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EPISODE IV: A New Hope
The Snes was reaching the end of its life span. Sega had released a CD drive add on for its’ Megadrive. Nintendo were responding with a deal with Sony to release a CD add on for the Snes. But it all went wrong. Horribly wrong.
By 1996 Sony had a strong hold of the console market. What had happened to the 32-bit Snes CD add on? It had become Sony’s solo effort, the Playstation. But that year was also the launch of a console with the potential to reclaim the title off Sony.
Nintendo had been talking about a next generation 64 bit console for some time. At first it was called ‘Project Reality’ and later an official name released. The Nintendo Ultra 64. So not the Super Duper Nintendo Entertainment System. The console was displayed with awesome footage of a new three-dimensional Mario game, and a radical new three-pronged controller design. Everything about the console seemed fresh and new. This looked to be the first decent three-dimensional game for a console that wasn’t a PC port. The controller used a 3D stick as well as having a D-pad, and there was a new ‘trigger’ button on the underside. Ideal for shooting games…
In June 1996 the new console was launched, with the name changed to simply the Nintendo 64 or N64 for short. Japanese gamers rushed to get their new consoles and Marios all new adventure. After two years of Sony domination Nintendo fans finally had hope…
EPISODE V: The Empire Strikes Back
After seeing the success of the N64 Sony promptly smacked its’ designers round the head and asked why they hadn’t thought of a 3D stick first. Soon the released a new controller with two 3D sticks on it, although these were never used as the default control method and Playstation games always were based around using a 2 dimensional D-Pad.
But Even as the N64 launched in the USA, Japanese gamers were already taking the console back to retailers. It simply didn’t have enough games. After beating Mario 64 there was nothing left to do with their console.
In Japan the N64 was destined to always remain second place to Playstation, with a lack of third party support due to the cartridge based format, and Nintendo’s own wish to create a ‘Dream Team’ of developers on N64, with as few bad games out for the console as possible. Developers often chose PSX over N64 as it was easier to develop for, and had less risk associated with it.
However in the US the N64 became a success. Although it never managed to outsell Playstation, it became a hit with many titles released later on in its lifetime, such as the two Zelda titles, Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, and countless others.
While PSX owners insisted they were playing mature games N64 owners just had the most fun ever with a console. N64 always remained the multiplayer gamers console of choice, with delights such as Mario Kart, Lylatwars, Goldeneye and Perfect Dark, and many Mario related games.
Here in Europe however the N64 remained ‘uncool’ and many still saw it as the console for kids. Overall Nintendo failed to achieve what it had wished with N64. Previously it had been able to get through no problem with all developers supporting cartridges, as they were the only format available. Now developers didn’t want to support carts. This meant fewer games, and Nintendo games alone, however good they are, aren’t enough to get a console support from the masses.
Sony had won this bout, but Nintendo had learnt some important lessons, while Sony were riding their success…
EPISODE VI: Return of the Jedi
In 1998 Sega unveil their newest console, which will ultimately make or break the company following the failure of Saturn. It is called Dreamcast, and has some new features such as the VMU (Virtual Memory Unit) which was basically a memory card with a display on it to play mini games on. The console looked like it could do well with the promise of all new 3D sonic titles, and other quality Sega titles.
In March 1999 Sony unveils Playstation 2 and says it will launch by March 2000 in Japan. There is much hype about the console, but the day after the unveiling Nintendo respond with a statement.
"We are developing a more advanced video game system, but we are not providing any specifics at this time."
The codename for the new console is Project Dolphin. Specifications and partners for the new console are released and there is much speculation over the new console.
Meanwhile Sega are having mixed success with DreamCast. It is doing better than Saturn, but is still not drawing people away from their N64s or Playstations. Soon after the PS2 is released they call it quits. It decides to become a games developer and cease making consoles. There are many rumors about Sega and Nintendo teaming up with especially strong whispers about a Nintendo and Sega collaboration RPG featuring both companies mascot franchises.
By this time Nintendo’s new console is known as the GameCube after a brief stint as the StarCube. At Spaceworld 2000, Nintendo wow the gaming press with a Mario deom ‘100 Marios’ featuring 100s of little marios climbing out of boxes. Other games demonstrated are the stunning looking Rogue Leader, an FMV of silicon knights’ previously PSX and then PS2 game ‘Too Human’ and others including the stunning ‘Rebirth’ Video. Another surprise is that Rares promising looking Adventure/ RPG Dinosaur Planet (previously due for N64 release), gets changed for GameCube to Starfox Adventures: Dinosaur Planet. It features characters from Lylatwars, as well as all new friends and enemies.
This shows Nintendo’s new philosophy of snapping up developers for second parties, such as Silicon Knights and Retro Studios and forking out the secondary franchises to them like Metroid and Starfox, so Nintendo themselves can concentrate on Mario related titles, Zelda and other franchises.
The GameCube launches in Japan, but sales are not skyrocketing. This is blamed on the recent events in the USA and the slump in the Japanese economy. The three launch titles however, receive shining reviews. Wave Race: Blue Storm is controversial as it is more realistic than its N64 predecessor, and Nintendo have never been big on realism, but it still impresses the critics. Luigi’s Mansion is said to be a stunning game, but too short, and Super Monkey Ball is hyped as one of the most addictive titles since Tetris.
The US launch is much more promising, selling out all 700,000 units shipped. Titles such as Wave Race, Tony Hawks 3, and Rogue Leader ensure a wide fan base in the USA.
Nintendo are back and want to reclaim the gaming throne. They are re-making classic franchises such as Metroid to get the Snes and Nes generation gamers, and they are carrying on their innovations with quirky and imaginative titles like Pikmin and Doshin the giant.
So, Nintendo return, wiser and more determined than ever. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing is certain. GameCube is set to make a big impact.
The Snes was reaching the end of its life span. Sega had released a CD drive add on for its’ Megadrive. Nintendo were responding with a deal with Sony to release a CD add on for the Snes. But it all went wrong. Horribly wrong.
By 1996 Sony had a strong hold of the console market. What had happened to the 32-bit Snes CD add on? It had become Sony’s solo effort, the Playstation. But that year was also the launch of a console with the potential to reclaim the title off Sony.
Nintendo had been talking about a next generation 64 bit console for some time. At first it was called ‘Project Reality’ and later an official name released. The Nintendo Ultra 64. So not the Super Duper Nintendo Entertainment System. The console was displayed with awesome footage of a new three-dimensional Mario game, and a radical new three-pronged controller design. Everything about the console seemed fresh and new. This looked to be the first decent three-dimensional game for a console that wasn’t a PC port. The controller used a 3D stick as well as having a D-pad, and there was a new ‘trigger’ button on the underside. Ideal for shooting games…
In June 1996 the new console was launched, with the name changed to simply the Nintendo 64 or N64 for short. Japanese gamers rushed to get their new consoles and Marios all new adventure. After two years of Sony domination Nintendo fans finally had hope…
EPISODE V: The Empire Strikes Back
After seeing the success of the N64 Sony promptly smacked its’ designers round the head and asked why they hadn’t thought of a 3D stick first. Soon the released a new controller with two 3D sticks on it, although these were never used as the default control method and Playstation games always were based around using a 2 dimensional D-Pad.
But Even as the N64 launched in the USA, Japanese gamers were already taking the console back to retailers. It simply didn’t have enough games. After beating Mario 64 there was nothing left to do with their console.
In Japan the N64 was destined to always remain second place to Playstation, with a lack of third party support due to the cartridge based format, and Nintendo’s own wish to create a ‘Dream Team’ of developers on N64, with as few bad games out for the console as possible. Developers often chose PSX over N64 as it was easier to develop for, and had less risk associated with it.
However in the US the N64 became a success. Although it never managed to outsell Playstation, it became a hit with many titles released later on in its lifetime, such as the two Zelda titles, Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, and countless others.
While PSX owners insisted they were playing mature games N64 owners just had the most fun ever with a console. N64 always remained the multiplayer gamers console of choice, with delights such as Mario Kart, Lylatwars, Goldeneye and Perfect Dark, and many Mario related games.
Here in Europe however the N64 remained ‘uncool’ and many still saw it as the console for kids. Overall Nintendo failed to achieve what it had wished with N64. Previously it had been able to get through no problem with all developers supporting cartridges, as they were the only format available. Now developers didn’t want to support carts. This meant fewer games, and Nintendo games alone, however good they are, aren’t enough to get a console support from the masses.
Sony had won this bout, but Nintendo had learnt some important lessons, while Sony were riding their success…
EPISODE VI: Return of the Jedi
In 1998 Sega unveil their newest console, which will ultimately make or break the company following the failure of Saturn. It is called Dreamcast, and has some new features such as the VMU (Virtual Memory Unit) which was basically a memory card with a display on it to play mini games on. The console looked like it could do well with the promise of all new 3D sonic titles, and other quality Sega titles.
In March 1999 Sony unveils Playstation 2 and says it will launch by March 2000 in Japan. There is much hype about the console, but the day after the unveiling Nintendo respond with a statement.
"We are developing a more advanced video game system, but we are not providing any specifics at this time."
The codename for the new console is Project Dolphin. Specifications and partners for the new console are released and there is much speculation over the new console.
Meanwhile Sega are having mixed success with DreamCast. It is doing better than Saturn, but is still not drawing people away from their N64s or Playstations. Soon after the PS2 is released they call it quits. It decides to become a games developer and cease making consoles. There are many rumors about Sega and Nintendo teaming up with especially strong whispers about a Nintendo and Sega collaboration RPG featuring both companies mascot franchises.
By this time Nintendo’s new console is known as the GameCube after a brief stint as the StarCube. At Spaceworld 2000, Nintendo wow the gaming press with a Mario deom ‘100 Marios’ featuring 100s of little marios climbing out of boxes. Other games demonstrated are the stunning looking Rogue Leader, an FMV of silicon knights’ previously PSX and then PS2 game ‘Too Human’ and others including the stunning ‘Rebirth’ Video. Another surprise is that Rares promising looking Adventure/ RPG Dinosaur Planet (previously due for N64 release), gets changed for GameCube to Starfox Adventures: Dinosaur Planet. It features characters from Lylatwars, as well as all new friends and enemies.
This shows Nintendo’s new philosophy of snapping up developers for second parties, such as Silicon Knights and Retro Studios and forking out the secondary franchises to them like Metroid and Starfox, so Nintendo themselves can concentrate on Mario related titles, Zelda and other franchises.
The GameCube launches in Japan, but sales are not skyrocketing. This is blamed on the recent events in the USA and the slump in the Japanese economy. The three launch titles however, receive shining reviews. Wave Race: Blue Storm is controversial as it is more realistic than its N64 predecessor, and Nintendo have never been big on realism, but it still impresses the critics. Luigi’s Mansion is said to be a stunning game, but too short, and Super Monkey Ball is hyped as one of the most addictive titles since Tetris.
The US launch is much more promising, selling out all 700,000 units shipped. Titles such as Wave Race, Tony Hawks 3, and Rogue Leader ensure a wide fan base in the USA.
Nintendo are back and want to reclaim the gaming throne. They are re-making classic franchises such as Metroid to get the Snes and Nes generation gamers, and they are carrying on their innovations with quirky and imaginative titles like Pikmin and Doshin the giant.
So, Nintendo return, wiser and more determined than ever. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing is certain. GameCube is set to make a big impact.
A big thanks to all who worked on and attended the evening. Raising £170 I am sure will do lots for the SEEDLINGS charity. I had a great evening and I suspect most people did. Thanks once again.
EPISODE IV: A New Hope
The Snes was reaching the end of its life span. Sega had released a CD drive add on for its’ Megadrive. Nintendo were responding with a deal with Sony to release a CD add on for the Snes. But it all went wrong. Horribly wrong.
By 1996 Sony had a strong hold of the console market. What had happened to the 32-bit Snes CD add on? It had become Sony’s solo effort, the Playstation. But that year was also the launch of a console with the potential to reclaim the title off Sony.
Nintendo had been talking about a next generation 64 bit console for some time. At first it was called ‘Project Reality’ and later an official name released. The Nintendo Ultra 64. So not the Super Duper Nintendo Entertainment System. The console was displayed with awesome footage of a new three-dimensional Mario game, and a radical new three-pronged controller design. Everything about the console seemed fresh and new. This looked to be the first decent three-dimensional game for a console that wasn’t a PC port. The controller used a 3D stick as well as having a D-pad, and there was a new ‘trigger’ button on the underside. Ideal for shooting games…
In June 1996 the new console was launched, with the name changed to simply the Nintendo 64 or N64 for short. Japanese gamers rushed to get their new consoles and Marios all new adventure. After two years of Sony domination Nintendo fans finally had hope…
EPISODE V: The Empire Strikes Back
After seeing the success of the N64 Sony promptly smacked its’ designers round the head and asked why they hadn’t thought of a 3D stick first. Soon the released a new controller with two 3D sticks on it, although these were never used as the default control method and Playstation games always were based around using a 2 dimensional D-Pad.
But Even as the N64 launched in the USA, Japanese gamers were already taking the console back to retailers. It simply didn’t have enough games. After beating Mario 64 there was nothing left to do with their console.
In Japan the N64 was destined to always remain second place to Playstation, with a lack of third party support due to the cartridge based format, and Nintendo’s own wish to create a ‘Dream Team’ of developers on N64, with as few bad games out for the console as possible. Developers often chose PSX over N64 as it was easier to develop for, and had less risk associated with it.
However in the US the N64 became a success. Although it never managed to outsell Playstation, it became a hit with many titles released later on in its lifetime, such as the two Zelda titles, Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, and countless others.
While PSX owners insisted they were playing mature games N64 owners just had the most fun ever with a console. N64 always remained the multiplayer gamers console of choice, with delights such as Mario Kart, Lylatwars, Goldeneye and Perfect Dark, and many Mario related games.
Here in Europe however the N64 remained ‘uncool’ and many still saw it as the console for kids. Overall Nintendo failed to achieve what it had wished with N64. Previously it had been able to get through no problem with all developers supporting cartridges, as they were the only format available. Now developers didn’t want to support carts. This meant fewer games, and Nintendo games alone, however good they are, aren’t enough to get a console support from the masses.
Sony had won this bout, but Nintendo had learnt some important lessons, while Sony were riding their success…
EPISODE VI: Return of the Jedi
In 1998 Sega unveil their newest console, which will ultimately make or break the company following the failure of Saturn. It is called Dreamcast, and has some new features such as the VMU (Virtual Memory Unit) which was basically a memory card with a display on it to play mini games on. The console looked like it could do well with the promise of all new 3D sonic titles, and other quality Sega titles.
In March 1999 Sony unveils Playstation 2 and says it will launch by March 2000 in Japan. There is much hype about the console, but the day after the unveiling Nintendo respond with a statement.
"We are developing a more advanced video game system, but we are not providing any specifics at this time."
The codename for the new console is Project Dolphin. Specifications and partners for the new console are released and there is much speculation over the new console.
Meanwhile Sega are having mixed success with DreamCast. It is doing better than Saturn, but is still not drawing people away from their N64s or Playstations. Soon after the PS2 is released they call it quits. It decides to become a games developer and cease making consoles. There are many rumors about Sega and Nintendo teaming up with especially strong whispers about a Nintendo and Sega collaboration RPG featuring both companies mascot franchises.
By this time Nintendo’s new console is known as the GameCube after a brief stint as the StarCube. At Spaceworld 2000, Nintendo wow the gaming press with a Mario deom ‘100 Marios’ featuring 100s of little marios climbing out of boxes. Other games demonstrated are the stunning looking Rogue Leader, an FMV of silicon knights’ previously PSX and then PS2 game ‘Too Human’ and others including the stunning ‘Rebirth’ Video. Another surprise is that Rares promising looking Adventure/ RPG Dinosaur Planet (previously due for N64 release), gets changed for GameCube to Starfox Adventures: Dinosaur Planet. It features characters from Lylatwars, as well as all new friends and enemies.
This shows Nintendo’s new philosophy of snapping up developers for second parties, such as Silicon Knights and Retro Studios and forking out the secondary franchises to them like Metroid and Starfox, so Nintendo themselves can concentrate on Mario related titles, Zelda and other franchises.
The GameCube launches in Japan, but sales are not skyrocketing. This is blamed on the recent events in the USA and the slump in the Japanese economy. The three launch titles however, receive shining reviews. Wave Race: Blue Storm is controversial as it is more realistic than its N64 predecessor, and Nintendo have never been big on realism, but it still impresses the critics. Luigi’s Mansion is said to be a stunning game, but too short, and Super Monkey Ball is hyped as one of the most addictive titles since Tetris.
The US launch is much more promising, selling out all 700,000 units shipped. Titles such as Wave Race, Tony Hawks 3, and Rogue Leader ensure a wide fan base in the USA.
Nintendo are back and want to reclaim the gaming throne. They are re-making classic franchises such as Metroid to get the Snes and Nes generation gamers, and they are carrying on their innovations with quirky and imaginative titles like Pikmin and Doshin the giant.
So, Nintendo return, wiser and more determined than ever. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing is certain. GameCube is set to make a big impact.
The Snes was reaching the end of its life span. Sega had released a CD drive add on for its’ Megadrive. Nintendo were responding with a deal with Sony to release a CD add on for the Snes. But it all went wrong. Horribly wrong.
By 1996 Sony had a strong hold of the console market. What had happened to the 32-bit Snes CD add on? It had become Sony’s solo effort, the Playstation. But that year was also the launch of a console with the potential to reclaim the title off Sony.
Nintendo had been talking about a next generation 64 bit console for some time. At first it was called ‘Project Reality’ and later an official name released. The Nintendo Ultra 64. So not the Super Duper Nintendo Entertainment System. The console was displayed with awesome footage of a new three-dimensional Mario game, and a radical new three-pronged controller design. Everything about the console seemed fresh and new. This looked to be the first decent three-dimensional game for a console that wasn’t a PC port. The controller used a 3D stick as well as having a D-pad, and there was a new ‘trigger’ button on the underside. Ideal for shooting games…
In June 1996 the new console was launched, with the name changed to simply the Nintendo 64 or N64 for short. Japanese gamers rushed to get their new consoles and Marios all new adventure. After two years of Sony domination Nintendo fans finally had hope…
EPISODE V: The Empire Strikes Back
After seeing the success of the N64 Sony promptly smacked its’ designers round the head and asked why they hadn’t thought of a 3D stick first. Soon the released a new controller with two 3D sticks on it, although these were never used as the default control method and Playstation games always were based around using a 2 dimensional D-Pad.
But Even as the N64 launched in the USA, Japanese gamers were already taking the console back to retailers. It simply didn’t have enough games. After beating Mario 64 there was nothing left to do with their console.
In Japan the N64 was destined to always remain second place to Playstation, with a lack of third party support due to the cartridge based format, and Nintendo’s own wish to create a ‘Dream Team’ of developers on N64, with as few bad games out for the console as possible. Developers often chose PSX over N64 as it was easier to develop for, and had less risk associated with it.
However in the US the N64 became a success. Although it never managed to outsell Playstation, it became a hit with many titles released later on in its lifetime, such as the two Zelda titles, Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, and countless others.
While PSX owners insisted they were playing mature games N64 owners just had the most fun ever with a console. N64 always remained the multiplayer gamers console of choice, with delights such as Mario Kart, Lylatwars, Goldeneye and Perfect Dark, and many Mario related games.
Here in Europe however the N64 remained ‘uncool’ and many still saw it as the console for kids. Overall Nintendo failed to achieve what it had wished with N64. Previously it had been able to get through no problem with all developers supporting cartridges, as they were the only format available. Now developers didn’t want to support carts. This meant fewer games, and Nintendo games alone, however good they are, aren’t enough to get a console support from the masses.
Sony had won this bout, but Nintendo had learnt some important lessons, while Sony were riding their success…
EPISODE VI: Return of the Jedi
In 1998 Sega unveil their newest console, which will ultimately make or break the company following the failure of Saturn. It is called Dreamcast, and has some new features such as the VMU (Virtual Memory Unit) which was basically a memory card with a display on it to play mini games on. The console looked like it could do well with the promise of all new 3D sonic titles, and other quality Sega titles.
In March 1999 Sony unveils Playstation 2 and says it will launch by March 2000 in Japan. There is much hype about the console, but the day after the unveiling Nintendo respond with a statement.
"We are developing a more advanced video game system, but we are not providing any specifics at this time."
The codename for the new console is Project Dolphin. Specifications and partners for the new console are released and there is much speculation over the new console.
Meanwhile Sega are having mixed success with DreamCast. It is doing better than Saturn, but is still not drawing people away from their N64s or Playstations. Soon after the PS2 is released they call it quits. It decides to become a games developer and cease making consoles. There are many rumors about Sega and Nintendo teaming up with especially strong whispers about a Nintendo and Sega collaboration RPG featuring both companies mascot franchises.
By this time Nintendo’s new console is known as the GameCube after a brief stint as the StarCube. At Spaceworld 2000, Nintendo wow the gaming press with a Mario deom ‘100 Marios’ featuring 100s of little marios climbing out of boxes. Other games demonstrated are the stunning looking Rogue Leader, an FMV of silicon knights’ previously PSX and then PS2 game ‘Too Human’ and others including the stunning ‘Rebirth’ Video. Another surprise is that Rares promising looking Adventure/ RPG Dinosaur Planet (previously due for N64 release), gets changed for GameCube to Starfox Adventures: Dinosaur Planet. It features characters from Lylatwars, as well as all new friends and enemies.
This shows Nintendo’s new philosophy of snapping up developers for second parties, such as Silicon Knights and Retro Studios and forking out the secondary franchises to them like Metroid and Starfox, so Nintendo themselves can concentrate on Mario related titles, Zelda and other franchises.
The GameCube launches in Japan, but sales are not skyrocketing. This is blamed on the recent events in the USA and the slump in the Japanese economy. The three launch titles however, receive shining reviews. Wave Race: Blue Storm is controversial as it is more realistic than its N64 predecessor, and Nintendo have never been big on realism, but it still impresses the critics. Luigi’s Mansion is said to be a stunning game, but too short, and Super Monkey Ball is hyped as one of the most addictive titles since Tetris.
The US launch is much more promising, selling out all 700,000 units shipped. Titles such as Wave Race, Tony Hawks 3, and Rogue Leader ensure a wide fan base in the USA.
Nintendo are back and want to reclaim the gaming throne. They are re-making classic franchises such as Metroid to get the Snes and Nes generation gamers, and they are carrying on their innovations with quirky and imaginative titles like Pikmin and Doshin the giant.
So, Nintendo return, wiser and more determined than ever. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing is certain. GameCube is set to make a big impact.