Enhancing the Classics
Nintendo's president says Revolution's download service may do just that. Full details inside.
by Matt Casamassina
June 22, 2005 - At the Electronics Entertainment Expo 2005 in May, Nintendo revealed that its Revolution console would not only connect wirelessly online, but would also enable users to download classic titles for play on the machine. The company said that hit software from its previous consoles, including NES, S-NES and Nintendo 64, would be available to download for a small fee.
According to a new EGM interview with company president Satoru Iwata, there may be more to the story, though. The executive told the magazine that these classic titles could actually be improved on Revolution.
"We are doing several experiments, including working with the original Super Mario Bros., with the new technology," Iwata said. "The game itself and the gameplay shall be identical, but the look will be different -- it's possible that with Revolution we may be able to see the old games with new looks."
Iwata did not reveal exactly how the graphics for classic titles would be enhanced, but we expect that more on the subject will be announced before the end of the year. Nintendo has stated it plans to divulge more on Revolution, including the controller, by the time the holidays roll around.
Readers can read the full interview in the latest issue of EGM, available now.
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This is what I was hoping for, this could mean Super Mario Bros. with Sunshine graphics. Still in 2-D but with 3-D graphics, we usually call this "2.5-D". The same could be said for OoT and MM which could use the Wind Waker or the new Zelda graphics or even more. I'd love to see a 2.5-D Super Metroid or the original Starfox and Starfox 64 using the graphics of Dinosaur Planet's arwing levels or Assault's graphics (as long as they dont kill the draw distance like they did in Assault!). We could see 4 player NES Legend of Zelda or Metroid and of course the biggest question is, will we see Nintendo classics with online support.
But reading the quotes you cant help but wonder if he's talking about true stereoscopic 3-D...
I just finished my 7th Star Wars novel, Tatooine Ghost by Troy Denning, and it was absolutely great. It served excellenetly to blend the prequel trilogy to the classic trilogy... and the writer blended it in with appropriate humor, good action, a few ironic twists... it gives a lot of great backstory about Shmi and Watto, and Kitster Bantai is a character as well... I definitely recommend it. It is second only to The New Rebellion by Kristine Kathryn Rusch on my SW novels list...
any other insight into Star Wars novels?
1.) The New Rebellion/K.K. Rusch
2.) Tatooine Ghost/Troy Denning
3.) Shadows of the Empire/Steve Perry
4.) Planet of Twilight/Barbara Hambly
5.) The Mandalorian Armor/K.W. Jeter
6.) The Truce at Bakura/Kathy Tyers
7.) Tales from the Empire/Various
Yes, about five years ago the great "All Your Base" internet phenomenon set up us the bomb. To celebrate, <a href="http://www.pwned.nl/ayb/">here is an All Your Base flash by TMST set to Bohemian Rhapsody</a>. You may have seen it before, but I sure haven't! Good times. :D
Quote:<b>The Jagged Alliance and the Disciples franchises are among the ones getting the DS treatment.
STRATEGY FIRST PARTNERS WITH POCKET PC STUDIOS</b>
Montreal, Canada. June 14, 2005. Software publisher Strategy First, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Silverstar Holdings, Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSTR), and Pocket PC Studios are happy to announce a new contractual relationship that will make Strategy First's PC titles available on the Nintendo DS.
"Our strategic partnership with Pocket PC Studios will allow Strategy First to enter an exciting new gaming market," said Pro Sotos, Manager of Business Development at Strategy First, Inc. "I'm thrilled to have the chance to make both the Jagged Alliance and Disciples franchises available on the Nintendo DS platform. The Disciples franchise is very close to my heart, and I look forward to playing it on Nintendo's newest handheld system," said Sotos.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for Pocket PC Studios and Strategy First to bring these phenomenal titles to the Nintendo DS platform," said G.R. Moore, President and CEO of Pocket PC Studios. "We will utilize our expertise in bringing high profile desktop games to mobile devices to expand the Disciples and Jagged Alliance franchises onto the hottest handheld console since the Nintendo Gameboy."
"Our agreement with Pocket PC Studios is further evidence of the excellent work being done to revitalize and expand Strategy First's business. The expansion of our existing franchises onto the Nintendo DS platform marks a major step towards a broader diversification onto new hardware platforms" said Clive Kabatznik, CEO of Silverstar Holdings.
The Jagged Alliance and Disciples franchises will be the first Strategy First titles developed for the Nintendo DS platform. Watch for more news surrounding the games releases on the Strategy First website http://www.strategyfirst.com
Some of you may not know much about Jagged Alliance, but for me, being a big fan of the series, this is like one big wet dream coming true. Having an installment of Jagged Alliance for the DS would be...truthfully beyond words. I'd be speechless. That's all there is to it.
I could definitely see how it could work though. If it were anything like Jagged Alliance 2, the bottom screen could be used for equipment and merc management, as well as stat information for the selected merc, all of which could use the touch screen wonderfully. The top screen could then be used for the actual game itself. Although, in the article, it says that they "will make Strategy First's PC titles available on the Nintendo DS", which could either mean new installments to the series, or a portable version of Jagged Alliance 2. Either one will make me very, very happy (granted, as always, that they do a good job with it, and don't just rush it out the door).
Oh man, oh man, oh man, this would be so freaking sweet if it actually happens!!
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