*** Official 'Spaceworld 2001 Discussion Thread (1 Viewer)

[Dan B]

Since I can't seem to find any good news yet.

Let's see...Gamecube delayed 'til Nov. 18th in the US, with rumors that not many will be available, Star Fox delayed 'til next year, the next Zelda game will feature a cel-shaded cartoon look, Mario Sunshine will not arrive until at least next summer in Japan. (tries to catch breath but faints)
-Dan
P.S. Some good news...they will be launching in orange and BLACK in Japan in addition to indigo...so there is hope for the US launch.
[Edited last by Dan B on August 23, 2001 at 12:38 AM]

 

[Dan B]

OK, here's the good news, some of which contradicts the rumors...whew!

Nintendo Boosts U.S. NINTENDO GAMECUBE Launch Shipments; Will Deliver More Than One Million Gameplay Systems, 17 Titles In U.S. By Year-End
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 23, 2001--Nintendo of America today announced it will increase U.S. shipments of its innovative NINTENDO GAMECUBE(TM) home video game console to 700,000 systems, and deliver them to store shelves on Sunday, November 18th, directly in advance of the key Thanksgiving shopping week.
In addition, continuing flow of NINTENDO GAMECUBE hardware will push total North American shipments to 1.1 million units by December 31.
At a news conference in advance of the Nintendo SpaceWorld video game exhibition, Nintendo also announced that five exclusive first- and second-party games and 12 independent third-party games are scheduled for U.S. launch this year to meet the game play appetites of all video gamers. The scheduled exclusive title releases, each with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $49.95, are:
-- Luigi's Mansion(TM) November 18 (street date)
-- Wave Race(R): Blue Storm November 18 (street date)
-- Pikmin(TM) November 19 (ship date)
-- Super Smash Bros.(TM) Melee December 3 (ship date)
-- Eternal Darkness(TM) December 3 (ship date)
These Nintendo-developed hits will be joined by proven franchises and groundbreaking new games from among the world's best third party publishers.
Those scheduled for release in North America this year include:
-- All Star Baseball 2002 (Acclaim)
-- Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 (Acclaim)
-- Extreme G3 (Acclaim)
-- NFL Quarterback Club 2002 (Acclaim)
-- Crazy Taxi (Acclaim)
-- FIFA Soccer 2002 (Electronic Arts)
-- Madden NFL 2002 (Electronic Arts)
-- SSX Tricky (Electronics Arts)
-- Star Wars(R) Rogue Squadron(R) II: Rogue Leader(TM) (LucasArts)
-- NFL Blitz (Midway)
-- NHL Hitz (Midway)
-- Super Monkey Ball (Sega)
Nintendo also announced that eagerly anticipated titles NBA Courtside 2002 will debut in January 2002, followed by Star Fox(R) Adventures: Dinosaur Planet(TM), from Rare Ltd. in the first quarter 2002. They will be joined by other blockbuster 2002 NINTENDO GAMECUBE titles The Legend of Zelda(R) and Mario Sunshine later next year.
In addition, Nintendo unveiled new forms of connectivity between NINTENDO GAMECUBE and Game Boy(R) Advance. By linking the two systems, the Game Boy Advance can be used as more than a controller. For instance, players can transfer a character trained on NINTENDO GAMECUBE to Game Boy Advance to continue game play while away from home. Or, transport characters or items via Game Boy Advance to trade with friends. And, with innovative technology such as "tilt control," players can maneuver a character just by tilting a Game Boy Advance controller. Nintendo expects to introduce the first NINTENDO GAMECUBE title to take advantage of the Game Boy Advance connectivity later this year in Japan and in 2002 for North America.
"Our industry has learned the dangers of arriving at a launch party without enough gifts," explains Peter Main, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Nintendo of America Inc. "By increasing our day one shipments to almost three-quarters of a million, we not only should come close to meeting total demand at launch, but also assure a virtually uninterrupted restocking through the holiday season."
"We strongly applaud Nintendo's move to reduce the anxiety of customers who can't find the video game products they want," says Wayne Yodzio, vice president, Divisional Merchandise Manager, Toys R Us, Inc. "While there is still no guarantee supplies will fully meet demand, at least we can promise them we'll effectively be restocking Nintendo's new console on a constant basis through the holiday and beyond."
NINTENDO GAMECUBE remains on track to launch in Japan on September 14, 2001, and in Europe in early 2002.
NINTENDO GAMECUBE, the most efficiently designed home video game system in history, will initially be available in two console colors, Indigo and Jet Black. In addition, at launch consumers will be able to separately purchase: additional controllers in four colors, Indigo, Indigo/transparent configuration, Jet Black, and Spice (orange); memory cards; Nintendo Power(R) Player Guides, and other accessories.
The integrated architecture of NINTENDO GAMECUBE's processing and graphical chips, memory and controller offers the easiest development environment to date for game creators. Coupled with the exclusive game creations of the world's most successful first and second party design teams, and connected in unprecedented ways with Nintendo's handheld Game Boy Advance, NINTENDO GAMECUBE delivers all-new forms of interactive fun.
As the worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co. Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems. The systems include Game Boy(R), Nintendo(R) 64, Game Boy Advance and the upcoming NINTENDO GAMECUBE(TM). Since the release of its first home video game system in 1985, Nintendo has sold more than 1.4 billion video games worldwide, creating enduring industry icons such as Mario and Donkey Kong and launching such franchises as Zeldaand Pokemon. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere.

 

[Dan Brecher]

I've made this thread the thread for all OFFICIAL DISCUSSION ON SPACEWORLD 2001.
Well the delay is just one of those "arghhhhhhhh" situations isn't it? Damn, and I so wanted them to get their head start on the X-Box. Still, if it's a delay to increase shipments then fine, I'd rather not see a PS2 style fu*k up like Sony had here in the UK, go down in the US with the Cube. Maybe with the two week delay I can save that little bit more and have an additional game or two ship with my US model.
Ok, ok, so, Star Fox delayed? Not a bad thing, it's not like there will be a shortage of great games come the Cubes US launch, it still has the finest launch line up I've ever seen, so to have Fox, Mario, Zelda....etc all coming in 2002, that's fine.
As for how Zelda looks, I think even from those blurred shots at IGN from the show floor it looking GORGEOUS! Looks to have a Jet Set Radio vibe to it. Mario Sunshine is looking like a generation leap over Mario 64 visually. More news on that game play wise is going to be interesting...
Dan (UK)
[Edited last by Dan Brecher on August 23, 2001 at 06:06 AM]

 

[paul h]

Dan, you might wanna head on over to Computerandvideogames.com they have something tasty for download

 

[Ron Gilbert]

I watched the vids of Zelda and Mario. Very nice. The Zelda animation was fantastic, and the enviroments in Mario are looking to be huge. Hopefully we won't have to wait an entire year for more gameplay info.

 

[Camp]

SpaceWorld is boring!!
This is like Microsoft's E3 showing. News, yes...but nothing really exciting at all.

 

[Dan B]

Dan B(UK)

, thanks for changing the title...I was panicking when I started the thread. Well, I'm going to check out some of that media this morning which I hope will put me in a better mood.
-Dan B(US)

 

[BrianB]

SpaceWorld is boring!!

It's a Japanese show, aimed primarily at pushing the GameCube & GBA in Japan. Personally, I think SC2, 1080, Zelda, Mario are all good news...
------------------
Nothing In Particular

 

[Dan B]

I've checked out some video from Zelda for the Gamecube, and it is really incredible. At the same time, I'm disappointed that it doesn't have a more realistic look. Very shocked. Mario is decent from what I've seen...not beyond the Sonic Dreamcast games though.
starting to panic again
I just dunno.

 

[Iain Lambert]

A new 1080? When did I miss this one? SSX Tricky can now be officially declared dead in the water. Nothing can currently beat the mastery that is N64 1080.
Oh, and there is one small probably with over-initialising. I thought for a moment there that SC2 meant a port of the classic Star Control sequel...

 

[Morgan Jolley]

I haven't been able to check out much of whats going on at SpaceWorld, but will probably get to later on.
That sucks about the delay of the GCN.
EDIT:
How did you see a video or any screenshots from Mario or Zelda when Nintendo specifically asked for no media to be taken of either game? Then again, I had seen video of Final Fantasy IX, X, and some concept art from XI about 10 months before IX came out due to someone having a camera at SquareSoft's Millennium Conference, so I would assume a similar situation here.
[Edited last by Morgan Jolley on August 23, 2001 at 05:29 PM]

 

[Dan Brecher]

At the same time, I'm disappointed that it doesn't have a more realistic look.

Hey, Miyamoto could do a game that looks like Pong and I would not care as long as it played well! Again, I've got to say I love how Zelda on the Cube is shaping up, I was very underwhelmed by the previous spaceworld Zelda footage from last year, if they want to take innovative leaps visualy as well as in gameplay, I am all for it, I've come to expect that from Nintendo (with this in mind, I am somewhat let down by Mario at first glance in that respect).
Anyone check out the very brief Fifa video at IGN? Jeez, all it's missing is Des Lynam, it looks incredible.
Dan (UK)
-- Not a huge footbal fan, yet oddly likes to play it in videogame form
[Edited last by Dan Brecher on August 23, 2001 at 06:07 PM]

 

[Lou Sytsma]

Yeah the new look of Zelda caught me off guard.
I really liked the more realistic look of the previous version.
------------------
Every man is my superior, in that I may learn from him.

 

[Morgan Jolley]

Haven't seen any videos yet, but the new Zelda and Mario games seem to be shaping up well. The Zelda game seems to be very interesting, and the Mario game seems to be "Super Mario 64 2" rather than a new game altogether. I can't wait for both.

 

[Camp]

I just watched the video of Zelda. Wow, Nintendo's got balls! I liked the previously released art too but I'm willing to accept this because it's such a different course.
If you haven't seen Zelda in motion download a video now.
Remember how excited you were the first time you saw Dragon's Lair?
Remember how that excitement dwindled when you realized you didn't really have any control of Dirk?
Zelda contains that level of animation in a totally user controlled game.
Fantastic stuff. Better yet, the "hand drawn look" doesn't look like it's pasted on to polygons. It looks like the real thing.
Quite amazing.
So yes, I take back the "boring" comment.
quote: Anyone check out the very brief Fifa video at IGN? Jeez, all it's missing is Des Lynam, it looks incredible.[/quote]
Really? I thought Virtua Striker looked better.
-Camp
[Edited last by Camp on August 23, 2001 at 07:45 PM]
[Edited last by Camp on August 23, 2001 at 07:46 PM]

 

[Calvin Watts III]

Just got back from IGN
Thank the maker I have a cable modem

Zelda is something else - it has to seen to be believed...and while I'm not sure that I like the direction that they are taking the series, you have got to be impressed with what they have done.
Mario shows promise as well, but I personally think they (Retro studios) are having major problems with Metroid Prime. I just hope Miaymoto can show them the proper way to make it the A-Grade game it should be.
Star Wars: Rogue Leader impresses me more every time I see it. Playing the movie..Finally!!
The future is bright for Nintendo - no way do they get out of hardware making, much less fold, in 18 months.
Microsoft & Sony may be huge, but look at all the other quality electronic manufacturers out there.
PS: I'll take my Mac and day over Windows

------------------
"Never give up!!! .......... Never surrender!!!!!!!!!."

 

[Dean Cooper]

Well this thread is a breath of fresh air. Have you guys looked at the IGN forum? Holy smokes there are a LOT of POed Nintendo fans. Personally, I find the Zelda game quite cool, except for the 5yr old girl look (anyone else get that impression?), and the loonie toons rip off. Going with that style of game will allow "Mr Nintendo" to put much more expression into link. Should be a cool game even if it does look like a cartoon. I think the reason I like the new one so much is because it reminds me of the original, kind of returning to its roots type of thing.
Metroid is disappointing if you ask me, all that hype for turok..eh..I mean a Metriod fps. The FMV that was ooooing the lemmings at E3 sure didn't portray that the game would be more of a FPS. But its got a ways to go still, so we'll see I guess.
Mario looks like I thought it would. Mario 64 mixed with Sonic adventure. If your still in to that fat little plumber I think it will deliver the goods. The stuff attached to him has me a little curious. My only gripe is the name, I mean SUNSHINE?!? With that title Mario will grow up to be a bouncing coin collecting fruit boy. Its got to go...quick!
I can't really say anything about the delay, I wasn't planing on getting a Game Cube until well into next year (if ever) anyway. Might just rent one for a week to play that Zelda game when it comes out.
Dean

 

[Morgan Jolley]

Just saw the three videos and all I can say is a general WOW!!!
The Zelda game looked excellent. People think that Jet Grind Radio perfected cel shading, but this game does it WAY better (IMO, though I haven't seen JGRF on X-Box yet). The look on Link seems to portray him as younger, so I could see the animated style as fitting with that idea. The game could change between now and its Japanese release next Christmas (of 2003) and even if it doesn't I am still excited. I think that Shigeru Miyamoto has gained so much power that he could turn Zelda into a porno and still make it a masterpiece, thats how good he is at this stuff. I trust he won't screw this one up.
Mario looks promising, but nothing groundbreaking was shown. Nonetheless, it looked interesting and seems to have a lot of things to do. Mario Sunshine is just a tentative title, and they could change that for the american release (if not the japanese one, too). I hope there is more than one level though.
Metroid Prime was...well....you know, not that big of a deal. It looked good, but not like Metroid. The graphics are still great and it looks to be a good game, whether it has the Metroid title or not.
Overall, they all look pretty good and will just give me more reasons to buy a GCN.

 

[Dan Brecher]

Remember how excited you were the first time you saw Dragon's Lair?
Remember how that excitement dwindled when you realized you didn't really have any control of Dirk?
Zelda contains that level of animation in a totally user controlled game.
Fantastic stuff. Better yet, the "hand drawn look" doesn't look like it's pasted on to polygons. It looks like the real thing.

Nicely put. I must agree! One has to see this in motion, it strikes out any reservations about the new look you could posisbly have.
Dan (UK)

 

[Jeff Cooper]

Is that really how the Zelda game is going to look? I was under the impression that it was still very early on in the development, and the animated cartoony figures were simply placeholders for the eventual character designs. Anyway, I thought the Zelda video was kind of lame with the cartoony link, the N64 versions looked better in my opinion. And I have to agree that Mario Sunshine has to be the gayest game title I have ever heard. No wonder everyone thinks the Gamecube is a kiddy system. The game itself looks good, but that title has got to go!
Anyway I am really looking forward to Rogue Squadron II, and Waverace!!
------------------
-Jeff Cooper
"Curse you inspector Dim! You are too clever for us naughty people."