Think about it!
Game
F-zero.....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
That's all i can say. I'm still playing it now. Mind you, Castlevania is also fantastic, and well worth getting.
That's all i can say. I'm still playing it now. Mind you, Castlevania is also fantastic, and well worth getting.
So what games are you all getting at release?
I've got Tony Hawks on order, and a local shop has Dodge Ball and Final Fight on import - might consider them.
I don't like the look of Mario - I've got Mario All Stars on the SNES, and Mario 2 is my least favourite. I'll probably give that one a miss.
I wouldn't mind a puzzler, maybe Chu Chu Rocket.
I was going to get F-Zero, but I've seen a lot of average reviews recently.
7 days to decide.
I've got Tony Hawks on order, and a local shop has Dodge Ball and Final Fight on import - might consider them.
I don't like the look of Mario - I've got Mario All Stars on the SNES, and Mario 2 is my least favourite. I'll probably give that one a miss.
I wouldn't mind a puzzler, maybe Chu Chu Rocket.
I was going to get F-Zero, but I've seen a lot of average reviews recently.
7 days to decide.
Page: