N-Sider Mailbag

Edition: 03-08-2005

Just when you least expect it (on time) I have finished another mailbag! The sheer awesomeness of this edition will likely blow you away, so wear goggles. Be sure to check out Travis's "Good Letter, Bad Letter" section at the bottom too. I would like to recieve more letters next week though so stop being shy and start sending them in. I publish nearly every letter so don't miss your big chance at fame. Send your criticisms, commentary, feedback, praise, or rants to qa@n-sider.com.

In this edition readers fret over how many bumps Link has, I answer the longest letter known to man (about the Revolution), some guy brings up the Neo-Geo again, and our very own Travis Woodside shows us the difference between a good letter and a bad letter. Read on for the good stuff!

Bump-Mapping Zelda

hey, I got a question for you, any idea if the new Zelda 2005 will have bump-mapping? sorry if Im bugging you, but your site said "got a question? click here" so I'm free of guilt.

thanks,

- Mark Hatherly

Jeffrey: Yes, it will feature bump-mapping. That is kind of a given for a game of its kind in this day and age. Will it feature bump mapping to the degree of a game like Halo 2? I doubt it. But here's the kicker: it doesn't matter. Either it looks good or it doesn't. It looks pretty to me. Don't fret over technical crap like that.

N-Sider Newsletter?

Hey have you guys ever considered starting a newsletter for the site?

- James Smith

Jeffrey: Hah, not a bad idea. We'll think about it.

Neo-Geo "Pocket" Color

SNK's handheld was technically called the Neo-Geo Pocket Color. People seem to forget the "Pocket" part. I'd figure it'd be referred to as NGPC, but what do I know.

- Tony Jacobs

Jeffrey: I would comment on that, but I don't want to get more letters about it.

Revolution Realized Rediscovered

ey!

I'm back once again with a question.

In 2001, there was an interview posted about Nintendo and Gyration. I was looking around online and I found this:

http://www.projectcoe .com/Nin_SpecialFeatures/rev.html

I find this whole idea very interesting. What are your thoughts?

-Brian W.

Jeffrey: It's definitely an interesting concept. The article you point out (aptly named "Revolution Rediscovered") reads suspiciously like our own "Revolution Realized" piece, which was first published on IGN last July, but I won't point fingers. It is a concept that could really change the way we play games. Whether or not it is the cornerstone of Nintendo's future plans, I don't know.

Longest Letter EVER

Hello N-Sider,

1. Im sure you remember on several occasions Nintendo said that the Revolution is going to be an evolvement from the Gamecube as the N64 was from the SNES, and furthermore they stated that if the DS is successful it will serve as a hint of what the Revolution will be. Now then, the DS is the first handheld console to utilize a touch screen interface (for a mass produced games centric console) and has already proven successful, yet despite this I am severely inclined to agree that its touch screen has SO FAR only been gimmicky at best. The main reason the DS is even selling at all is due to its recognition as a Nintendo console. The general public does not perceive it as a third pillar of sorts yet rather as off shoot of the game boy line, it is even compatible with GBA games after all. Its been stated earlier that when the next iteration of the Gameboy is released Nintendo will undoubtedly minimize support for DS projects I mean look at sales of the GBA in Japan right now, they have dropped off considerably since the release of the DS.

2. Now then my point is that I hope Nintendo has created another device as revolutionary as the controller stick, (as keeping with its revolution from SNES to N64) that all game developers and even other console manufacturers will deem as an essential step in the evolution of games otherwise, Im going to be an extremely worried Nintendo fan. This does tie in with its paradigm shift statement after all, as a new patented camera system just doesnt cut it.

3. Furthermore why are they such a secretive company yet, in recent times, there has been very little things copied from Nintendo at all. Lets say Nintendo does create a new revolutionary input device for its console, whats going to stop the competition from merely creating new controllers that feature this function as standard, (dual shock anyone) then what does Nintendo have? I am beginning to loose faith in my favorite company, I hope they remember that it is the games that make the system, and where are my beloved instant classic games? I am a Nintendo console only gamer and I can proudly say I own every console ever created by Nintendo and almost every decent game, yet my Gamecube collection has a severe lack of mind-blowingly good games, for me Zelda was a let down as was Mario, I can go as far to say as the only games I can say I truly love in the vein that I did Ocarina of Time, Goldeneye and Perfect Dark is Smash Bros: Melee and Metroid Prime. Nintendo NEEDS to get in touch with reality and start realizing what games sell consoles. If Nintendo is so morally against creating games such as Grand Theft Auto they need to atleast pursue the developers of such games to release these on Nintendos console also, and I mean in the same time period not 2 years later, they do after all have a massive cash reserve, its time for them to start using it wisely. Even possibly being less secretive and instead start hyping up their consoles.

4. The Revolution better blow not just me the loyal, defensive Nintendo fan away but every other console manufacturer and publisher as well. It better have them saying Wow! How can we be so stupid and not have thought of that hell it better be so good the delay the next iteration of the Xbox to include what it did that they didnt.

5. If there was a single game lacking in the Gamecubes library I would say it was a First Person Shooter in the vein of Goldeneye or Perfect Dark, I mean sure we have Timesplitters but that doesnt even come close to capturing the essence of a great game as my beloved rare developed N64 games did and it sure isnt exclusive. Halo and Halo 2 have captured much of the market from underneath Nintendo and call me modest but Halo is almost single handedly responsible for the success of the Xbox in the American Market, at least during its establishment phase.

6. The loss of Rare was a monumental mistake in my opinion and I dont think any N64 owner can disagree with me, they created nearly as many games as Nintendo itself for the N64, and many of them with better graphics and gameplay. I am still trying to understand why exactly Nintendo sold them off, and utilized the money for, oh nothing.

7. Its becoming harder and harder for me to retain my faith in the big N, and I fear that if they dont begin to conform to what society has deemed the successful recipe for creating a gaming console and begin luring developers to actually RELEASE these games on Nintendos console and I mean within a decent time frame not 2 years later, Im afraid this will be there last shot at making it big once more, in the games industry. As the Dreamcast has proved, the next generation will be too late to get it right.

8. Nintendo why are you trying to revitalize the gaming market? Claming that the gaming market is going to collapse if the games dont change etc etc. When in fact there are more console buyers and gamers now then there ever were? Lets not try and prevent the collapse of the industry 15 years before it happens, but lets stick with it, and if and when the time comes, and games begin to stop selling, then create your revolution that will single-handedly revive the games industry, when it in fact needs to be revived!

Oh dear, May never seemed so far away

- Dely Rousos

Jeffrey: Wow. Okay, that was a long and confusing letter. I've taken the liberty of numbering your paragraphs off so I can effectively respond to each of your many opinions.

1. Nintendo has reitterated quite a few times that the revolution will not simply be a touchscreen and have actually implied that it would be completely unrelated. What they have said is that the Nintendo DS should be viewed as a model for the train of thought they are operating. With that said, I tend to agree that the DS has yet to live up to its potential. I do not own one yet, nor do I plan on purchasing one until there is really something innovative and fresh that entices me. Wario Ware: Touched is the most promising thus far, but I need something completely new, not simply a DS extension of a top selling GBA game. Kirby & The Magical Paintbrush is my most anticipated game at this point. I am a bit worried that Nintendo is pushing the GBA aside, but I can't say that I didn't see it coming. However, just because GBA hardware sales are in the decline doesn't mean that interest in GBA games are. Software sales are still up there. Many people are buying the DS instead of a GBA SP because it features a sharper screen and better light.

2. I, for one, hope that the Revolution is far more innovative than the control stick. Making a compact joystick was definitely a great step forward when entering the realm of 3D games, but that didn't stop the PlayStation from doubling the sales of the Nintendo 64. Within a few years Sony released a controller that featured control sticks and went about its way. For the revolution to really help Nintendo it will have to be something difficult to replicate on a console not designed for it. The big test for the Revolution will be if it is far more fun to play games on it than a standard controller. The DS offers many fun alternatives, but the touchscreen has yet to prove itself any more fun than standard controls. I'd much rather play a game with the controls of Metroid Prime than Metroid Prime: Hunters. It's in this area where Nintendo's largest challenge will arise.

3. I agree that there has been a lack of mind-blowing games for the GameCube, but I'd say the same for all three major consoles. Halo was nothing new, just the best we have this generation. And yes, Nintendo is too secretive and doesn't have to worry about being copied as much as it did when it was on top back in the SNES days. The company has been getting better over the years, so I really don't see a huge issue over that. The largest problem with the GameCube is that it has had no system-selling games. It has had several great games (I love Wind Waker), but no one game that appeals to the masses like Goldeneye 007, Grand Theft Auto, and Halo did. It's a system without a face. Super Smash Bros. Melee is the closest thing it has to a system-seller. Resident Evil 4 has all the ingredients of a system selling game, but its a bit late for it to really make a difference. Had Resident Evil 4 been a launch title, we might not be having this conversation. Then again, I could be wrong.

4. Umm, sure. I agree. (I guess)

5. Perfect Dark and Goldeneye are definitely two highlights of the Nintendo 64 (Goldeneye being the brighter light, saleswise). I definitely agree that the GameCube has had no comparable First Person Shooters. From a customization standpoint alone, Perfect Dark is still the best multiplayer game out there. The Halo series is the only franchise this generation that rivals their success. Sadly, its only available on the Xbox. Definitely a lost opportunity for Nintendo.

6. The sale of Rareware was a sound financial decision and I doubt any of you could show me anything relevent that would change my mind. Yes, during the Nintendo 64 era Rare was the creator of many top notch and original IPs (Intellectual Properties) and several multi-million selling games. This is not the Nintendo 64 generation. Rare has released two console games this generation: Star Fox Adventures (GCN) and Grabbed by the Ghoulies (XBX). Both of those titles were terrible and neither helped sell GameCubes or Xboxes. Say all you want about the mythical Perfect Dark 0 or Rare's contributions to the Xbox 2, when it comes down to it Nintendo was wise to take the $250 million.

7. While I don't believe that completely conforming to the industry is the right answer, I agree that Nintendo needs a healthy launch line-up for the Revolution that appeals to all clads of gamers. Even the ones who play Halo or GTA all day.

8. I do think that Nintendo may be jumping the gun with the Revolution. Games have not yet reached the level of photorealism that will make it difficult for consumers to see much of a difference. I think that by the end of the next generation of consoles (about five years from now) we will be very close to that graphical thresh hold. With that in mind, if Nintendo wants consumers to give this "revolution" a chance, Nintendo's next system is going to have to be at equal grounds with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 2 when it comes to overall processing power. If gamers have to choose between having pretty graphics and a new control device they will choose pretty graphics. If Nintendo is wise (and I pray they are) it will give gamers the best of both worlds. Then, with the graphical playing-field leveled, the Revolution 'difference' will be seen as a true advantage - not just an alternative.

Holy crap. This is, by far, the longest response I have ever written. Let's not make a habit of writing letters this long. It takes actual effort for me to respond and no one likes that.

Good Letter, Bad Letter

[Warning: The two letters you are about to read were fabricated solely from the twisted mind of Travis Woodside.]

GOOD LETTER

Dear sirs,

I've been thinking long about the inevitable next installment in the Super Mario franchise. Initially I was thinking, despite Nintendo's comments, that the plumber would return in a title more akin to that of Super Mario 64, thus eliminating the water pack and exclusively tropical environment. However, as many evenings have since passed I see the release of such a title for the GameCube as highly unlikely. Tell me, do you good sirs feel the next Mario title will launch with the Nintendo Revolution? If so, what sort of new gameplay features do you hypothesize? You fellows are so fascinating that I simply must know your speculation.

Respectfully,

- Frederick Billington of the North Haven

BAD LETTER

Yo so mario suxs and all so i be thinkin it time for ninten to make a halo game werd me? they can even make it the same to! you just need matter chef an sum boms. foo just tak rat and clack and put in the chef and bowser and your set! factly it for right!

you guys need to make more games to, werd me? i havet seen a game since perfect dark. now thats what sells!!!!!!

- fr3ddIE w000!!1!

Travis: Mr. Billington, I have also been thinking about the next Mario title. Though I don't wish to be purposefully vague it is true that no one knows what the next one will introduce in terms of gameplay advancements. However, I think we can all be sure a sequel will take full advantage of whatever new technology the Revolution has in store. And yes, I do believe that we won't see a new Mario title until the Revolution's launch.

Now I hope you've all learned something from seeing Frederick at his best and worst. If not then I hope it was at least humorous. Now, to get on to more pressing matters. Feel free to send Jeff quality letters with an aside to how incredibly handsome and debonaire I am.