Quote:Access Corp. LTD has announced that it will be making it's NetFront internet software available as middleware for the GameCube to publishers and developers very soon.
Access is alredy the internet middleware provider for Sega's Phantasy Star Online Episode 3: CARD Battle.
Access is also the company that provided Konami the internet middleware tools for its upcoming Power Pro Stadium 10 Japanese baseball game on the GameCube and PlayStation 2, which has downloadable rosters available for it on both versions.
Access has stated that besides the normal TCP/IP stack that is the most common protocall among all internet software, that their NetFront internet middleware tools for the GameCube will also have a format called AVE-TCP, which is IPv6 compatible; as well as a wireless protocoll known as WAP Wireless Profiled TCP, WAP 2.0.
Hopefully with the release of this news, more online capable games will become available for the GC in the future!
..and so far, I'm only about 1 hour into it. But I can say, it already seems much better than #2 (which I found to be overall, lacking). At the moment, the storyline has yet had time to mature to the same level that was present in #2 from near the start of the game, but there have been a few interesting revelations that make you wonder just what the storyline will be about.
Gameplay is largely the same. Knife, pistol, pipe, etc. etc. Though I have been surprised by the almost complete lack of puzzles at this stage in the game. But again, I expect that to pick up as well (although, given how short the game apparently is..)
The graphics are indeed as good as we've seen in the screenshots. WEith amazing textures (for the PS2 at least). Even though the enironments are small, they are impressive. Of course with the lighting systems, there are times you notice inconsistancies. Such as when you enter a sunlit room, your shadow will be on the wall, even if you are pointing your light at it. Also, there really isn't that much difference between in-game graphics, and cut-scene graphics.. other than animations.
Anyways, I'm largely positive about this game at this stage, and while the story doesn't appear to be as good as #2 (which was the best thing about the game - hopefully it'll pick up) the atmosphere is great. I've already had the shite scared out of me on a number of occasions. Although it seems to be a lot of monsters in corridor - run to next room for safety - search room - run back through corridor with monsters - go inside next room. Meaning it doesn't maintain the intensity the whole time.
Anyways, those are my impressions, I'll update once I'm further into the game. :)
Where, oh where, has WhiteFleck gone? He hasn't posted here in forever, and he hasn't checked up on fantasy baseball in a while. This is kind of a big deal since he has a few empty spots on his roster and it sort of makes his team a push-over in our league. If anyone talks to him let him know I've been trying to get a hold of him.
Quote:It would seem that Nintendo has asked for the discontinuation of importing at European retailers, as well as a list of any suppliers who'd continue to do so.
"Nintendo has issued a cease and desist letter to a number of independent retailers," European PR boss Shelly Friend told UK trade magazine MCV. "It rigorously protects its worldwide trademarks and in doing so ensures fair play in the market for all retailers."
This is a somewhat surprising story, and one which is sure to upset the substantial fanbase Nintendo has garnered across the European continent.
In another European related announcment, Nintendo's Andy Williams has apparently decided to resign from the comapny this fall to pursue a role as general manager UK of MGM Home Entertainment. (wj)
Source: Gamerfeed
Ah yes, Nintendo's genius at work again. Screw European gamers over and over until their asses are bleeding (sorry for the crude analogy, but it's the only fitting one I could think of). Nintendo is doing so poorly in Europe because of their poor release dates, high prices (1 quid = $1 USD to them, it seems), and bad marketing. The only reason why they still have some fans over there is because of importing (if I hadn't imported games from the U.S. while living in Croatia I would have had to pay over $100 per game). Sure some fans wait for the UK releases, but even those patient ones import games every so often. Who here would have been willing to wait almost half a year for Metroid Prime? I certainly wouldn't have.
I'm sure Nintendo thinks they're smart for doing this since it will force gamers to buy domestic releases, but unless they lower the prices of their games and release them sooner this is only going to kill them in Europe.
