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Whilst we teeter on the edges of our seats in anticipation for the release of Nintendo’s Gamecube I ask you, do you have a Gameboy Advance? Many have said if you want value for money then get a Gamecube, but how much value for money is it? Sure for a game machine it is brilliant in price but then you’ve only really got half a console in front of you.
The GBA-GC link up is one of Nintendo’s best idea’s, whilst PS2 and X-box developers puzzle over how to get the most from the net, Nintendo have quiet wisely come up with their own next generation idea. But is this just an advertisement ploy? There are millions of GBA owners currently touring the roads and if each one of those GBA owners got a Gamecube then the Gamecube can give the PS2 and X-box a real run for its money. So the GBA link up if advertised correctly could generate millions of extra sales for the Gamecube, like the Transfer pack on the N64, the ability to transfer Pokémon onto the N64 sold tones of them. But the GBA link up is nothing like that used on the N64, on the N64 only first and second parties made use of the function namely the two (or three depending where you live) Pokémon stadium games and Mario Golf and Tennis. This time over 50% of the Gamecube’s upcoming catalogue of games implements the use of the GBA; this includes both first, second and third parties.
Animal Forest + already on release in Japan is the first game to do this (over here it will be Sonic but it’s the first in Japan). Animal Forest was originally an N64 release which sadly never got released over here, its an exploration game where you live your life and depending on what time of the year it is will depend on what occurs in the background e.g. in winter it will be cold and snowy. The game has been re-released on the Gamecube this time with a world-wide release planned, although the graphics haven’t altered much (they now run at 60 frames per second) there is one main feature that gives the Gamecube version the elusive + in the title, the GBA link up. By visiting an island in Animal forest a mini version of the game appears on your Gameboy Advance, this new addition has been well received in Japan (they absolutely love the game) and the gaming bible for Japan Famitsu has awarded it 37/40, a score shared by the Gamecube’s Super Smash Brother’s Melee.
An example of a third party link up is with Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, (also already out in Japan) this links up with Sonic Advance on the GBA. It uses a similar system used on the Dreamcast where you can download a Chao on to your GBA (like you could onto your VMU). The difference this time is that you are not downloading onto a memory card you are downloading onto a game and unlike the VMU everything is displayed in colour. For those of you unfamiliar with this idea, a Chao is a small creature, which you train up, each Chao turns out differently and yes this basically is a Tamagotchi (but with a few extra features such as being able to play with them in 3D). The exciting thing about this is that Sonic Advance is scheduled for a release in the upcoming months and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle is a European Gamecube launch title, this makes for a strong possibility that the GBA-GC link up could be avalible from the launch of the Gamecube something that didn’t happen in the US or Japan.
Koro, Koro Kirby (Better known as Kirby tilt n’ tumble) is what Shigsy has been using to demonstrate the GBA-GC link up. If there has to be one game designed especially to incorporate the GBA-GC link up this is it. You tilt the GBA this tilts the board that you can see on your GC screen, this moves Kirby around several levels where you must tilt him to the exit. Kirby tilt ‘n Tumble appeared on the GBC in Japan and now a GBA and Gamecube version is planned, you can flip Kirby into the GBA and wonder around playing him in there. Most titles though use the GBA as an optional extra; Infogrammes plan to link up Dragonball Z on the GBA to the GC but don’t expect this to be an essential. So how important is it to own both consoles?
The GBA is like the expansion pak on the N64, it is necessary for some games such as Koro, Koro Kirby but for the majority of games like Sonic and Dragonball Z it will be a mere add on like the internet options in many games. But Nintendo have confirmed that over 50% of the Gamecube games currently in development will use the GBA link up option, which of course is vastly more than the Expansion Pak, also the Expansion Pak existed only towards the end of the N64’s life whilst the GBA is there from the start. Also despite oddities in the form of Majora’s Mask, Donkey Kong and Perfect Dark the majority of games that implement the Expansion Pak function made very slight unnoticeable changes (sometimes it hindered playing) and so therefore the difference it made to games were pathetic. The GBA on the other hand will add an entire new element to the game, new modes, possible adding to the Gameplay experience.
Right now we haven’t a clue what the GBA can do we only have a taste, in a Perfect Dark 0 deathmatch the GBA could be used as a map, a health bar, it could even show your opponents stats such as weapons health and location (which the map could show). In a Football game it could show current location of players so when you pass you are sure there is actually someone over there (I often pass up the wing to nobody). In many games it could be used as maps or health like the VMU on the Dreamcast. The fact is we don’t know everything the GBA has in store for us but what we do know is that many games will use it in one way or another and it will add another element into the scheme of things. So is a GBA essential? Not really but you should be considering it and if you can’t afford one now consider getting one in the future. If you own a GBA then you should consider the purchase of the Gamecube as they are essentially to halves of the same console. Meanwhile of your like me and have one and plan to get the other then you can look forward to years of innovation.
Here’s to the future
Dringo.
The GBA-GC link up is one of Nintendo’s best idea’s, whilst PS2 and X-box developers puzzle over how to get the most from the net, Nintendo have quiet wisely come up with their own next generation idea. But is this just an advertisement ploy? There are millions of GBA owners currently touring the roads and if each one of those GBA owners got a Gamecube then the Gamecube can give the PS2 and X-box a real run for its money. So the GBA link up if advertised correctly could generate millions of extra sales for the Gamecube, like the Transfer pack on the N64, the ability to transfer Pokémon onto the N64 sold tones of them. But the GBA link up is nothing like that used on the N64, on the N64 only first and second parties made use of the function namely the two (or three depending where you live) Pokémon stadium games and Mario Golf and Tennis. This time over 50% of the Gamecube’s upcoming catalogue of games implements the use of the GBA; this includes both first, second and third parties.
Animal Forest + already on release in Japan is the first game to do this (over here it will be Sonic but it’s the first in Japan). Animal Forest was originally an N64 release which sadly never got released over here, its an exploration game where you live your life and depending on what time of the year it is will depend on what occurs in the background e.g. in winter it will be cold and snowy. The game has been re-released on the Gamecube this time with a world-wide release planned, although the graphics haven’t altered much (they now run at 60 frames per second) there is one main feature that gives the Gamecube version the elusive + in the title, the GBA link up. By visiting an island in Animal forest a mini version of the game appears on your Gameboy Advance, this new addition has been well received in Japan (they absolutely love the game) and the gaming bible for Japan Famitsu has awarded it 37/40, a score shared by the Gamecube’s Super Smash Brother’s Melee.
An example of a third party link up is with Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, (also already out in Japan) this links up with Sonic Advance on the GBA. It uses a similar system used on the Dreamcast where you can download a Chao on to your GBA (like you could onto your VMU). The difference this time is that you are not downloading onto a memory card you are downloading onto a game and unlike the VMU everything is displayed in colour. For those of you unfamiliar with this idea, a Chao is a small creature, which you train up, each Chao turns out differently and yes this basically is a Tamagotchi (but with a few extra features such as being able to play with them in 3D). The exciting thing about this is that Sonic Advance is scheduled for a release in the upcoming months and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle is a European Gamecube launch title, this makes for a strong possibility that the GBA-GC link up could be avalible from the launch of the Gamecube something that didn’t happen in the US or Japan.
Koro, Koro Kirby (Better known as Kirby tilt n’ tumble) is what Shigsy has been using to demonstrate the GBA-GC link up. If there has to be one game designed especially to incorporate the GBA-GC link up this is it. You tilt the GBA this tilts the board that you can see on your GC screen, this moves Kirby around several levels where you must tilt him to the exit. Kirby tilt ‘n Tumble appeared on the GBC in Japan and now a GBA and Gamecube version is planned, you can flip Kirby into the GBA and wonder around playing him in there. Most titles though use the GBA as an optional extra; Infogrammes plan to link up Dragonball Z on the GBA to the GC but don’t expect this to be an essential. So how important is it to own both consoles?
The GBA is like the expansion pak on the N64, it is necessary for some games such as Koro, Koro Kirby but for the majority of games like Sonic and Dragonball Z it will be a mere add on like the internet options in many games. But Nintendo have confirmed that over 50% of the Gamecube games currently in development will use the GBA link up option, which of course is vastly more than the Expansion Pak, also the Expansion Pak existed only towards the end of the N64’s life whilst the GBA is there from the start. Also despite oddities in the form of Majora’s Mask, Donkey Kong and Perfect Dark the majority of games that implement the Expansion Pak function made very slight unnoticeable changes (sometimes it hindered playing) and so therefore the difference it made to games were pathetic. The GBA on the other hand will add an entire new element to the game, new modes, possible adding to the Gameplay experience.
Right now we haven’t a clue what the GBA can do we only have a taste, in a Perfect Dark 0 deathmatch the GBA could be used as a map, a health bar, it could even show your opponents stats such as weapons health and location (which the map could show). In a Football game it could show current location of players so when you pass you are sure there is actually someone over there (I often pass up the wing to nobody). In many games it could be used as maps or health like the VMU on the Dreamcast. The fact is we don’t know everything the GBA has in store for us but what we do know is that many games will use it in one way or another and it will add another element into the scheme of things. So is a GBA essential? Not really but you should be considering it and if you can’t afford one now consider getting one in the future. If you own a GBA then you should consider the purchase of the Gamecube as they are essentially to halves of the same console. Meanwhile of your like me and have one and plan to get the other then you can look forward to years of innovation.
Here’s to the future
Dringo.
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I think it would be a mistake for Nintendo to market the GBA and Gamecube as "two halves of the same console" becaus eif people have neither, and are lead to believe that they will require both, it's extra expense that the consumer may not be willing to pay. Each console needs to be marketed on it's own strengths.
However, those that already have a GBA will be the ones to target with the link stuff. Use the leaflets that go in the game boxes to show off the Gamecube, state the link features.
Put similar things in Gamecube games for the GBA. Trying to target people to buy both straight out could put people off.
The links have to be something special too. Using the GBA to give your character a different hat is a novelty feature that you might use a couple of times, but you'd get bored of something so basic. Using the GBA to choose plays in an American Football game would make a little difference when playing with friends, as they wouldn't see exactly what you were about to do, but given you see the way your opponent lines out, does it make a difference?
Is Koro Koro Kirby any more than one of those little games with the ball-bearings and the holes to get them into?
Novelty features is all we've seen so far.
I want major secrets to be uncovered with the GBA. Imagine hiden dungeons in a new Zelda Gamecube game, that can only be opened with a key found in a GBA game. This would make people buy both games, but there would be plenty in the games as stand-alone products to not put people off that don't own both consoles.
I reckon the GBA would be cool if used as a tracking device, or radar. Imagina an 'Aliens' type game where your GBA is bleeping at you, and it shows that an enemy is getting closer. The bleeps are getting closer together, the alien is close, but you can't see ti. Imagine the tension that could build up if properly implemented.
Nintendo themselves seem pretty quiet on the GBA front. Most of the games they've announced have been upgrades and ports of new games. I bet we'll see things at E3 that use the link between the consoles in the way that Nintendo really intend.
However, those that already have a GBA will be the ones to target with the link stuff. Use the leaflets that go in the game boxes to show off the Gamecube, state the link features.
Put similar things in Gamecube games for the GBA. Trying to target people to buy both straight out could put people off.
The links have to be something special too. Using the GBA to give your character a different hat is a novelty feature that you might use a couple of times, but you'd get bored of something so basic. Using the GBA to choose plays in an American Football game would make a little difference when playing with friends, as they wouldn't see exactly what you were about to do, but given you see the way your opponent lines out, does it make a difference?
Is Koro Koro Kirby any more than one of those little games with the ball-bearings and the holes to get them into?
Novelty features is all we've seen so far.
I want major secrets to be uncovered with the GBA. Imagine hiden dungeons in a new Zelda Gamecube game, that can only be opened with a key found in a GBA game. This would make people buy both games, but there would be plenty in the games as stand-alone products to not put people off that don't own both consoles.
I reckon the GBA would be cool if used as a tracking device, or radar. Imagina an 'Aliens' type game where your GBA is bleeping at you, and it shows that an enemy is getting closer. The bleeps are getting closer together, the alien is close, but you can't see ti. Imagine the tension that could build up if properly implemented.
Nintendo themselves seem pretty quiet on the GBA front. Most of the games they've announced have been upgrades and ports of new games. I bet we'll see things at E3 that use the link between the consoles in the way that Nintendo really intend.
Dringo wrote:
> THE GBA and the GC are two halves of the same console
id say its 90 percent Cube 10 percent agme boy advance,
The animal forest hardly does anything with thte cube you download your person or whatever and it lives on an island its not very interactive as i understand.
Dont get me wrong im not saying that that means all the link-ups will be the same but i dont think it will play as big a role as you believe.
at a stretch 80 percent cube 20 percent GBA
> THE GBA and the GC are two halves of the same console
id say its 90 percent Cube 10 percent agme boy advance,
The animal forest hardly does anything with thte cube you download your person or whatever and it lives on an island its not very interactive as i understand.
Dont get me wrong im not saying that that means all the link-ups will be the same but i dont think it will play as big a role as you believe.
at a stretch 80 percent cube 20 percent GBA
I agree Dringo. In fact, I would go as far as to say that the population of people in here would prefer Nintendo over PS" and X-box. I would easily and always choose Nintendo over those money-grabbing, power-hungry freakazoids
THE GBA and the GC are two halves of the same console and Dan 2k1 i do speak for myself and many others, those others are the target audience for my post.
i wanna see the face mapping feature back for perfect dark
The VMU wasn't a standalone successful console and didn't have half the power or potential of the GBA.
If Nintendo managed to release some really popular GBA games, that encouraged link up to the GC for more features, even GBA owners who already had a PS2 or Xbox would probably eventually get one...
Nintendo own the handheld market. Their grip on that market makes Sony's grip on the console market look pathetic! (And Sony's grip on the console market is far from pathetic!!).
If Nintendo could channel it's GBA customers towards Gamecube ownership, then huge success is garaunteed.
That sort of markerting would be cheaper, more profitable and more effective than ANY advertising campaign Microsoft or Sony could come up with.
Pokémon Stadium gave the N64 a giant boost in sales and that was just ONE games that could link up.
I think that this sort of marketing has big potential, although the only way I can forsee a Perfect Dark link up between the two, is for the GBA to be used to control the camspy in single player mode, or upload character faces if Nintendo make a Camera Advance.
I could not use the GBA as a proper pad!
Nintendo own the handheld market. Their grip on that market makes Sony's grip on the console market look pathetic! (And Sony's grip on the console market is far from pathetic!!).
If Nintendo could channel it's GBA customers towards Gamecube ownership, then huge success is garaunteed.
That sort of markerting would be cheaper, more profitable and more effective than ANY advertising campaign Microsoft or Sony could come up with.
Pokémon Stadium gave the N64 a giant boost in sales and that was just ONE games that could link up.
I think that this sort of marketing has big potential, although the only way I can forsee a Perfect Dark link up between the two, is for the GBA to be used to control the camspy in single player mode, or upload character faces if Nintendo make a Camera Advance.
I could not use the GBA as a proper pad!
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