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The Nintendo sixty-four, was brilliant, it revolutionized the games we played today, it played host to some of the greatest, smartest and hilarious games around. It was the best console of the last generation. But despite this the system did have its problems. Some Problems are firmly set at Nintendo's very own roots so the Big N will have to work extra hard in order to straighten out these problems:
N64 Problem: Cartridges
Instant loading, and saving without memory cards lost the war against CD's. CD's are cheaper for developers to use, stock they don't sell gets sent back to them so they can make games over them and was an extremely attractive prospect to developers and forced some third parties from Nintendo. CD's can also fit much larger games onto them meaning FMV's. Despite the advantages to CD's though loading times and Piracy were an issue, what could Nintendo do?
Gamecube Solution: Optical Disc
The Optical Disc is a mini DVD, other than the size making the thing look cool it also reduces loading times and some games such as Eternal Darkness hasn't a noticeable loading time. The Optical Disc is also unlike any other CD especially as regards size; this means piracy is going to be VERY hard to do (although not impossible). The Optical Disc has all the advantages of a CD but with larger space, harder to pirate and smaller loading times. A good move by Nintendo to sort out this problem.
N64 problem: Game Drought
A large problem early on in the N64's life was the infamous game drought. Nintendo kept delaying and there were months with no games at all!
Gamecube Solution: More Games.
Nintendo are working very hard to prevent a reoccurring drought, they have signed, Left Field, Silicon Knights, Retro Studio's, Camelot, HAL etc... since the N64 days so there is more development teams ready for the Gamecube. Current second parties such as RARE are expanding as are Nintendo themselves. Some games such as Pikmin are now being developed, these games are great but short and means Nintendo are releasing many more games.
N64 Problem: Price
The N64 as expensive was one reason why they lost out. Games even in it's final year were being released at £60 (Conker's Bad Fur Day). Nintendo's own licensing fee's bumped up the price of games and The Playstation were releasing games at £30 compared with the N64's £60 you begin to see the problem. You may be buying into quality but not everyone can.
Gamecube solution: Cheaper games/system
Although not cheaper than the Playstation 2, the Gamecube's games are the same price (and a little cheaper than the x-box in some cases). Despite not beating the PS2 matching it is a huge step especially considering the price variations on the N64. What Nintendo have done to a brilliant effect is release the Gamecube at between £150-£170. A single handed stroke of genius, with a £300 X-box on the market and a PS2 that has been around for nearly a year and a half still at the £200 price mark you can see that Nintendo have done something very clever here. Price has been well and truly sorted on the Gamecube.
N64 problem: Appeal
The N64 had adult titles despite popular belief, Shadowman, Perfect Dark, Conker and Turok to name but a few, but I must face it Pikachu, Mario and Banjo bouncing around everywhere created the wrong impression. Those three games aren't kids games but people thought they were. And this is the hardest image to shake, people relate Nintendo to children and when Nintendo released the Limited Edition Pikachu N64 it was easy to understand why.
Gamecube Solution: More Adult titles
With the large increase in 3rd party developers Nintendo are getting the more "mature" titles that the Playstation once had claim to. Tony Hawks 3, Soul Calibur 2, Turok Evolution, Bloody Roar and Ridge Racer are a few examples of un-kiddy games appearing on the Gamecube. But these are games already on the Playstation and Nintendo need to do something drastic to rescue their depleting teenage and adult users. They grabbed Silicon Knights a horror developer as a Second Party, now Nintendo themselves were developing adult titles such as the awesome yet twisted game Eternal Darkness a much anticipated AAA title. Too Human is also planned by the horror specialist. Another major move was Resident Evil, the adult game the Japanese love the most and one, which will shift millions of Gamecube's single handily. Instead of Pikachu consoles Nintendo are producing Gamecube's with Resident Evil pictures splashed over the box (A move that will sell millions of Nintendo's small box of tricks). The Resident evil franchise on the Gamecube means 5 adult titles heading Nintendo's way. Despite these changes it is still likely Nintendo will keep their “family fun” image, but at least it’s a start and will keep older gamers interested.
N64 Problem: Lack of Third Party Support
The N64 lacked heavily in this department, something that made Sony so large and helped cause the N64 game drought. Acclaim were the first to publish an N64 game in the form of the adult title Turok. Squaresoft helped push developers away from Nintendo but the fact the N64 was hard to develop for, that attractiveness of CD’s and later the Playstations popularity caused Nintendo to suffer. The N64 was luckily saved with a few brilliant Nintendo titles and of course Goldeneye.
Gamecube Solution: More Third Party Support
The N64 was hard to develop for? Well then the Gamecube isn’t and it isn’t, designed specifically to play games and with constant help from Nintendo themselves the Gamecube was a dream to work with and so more third parties popped their head round the door. The PS2 helped with this as it became harder to work on (talk about a switch) and so developers were keener when it came to working with Nintendo. The switch to the cheaper optical disc was also a factor in the increase in third parties. Proof of this increase can be found in Namco, a previously Sony only company, now they have confirmed huge hits such as Klonoa, Ridge Racer and Soul Calibur 2 on the Gamecube and Tekken is still rumored. Capcom have almost jumped ship from the PS2 to the Gamecube especially when it comes to the Resident evil series. Konami are showing just as much support as always although Metal Gear Solid would be nice, Acclaim are doing the same with their major titles such as Burnout and Turok still making Nintendo appearances although why Shadowman 2econd coming isn’t on the Gamecube considering how the original was mainly an N64 title is beyond me. Squaresoft are very keen to work with Nintendo and other developers are announcing games left right and centre such as previous X-box title, outlaw golf announced for later this year. The Third Party increase is a delight to see but it still doesn’t match the PS2’s or X-box’s support.
And that’s the major points covered, many Sony fans wonder why the Gamecube is such a big thing to us considering that the PS2 will still thrash it but the fact is we loved the N64, we thought it had the best games (and we were right) and enjoyed it thoroughly. The Gamecube has taken that N64, removed all the problems and sorted them out (or as much as possible); the Gamecube is already something that will soundly thrash its older brother and gain a little bit of ground on its competitors. That is why ladies and gentlemen May 3rd can’t come soon enough.
Here’s to the future
Dringo.
N64 Problem: Cartridges
Instant loading, and saving without memory cards lost the war against CD's. CD's are cheaper for developers to use, stock they don't sell gets sent back to them so they can make games over them and was an extremely attractive prospect to developers and forced some third parties from Nintendo. CD's can also fit much larger games onto them meaning FMV's. Despite the advantages to CD's though loading times and Piracy were an issue, what could Nintendo do?
Gamecube Solution: Optical Disc
The Optical Disc is a mini DVD, other than the size making the thing look cool it also reduces loading times and some games such as Eternal Darkness hasn't a noticeable loading time. The Optical Disc is also unlike any other CD especially as regards size; this means piracy is going to be VERY hard to do (although not impossible). The Optical Disc has all the advantages of a CD but with larger space, harder to pirate and smaller loading times. A good move by Nintendo to sort out this problem.
N64 problem: Game Drought
A large problem early on in the N64's life was the infamous game drought. Nintendo kept delaying and there were months with no games at all!
Gamecube Solution: More Games.
Nintendo are working very hard to prevent a reoccurring drought, they have signed, Left Field, Silicon Knights, Retro Studio's, Camelot, HAL etc... since the N64 days so there is more development teams ready for the Gamecube. Current second parties such as RARE are expanding as are Nintendo themselves. Some games such as Pikmin are now being developed, these games are great but short and means Nintendo are releasing many more games.
N64 Problem: Price
The N64 as expensive was one reason why they lost out. Games even in it's final year were being released at £60 (Conker's Bad Fur Day). Nintendo's own licensing fee's bumped up the price of games and The Playstation were releasing games at £30 compared with the N64's £60 you begin to see the problem. You may be buying into quality but not everyone can.
Gamecube solution: Cheaper games/system
Although not cheaper than the Playstation 2, the Gamecube's games are the same price (and a little cheaper than the x-box in some cases). Despite not beating the PS2 matching it is a huge step especially considering the price variations on the N64. What Nintendo have done to a brilliant effect is release the Gamecube at between £150-£170. A single handed stroke of genius, with a £300 X-box on the market and a PS2 that has been around for nearly a year and a half still at the £200 price mark you can see that Nintendo have done something very clever here. Price has been well and truly sorted on the Gamecube.
N64 problem: Appeal
The N64 had adult titles despite popular belief, Shadowman, Perfect Dark, Conker and Turok to name but a few, but I must face it Pikachu, Mario and Banjo bouncing around everywhere created the wrong impression. Those three games aren't kids games but people thought they were. And this is the hardest image to shake, people relate Nintendo to children and when Nintendo released the Limited Edition Pikachu N64 it was easy to understand why.
Gamecube Solution: More Adult titles
With the large increase in 3rd party developers Nintendo are getting the more "mature" titles that the Playstation once had claim to. Tony Hawks 3, Soul Calibur 2, Turok Evolution, Bloody Roar and Ridge Racer are a few examples of un-kiddy games appearing on the Gamecube. But these are games already on the Playstation and Nintendo need to do something drastic to rescue their depleting teenage and adult users. They grabbed Silicon Knights a horror developer as a Second Party, now Nintendo themselves were developing adult titles such as the awesome yet twisted game Eternal Darkness a much anticipated AAA title. Too Human is also planned by the horror specialist. Another major move was Resident Evil, the adult game the Japanese love the most and one, which will shift millions of Gamecube's single handily. Instead of Pikachu consoles Nintendo are producing Gamecube's with Resident Evil pictures splashed over the box (A move that will sell millions of Nintendo's small box of tricks). The Resident evil franchise on the Gamecube means 5 adult titles heading Nintendo's way. Despite these changes it is still likely Nintendo will keep their “family fun” image, but at least it’s a start and will keep older gamers interested.
N64 Problem: Lack of Third Party Support
The N64 lacked heavily in this department, something that made Sony so large and helped cause the N64 game drought. Acclaim were the first to publish an N64 game in the form of the adult title Turok. Squaresoft helped push developers away from Nintendo but the fact the N64 was hard to develop for, that attractiveness of CD’s and later the Playstations popularity caused Nintendo to suffer. The N64 was luckily saved with a few brilliant Nintendo titles and of course Goldeneye.
Gamecube Solution: More Third Party Support
The N64 was hard to develop for? Well then the Gamecube isn’t and it isn’t, designed specifically to play games and with constant help from Nintendo themselves the Gamecube was a dream to work with and so more third parties popped their head round the door. The PS2 helped with this as it became harder to work on (talk about a switch) and so developers were keener when it came to working with Nintendo. The switch to the cheaper optical disc was also a factor in the increase in third parties. Proof of this increase can be found in Namco, a previously Sony only company, now they have confirmed huge hits such as Klonoa, Ridge Racer and Soul Calibur 2 on the Gamecube and Tekken is still rumored. Capcom have almost jumped ship from the PS2 to the Gamecube especially when it comes to the Resident evil series. Konami are showing just as much support as always although Metal Gear Solid would be nice, Acclaim are doing the same with their major titles such as Burnout and Turok still making Nintendo appearances although why Shadowman 2econd coming isn’t on the Gamecube considering how the original was mainly an N64 title is beyond me. Squaresoft are very keen to work with Nintendo and other developers are announcing games left right and centre such as previous X-box title, outlaw golf announced for later this year. The Third Party increase is a delight to see but it still doesn’t match the PS2’s or X-box’s support.
And that’s the major points covered, many Sony fans wonder why the Gamecube is such a big thing to us considering that the PS2 will still thrash it but the fact is we loved the N64, we thought it had the best games (and we were right) and enjoyed it thoroughly. The Gamecube has taken that N64, removed all the problems and sorted them out (or as much as possible); the Gamecube is already something that will soundly thrash its older brother and gain a little bit of ground on its competitors. That is why ladies and gentlemen May 3rd can’t come soon enough.
Here’s to the future
Dringo.
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Dringo wrote:
> Oh and TBN
> sprouts crap and Sonic nintendo's predicted share has risen to 26% after more
> 3rd party support and Resident evil hype in Japan
No, I never sprout crap, I sprout the truth as I understand it. However, many times you have said it's crap because you've never heard it before, at whihc point I go and find proof.
> Oh and TBN
> sprouts crap and Sonic nintendo's predicted share has risen to 26% after more
> 3rd party support and Resident evil hype in Japan
No, I never sprout crap, I sprout the truth as I understand it. However, many times you have said it's crap because you've never heard it before, at whihc point I go and find proof.
Dringo wrote:
Sonic nintendo's predicted share has risen to 26% after more
> 3rd party support and Resident evil hype in Japan.
Errrr.... this is actually the official ninty prediction given the shareholders, and is supported by independant financial sources, MS's predictions, and Sony's predictions.
20% share that is
Sonic
Sonic nintendo's predicted share has risen to 26% after more
> 3rd party support and Resident evil hype in Japan.
Errrr.... this is actually the official ninty prediction given the shareholders, and is supported by independant financial sources, MS's predictions, and Sony's predictions.
20% share that is
Sonic
===SONICRAV---> wrote:
> The demographic of GBA owners are generally younger gamers...
Who would have
> bought a GC anyway- it hasn't increased GC sales in any way!
Sonic
Actually loads of children do get playstations and the majority of GBA owners are teenage girls... ah proved you wrong there didn't eye ;)
> The demographic of GBA owners are generally younger gamers...
Who would have
> bought a GC anyway- it hasn't increased GC sales in any way!
Sonic
Actually loads of children do get playstations and the majority of GBA owners are teenage girls... ah proved you wrong there didn't eye ;)
El Burro wrote:
> pure madness, anyway dingo is correct the majority of n64's faults have been
> fixed, and it will sell well, but only if they advertise it effectively...
Did he just say Dingo, please tell me he did not just say Dingo. :D
> pure madness, anyway dingo is correct the majority of n64's faults have been
> fixed, and it will sell well, but only if they advertise it effectively...
Did he just say Dingo, please tell me he did not just say Dingo. :D
The demographic of GBA owners are generally younger gamers...
Who would have bought a GC anyway- it hasn't increased GC sales in any way!
Sonic
Who would have bought a GC anyway- it hasn't increased GC sales in any way!
Sonic
===SONICRAV---> wrote:
> You know, last year Dringo and turbo used to argue all the time.
Then turbo
> went, and dringo and me argued all the time.
Now me and turbo argue with
> dringo all the time...
WAHAHAHAHAHHA
Sonic
Ah actually i had abck up from Game and Ortega quite a lot although often unneccessary.
You two have both major flaws... TBN manages to disagree with somethings i never say.
You meanwhile attack Nintendo for being arrogant... i never said they werent.
Oh and TBN sprouts crap and Sonic nintendo's predicted share has risen to 26% after more 3rd party support and Resident evil hype in Japan.
> You know, last year Dringo and turbo used to argue all the time.
Then turbo
> went, and dringo and me argued all the time.
Now me and turbo argue with
> dringo all the time...
WAHAHAHAHAHHA
Sonic
Ah actually i had abck up from Game and Ortega quite a lot although often unneccessary.
You two have both major flaws... TBN manages to disagree with somethings i never say.
You meanwhile attack Nintendo for being arrogant... i never said they werent.
Oh and TBN sprouts crap and Sonic nintendo's predicted share has risen to 26% after more 3rd party support and Resident evil hype in Japan.
Several things:
Sex is fun but its starting to complicate things so erm not fun anymore.
Gamecube 3 months away, quater of a year after x-box... advertisement for GC starting about now.
And GBA has made people aware.
Sex is fun but its starting to complicate things so erm not fun anymore.
Gamecube 3 months away, quater of a year after x-box... advertisement for GC starting about now.
And GBA has made people aware.
You know, last year Dringo and turbo used to argue all the time.
Then turbo went, and dringo and me argued all the time.
Now me and turbo argue with dringo all the time...
WAHAHAHAHAHHA
Sonic
Then turbo went, and dringo and me argued all the time.
Now me and turbo argue with dringo all the time...
WAHAHAHAHAHHA
Sonic
...for a Nintendo fan, but fortunately we're not all Nintendo fans. In fact, it would appear less than 20% of us are Nintendo fans. This, my furry friend, is a problem. No matter how much you plug the Resi series, etc... the rest of the gaming world doesn't really want to be a Nnintendo fan because they are stereotyped (rightly or wrongly) as younger games. In the eyes of the public, the PS2 or Xbox are nest for them with games like Halo, MGS2, WipEout Fusion (of which one of its predecessors was a major player in the launch of gaming into the mass market), GT3 and GTA3. In fact, in the eyes of the public, the GameCube doesn't exist. What Nintendo needs is converts and by definition converts don't read Nintendo magazines - how are they supposed to know about the GameCube where's there's not a shred of evidence of it outside their local import shoppe, which is probably NOT where they shop.
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