The "General Games Chat" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only. You cannot post here or create a new thread or review on this forum.
Adapted from my own work at www.lorl.co.uk
Well, well, well. Nintendo are full of suprises! First of all, unveiling a heck of a lot more DS functions than rumours predicted, and secondly, what seems to be the readers of Nintendo.com's favourite announcement, the new Zelda game! Obviously it was planned from the start, but you'll read about that after my thoughts on DS (unless you skip you cheeky beggars).
First I have to say how much I am impressed by Nintendo's performance at E3. I logged online to check out some Halo 2 footage, and instantly got drawn to the Nintendo sections of various websites, all struggling to run due to the huge gatherings of fans desperately seeking for more and more like thirsty vampires after a virgin's blood. First there's the major announcement regarding the Nintendo DS (to be renamed for retail sale), then there's the spontaneous announcement of the Zelda game the fans really wanted, with full footage (using the music from the E3 footage of The Wind Waker I noted), a brief mention of Nintendo's next 'revolution' and a huge amount of new games shown off including more Zelda, a lot of Mario and Donkey Kong titles, new Metroids, and even more footage of Geist!
First of all, Kudos to Nintendo for the DS! Not just called DS for it's Dual Screen technology, but because Nintendo claim it is the Developers' System. Many of the larger videogame developers commented on the DS handheld system, many of them stating how they feel it is going to kick the crap out of Sony's PSP. One thing is for certain, even if the next Game Boy is a seperate project, we are going to be seeing the DS for quite a long time! The lower screen has touchscreen capabilities; both screens are backlit and can display both 2D and 3D graphics; can play all previous Game boy games; can connect to other DS systems within 100 metres without cables; and the list could just go on and on and on! Nintendo have listened to gamers and their wants. They're fed up of ports so they're offering a machine that can do brand new stuff. Stuff that allows developers to use their imaginations for the game as a whole, but including the input device, the lower screen. Personally I see this as the right step for the handheld market. Nintendo fans wanted a machine that could beat Sony's, they've got it. For the first time in many years, a Sony console has more limitations than a Nintendo console.
The DS can potentially connect to the internet (in Wi-Fi zones), can recognise voices via it's inbuild microphone, can provide wireless multiplayer gaming, and play over 500 games already available for the Game Boy Advance. Plus, with a new video player (not VHS) for the Game Boy Advance, who knows what we'll be seeing on 1GB+ media storage on the new cartridges. Sure, Sony's baby may be able to play MP3s and videos on its discs, but they wont be able to use that as a one-up against Nintendo's DS, seeing as they'll be able to do the same thing, potentially. Imagine having a writable flash cart for the DS capable of storing up to 1GB of MP3s. It would take tonnes of MP3s to fill one, in which case you'd probably be fine with just the one! Hook it up via WiFi to the internet to download them, and there you go! Having lots of extras doesn't necessarily make a product better than its competitors though. For example, the Nokia N-Gage has sold abysmally despite advertisment campaigns, some developer support and the fact it is actually a mobile phone. That, however, you could possibly argue was its downfall.
I personally think that Nintendo have got a winner with this one. Originally announced that they didn't expect to make much money off of it, and now they're firing with all guns blazing. Good on you Nintendo for making the biggest announcement since the GameCube!
Now to Zelda:
First of all...WOW! Three Legend of Zelda titles shown off at one games show - in one day! Not only have Nintendo suprised us like that, they have also pleasantly suprised us by showing that they do actually listen to their fans! After all, Link has grown up. And to allow him to grow, he's moved on to a more picturesque game that appears to mix the enemies of The Wind Waker with the style of Ocarina of Time. Hopefully this adventure will involve the classic, Princess Zelda has been captured, find every dungeon and it's special item to continue to the next, but maybe with a few twists like those who didn't use any guides or read spoilers would have been treated to in The Wind Waker. This looks like hardcore Zelda action, and I would be suprised if the game disappoints! For example, if you check out the Zelda footage available on many websites, you'll see a lot of footage of Link knocking other enemies off horses, using his shield to block arrows and playing with his sword in a more than arousing manner. This is the games the fans wanted, and I believe it is the game Shigeru Miyamoto originally intended to create.
Think of it logically. Nintendo know that Zelda is going to sell, regardless of how it looks, right? So, they quickly knock together a cel-shaded Zelda game knowing that it is going to rock the boat...a lot! They knew that the lesser fans wouldn't like it too much, even if the more passionate fans, such as myself, would give it a try. Then, they decide to package with it a special edition of Ocarina of Time which was originally intended for release on the N64 to make sure more people buy it. So, predictably, people complete this game in no time at all. It is, after all, one of the easiest Zelda games I have ever played. Anyway, Nintendo know that the fans are going to want 'real' graphics back, so Shigeru Miyamoto scares them a little by stating he's working on the successor to The Wind Waker, as well as showing off some screenshots of Tetra's Trackers and Four Swords. People start to think Nintendo are going nuts, but keep watching in anticipation, then, without warning...BAM! A brand new Legend of Zelda adventure with the most adult looking graphics and setting ever to be seen in the series. A new dark and mysterious game with no clues as to what it is about. The fans cream their pants in anticipation and GameCube sales soar. It's inevitable. People will want to play this game! So I believe Zelda was planned like this all along.
Four Swords we've known about for a while, and although the prospect of being able to play with three others at the same time in a Zelda adventure sounds like great fun, is there going to be a single player mode too? I remember attempting the Game Boy Advance version of Four Swords a while back. It was all good and fine for two minutes until Dark Mark and I were rendered stuck as we didn't have two others with a Game Boy Advance, link cable and copy of the game to aid our continuation. I personally aren't too excited over The Legend of Zelda: The Four Swords, but if I find out it can be played solo play, and is good in solo play, then I'll consider it.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap sounds rather interesting. As the screenshots on the net show, Link is his Wind Waker self in this one, with Princess Zelda too. Apparently, the Minish Cap allows Link to shrink to the size of Minish people and back to his normal size again. Sounds an interesting idea and if it plays anything like A Link to the Past then it is definately worth owning. It looks like standard Game Boy Zelda, so, providing it doesn't get as boring as Capcom's Game Boy attempts (Oracle of Ages/Seasons) then we'll be fine.
So, three Zelda games shown off in one day! Wow! Nintendo are really showing off the big guns and look like they're not afraid to use them! I personally think that three Zelda games, if released with enough time between, are going to be very successful for Nintendo. After all, that would make the entire collection of Zelda games available to play on both Game Boy Advance and GameCube! That is:
The Legend of Zelda (GC - collectors disc)
Zelda II: The Adventures of Link (GC - collectors disc)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (GBA)
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (GB/GBC playable on GBA)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (GC - Limited Edition and Collectors disc)
The Legend of Zelda: Master Quest (GC - Limited Edition disc)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (GC - Collector's disc)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages (GBC - playable on GBA with extra features)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons (GBC - playable on GBA with extra features)
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GC)
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords (GC)
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (GBA)
The Legend of Zelda: TBA (GC)
So, with these two announcements alone I am extremely impressed with Nintendo. There were a few things that didn't interest me at all, such as the majority of Donkey Kong games, Mario Vs DK being the only one taking my fancy. But DS....Zelda....Wowness overload!!!!
So, what do you think of my belief in this 'Zelda plot'?
Well, well, well. Nintendo are full of suprises! First of all, unveiling a heck of a lot more DS functions than rumours predicted, and secondly, what seems to be the readers of Nintendo.com's favourite announcement, the new Zelda game! Obviously it was planned from the start, but you'll read about that after my thoughts on DS (unless you skip you cheeky beggars).
First I have to say how much I am impressed by Nintendo's performance at E3. I logged online to check out some Halo 2 footage, and instantly got drawn to the Nintendo sections of various websites, all struggling to run due to the huge gatherings of fans desperately seeking for more and more like thirsty vampires after a virgin's blood. First there's the major announcement regarding the Nintendo DS (to be renamed for retail sale), then there's the spontaneous announcement of the Zelda game the fans really wanted, with full footage (using the music from the E3 footage of The Wind Waker I noted), a brief mention of Nintendo's next 'revolution' and a huge amount of new games shown off including more Zelda, a lot of Mario and Donkey Kong titles, new Metroids, and even more footage of Geist!
First of all, Kudos to Nintendo for the DS! Not just called DS for it's Dual Screen technology, but because Nintendo claim it is the Developers' System. Many of the larger videogame developers commented on the DS handheld system, many of them stating how they feel it is going to kick the crap out of Sony's PSP. One thing is for certain, even if the next Game Boy is a seperate project, we are going to be seeing the DS for quite a long time! The lower screen has touchscreen capabilities; both screens are backlit and can display both 2D and 3D graphics; can play all previous Game boy games; can connect to other DS systems within 100 metres without cables; and the list could just go on and on and on! Nintendo have listened to gamers and their wants. They're fed up of ports so they're offering a machine that can do brand new stuff. Stuff that allows developers to use their imaginations for the game as a whole, but including the input device, the lower screen. Personally I see this as the right step for the handheld market. Nintendo fans wanted a machine that could beat Sony's, they've got it. For the first time in many years, a Sony console has more limitations than a Nintendo console.
The DS can potentially connect to the internet (in Wi-Fi zones), can recognise voices via it's inbuild microphone, can provide wireless multiplayer gaming, and play over 500 games already available for the Game Boy Advance. Plus, with a new video player (not VHS) for the Game Boy Advance, who knows what we'll be seeing on 1GB+ media storage on the new cartridges. Sure, Sony's baby may be able to play MP3s and videos on its discs, but they wont be able to use that as a one-up against Nintendo's DS, seeing as they'll be able to do the same thing, potentially. Imagine having a writable flash cart for the DS capable of storing up to 1GB of MP3s. It would take tonnes of MP3s to fill one, in which case you'd probably be fine with just the one! Hook it up via WiFi to the internet to download them, and there you go! Having lots of extras doesn't necessarily make a product better than its competitors though. For example, the Nokia N-Gage has sold abysmally despite advertisment campaigns, some developer support and the fact it is actually a mobile phone. That, however, you could possibly argue was its downfall.
I personally think that Nintendo have got a winner with this one. Originally announced that they didn't expect to make much money off of it, and now they're firing with all guns blazing. Good on you Nintendo for making the biggest announcement since the GameCube!
Now to Zelda:
First of all...WOW! Three Legend of Zelda titles shown off at one games show - in one day! Not only have Nintendo suprised us like that, they have also pleasantly suprised us by showing that they do actually listen to their fans! After all, Link has grown up. And to allow him to grow, he's moved on to a more picturesque game that appears to mix the enemies of The Wind Waker with the style of Ocarina of Time. Hopefully this adventure will involve the classic, Princess Zelda has been captured, find every dungeon and it's special item to continue to the next, but maybe with a few twists like those who didn't use any guides or read spoilers would have been treated to in The Wind Waker. This looks like hardcore Zelda action, and I would be suprised if the game disappoints! For example, if you check out the Zelda footage available on many websites, you'll see a lot of footage of Link knocking other enemies off horses, using his shield to block arrows and playing with his sword in a more than arousing manner. This is the games the fans wanted, and I believe it is the game Shigeru Miyamoto originally intended to create.
Think of it logically. Nintendo know that Zelda is going to sell, regardless of how it looks, right? So, they quickly knock together a cel-shaded Zelda game knowing that it is going to rock the boat...a lot! They knew that the lesser fans wouldn't like it too much, even if the more passionate fans, such as myself, would give it a try. Then, they decide to package with it a special edition of Ocarina of Time which was originally intended for release on the N64 to make sure more people buy it. So, predictably, people complete this game in no time at all. It is, after all, one of the easiest Zelda games I have ever played. Anyway, Nintendo know that the fans are going to want 'real' graphics back, so Shigeru Miyamoto scares them a little by stating he's working on the successor to The Wind Waker, as well as showing off some screenshots of Tetra's Trackers and Four Swords. People start to think Nintendo are going nuts, but keep watching in anticipation, then, without warning...BAM! A brand new Legend of Zelda adventure with the most adult looking graphics and setting ever to be seen in the series. A new dark and mysterious game with no clues as to what it is about. The fans cream their pants in anticipation and GameCube sales soar. It's inevitable. People will want to play this game! So I believe Zelda was planned like this all along.
Four Swords we've known about for a while, and although the prospect of being able to play with three others at the same time in a Zelda adventure sounds like great fun, is there going to be a single player mode too? I remember attempting the Game Boy Advance version of Four Swords a while back. It was all good and fine for two minutes until Dark Mark and I were rendered stuck as we didn't have two others with a Game Boy Advance, link cable and copy of the game to aid our continuation. I personally aren't too excited over The Legend of Zelda: The Four Swords, but if I find out it can be played solo play, and is good in solo play, then I'll consider it.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap sounds rather interesting. As the screenshots on the net show, Link is his Wind Waker self in this one, with Princess Zelda too. Apparently, the Minish Cap allows Link to shrink to the size of Minish people and back to his normal size again. Sounds an interesting idea and if it plays anything like A Link to the Past then it is definately worth owning. It looks like standard Game Boy Zelda, so, providing it doesn't get as boring as Capcom's Game Boy attempts (Oracle of Ages/Seasons) then we'll be fine.
So, three Zelda games shown off in one day! Wow! Nintendo are really showing off the big guns and look like they're not afraid to use them! I personally think that three Zelda games, if released with enough time between, are going to be very successful for Nintendo. After all, that would make the entire collection of Zelda games available to play on both Game Boy Advance and GameCube! That is:
The Legend of Zelda (GC - collectors disc)
Zelda II: The Adventures of Link (GC - collectors disc)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (GBA)
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (GB/GBC playable on GBA)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (GC - Limited Edition and Collectors disc)
The Legend of Zelda: Master Quest (GC - Limited Edition disc)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (GC - Collector's disc)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages (GBC - playable on GBA with extra features)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons (GBC - playable on GBA with extra features)
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GC)
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords (GC)
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (GBA)
The Legend of Zelda: TBA (GC)
So, with these two announcements alone I am extremely impressed with Nintendo. There were a few things that didn't interest me at all, such as the majority of Donkey Kong games, Mario Vs DK being the only one taking my fancy. But DS....Zelda....Wowness overload!!!!
So, what do you think of my belief in this 'Zelda plot'?
But it's a proper Donkey Kong platformer but using the drums as a controller... read up on it at IGN... it seems so clever.
Obviously I wont do the 'Sony Fanboy' thing and dismiss the game before I've had a go on it, but right now, the idea of playing with bongos doesn't fill me with excitement.
Knowing me, I'll end up getting it anyway :)
Knowing me, I'll end up getting it anyway :)
Personally Edgy I think Nintendo were experiementing for the last few years... I believe they made Wind Waker and planned to make the second Zelda cel-shaded. After the uproar following the cel-shaded announcement Nintendo realised they'd made a mistake and changed the style. For the last year Nintendo were telling us how the next Zelda would be cel-shaded... just for the shock effect.
As for Donkey Kong not impressing you I suggest you look at my 'Game of E3' post... Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat looks like a slice of Nintendo magic.
As for Donkey Kong not impressing you I suggest you look at my 'Game of E3' post... Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat looks like a slice of Nintendo magic.
Adapted from my own work at www.lorl.co.uk
Well, well, well. Nintendo are full of suprises! First of all, unveiling a heck of a lot more DS functions than rumours predicted, and secondly, what seems to be the readers of Nintendo.com's favourite announcement, the new Zelda game! Obviously it was planned from the start, but you'll read about that after my thoughts on DS (unless you skip you cheeky beggars).
First I have to say how much I am impressed by Nintendo's performance at E3. I logged online to check out some Halo 2 footage, and instantly got drawn to the Nintendo sections of various websites, all struggling to run due to the huge gatherings of fans desperately seeking for more and more like thirsty vampires after a virgin's blood. First there's the major announcement regarding the Nintendo DS (to be renamed for retail sale), then there's the spontaneous announcement of the Zelda game the fans really wanted, with full footage (using the music from the E3 footage of The Wind Waker I noted), a brief mention of Nintendo's next 'revolution' and a huge amount of new games shown off including more Zelda, a lot of Mario and Donkey Kong titles, new Metroids, and even more footage of Geist!
First of all, Kudos to Nintendo for the DS! Not just called DS for it's Dual Screen technology, but because Nintendo claim it is the Developers' System. Many of the larger videogame developers commented on the DS handheld system, many of them stating how they feel it is going to kick the crap out of Sony's PSP. One thing is for certain, even if the next Game Boy is a seperate project, we are going to be seeing the DS for quite a long time! The lower screen has touchscreen capabilities; both screens are backlit and can display both 2D and 3D graphics; can play all previous Game boy games; can connect to other DS systems within 100 metres without cables; and the list could just go on and on and on! Nintendo have listened to gamers and their wants. They're fed up of ports so they're offering a machine that can do brand new stuff. Stuff that allows developers to use their imaginations for the game as a whole, but including the input device, the lower screen. Personally I see this as the right step for the handheld market. Nintendo fans wanted a machine that could beat Sony's, they've got it. For the first time in many years, a Sony console has more limitations than a Nintendo console.
The DS can potentially connect to the internet (in Wi-Fi zones), can recognise voices via it's inbuild microphone, can provide wireless multiplayer gaming, and play over 500 games already available for the Game Boy Advance. Plus, with a new video player (not VHS) for the Game Boy Advance, who knows what we'll be seeing on 1GB+ media storage on the new cartridges. Sure, Sony's baby may be able to play MP3s and videos on its discs, but they wont be able to use that as a one-up against Nintendo's DS, seeing as they'll be able to do the same thing, potentially. Imagine having a writable flash cart for the DS capable of storing up to 1GB of MP3s. It would take tonnes of MP3s to fill one, in which case you'd probably be fine with just the one! Hook it up via WiFi to the internet to download them, and there you go! Having lots of extras doesn't necessarily make a product better than its competitors though. For example, the Nokia N-Gage has sold abysmally despite advertisment campaigns, some developer support and the fact it is actually a mobile phone. That, however, you could possibly argue was its downfall.
I personally think that Nintendo have got a winner with this one. Originally announced that they didn't expect to make much money off of it, and now they're firing with all guns blazing. Good on you Nintendo for making the biggest announcement since the GameCube!
Now to Zelda:
First of all...WOW! Three Legend of Zelda titles shown off at one games show - in one day! Not only have Nintendo suprised us like that, they have also pleasantly suprised us by showing that they do actually listen to their fans! After all, Link has grown up. And to allow him to grow, he's moved on to a more picturesque game that appears to mix the enemies of The Wind Waker with the style of Ocarina of Time. Hopefully this adventure will involve the classic, Princess Zelda has been captured, find every dungeon and it's special item to continue to the next, but maybe with a few twists like those who didn't use any guides or read spoilers would have been treated to in The Wind Waker. This looks like hardcore Zelda action, and I would be suprised if the game disappoints! For example, if you check out the Zelda footage available on many websites, you'll see a lot of footage of Link knocking other enemies off horses, using his shield to block arrows and playing with his sword in a more than arousing manner. This is the games the fans wanted, and I believe it is the game Shigeru Miyamoto originally intended to create.
Think of it logically. Nintendo know that Zelda is going to sell, regardless of how it looks, right? So, they quickly knock together a cel-shaded Zelda game knowing that it is going to rock the boat...a lot! They knew that the lesser fans wouldn't like it too much, even if the more passionate fans, such as myself, would give it a try. Then, they decide to package with it a special edition of Ocarina of Time which was originally intended for release on the N64 to make sure more people buy it. So, predictably, people complete this game in no time at all. It is, after all, one of the easiest Zelda games I have ever played. Anyway, Nintendo know that the fans are going to want 'real' graphics back, so Shigeru Miyamoto scares them a little by stating he's working on the successor to The Wind Waker, as well as showing off some screenshots of Tetra's Trackers and Four Swords. People start to think Nintendo are going nuts, but keep watching in anticipation, then, without warning...BAM! A brand new Legend of Zelda adventure with the most adult looking graphics and setting ever to be seen in the series. A new dark and mysterious game with no clues as to what it is about. The fans cream their pants in anticipation and GameCube sales soar. It's inevitable. People will want to play this game! So I believe Zelda was planned like this all along.
Four Swords we've known about for a while, and although the prospect of being able to play with three others at the same time in a Zelda adventure sounds like great fun, is there going to be a single player mode too? I remember attempting the Game Boy Advance version of Four Swords a while back. It was all good and fine for two minutes until Dark Mark and I were rendered stuck as we didn't have two others with a Game Boy Advance, link cable and copy of the game to aid our continuation. I personally aren't too excited over The Legend of Zelda: The Four Swords, but if I find out it can be played solo play, and is good in solo play, then I'll consider it.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap sounds rather interesting. As the screenshots on the net show, Link is his Wind Waker self in this one, with Princess Zelda too. Apparently, the Minish Cap allows Link to shrink to the size of Minish people and back to his normal size again. Sounds an interesting idea and if it plays anything like A Link to the Past then it is definately worth owning. It looks like standard Game Boy Zelda, so, providing it doesn't get as boring as Capcom's Game Boy attempts (Oracle of Ages/Seasons) then we'll be fine.
So, three Zelda games shown off in one day! Wow! Nintendo are really showing off the big guns and look like they're not afraid to use them! I personally think that three Zelda games, if released with enough time between, are going to be very successful for Nintendo. After all, that would make the entire collection of Zelda games available to play on both Game Boy Advance and GameCube! That is:
The Legend of Zelda (GC - collectors disc)
Zelda II: The Adventures of Link (GC - collectors disc)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (GBA)
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (GB/GBC playable on GBA)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (GC - Limited Edition and Collectors disc)
The Legend of Zelda: Master Quest (GC - Limited Edition disc)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (GC - Collector's disc)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages (GBC - playable on GBA with extra features)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons (GBC - playable on GBA with extra features)
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GC)
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords (GC)
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (GBA)
The Legend of Zelda: TBA (GC)
So, with these two announcements alone I am extremely impressed with Nintendo. There were a few things that didn't interest me at all, such as the majority of Donkey Kong games, Mario Vs DK being the only one taking my fancy. But DS....Zelda....Wowness overload!!!!
So, what do you think of my belief in this 'Zelda plot'?
Well, well, well. Nintendo are full of suprises! First of all, unveiling a heck of a lot more DS functions than rumours predicted, and secondly, what seems to be the readers of Nintendo.com's favourite announcement, the new Zelda game! Obviously it was planned from the start, but you'll read about that after my thoughts on DS (unless you skip you cheeky beggars).
First I have to say how much I am impressed by Nintendo's performance at E3. I logged online to check out some Halo 2 footage, and instantly got drawn to the Nintendo sections of various websites, all struggling to run due to the huge gatherings of fans desperately seeking for more and more like thirsty vampires after a virgin's blood. First there's the major announcement regarding the Nintendo DS (to be renamed for retail sale), then there's the spontaneous announcement of the Zelda game the fans really wanted, with full footage (using the music from the E3 footage of The Wind Waker I noted), a brief mention of Nintendo's next 'revolution' and a huge amount of new games shown off including more Zelda, a lot of Mario and Donkey Kong titles, new Metroids, and even more footage of Geist!
First of all, Kudos to Nintendo for the DS! Not just called DS for it's Dual Screen technology, but because Nintendo claim it is the Developers' System. Many of the larger videogame developers commented on the DS handheld system, many of them stating how they feel it is going to kick the crap out of Sony's PSP. One thing is for certain, even if the next Game Boy is a seperate project, we are going to be seeing the DS for quite a long time! The lower screen has touchscreen capabilities; both screens are backlit and can display both 2D and 3D graphics; can play all previous Game boy games; can connect to other DS systems within 100 metres without cables; and the list could just go on and on and on! Nintendo have listened to gamers and their wants. They're fed up of ports so they're offering a machine that can do brand new stuff. Stuff that allows developers to use their imaginations for the game as a whole, but including the input device, the lower screen. Personally I see this as the right step for the handheld market. Nintendo fans wanted a machine that could beat Sony's, they've got it. For the first time in many years, a Sony console has more limitations than a Nintendo console.
The DS can potentially connect to the internet (in Wi-Fi zones), can recognise voices via it's inbuild microphone, can provide wireless multiplayer gaming, and play over 500 games already available for the Game Boy Advance. Plus, with a new video player (not VHS) for the Game Boy Advance, who knows what we'll be seeing on 1GB+ media storage on the new cartridges. Sure, Sony's baby may be able to play MP3s and videos on its discs, but they wont be able to use that as a one-up against Nintendo's DS, seeing as they'll be able to do the same thing, potentially. Imagine having a writable flash cart for the DS capable of storing up to 1GB of MP3s. It would take tonnes of MP3s to fill one, in which case you'd probably be fine with just the one! Hook it up via WiFi to the internet to download them, and there you go! Having lots of extras doesn't necessarily make a product better than its competitors though. For example, the Nokia N-Gage has sold abysmally despite advertisment campaigns, some developer support and the fact it is actually a mobile phone. That, however, you could possibly argue was its downfall.
I personally think that Nintendo have got a winner with this one. Originally announced that they didn't expect to make much money off of it, and now they're firing with all guns blazing. Good on you Nintendo for making the biggest announcement since the GameCube!
Now to Zelda:
First of all...WOW! Three Legend of Zelda titles shown off at one games show - in one day! Not only have Nintendo suprised us like that, they have also pleasantly suprised us by showing that they do actually listen to their fans! After all, Link has grown up. And to allow him to grow, he's moved on to a more picturesque game that appears to mix the enemies of The Wind Waker with the style of Ocarina of Time. Hopefully this adventure will involve the classic, Princess Zelda has been captured, find every dungeon and it's special item to continue to the next, but maybe with a few twists like those who didn't use any guides or read spoilers would have been treated to in The Wind Waker. This looks like hardcore Zelda action, and I would be suprised if the game disappoints! For example, if you check out the Zelda footage available on many websites, you'll see a lot of footage of Link knocking other enemies off horses, using his shield to block arrows and playing with his sword in a more than arousing manner. This is the games the fans wanted, and I believe it is the game Shigeru Miyamoto originally intended to create.
Think of it logically. Nintendo know that Zelda is going to sell, regardless of how it looks, right? So, they quickly knock together a cel-shaded Zelda game knowing that it is going to rock the boat...a lot! They knew that the lesser fans wouldn't like it too much, even if the more passionate fans, such as myself, would give it a try. Then, they decide to package with it a special edition of Ocarina of Time which was originally intended for release on the N64 to make sure more people buy it. So, predictably, people complete this game in no time at all. It is, after all, one of the easiest Zelda games I have ever played. Anyway, Nintendo know that the fans are going to want 'real' graphics back, so Shigeru Miyamoto scares them a little by stating he's working on the successor to The Wind Waker, as well as showing off some screenshots of Tetra's Trackers and Four Swords. People start to think Nintendo are going nuts, but keep watching in anticipation, then, without warning...BAM! A brand new Legend of Zelda adventure with the most adult looking graphics and setting ever to be seen in the series. A new dark and mysterious game with no clues as to what it is about. The fans cream their pants in anticipation and GameCube sales soar. It's inevitable. People will want to play this game! So I believe Zelda was planned like this all along.
Four Swords we've known about for a while, and although the prospect of being able to play with three others at the same time in a Zelda adventure sounds like great fun, is there going to be a single player mode too? I remember attempting the Game Boy Advance version of Four Swords a while back. It was all good and fine for two minutes until Dark Mark and I were rendered stuck as we didn't have two others with a Game Boy Advance, link cable and copy of the game to aid our continuation. I personally aren't too excited over The Legend of Zelda: The Four Swords, but if I find out it can be played solo play, and is good in solo play, then I'll consider it.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap sounds rather interesting. As the screenshots on the net show, Link is his Wind Waker self in this one, with Princess Zelda too. Apparently, the Minish Cap allows Link to shrink to the size of Minish people and back to his normal size again. Sounds an interesting idea and if it plays anything like A Link to the Past then it is definately worth owning. It looks like standard Game Boy Zelda, so, providing it doesn't get as boring as Capcom's Game Boy attempts (Oracle of Ages/Seasons) then we'll be fine.
So, three Zelda games shown off in one day! Wow! Nintendo are really showing off the big guns and look like they're not afraid to use them! I personally think that three Zelda games, if released with enough time between, are going to be very successful for Nintendo. After all, that would make the entire collection of Zelda games available to play on both Game Boy Advance and GameCube! That is:
The Legend of Zelda (GC - collectors disc)
Zelda II: The Adventures of Link (GC - collectors disc)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (GBA)
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (GB/GBC playable on GBA)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (GC - Limited Edition and Collectors disc)
The Legend of Zelda: Master Quest (GC - Limited Edition disc)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (GC - Collector's disc)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages (GBC - playable on GBA with extra features)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons (GBC - playable on GBA with extra features)
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GC)
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords (GC)
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (GBA)
The Legend of Zelda: TBA (GC)
So, with these two announcements alone I am extremely impressed with Nintendo. There were a few things that didn't interest me at all, such as the majority of Donkey Kong games, Mario Vs DK being the only one taking my fancy. But DS....Zelda....Wowness overload!!!!
So, what do you think of my belief in this 'Zelda plot'?