Q&A March

Welcome to the first edition of the DS Update Q&A. This week we tackle questions on the Revolution, DS wifi, Japanese exclusives, and a lot more. We feel that for some questions you need the official word of Nintendo so that is what we went and got for you. If you have a question you would like to ask DS Update please e-mail QnA@dsupdate.net, and the question may be included in our next Q&A article.

Question: Does anyone think the Revolution will have dvd playback?  I think its safe to say that the technology is old and cheap enough to incorporate it in an upcoming entertainment console.  Yes everybody has a dvd player by now but it would help if we could slowly put aside our old players with the use of a new "player/console" combo.  I know that the other companies would continue with this new tradition either because they see what I see or don't want to come off as having a new system that lacks an ability of an older one.

Official Word: We are currently working on our next generation hardware system, code-named "Revolution."  While we haven't confirmed a launch date at this time, we're prepared to release this new system at the same time, if not before our competitors release their next generation consoles.  We also know that this system will be backwards compatible with Nintendo GameCube games, and will have Wi-Fi Internet capabilities.  As additional details are revealed, including whether it will play DVDs, you can be sure that you'll see them first at www.nintendo.com or in Nintendo Power Magazine.

DS Update: Nintendo has given mixed messages towards it’s consoles playing other forms of media, and there is the possibility that the Revolution will play DVD’s. With the recent developments of the Play Yan in Japan it seems that Nintendo is warming up to the idea that a console can be used for more than just gaming. If Nintendo does use a normal sized disc in the Revolution with a DVD compatible drive, I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t just let the drive play whatever else is in it. Then again, we really don’t even know if the Revolution will use discs. For this question we are pretty much as clueless as you are and will have to wait till E3 for more info as Nintendo gives us no good clues to go on at this time.

Question: Hi my name is Mike, my question is if you guys could find any info whether or not these titles are coming to the states. I have a bad feeling they won’t get released in the states,anywise these are the titles.

1. Another Code

2. Jump Superstars

3. Ganbare Goemon

4. Naruto

Official Word- At this time, we haven't heard of any plans to release Another Code, Jump Superstars, Ganbare Goemon, or Naruto in the North American market.  You never know what the future might hold, though, so keep checking our web site (www.nintendo.com) for the latest information.

DS Update- In many situations games that are released in Japan do not make their way here, as it is a harder market. As for the games you named, I can say that I am pretty sure that Jump Superstars and Nautro will not make their way over to North America. The reason for this is that many of the characters in the games are in TV shows that are broadcasted in Japan and not here. As for the other two games, there is a dim light that Ganbare Goemon will make it way over here. As for Another Code, if you were to bet on one of those games making it’s way over here it would be this one. Another Code has had large write ups in Nintendo Power, and it does seem that this game has the best chance to make it’s way over to the North American market. Other than that your only other shot is importing. It may be a little more expensive, but if you want the game then importing is your best option for games that are not heading over here.

Question- Can you tell me what in the heck Nintendo is thinking by not letting some of the great Japanese DS games come to the U.S.? I'm speaking of games like "Another Code" or "Meteos" or even the one about the Japanese court cases or the medical game with the Japanese name (sorry, don't have my list in front of me). Nintendo has been doing this sort of thing for years where the U.S. doesn't get the good games that Japan does. Games like "Chibi Robo" or "Naruto" for the Gamecube have not come stateside and I would hate for the DS software to suffer the same fate. I understand the difference in markets, but Nintendo needs to know that we U.S. gamers crave the Japanese stuff. That's the motherland of gaming and I believe these games would sell really well also in the states. I keep seeing Japanese release after Japanese release but my son and I are stuck playing the "in the mean time" games and I want to know what the deal is. I'd also like to know if you can shed some light on the release dates for some of the DS role playing games. I've counted like 10-12 supposed RPG's for the DS future but have heard nothing since. Examples are FF3, another FFCC, Dragon Quarter, Lost in Blue, Xenosaga DS, Baten Kaitos, Egg Monster Heroes and so on. Please help some starving Nintendo fans know what time dinner is ok?

Official Word- Lost in Blue is estimated for release in the third quarter (Q3), July, August or September.  Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles DS and Egg Monster Heroes are announced but do not have estimated release dates.   The others titles you listed are not officially announced for release in North America, at this time, so we'll just have to wait and see.

DS Update- Like the previous question some games are just not profitable to release here. Although we are many times stuck with less games, we usually do get the best games. As for RPG’s on the DS, it seems that Nintendo is doing the same thing they did with the Gamecube in terms of releasing RPG's. At the beginning life of the Cube there were little RPG’s and it took awhile for some decent ones to come out, but now we have a good selection. Be patient for the great games to come out, as you can probably expect a steady stream of RPG's coming out for the DS after May (give or take). The great RPG's are coming and many of the great DS games are being saved for after E3. For games that are not being released here there is always the option of importing. When is dinner time? Breakfast just started, calm down and wait till after E3.

Question- The question is, well I was wondering if it is true that the DS cannot display 3D images on both screens? I remember reading that it couldn't a while back. Or is it that it can but it shortens the battery life a lot?

DS Update- Contrary to Sony fanboy belief, but the DS can display 3D images on both screens simultaneously. If there is any proof of this it is the opening Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt sequence. Other examples of dual 3D include Super Mario 64 DS minigames, although these do not show superior use of dual 3D it is 3D none the less. How much it drains battery is up for debate, dual 3D processing will take up some more battery power, but nothing overwhelming. You may see a loss of maybe 30 min on a full charge, but nothing substantial. You will have more battery on a dual 3D game locally then a dual 2D game on constant wifi. Many times developers choose to have only one screen 3D because it is simpler and easier to focus on for the user.

Question-Do you guys have any idea about when exactly it will be online?  Also, is there any chance that Mario Kart will be online enabled?  It seems like they're really pushing the LAN play, but as far as I know nothing has been confirmed yet.

DS Update- The DS will head online sometime within the 4th quarter of this year (Oct-Dec). This leaves the window pretty open for developers. Expect most DS games that come out after this point to be wifi enabled. Mart Kart online would be a great idea, but for the time being we are being sent mixed messages on Mario Kart, but there is no official announcement on it being online. This however, does not mean that there isn’t the possibility of wifi. There are a large number of games that will be online enabled like Age of Empires, and probably (I would bet) Advance Wars. It seems that Nintendo wants to keep a steady rate of games coming out for the DS until online is released. Stay tuned during E3 for complete coverage and analysis of the DS Online plan.

Question- Do you think that Pokemon Diamond/Pearl will be online capable? When will the games come out?

Official Word- Good question about Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl.  There are no new details on these two games, so we'll just have to wait and see.

DS Update- Nintendo has always been stating that they want to bring gamers together to their their products, so I think Nintendo will make Pearl and Diamond WiFi-enabled, because the Pokemon series was destined to go online. Now there`s been talk that Diamond and Pearl will be released in Japan on November, so Diamond and Pearl will release in the US on March 2006 because of the game's translations, but this is just a rumor. Also this rumour of release would fit right in place with the Nintendo’s plan to put the DS online. Stay tuned though.

Question-On The Subject Of Majesco's Newly Announced Games, I read that they would use wifi, but i was wondering if they actually meant online or just regular multiplayer. i know the difference between wlan and wifi, it's just that sometimes people tend to use the two interchangeably.

DS Update- From what our sources tell us the games will be wifi enabled. Let me reiterate that you should plan to see most games that come out in Q4 and on for DS and Revolution online.

Question- So what do you people think of the psp anyway? I read your PSP launch night thing (thought it was hilarious XD), and what are you opinions on the DS's game lineup? I go to gamefaqs a lot and post on the DS board and stuff... but i find out that people are constantly complaining that the games out right now suck. And then they complain that the games coming out in the future don't interest them. This has lead to a few people trading in there DS for a PSP...

DS Update- Here at DS Update most of us think that competition is a good thing. A new handheld contender will bring each company to provide better products at lower costs. Also there are a few of the staff on the site who already own a PSP, and there are no hard feelings. I really see no reason why both systems cannot survive in the market together as they both target different demographics and are really used for different functions. As for the DS game line, I can say that thus far the releases have not been overly promising as it seemed to be a rushed launch. Each month Nintendo and other companies seem to be putting out more and more titles which seem less and less rushed. Nintendo is really saving its big guns for after E3. Whether you question the games or not, the reason for Nintendos quick sprint to get the DS to the market was a smart move as they sold somewhere in the vicinity of 5 million units before the PSP even launched in North America. The games will come, so have faith. This time period was more or less to get the product out on the market and get the word out. After E3 we will start getting the really great titles (not to mention Polarium before E3).

Question- When will we get more information on Square-Enix’s DS games?

DS Update- E3


That's all for this month's Q&A, keep sending in those e-mails and we will get you the answers.

Рекомендуем обратиться - how to secure software - рекомендации.

A PSP, DS, and a Whole Lot of Bias

A true story

March 24th, 2005,

This day will stand out to many people as the day that launched the Playstation Portable (PSP), but for me this day will stand out as a story that crosses barriers between comedy, drama, and tragedy. Well maybe not drama or tragedy, but either way, comical at least.

I was thrilled to hear that my younger sibling wanted a DS of his own, and he asked me to pick one up for him. How could I say no? I promised to pick up his DS this week, and I do keep my word. So this very morning before Electronics Boutique opened I drove down because I thought there would be a crowd for the PSP (as I remember line ups for the DS). Either way I got there 30 minutes before the store opened and to my surprise no one had showed up yet. Perhaps I over estimated this new handheld. I decided to stay in the car and play my DS until a line formed.

20 minutes till store opens

One person slowly walks to the front door and begins to wait. I figure I better get in line so that I do not have to wait longer.

15 minutes till store opens

The line has now begun to grow, and there are four people behind me, although I think one of them is just lost. I wait patiently for the store to open as the kid behind me turns to me.

‘Hey man! I am so pumped for this, I saved my money since E3. I have $450 for a PSP and one game,’ says this kid to me in an excited voice

‘Well that is a lot of money,’ I reply trying to avoid conversation

‘Yeah when I heard about it during May, that’s when E3 is, I knew that I wanted it! I pre-ordered it awhile ago, but I told my mom to make sure I get here early to make sure they won’t sell mine.’ says the child who is now beginning to look like he should be getting ready to go to school.

‘Great....’ I reply monosyllabically again trying more or less just to shut this kid up.

10 minutes till store opens

I begin to get bored and decide to whip out my own DS and play it. The line behind me has not grown to more than 4 people and it seems that this will be the only crowd. Just as I whip out my DS and the start up sound begins to play three of the people around me notice the DS. Not realizing that I was in prime Sony fanboy area, I quickly realized that I was about to be flamed. I ignored their stares of disgust as I chuckled to myself and began to play Yoshi Touch & Go with the music loud just to spite them a little. It was less then a minute before one of them spoke up though. The one to speak up was a teenager who looked liked he was the spoiled only child in a rich family.

‘Hey man, what are you doing with a DS? Nintendo sucks, Sony is the way to go.’ Says the brat in a spoiled voice

‘Well I wanted to have a portable system that was used for playing games, so I bought a DS.’ I quickly replied to the teen who looked quite stubborn at this point. Now after watching the rich kid get shut down it was time for that young kid to have a go at trying to flame the DS.

‘Either way, Nintendo has Pokemon and Pokemon suck,’ said the child with a sickening look on his face.

‘Hey guys, it is launch for the PSP and I am second in line. Do you think I’m here to buy a DS?’ I said with the biggest smirk on my face that I thought would show what I was really there for, but they all bought it and shut-up. I figure I didn’t lie to any of them so it was all good.

5 minutes until store opens

Again, the line has not moved and I am now at 4095yds on Yoshi Touch & Go as the store manager walks to the store and unlocks the door and closes it behind him. It is still apparent that we are not allowed into the store. I decide to pause Yoshi and put it into sleep mode.

Zero Hour

As I walk into the store, the manager has 6 PSP’s lined up on the counter for everyone in this line. The store manager begins to ring up the first kids PSP as he picks out some game to go with it. My smirk begins to grow into a full-fledged ear to ear smile. As the kid walks away the manager asks me

‘So what game would you like with your PSP?’ in such a way that you know he is sick of his job.

‘None I reply, but I’m not buying a PSP. Although, I wouldn’t mind a DS.’ I say to the manager

‘*chuckling* Well, that made my day. Sure I can give you a DS. At least you made the smart choice.’ says the now pleasant clerk

After having the DS rung up and I paid the bill and extended warranty, I turn to see the rest of the line giving me the dirtiest look in the world. I laugh to myself and turn to the kid behind me

‘I hope you spend that $450 well,’ as I chuckle to myself and walk out the door.

This is my story from the launch day of the PSP

-Ultimate Zelda Guru

Goldeneye: Rogue Agent

Another great shooter to look forward to on the Nintendo DS will be GoldenEye: Rogue Agent, slated for a June 2005 release. It was once thought to be a simple port of GoldenEye 007 that was on the Nintendo 64, but the screenshots and video have proven different. Although it will feel and play like the console version of the GoldenEye series, the DS version of this game should have lots to offer.
Taking the roll of a corrupt 00 Agent, who has been recruited by Auric Goldfinger to battle Dr. No, in which, you lose an eye. The Eye is replaced by a gadget that also gains you the name of "Goldeneye". A lot of familiar faces show up in the game Oddjob, Scaramanga, and Xenia Onnatop as you play through the game on the Nintendo DS.

The gameplay will remain similar to the series but, the DS having two screens will add something differnt to it, such as the HUD not being on the playing field. It will be on the bottom screen, telling you how much ammunition, and which guns you have equipped and the such. Dual wielding will be included in this game as well, so You can mix and match between each weapon that tickles your fancy.

The game has features galore, such as a wireless multiplayer mode and a training mode. In the training mode, you can learn to hit vital areas on an enemy and hone your techniques to unleash them in six missions. Along side that, by taking down the enemies, you gain experience and upgrades for your various weaponry. The wireless multiplayer mode is also a great feature. Bring the battle to your friends or meet them at the mall for a good old fashioned whooping.

Hopefully this game will be one of the best for the DS. Besides not being able to look on a vertical axis, which many will find unnatural, the game seems to have a pretty good framerate and some great graphics for the DS. It seems that Tiburon Studio has done a good job with this game, which I am giving an 8/10 for its Total Appeal Score.

Total Appeal Score: 8/10

-D*Nyce

See Media of the game here.

Pac n' Roll Review

Overview: You are Pac-Man. Golvis, an evil creature, has turned you into a ball, and captured you're friends and family. You must rescue them by controlling Pac-Man by sliding the your stylus on the Pac-Man on the bottom screen. All of the environments are 3-D, and look nice. The Pac-Man on the bottom screen is fully 3-D as well, which is a nice touch. It's just a fun game in short blasts.

Plot: There is no way I'm going to review the plot in this game. It will only bring the game down for a reason no one cares about. N/A

Gameplay: Sliding the stylus on the bottom screen to move works amazingly. The levels are made to complement the control as well. Although it does make the platforming elements in this game overly complicated, it is just a fun way to play. There are also different abilities in this game, well, there are 2. One is knight Pac-Man, which makes you heavy. With this you sink in water, aren't affect much by wind, and can break metal boxes. There is also wing Pac-Man. This lets you "glide" in the air, float higher on water, but you are affected dramatically by wind. It adds for good variation. 8.25

Sound: This game has all of the original Pac-Man sounds, but now with new, and well suited background music. Although it's not awesome, each environment sounds unique. The only complaint is the god-awful dialouge. It is really annoying; just skip these parts in the game. Save your ears! 6.75

Replayability: With the story mode, time trials for every level (except boss stages), challenges for each level, and the original Pac-Man all in this one game, this game will keep your interest for a while. The time trials are very hard, and the challenges are a blast to play. The sheer quantity of modes in this game is just the iceing on the cake. 9.0

Graphics: Good, but not great. It's easy to see the repeating block textures, but they are so far away that they don't look blurry or pixelated. Although each environment is varied, it doesn't really change the gameplay much; it's just there so you don't have to look at the same textures over and over again. What made me really mad is that this game doesn't run at 6o frames per second. The only remarkable thing is that the Pac-Man on the bottom screen is fully 3-D. Only problem is that is runs at less than 30 frames per second. 6.5

Innovation: Sliding the stylus to move isn't new; it was done in Pokemon Dash. But, in this game, it was done well. 7.5

Controls: Sliding the stylus to move works really well. It offers for more precise movement, but in turn, you must be very percise in some of the later levels. Moving the camera is also very easy. You just move it by hitting left or right on the D-Pad. It would have been nice if you could use L and R to move it, but it doesn't really matter to me. The only problem is that in some of the later levels, the platforming is really hard due to the stylus movement. 8.0

Difficulty: Story mode is fairly easy, but the time trials and challenge levels are hard. It's very well, so that your used to the level when you play it in story mode, and then you have to perfect it in these two other modes. Nicely done. 8.25

Tilt: Very easy to get into; almost too easy. After the first world, there isn't much variation, it just gets a little harder. 7.25

Overall Score: 7.7, C+

Calvin
www.reviewsnsuch.blogspot.com

Submit your previews, reviews, editorials, and other articles to news@dsupdate.net

Urbz

The Urbz: Sims in the City DS

Platform: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Electronic Arts
ESRB: E
Release Date: November 17, 2004
Category: Simulation

Hello, I'm Westmarch, DS Update's new Junior Reporter. For those of you who need visual comfort...

Happy now?

The Urbz: Sims in the City DS was one of the Nintendo DS' six launch titles, but it is definitely not the most jaw-dropping. What is revealed in this game is little more than an add-on to the Game Boy Advance version of the game, which is not much at all. It offers virtually no challenge and represents a offers a very small amount of touch screen functionality.

Gameplay

This is where the game lacks least. While offering nearly endless missions, the game sends you into a frenzy! If you are not using the toilet, then you are taking a shower or a nap. Pausing every five minutes just to comfort your character is a real pain and you will quickly tire of it. Your character's role in the game is also extremely limited. When you first start your file, you are asked a series of lamentable questions which will determine your status and such. You begin as a janitor who has just been fired. You are then arrested for stealing, and thrown in jail. You get out, rent a pad, and that is where your journey starts... Or ends, really. It all matters on how much patience you have.

The game offers decent gameplay, but nothing spectacular.

Graphics

High-resolution sprites and ill-fated NPCs will keep you smiling through your time with this game. The environments are limited, and mediocre at best. There is really nothing special about the game's visuals excepting some of the objects surrounding your character. It is definitely not a reason to purchase this title.

The sprites work well with the backgrounds and scenery, despite a few minor glitches.

Replay

The Urbz: Sims in the City DS has virtually no replay value. I cannot provide any reason for playing through this title more than once (if that). And with a price tag of $40, you are better off saving your money for something more worthwhile (try Super Mario 64 DS if you have not already). It is difficult to describe just how pain-stakingly weak this title's replay value is. Let's just leave it at that.

Controls

Lackluster, but giving in a way that sometimes REQUIRES you to use the touch screen (i.e. saving). So, once again, the touch screen offers no worthwhile functionality throughout the entirety of this title. It is sad, really, when I think of what this game is and what it COULD have been. The controls are, however, relatively easy to adjust to. The D-Pad is simplistic in nature, and the buttons are put to good use.

Audio

Perhaps one of the most agitating aspects of The Urbz: Sims in the City DS is its music. Repetitive and limitless, it is sure to get on your nerves. The sound effects are decent, and you'll grow to like the squeaky sounds of NPCs when you interact with them.

As annoying as the music is, you will be able to forgive it for the irresistable NPC squeaks and grunts.

Pros:

* Interesting simulation experience
* Good visuals
* Good sound effects

Cons:

* Annoying music
* No replay value
* Very little touch screen functionality

Overall

Overall, this game has a low-end level of value. It does not present itself well, and should be considered a fluke amidst the other titles in the Nintendo DS' line-up.

Gameplay: 3/5
Graphics: 3/5
Replay: 1/5
Controls: 3/5
Audio: 3/5

Final Score: 2.6/5 (average)

-- Westmarch (Westmarch@gmail.com)

Yoshi Touch & Go (2)

This title wasn’t as hyped up by Nintendo as WarioWare. Why was this? I am unsure, because this is, by far, a better title then WarioWare was. To start off, this is a puzzle game and not a Super Mario World 3 Yoshi island 2, so don’t get mad at the game because there are no real boss fights and no story mode.

Every Mode, except multiplayer, has you flying down to reach the ground with baby Mario and his three balloons (life). You can draw clouds, as he will follow and draw circles to trap enemies and stuff in bubbles; this is no very much fun at the start, and sadly it doesn’t really get much fun even after your good at it. Then you get to go on a ground hunt, in which there are so many ways to get the job done that you will want to watch the tutorial noted as demo on the main menu.

The game has five Different Modes.

Score Attack – You get to go through the basic level once and you need to get as many points as possible, but keep I mind you that this means you need to stay alive which is hard, because past the flying part at the start, you only get 1 chance, and then you need to start off at the “MIDPOINT” (which is the start of the ground area). This mode is basic but very challenging and an excellent part of the game.

Marathon – In this mode, it`s all about staying alive. You try and get as far as you can each area is 1000 yards, and you need to survive through the flying, and then two more just to unlock the next mode. This is the best part of the game and will be the one who will compete to get the highest score in.

Time attack – Pretty much you need to go through and defeat the group of shy guys that have taken baby Luigi. Stupid, but it is a fun boss fight, while going through you need to make sure to kill him before your area to move runs out, (you have 1000 yards approximately to defeat them) and your at the same time trying to stay alive, trying to make sure to hit the bad guys, and you want to keep your time low to get the high score.

Challenge – You go as far as you can. The time will be running out so you need to get points to keep time up, but besides that it is a clone of Marathon, and it is really hard.

Battle – You can go one on one with your friend, and its single cart so only one person needs the game. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to play it, but it seems to be that you see your opponent on the top and your self on the bottom.


Extras

-This game features a Picto Chat alert so you can get a visual or audio notice if a there’s a chat nearby.
-Is totally innovative, and its not like anything else.
-A ton of different Nintendo Icons to post your high scores up with a bunch of friends and family members.
-This title is slightly cheaper then the other titles for DS.
-Only requires 1 cart for Multiplayer.

The Good and the Bad

Good
-Innovative
-Fun
-Tons of replay value

Bad
-No story, or real game modes.
-Peaceful music may cause some to fall asleep?

Other
-It’s not 3D but the 2D graphics fit the game just right.

Overall
This is the perfect handheld game I definitely recommend it to everyone with a DS. The game takes about an hour to get into and it may be a little stressful at the start but you will end up loving this title a whole lot.

Overall Fun rating: 8.2 out of 10

By Bad Blood

Edited by Falco8

Yoshi Touch & Go

Since the launch of the DS there have been several complaints of game quality and innovation use, but Yoshi Touch & Go can stop complaints dead in their tracks. This game was designed specifically for the DS and shows that the games are becoming less and less rushed.

This game shows of the innovations of the DS with 100% touch screen and microphone control. In the game there are four different modes to choose from, Score Attack, Marathon, Time Attack, and Challenge. Each mode offers a different challenge in the same game type. In Score Attack you must try to get the highest score by defeating enemies and gathering coins, if you do good enough in Score Attack you then can unlock Time attack. In Marathon mode it is simple, see how long you can survive without dying. Time Attack mode is really the only mode with a climax, as in this mode you have to see how fast you can save Baby Luigi from the shy-guy creatures. Challenge mode is seeing how far you can travel when the screen is filled with enemies and you have time, but as you kill enemies and find coins you gain more time. Each game mode offers a slightly different gameplay, but the basic premises is the same. Basically you are Yoshi & Baby Mario and you gain points by gaining coins and killing enemies, you also must avert danger by drawing clouds with the stylus. The game sounds very simple, but don’t let the simplicity fool you, the game’s difficulty increases rapidly and you could soon find yourself in a world of danger. When it comes down to it, this game is a highscore game. The real main point of the game is to beat your or your friend’s highscore. The gameplay with the touch screen is a breath of fresh air and hopefully, other games will adopt how well the gameplay can be with innovations.

Gameplay: 8.5/10

The game is completely controlled by the stylus and microphone (minus pausing the game). The game is easily controlled and has a 5 minute learning curve to get use to the controls. During the game you draw clouds, and shoot eggs with the stylus, and use the microphone to blow away clouds. It’s that simple.

Controls: 9/10

2D graphics are usually an area of criticism loved by Sony fanboys, but the dual screen 2D graphics are beautifully done and every plant and enemy is done with a considerable amount of detail. The action takes place simutainusly on both screens with both screens holding importance. The levels in the game are bright and cheerful and you won’t get tired of looking at them.

Graphics: 8/10

‘What?’ best describes the story in this game as each game mode has its own slightly different story, but the story is kept to a minimum and is focused on the gameplay. The basic story of the game is that a stork dropped Baby Mario and you and Yoshi must safely deliver him back to the stork before the witch and her minions get you. The story is no more than a Super Mario Brother’s game, but it does not take away from the gameplay and still stands better than a complex story with no point.
Story: 4/10

As for sound in this game, it is limited. There are a few different music tracks for each level, but they can quickly become repetitive. The music in the game is upbeat and cheerful and does fit the game well though. Along with music is the sound effects in the game which are not all that amazing, but they do stand up. The sound effects and voice-overs are limited, but do fit the game well.

‘Yoshi, thank-you very much!’
Baby Mario

Sound: 7/10

Like Super Mario 64 DS, the multiplayer in this game is quite limited to one mode, race. The multi-player does have a single pack multi-player which is good, but this mode can become quickly boring after an hour or so.

Multi-player: 7/10

For a game so quickly after the DS’s release, this game shows off the DS’s innovations better than Wario Ware. The game uses the dual screen, the microphone and wlan all very well. This is the first game to use the touch screen so efficiently and hopefully won’t be the last. Along with using DS features, the game also has an automatic Pictochat censor to see if anyone goes to Pictochat while you are playing. This feature brings a new thought to what was formerly promised at the last E3. This game has raised the bar for developers who want to use the innovation of the DS. For those who are looking for a game that finally uses the DS’s innovations, look no further.

Use of DS Innovation: 9/10

Yoshi Touch & Go will stand as a bench mark for developers to go by when developing new DS games. Yoshi is a fun game that can keep you addicted for hours and keep you trying to beat your high scores for awhile, just don’t expect a lot of story or variation. This is a perfect game to hold you over until some of the bigger hitting titles hit the shelves. The game’s pickup and play ability is also great as it doesn’t matter when or where you are, you can get right into the middle of this game in a second. Yoshi Touch & Go is a good game, but too short. Good to pass the time, but it’s no 60 hour RPG. This game is fun, quirky, and can definitely keep you busy on a long plane ride between Canada and the USA. Whether you are looking for a game that uses the DS innovation or you are just looking for a game to hold you over till the online craze Yoshi Touch & Go is a good way to pass the time. The game is brilliant, but short lived

Overall: 8/10

-Ultimate Zelda Guru

Полиэтиленовые баки

Tim Schuerewegen Interview

DS Update recently caught up with Tim Schuerewegen for an interview as he is a prominant homebrew developer for the DS. Tim has also recently developed a new driver and we decided to ask him what this means for homebrewers everywhere and regular gamers. See the interview below.

DS Update: Now can you tell us exactly what you have been recently working on and what it does?

Tim Schuerewegen: I wrote a Windows 2000/XP driver for the RT2560 chipset and an application that uses this driver to communicate with a DS to perform so-called "wireless multiboot".

DSU: And this driver does what exactly?

TS: This driver allows me to send and receive raw 802.11 frames. I had to write my own driver because of the 802.3 encapsulation layer that is hardcoded in every Windows NDIS driver for 802.11 hardware. On Linux this is not a problem, because there the drivers export 802.11 functionality, not 802.3. So what I did in the last few weeks was writing a Windows driver for my RT2560 based card. This was relatively easy because of the examples in the DDK and the source code from the official RT2560 linux driver.

DSU: And what does your application do?

TS: The wireless multiboot application that uses my driver uploads game code to the slave DS. However, it can not upload homebrew code because of the RSA signature. If the slave DS checks the signature and it does not match, it will hang during the Nintendo logo fadeout. That is why I am restricted to uploading existing multiboot binaries with matching signature such as the ones from Super Mario 64 DS, Zoo Keeper, Yoshi Touch and Go, etc. However, the ARM7 and ARM9 execution addresses that are sent to the slave DS are not checked in any way. This means that I can have the slave DS execute *other*
code than what was uploaded. The only place where such other code can be put is on a GBA cart. A similar method is used by PassMe devices, where the game header is patched in realtime so that it will run code off the GBA cart instead. The RSA signature is 1048-bit, which means that brute-force breaking it is not an option. Even having the code that verifies the signature on the slave DS won't help us create signatures for our homebrew code. However, it might be possible to update the DS firmware with a patched version so that this signature check is removed and homebrew code can actually be uploaded and executed without the need for a GBA cart.

DSU: Now for the everyday DS user, what does your software mean?

TS: If they happen to have a RT2560 based wireless card and a GBA cart, then they can execute homebrew code on their DS without the need for a PassMe. In my opinion a PassMe is better than the wireless multiboot hack in terms of
speed. The actual upload on my PC takes 15 seconds or so, which is way longer than what it takes to run homebrew code with a PassMe.

DSU: Is all this that you are talking about easily accessible to people who know nothing about it to run such homebrews?

TS: You must have some knowledge of Windows 2000/XP in order to replace the official driver with my version. Other than that you simply run my application, accept the download on the DS and wait until it is complete and starts the homebrew code from the GBA cart/slot.

DSU: Now will all this be open to people with other OS than Windows?

TS: No. There already is a much more complete driver for Linux and the actual application that performs the multiboot was written in two days or so. If anyone wants to perform wireless multiboot using other platforms, they should write their own software. It is not that hard given the right skills and a lot of free time.

DSU: I'm on an , but anyways what does this all mean in terms of DS tunneling? I know there are many rumours flying at this time so could we please clear all of them up.

TS: There was a time when I was interested in tunneling. Not so much for the ability to actually play against other people across the globe, but rather for studying the various aspects of the wireless multiboot protocol. Now that I know how to perform wireless multiboot I am no longer interested in DS tunneling. However, people are free to try to write their own tunneling software using my driver. It has a very simple interface. The only problem with tunneling will be the latency. If you do not respond in a timely fashion the slave/master DS will de-authenticate you and the fun is over. If you even get past authentication/association that is. Last time I checked team Nitro was still trying to tunnel the DS, but I doubt that they will
have any success whatsoever.

DSU: I can't say that i disagree with you there, but do you think that the DS will ever be tunneled?

TS: Maybe. If you can find someone that is stupid enough to waste a lot of time. I actually still have my old tunneling test application from some time ago when I was working with the ZyDAS ZD1211 USB stick. It would only take me 30 mins max to update it to use my RT2560 driver and see if it does anything. The lack of interest keeps me from trying that though :)

DSU: Anyways, do you think that this new software will have a great impact on anything in the current gaming community?

TS: No. The wireless multiboot "passme" hack is useless to most people. Only worth using if you are waiting for your PassMe to arrive and want to run some homebrew demos on your DS, like me. If you want to do DS homebrew, buy a PassMe. If you don't want to do DS homebrew, buy nothing. The wireless multiboot method is only useful for people without PassMe that want to run homebrew code on their DS. And in that case, they are better off with a PassMe. So pretty much useless... until the DS firmware is modified. Even then, only useful to homebrew developers, not the gaming community. Two different worlds. They (gaming) are interested in playing and tunneling commercial games. We (homebrew) are interested in running our own code.

DSU: Fair enough.

TS: Oh, and because the wireless method needs to upload game code from a commercial game with matching signature, it is not quite as legal as a PassMe.

DSU: It's only illegal if you get caught.

TS: Nintendo's own fault that I need to upload commercial code, they shouldn't have added the signature. So in this case, they support/encourage the piracy.

DSU: That's an interesting way of looking at it.

TS: There's one other thing that some people in the gaming community are assuming. It is *not* possible to stream commercial games with my software. It might be possible to upload and play a standalone multiboot game if such thing exists. All of the multiboot games I have seen so far require connection with the master DS for loading additional game data. And again, I am not interested in that. I do not care about the gaming community.

DSU: And when do you plan to release this software?

TS: Haven't made any plans for a release. Some people already have my driver/software because they asked nicely :)

DSU: Any thing else you would like to say?

TS: No.

DSU: Thank-you for your time.

Click Here to download Tim's latest software.

extended warranty company

Pac-Pix

Pac-Man has been around for many generations. Making cameos and appearances in many games. But now he is back, in his new, quirky title named Pac-Pix.

Story 7.5/10
The story starts with a Wizard who has invented "Ghost Ink", which when used, would draw Ghosts. The ghosts jumped from book to book, picture to picture, playing cruel pranks and jokes. Then one day, Pac-Man comes to the rescue with his Magic Pen, which was the only weapon effective against the ghosts. When he had all the Ghosts trapped in one book, the tables turned and he was soon after stuck on a piece of paper. Now, the player must take the Magic Pen and embark on Pac-Man's journey to defeat the trouble making ghosts.

Gameplay 8/10
The Storybook mode has twelve stages or chapters, which in each has 5 pages. Every two stages, there is a boss fight. The game also has a High Score and Ranking system, which you can see both before selecting a chapter to play.
In the Gallery, You can check different lectures that you have received, look at cards (which are obtained by gaining ranks in different chapters), View the opening of the game, and play around in the Sketchbook, which has its own set of Gestures that can only be viewed there as well as the normal gestures you have acquired.
Playing the game in itself is simple. Both screens show the gameplay, but what you do on the bottom screen affects the top screen. The bottom screen mainly shows ghosts, obstacles, switches and such, while the top screen may have enemies floating in bubbles, enemies, one-ups, or fruit on the road. The top screen also shows your time, pac-men, and enemies remaining, as well as the score and chapter and page you are playing.
You draw and control pac-man and gestures on the screen by using different stylus strokes. The bigger the Pac-man you draw, the slower it moves, the smaller, the faster.The point is to get rid of all the ghosts. This concept may seem simple, but later on in the game, when you have to control Pac-Man as well as draw different gestures, it becomes very fast paced.

Graphics 8/10
The graphics fit the game well. It seems like you are really playing a story book. The ghosts seem to have been drawn, and the backgrounds look like they are from a fairy tale. The animation is fluid and solid, no matter how quirky you decide to draw pac-man, and the colors are vivid and lively. The graphics fit this game very well.

Sound 7.75/10
The sound quality is amazing, and a lot of familiar tunes can be heard, as well as the "Waka-Waka" sound effect. The music can get a little annoying and repetitive after a while, but it fits and suits the game.

Control 7.5/10
Drawing Pac-Man is amazing, but sometimes if a mistake is made, a Pac-Man will still run around. If the drawing is incomplete, it will not form, but somtimes if you make a mistake in drawing, the Pac-Man will come to life and while looking akward, will move in a different direction than thought to. This goes the same with gestures. Some of the gestures seem to not work when you believe you are drawing them correctly.

Overall 8/10
Pac-Pix is a great game to pick up. There may be somethings that people may find wrong with it control wise. Other than that, it is a fast paced Hand Drawing Action game that is very addictive. Pac Pix has gained an 8/10.

D*

Roundtable #1

Falco: Welcome everyone to DS Update's first ever Roundtable Discussion, and tonight we are going to be talking about the Revolution speculations, DS and PSP in US and DS connectivity with the Revolution.

Falco: First topic: What do you guys think about the DS and the PSP is doing in US, and do you think the DS will top the PSP or the PSP will be the victor?

UZG: I think the DS is keeping strong although PSP may be affecting hardware sales

UZG: PSP may take top hardware sales, but DS will have much higher software sales

Mprunty: 1. Both the PSP and the DS have strong sales going on in the U.S. Both are holding their own so far, with several surprises on the way from their respective supporters.

Blackmajik: I think its a really hard call to make, the Sony PSP is getting popularity fast because of its better games, and the DS’s lackluster line up. But the DS has amazing software coming out in the next month, and I don’t know if that will be too late though

Mprunty: 2.In terms of hardware, I see the DS reigning king, but the PSP will make a huge leap towards their 5 million plus come the announcement at E3

Falco: I don’t think the PSP will reach the five million mark before E3

UZG: PSP will be the top for media, and DS for software and games

Blackmajik: I don’t think so; I believe that is more of us DS fans being biased

Falco: I think the DS will have a little advantage against the PSP in the gaming industry just because Nintendo has the handheld market

UZG: From watching media charts, DS is dominating the games, while the PSP seems to be doing slightly better in terms of hardware

UZG: It is apparent that the DS will be for gaming and PSP for everything else

Blackmajik2021: I really hope you’re right, the PSP is being absorbed at the speed of light, I have seen about 10 different people in my town with PSP, and only one with the DS, and the PSP just came out

Mprunty: That's not true, because there are several companies and hackers already making mods for the DS to do other things, so both PSP and DS will have a multimedia appeal

UZG: DS will, but at the moment PSP has the multimedia advantage
Blackmajik2021: I think time will tell especial since the DS has a summer line up of TONES of AAA titles

UZG: I mean even when Play-Yan comes here; it won’t be as popular for media

Falco: the only thing that will be huge for both DS and PSP will be WiFi

UZG: I think E3 will show the strength of the DS with online and some super games

Mprunty: that's only because from the get go, Nintendo has said that the DS was for gaming, whereas Sony has stated that their PSP will have a multimedia experience

Blackmajik: that’s true, but I don’t think Play-Yan will come to North America. It’s basically flopped in Japan, but I believe that was Nintendo’s fault for not advertising and not selling it anywhere but their online store

UZG: well, either way you cut it I think that the DS will be the choice of true gamers and the PSP will be the choice of the casual gamer and the people who want the multimedia

UZG: at the moment Nintendo's image problem still isn't fixed

Falco: Play-Yan will come to North America just to contend with the PSP

Mprunty: it will take time for the image to be fixed of Nintendo.

Blackmajik: PSP may take the North American market

Mprunty: They had and still have a great idea on their hands with the DS, but there are too many games out or planned for the handheld, and that don't utilize the DS features and are catered towards the youth

Blackmajik2021: NOA needs to learn to use something called a TV commercial

UZG: yeah, they need a Geist and RE4 for the DS

Falco: Second Topic: What do u think about the upcoming EA games for the DS like Need for Speed and Goldeneye: Rogue Agent?

Mprunty: they need to adopt 3d for the handheld and stop limiting their actions to 2d

Blackmajik2021: Yes

UZG: I think EA needs to step into the ring with some games that have their own creativity in them

Balckmajik: I believe that it’s stuck in developer’s heads that DS is just a GBA with a touch screen

UZG: I mean all their games aren't original ideas

Blackmajik2021: I don’t want EA to do anything in all honesty. But that’s just me, I want them to plague PSP with garbage, not DS

UZG: Madden and NHL games are all good, but none of the sports games will ever be remembered in 10 years other than Ice Hockey for NES

Falco: The two of the most anticipated DS games on my list will be EA's two game, and Need for Speed Underground 2 and Goldeneye: Rogue Agent looks fantastic on the DS, and it would seem to be fun

Blackmajik: anticipated? Yes

Blackmajik2021: a let down: even more

UZG: they need to step it up

Mprunty2: if EA doesn't show support, other third parties may follow suite. Nintendo and Sony both need EA, whether they want them or not

UZG: they cater to the casual gamer

Mprunty2: that's where the money is

UZG: I buy on average one EA game per console generation, but that’s just me

UZG: it’s a shame, because then some of the better games go unnoticed on the market

UZG: not to mention they are just using the title golden eye to sell copies

Blackmajik2021: the problem with EA is they expect people to be happy with DS madden and then look at how much effort went into the PSP madden

UZG: that title should not be on the game and yeah

Falco: you guys are wrong; I think EA will do something on the Nintendo DS

Blackmajik2021: like?

Falco: just look at NFSU 2 for the DS looks great, and Goldeneye seems to be fun

Mprunty: EA has plans for both DS and PSP
UZG: I think EA will do as much as they've usually done with other handheld like the DS but cater more to the PSP as it is more aimed for the casual gamer

Blackmajik: but look at madden, they jumped the gun and now 2006 isn’t even coming out, and they blame it on the consumer but it’s their own fault

UZG: I wouldn’t buy a madden game for a handheld, its just a watered down version

Falco: lol

Falco: yeah the Madden game for the DS wasn't that good

Mprunty: it’s both.................EA knows they are shortcoming their games, but at the same time, supporters don't support it

UZG: I would like to see EA make a more involved version for the DS

Mprunty: it may not look all too good, but it played ok, nothing for me to really complain against

Blackmajik: look at madden 2002 for the n64, for Christ sake the DS version looks like it could’ve been a Saturn game

UZG: no, but the game is better suited to a console like super smash bros (another game that shouldn’t make an appearance on the DS)

Blackmajik: it’s their laziness

Mprunty: but they were trying to get titles prepared for the DS launching, so you can't expect miracle on that end

Falco: Third Topic: As you guys may have known, Video gamer J got exclusive info on "Nintendo Connect" but some people have said it is fake because the copyright said 1997-2005. What do you guys think?

UZG: I think it is better to wait and see

UZG: so that’s as much as I’m going to say on that

Blackmajik2021: I believe DS connectivity with revolution, if properly advertised would bring DS to an amazing lead in sales and popularity in North America. DS is already dominating in Japan and will be the only next gen handheld in Europe till September

Blackmajik: I think its suspicious video gamer j isn’t here

UZG: I think he had to work
Mprunty: I'm not going to say anything in regards to Nintendo Connect until after E3 has come and gone

UZG: he wanted to come

Blackmajik: lol

Backmajik2021: *it was a joke*

UZG: lol ok

Falco: Fourth Topic: the Revolution Speculations, and what’s going to happen for Nintendo DS going online?

UZG: speculation: we don’t find out the revolutionary features at this E3

UZG: I expect it to make a small appearance with some videos and for them to say they are developing a few big titles for it and then leave us hanging

Falco: Super Smash Bros. going online, Gyroscope controls, and pressure sensitive controls? I think I can believe this guy

Blackmajik: yeah, we already know the revolutionary features

Blackmajik: the heat sensitive thing is bogus

UZG: all speculation for now

Blackmajik: and there will be no touch screen controls

Falco: I laughed when I read that

Blackmajik: do you about touch screen?

Falco: no, heat sensitive

UZG: expect the DS and online to be the big deal at Nintendo's booth this year

UZG: Revolution next year

Blackmajik: Iwata-san himself said DS offers a hint of what revolution will bring to the table, but it wont have any form of a touch screen or touch pad

UZG: I think you misquote Iwata-san a lot

Mprunty: I think he was referring to how the system will operate with other components and through online play

Falco: I love that the Revolution will have online

UZG: online will be one of the heavy hitters for Nintendo this year

Blackmajik: what I believe he meant by "hint" is that there will be pressure sensitive
something (handles or something like that) and that its a hint of DS because they both require extra user interaction of "feeling" the game

Blackmajik: all Nintendo games were made for online

UZG: I’m sure that what he meant is that it will be a change to gaming

UZG: not any specific features

Blackmajik: Nintendo only has one flaw, and that is that you cant rush innovation

Falco: true

UZG: too much over examination

UZG: we'll see

Falco: Final Topic: Will Warp Pipe does anything with the DS going online?

UZG: I think warp pipe is cooking something, but it wont is nearly as big as they want us to think

Blackmajik: I think its something stupid

UZG: I think warp pipe will be an overall let down

Falco: Warp Pipe might do something, but it will not be something big

UZG: they had hype before launch, now they're at the same point as Nitro... they say they're doing something, but who knows when any of us will ever see it

Mprunty: I see warp pipe as a stepping stone or smaller developers to get their games online easier

UZG: yeah

Falco: Nitro is dead from what I see of its site

UZG: more or less a developer tools more than something for the user

Blackmajik: yeah I guess so

UZG: we may see something new and say wow then go back to eating our dinner

Mprunty: LOL

Falco: lol

Mprunty: I love those moments

UZG: its like the first time you feel the rumble pack

UZG: good for the first 10 min then you forget about it and don’t even feel it

Blackmajik: yeah

Blackmajik: rumble=stupidest innovation ever

UZG: I could do without a rumble pack

UZG: no way

Blackmajik: yes way

UZG: GBA+GC for a Zelda game

UZG: that was stupid

Blackmajik: do you know how much money was spent researching and developing rumble

Mprunty: LOL

Blackmajik2021: and force feedback

Blackmajik2021: Zelda four swords was amazing

Falco: We'll see if Warp Pipe can bring anything on the table at E3 and it's game AHHH-Choooo

UZG: blah, blah, blah, it'll be another flash game that is above average

UZG: nothing more nothing less

Blackmajik2021: that made no sense falco

Blackmajik2021: oooo yeah achooo

Blackmajik2021: I hate flash games

Blackmajik: if you are lucky like me and have friends who game

Falco: but they said it will be show what DemaSked can do at E3

UZG: I know

UZG: it will be above average

UZG: and then we will go back to playing some other stupid flash games like ski stunt

Falco: lol

Falco: I would like to thank everyone for coming; it has been fun talking with you guys

UZG: np

Mprunty: same here

Blackmajik: same here, as well

Roundtable #2

Falco: Welcome everyone to our second edition of DS Update's Roundtable Discussion. As our main topic will be all about E3 2005 event, We're going to talk about the Revolution and its competitors, new Nintendo DS games, Nintendo WiFi online service, and our most anticipated DS games on E3 2005 floor

Falco: well it looks like we're the only people that are here, eh?

Mprunty: looks that way

El Mariachi: yep, but we'll live

Falco: lol yeah

Falco: the first topic: Nintendo has revealed their prototype of the Nintendo Revolution, and I must say the Revolution is the sleekest gaming machine on E3, but Nintendo hasn't release any tech specs on the machine. Do you think Nintendo did the right thing?

Mprunty: For the company, Nintendo did the right thing, but for the consumer, they messed up. I won’t say big time, but they didn't give gamers what they were actually looking for from Nintendo to get them interested in the console, and sure the loyalist is interested, but there isn't enough concrete information, pictures, or even a final design with specs that will grab a gamer’s attention.

Mprunty: Not to mention, as of now, there really isn't anything known about what type of games the console will actually have

El Mariachi: I'm actually still debating that with myself, although I thought it was smart for them to keep the competition guessing what the revolution actually is, its really disappointing to wait for months for e3 to come around and get, but nothing really

Falco: Nintendo, for this E3, was thinking about the business aspect of the Revolution, it is true that they messed up with their fan-based, but I think Nintendo wanted everyone to ponder about the Revolution's controllers, specs, and their online service.

El Mariachi: yeah, but to tell you the truth. I’m becoming a bit frustrated with that!

Mprunty: that's a good thing and a bad thing. The more you are frustrated about the game, the worse the outcome could be over your product. Thus you have to live up to what is expected from you

El Mariachi: well put, Mprunty

Falco: I think Nintendo knew what the outcome of their press conference if they didn't show anything more about the Revolution

Falco: Second topic: Nintendo has finally released their first party games for the Revolution, but there were little to no third party titles released at Nintendo's pre E3 conference. Do you think the Revolution will be Third-party friendly?

Mprunty: Nintendo has always been third party friendly, but the whole thing about their consoles is that they may be the easiest to develop for, or even the best in terms of graphics (GCN vs. PS2), and it is ultimately up to the third party to decide if they want to support Nintendo.

Mprunty: Nintendo home consoles have been on the decline for the past ten years, no matter how you look at it. They make the profit of course, but their fan base gets smaller. They need to look at the picture from a gamer’s standpoint and not from a business standpoint all the time.

Mprunty: Sony and Microsoft both lost money on their console in order to give gamers what they wanted, while Nintendo tries to keep a profit under their belt.

El Mariachi: I'm not to sure on that one, one thing that was stated by Nintendo was that the Revolution might draw in or loose third party developers, so yea it is up to the third party

Falco: Nintendo announced that the Revolution will be similar to the Gamecube development and they want reduce development cost for the Revolution, and the Revolution has already got support from Bandai, Sega, Namco, and Square-Enix

Mprunty: true, but what can we expect from that support. All new games, or do Nintendo want ports from the xbox 360 or ps3 version of certain titles? Come on! Another Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles...the first one was ok, but not worthy enough for a sequel

Falco: You are right that the Revolution could be a porting machine, but Nintendo has actually said the Revolution will be a porting machine, and they want the same kind of games from Xbox360 or PS3.Hey at least Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles sold well, and the Revolution has gotten a title from Square-Enix.

El Mariachi: Well I think this is where the Revolution can exceed in, exclusive games, in which no other system could be able to play it the same way.

Falco: Third topic: I think we should talk about the Revolution's competition for this next gen consoles. Xbox360 is to debut November 2005 with amazing graphics, and the PS3 is supposed to release Spring 2006. What do you think about them and do you think Nintendo chosen right thing by not releasing anything?

Mprunty: Nintendo certainly has their hands full with both Sony and Microsoft with the next generation. Both are being backed with some incredible third party exclusives and support that Nintendo could only dream about.

Mprunty: Nintendo probably could give them a run for their money only if they get the third party support that is needed. First party support won’t save this time around and they know that fully well

El Mariachi: Well so far, I'm not too impressed with the Xbox 360 or the PS3, but I think these third party exclusives are really going to help them out. Such as Ghost Recon 3, which has amazing graphics, and Kill Zone 2, and I do think it was wrong for Nintendo to not release anything, but they know what they're up against this time, and they are going to try hard to be a big threat

Mprunty: as of now, the only thing holding them somewhat in the competition is the downloadable titles to the console

El Mariachi: yeah I thought that helped them out somewhat, I think some people who are already sold on the feature

Falco: I thought Nintendo did the right thing with the Revolution because we don't know if the Revolution is more powerful than the Xbox360 is we have to see

Mprunty: it could happen, but I doubt it. For Nintendo to go more powerful would involve them spending more in the manufacturing of the overall console. Remember the 360 has three 3.2 GHz processors at its core

El Mariachi: yea the Xbox360 is a real monster but I think that the Revolution will rival the power of the 360

Falco: yeah, but we still have to see what is to come of the Revolution's tech specs, and we all know that Sony kick the Xbox360 and the Revolution's butts in power, but do we really need that much power?

Mprunty: if you want your console to do several things at once, you may need an extra boost under the hood

Falco: true, but this is going to kill Sony at the end

El Mariachi: yeah, the price tag for the PS3 may be over whelming, because of all that power it offers

Mprunty: I doubt it, I don’t see them going over $350 at the most, but the hard drives are optional, so that will keep them low

El Mariachi: true

Falco: In this next gen console wars, I predict Microsoft at first, and Nintendo or Sony in second

El Mariachi: yea, that’s the way I see it also

Falco: Just because Sony’s high price tag in the future and Microsoft will have an advantage in the price range

El Mariachi: I think Microsoft might take it just because they'll have the 360 out before Nintendo and Sony, but there is always that possibility of it backfiring

Mprunty: That is true, but unlike the Sega dreamcast, Microsoft has the money and the support for the console and a killer online experience. That will be offered free, and the option to pay for the other versions

Falco: Fourth Topic: Nintendo has announced that Nintendo DS and Revolution will have an online service called "Nintendo WiFi Connection service." You can play with people all around the world if it's a friend or a stranger, and it's supposed to go up against Xbox's Live service, and Nintendo want to beat out Xbox's Lives service. Do you think Nintendo will have a chance?

Mprunty: they will, but not that much seeing how Microsoft will be offering a free service (not the full Xbox Live experience) to compete with Nintendo's service, but also Nintendo's service won’t be fully free. It will be free form Nintendo, but third parties have the option to charge a fee, which could get out of hand

Mprunty: you could end up paying multiple companies for their online experiences where with Xbox live, if you decide to pay, its one fee

El Mariachi: I think that this online service will compete against Microsoft’s online service. I believe that communicating and setting up matches will be very easy. It really seems like Nintendo wants to set up a good online community, but I do agree with Mprunty, the possibility of having to pay multiple companies might hurt Nintendo

Falco: I don't think third party having options to charge fees will be messy because I think they want their customers to get their games because of free online not charged fees. I agree if it is a MMORPG but not any multiplayer games like racing or a FPS

El Mariachi: well let's just hope third parties aren’t greedy

Falco: True, but I wonder what third-party games might come out for Nintendo's online service?

El Mariachi: I’m hoping for some FPSs

Blackmajik: Actually I’m very disappointed that Metroid prime: hunters will not be online

Falco: that is true, but we have Mario Kart to look forward too

Blackmajik: I’d much rather play Metroid prime hunters online than Mario kart but don’t get me wrong! Mario Kart will be amazing. I just think Metroid has more potential, especially drawing in a bigger Nintendo DS fan base

El Mariachi: yea I think it was a big slap in the face for a lot of DS owners when Metroid was said that it was not going to be online

Blackmajik: especially with all of the delay

Blackmajik: I’d rather have them delay it further and release it online, or at least release the game and then develop online, so multiplayer would be accessible and whenever they developed the infrastructure they could just set that up

Falco: Fifth Topic: With all the buzz with all the next gen consoles, Nintendo DS games were forgotten at E3, but there were great titles that are coming to the Nintendo DS, and what do you think about them?

Mprunty: The Nintendo DS has some strong support, which is common for a Nintendo handheld. I see the Ds being a potential thread heading into the summer and Christmas seasons to Sony. Both are holding strong in the market right now, but Nintendo is trying to throw everything they can against Sony, and Sony doesn't look too ready

El Mariachi: I think a lot of them were very solid titles, one that stuck out for me was
Viewtiful Joe and I was really impressed with the graphics

Mprunty: Sure they have Gran Turismo, another metal gear acid title, grand theft auto, and a few other titles coming out, but not as diverse as Nintendo's lineup

Mprunty: but at the same time, Nintendo will have to worry about those and other key franchises from Sony and third party supporters of Sony’s

Falco: That's true Mprunty, but Nintendo has one great piece of machine here, and at E3; Nintendo DS is going to have a strong lineup this year

Falco: Final Topic: What was your most anticipating DS game at E3?

Falco: mine is Guilty Gear: Dual Strike

Mprunty: I don't really have one at the moment, but the one title I am gearing up for is Trace Memory, known to the Japanese as Another Code to

El Mariachi: I'm going to agree with Mprunty on this one and also say Trace Memory

Falco: and you blackmail?

Blackmajik: Oh, my favorite game? It looks to be metroid prime hunters or guilty gear. The first four player Guilty Gear, but then again, six players in Metroid Prime: Hunters

Falco: Ok! I would like to thank everyone who came to the Discussion it has been great seeing you all.

Mprunty: Same here..........

El Mariachi: Thanks! See you guys later!

Blackmajik: Ok see you guys!