Nintendo Marketing: Avoid Feeding Frenzy, Keep Oceans Blue

[mightbe]

Forbes.com (http://www.forbes.com) has an interesting interview (http://www.forbes.com/technology/2006/02/07/xbox-ps3-revolution-cx_rr_0207nintendo.html) with Perrin Kaplan (VP of Nintendo of America marketing). Perrin chats about Nintendo's strategy of creating new game markets and what they hope to accomplish with the Revolution.

Inside Nintendo, we call our strategy “Blue Ocean.” This is in contrast to a “Red Ocean.” Seeing a Blue Ocean is the notion of creating a market where there initially was none--going out where nobody has yet gone. Red Ocean is what our competitors do--heated competition where sales are finite and the product is fairly predictable.
We all know the Revolution will be significantly different from the other two boxes (in games and hardware). But is that enough to carve out Nintendo a healthy spot in the next generation?

[Evil Avatar]

We all know the Revolution will be significantly different from the other two boxes (in games and hardware). But is that enough to carve out Nintendo a healthy spot in the next generation?

How will the Revolution be different from other console systems? Unless they can get 3rd party developers to develop Revolution exclusive titles that use the DVD-remote style controller, it will be just another console system.

They have already announced a "standard" controller - so what do you think 3rd party companies will use when they do their ports?

Nintendo's own 1st party titles are too few and too far between to realy "carve out" a healty spot in the coming generation.

Innovation is a great thing, if it was coming from a developer who could actually support it.

[mightbe]

I was trying to be profound, dammit! Ya know, encourage discussion.

I'm not that deep at all, really. But yeah. That's what I was trying to get at.

Of course if a significant portion of the SNES library is available for a decent price, I'll be adding a revolution to my home.

[thecrazyd]

How will the Revolution be different from other console systems? Unless they can get 3rd party developers to develop Revolution exclusive titles that use the DVD-remote style controller, it will be just another console system.

They have already announced a "standard" controller - so what do you think 3rd party companies will use when they do their ports?

Nintendo's own 1st party titles are too few and too far between to realy "carve out" a healty spot in the coming generation.

Innovation is a great thing, if it was coming from a developer who could actually support it.
Nintendo Fucking DS.

*Edit* I figured I would clarify for Mr. The DS Offers Nothing Anyone Would be Interested In. The DS has shown that third parties will jump on interesting hardware, especially if the cost of development is significantly less. The DS is all the proof that is needed to see what the Revolution is going to be. You want ports and multiconsole titles? Get a 360 or PS3. Want interesting new games that can't be done on the other consoles? Get a Revolutions.

[Evil Avatar]

Nintendo Fucking DS.

*Edit* I figured I would clarify for Mr. The DS Offers Nothing Anyone Would be Interested In.

And how many DS titles actually use the touch screen in a way that adds something unique to the gameplay and isn't just a second screen?

"Touching is good"??? LOL.

[thecrazyd]

And how many DS titles actually use the touch screen in a way that adds something unique to the gameplay and isn't just a second screen?

"Touching is good"??? LOL.
Meteos
Phoenix Wright
Trauma Center
Trace Memory
Warioware
Most games available.

Have you even used a DS?

[Mr_Snuffle]

Let's not forget mouse and kb like control with Metroid

Nor Nintendogs
Nor Ouendan... sweet sweet Ouendan
Nor Electroplankton

Yeah, you know, most things use the touchscreen in a fairly unique way that would be impossible on anything short of a pocket PC

EvAv, it really sounds like you haven't investiaged the console at all, which is a shame, because it sees most of my gaming these days, there is just so much to be entertained by...

[EternalGamer]

Evil, even the use of the second screen itself is somewhat original and different, as is the built in microphone. The majority of the games use at least some of the original features of the DS to improve the experience (I love the two screens for Metriod Pinball). But I think the real "innovation" here is that the DS was a platform that is designed more around innovation than technological evolution. The DS is a different type of game market because, unlike the expensive 3D development cycles of the PSP, the cost of production will be kept relatively low by both the hardware and the storage capacity. And sense the developers of DS games aren't really competing with PSP software (they are really only competing with other DS software), the "rat race" of technology is blunted somewhat. The focus for making appealing games for the system will clearly be on originality, not on ones that will be technologically impressive.

The comparison to the Revolution is apt because it is basically attempting to do the same thing in the console realm: create a system that ducks out of the technology race and provides a different avenue for developers to create appealing products based on innovation rather than on expensive technology. If a developer does that on one of the other platforms the odds are against them since 1) they don't have any original feature of the hardware to take unique advantage of and 2) they are competing on a direct technological front with other developers. If the Revolution is sucessful, and I think it will be, many developers will welcome it because it will be place they can focus on creating appeal through interesting ideas rather than having to beat out everyone in their texture qualities and hi res graphics.

Dan

[31 Flavas]

Meteos
Phoenix Wright
Trauma Center
Trace Memory
Warioware
Most games available.Let's not forget mouse and kb like control with Metroid

Nor Nintendogs
Nor Ouendan... sweet sweet Ouendan
Nor Electroplankton


Or Animal Crossing
Or Pac Pix
Or Polarium
Or Pokemon Dash
Or Kirby Canvas Curse

...

[thecrazyd]

Or Animal Crossing
Or Pac Pix
Or Polarium
Or Pokemon Dash
Or Kirby Canvas Curse

...
Easy now. Don't want to overload the man.

[outontheporch]

How will the Revolution be different from other console systems? Unless they can get 3rd party developers to develop Revolution exclusive titles that use the DVD-remote style controller, it will be just another console system.



I think that's the point of the Revolution. I think they're making it their mission to get developers to use the new controller, and challenging them to be creative. If that doesn't happen, Nintendo will have failed in more ways than one.

[Opty]

Duh, Evil won't be satisfied unless every game released for the system uses both screens, the touch screen, the microphone, and Wifi all in some innovative way. As long as that's true he'll hold onto his Anti-DS statement with a death grip.

[EternalGamer]

Innovation is a great thing, if it was coming from a developer who could actually support it.

The irony of this statement to me is that it seems Nintendo is the ONLY developer that has shown it's continual ability to support innovation as the basis for a successful business model. No offense to the other two big players (both of which do a good job at what they do), but they certainly don't rely on it at all to stay in the game, Nintendo does and has.

Dan

[thecrazyd]

Duh, Evil won't be satisfied unless every game released for the system uses both screens, the touch screen, the microphone, and Wifi all in some innovative way...
... and they he will call them gimicky.

[dorkus_malorkus]

Nintendo could never shake the kiddie image in recent years and have suffered for it but I have not once thought about that when hearing about the revolution. But then, here I am playing Animal Crossing WW on a near daily basis, so I may not be a good judge. Based on the number of Friend Codes I've seen posted, I don't think I'm alone either! I'm feelin' this whole "casual gamer" thing these days as well. As far as developers go, they will jump on anything that's popular and can profit from. If they bother to not go for the "quick" buck is another thing. It's true about the DS though. I have been very surprised at the titles that have come out that are innovative and not just 1st party, either.

[mightbe]

Nintendo could never shake the kiddie image in recent years and have suffered for it but I have not once thought about that when hearing about the revolution. But then, here I am playing Animal Crossing WW on a near daily basis, so I may not be a good judge. Based on the number of Friend Codes I've seen posted, I don't think I'm alone either! I'm feelin' this whole "casual gamer" thing these days as well. As far as developers go, they will jump on anything that's popular and can profit from. If they bother to not go for the "quick" buck is another thing. It's true about the DS though. I have been very surprised at the titles that have come out that are innovative and not just 1st party, either.

Since you're able to form a coherent sentence (with punctuation in the right spots, bravo!) maybe you can instill some sort of value in other ACWW players to not be TOTAL FUCKING MORONS. Make.. the spam... stop.

Please?

[Evil Avatar]

I've just played the DS at the kiosks, I didn't like the screens and I'm not really into the whole touch screen thing anyway.

All I know is that I spent the same amount of time with the PSP and I was just blown away by the screen quality and the ability to watch movies on the go - and GTA: Liberty City Stories and Infected looked pretty damn cool.

I guess the PSP is just more something I might actually use.

Now, I liked the GBA SP. That was a great system and I still buy RPG's for it from time to time (though I've got a huge backlog to burn through). I'm thinking I might buy one of those new backlit GBA SP's to play the rest of my RPG's. I just hate the idea of spending another $90.00.

[Mr_Snuffle]

I've just played the DS at the kiosks, I didn't like the screens and I'm not really into the whole touch screen thing anyway.

So irrelevant PSP comparisions aside... the answer is no... you haven't really investigated the DS.

[thecrazyd]

So irrelevant PSP comparisions aside... the answer is no... you haven't really investigated the DS.
Well, he has made snap judgements based on very little information and preconcieved notions. That is sort of like investigating it.

[mightbe]

I'll admit, I probably would have never owned a DS if I hadn't won one (for being the Mega Man TCG world champ, punk). I was consistently suprised at the quality of the games available and would recommend it to anyone looking for a portable system waaay before the PSP (I own one of those too).

The PSP is a great piece of hardware but the library of playable games is comprable to the Xbox 360 (minus live arcade and xbox titles). Sony has some serious work to do before I'll consider the PSP a viable purchase.

[MajSheppard]

I know it means nothing, but it is the only next gen system I am backing, as I am significantly poorer this generation. So Microsoft will miss out on me for a while.

[bardockkun]

You know, i really don't give a damn about Nintendo's plan for the next gen. All i know is everyone had doubts about the "innovation" of the DS but yet it's carved out another good market for handhelds for it and people who get their hands on it forget about it being about "kiddie" games. So with that Nintendo has some kind of plan and i'll leave them be at that.

All i really care is news about SUPER SMASH BROS. MELEE REVOLUTION! ARGH!! Either that or at least "CONFIRM" Sin and Punishment as a downloadable title. Cmon Nintendo, quit giving us your damn business plans and give me some damn games to toss my money at. Hell, or at least confirm or deny the Zelda delay rumors! Dammit, just give me news i haven't heard at least once a week.

...Sorry, just had to rant.

[jeffool]

The DS makes FPS (Metroid) and RTS (Advance Wars: DS) games viable for handheld systems in ways that they currently aren't. The 'touch screen' does indeed seem gimmicky until you start to use it and realize how much easier it is for these games than the alternative (d-pad or analog stick.) Especially seeing as so many games are all about precision (Animal Crossing deals with item inventory, painting, and music composition; FPS' need aiming; RTS' need unit selection; and also new game verbs like rubbing, slicing, drawing, and more and now available as input options.)

I mean, think item screens in Final Fantasy. Remember holding 'down' to scroll through all the items, and then clicking on the wrong one? If you had a mouse it'd be insanely easier to just grab the bar and scroll that way. To my amazement, the touch screen not only improves on slight things like this, but nearly all interactions to the same order of magnitude.

I mean, I had given up on Nintendo and didn't have much interest this (GameCube) generation. I was all about the Xbox. But this time around Nintendo's got me. The Revolution is the only system I'm 'definitely' buying. And thankfully I know I'll have a huge library of reputable (Gamecube) games on the launch date.

[Evil Avatar]

Well, he has made snap judgements based on very little information and preconcieved notions. That is sort of like investigating it.

That is what those kiosks are for - to give you time to try the system to see if you would purchase it. I tried it and it didn't look like something I would purchase.

I tried a PSP and it did look like something I would purchase.

I'm glad you guys like it, but we post a lot of DS news and I have yet to see a game talked about that I wanted to play.

[GrinR]

That is what those kiosks are for - to give you time to try the system to see if you would purchase it. I tried it and it didn't look like something I would purchase.

I tried a PSP and it did look like something I would purchase.


Ditto.

And Ditto in advance for the revolution.

[Harlan Hoyt]

I'm glad you guys like it, but we post a lot of DS news and I have yet to see a game talked about that I wanted to play.

Seriously? Are you kidding me? You have yet to hear about ONE DS game you are interested in?

I have never once bought into the EA biased bullshit, but christ. You're not making it easy at the moment.

[RMan]

I'm glad you guys like it, but we post a lot of DS news and I have yet to see a game talked about that I wanted to play.
Hehe, I get the feeling that as long as the system has a Nintendo logo rather than an MS logo that this will not change. Seriously, Nintendo is innovative and successful doing it (arguably their last console could have been said to fail because it wasn’t innovative), and I'm not sure if MS/Sony could do better even if they were inclined to innovate. You should get on board with the hope for the Revolution, even though it’s not an MS product, if it’s successful then MS will steal it next generation, then everyone’s happy. Just cross your fingers with the rest of us hoping that it’s another DS and not another Virtual Boy.

[EternalGamer]

Some of you guys take this proselytizing thing a bit too seriously. If the guy doesn't like the thing, he doesn't like it. Your world is not falling apart as a result.

Nevertheless, I have to say, I have always found that I was never interested in a system's library very much until I actually owned the system. There is something about making the financial investment in it that convinces you to really seek out the best stuff available for it.

Dan

[RMan]

Some of you guys take this proselytizing thing a bit too seriously.
Yea, I was just disappointed by EA's first post to the thread, which struck me as anti-innovation, and at the least defeatist. Coming from the site’s namesake, it’s more disappointing than just any average Joe, and it’s that kind of attitude that makes companies less willing to innovate in any way when there seem to be many people not only fiercely loyal to the status quo, but dismissive of an innovation before it’s even hit the market.

[fushi]

I've just played the DS at the kiosks, I didn't like the screens and I'm not really into the whole touch screen thing anyway.

All I know is that I spent the same amount of time with the PSP and I was just blown away by the screen quality and the ability to watch movies on the go - and GTA: Liberty City Stories and Infected looked pretty damn cool.
Ditto.

And Ditto in advance for the revolution.
So it's not just politics where you both are conservative ;)

For me it was the exact opposite experience. I played around with the PSP a bit, really liked the big, bright screen, but the thought of having to use a crummy analogue stick that is even worse than the PS2s or just the D-Pad for 3D gameplay scared me away almost immediately. I'm quite positive that most games on the PSP will be 3D.

The DS, on the other hand, I liked from the start, although I have played very little on it. And just to point out, I have nothing against games using the 2nd screen "just" as a map screen. There are games that use it for far more, but not every game should have ot use it for some crazy gimmick that might cripple gameplay rather than enhance it.

I like to look at the DS as an advanced (laaf) version of the Gameboy Advance, especially now that the RPGs will slowly start trickling out here and there.

By the way, Evil: you might like Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, since it doesn't use the touch screen at all (or so I've heard), just the second screen. I remember you liking the first one, so here's a start.

Edit:Hehe, I get the feeling that as long as the system has a Nintendo logo rather than an MS logo that this will not change.
Even if this is a joke, it's old and really stupid. Stop doing it.

[31 Flavas]

Some of you guys take this proselytizing thing a bit too seriously. If the guy doesn't like the thing, he doesn't like it. Your world is not falling apart as a result.I'm not (We're not?) attacking his personal opinion, rather per say, waxing nostalgic on his ludicrous sweeping generalizations about what he said would(not) be popular. And now making him eat crow. The two quotes I remember are of course the "the DS doesn't have any features, at all, that anyone would want." But also the one that tells us to not forget about the "Please, Mommie!" factor which would drive PSP unit and game sales ahead of the DS.

If you weren't around to read his posts then, i'm not surpised that you're saying were picking on him. It's hard myself to believe he was that sweeping, but I guess that's why I remember the line so well.

[jeffool]

Some of you guys take this proselytizing thing a bit too seriously. If the guy doesn't like the thing, he doesn't like it. Your world is not falling apart as a result.

Nevertheless, I have to say, I have always found that I was never interested in a system's library very much until I actually owned the system. There is something about making the financial investment in it that convinces you to really seek out the best stuff available for it.

DanHope I didn't come across as harsh, I've just become increasingly interested in the potential I think the Revolution provides. And the games and ideas behind systems are the only reason to buy them so far as I play. (Well, since I've had to pay for the systems, anyway.) The Dreamcast had Shenmue, 2k Sports (online!), Virtua Fighter, eventually it would have Jet Set Radio, and I 'figured' it would have a Panzer Dragoon game. (Bad call there, it came to Xbox.) But I knew I had to have the Dreamcast, and I'm glad I got it.

The Xbox with it's proposed online capabilities and harddrive was a gimme. (I mean, custom soundtracks? C'mon, that rocks! Little did I know how little it would be used. But Halo made it worth my cash. Later I would buy more titles.) And the PS2? I didn't even get it until GTA3 came out, by which I mean I got it solely for GTA3. Of course more games came out for them eventually...

But really, I don't get why one would buy a system if not for the library. Buying the system and then looking for good games really seems like putting the cart before the horses.

[bean19]

Show us the games!!!

[bapenguin]

I have never once bought into the EA biased bullshit, but christ. You're not making it easy at the moment.

I really like my DS. My only gripe with it has been it's damn uncomfortable for me. Especially the Metroid Hunters demo for a lefty. Using the buttons for movement instead of the D pad while holding it with one hand and applying pressure with the stylus is a wrist killer.

Other than that I love Advanced Wars and Meteos. Feel the Magic was a bit gimmicky and downright weird. Mario Kart is great but doesn't really use the touch screen.

Evil might not like the DS, he does have a right to an opinion. That doesn't mean the entire site is biased against Nintendo.

[Draft]

DS =! Revolution

It costs like 5 bucks to take a shitty looking GBA game, add touchscreen something or other and put it on the DS (an origin I'm convinced 50% of DS software shares.)

The Revo, while being weak compared to PS3 or X360, is still going to be more powerful than any last gen console, ergo, cost more to develop for. So just looking at the DS and saying, "wow, tons of innovative, "independent" games that take advantage of the hardware!" and inferring that such a thing will happen on the Revo "just because" is flawed thinking at best.

[PantherModern]

We had this conversation when the DS was on its way to market. Who would play this? Why would someone use this? Who will develop for this?

We were very wrong.

And if the DS is representative of how Nintendo is pitching their systems to third party developers (familiar hardware dev kits, small production times, fast turnaround, innovative gameplay hooks), then it is reasonable to assume that they will be attempting to go down the same road with the home console.

[Zeal]

And how many DS titles actually use the touch screen in a way that adds something unique to the gameplay and isn't just a second screen?

"Touching is good"??? LOL.
No wonder I post here.

[Kelegacy]

Meteos
Phoenix Wright
Trauma Center
Trace Memory
Warioware
Most games available.

Have you even used a DS?

Advance Wars DS

[Cubfan]

I own and love my DS, but I also have to admit that the touch screen is not well-implemented in most games. If Nintendo had released a handheld with a single (larger) non-touch screen, I think it would be doing just as well if not better.

Though I do have to give them credit for pushing innovation, and hope that future DS games (especially 3rd party) take even more advantage of the unique hardware.

[fushi]

DS =! Revolution

It costs like 5 bucks to take a shitty looking GBA game, add touchscreen something or other and put it on the DS (an origin I'm convinced 50% of DS software shares.)
Unless you elaborate on that with specific examples I'm going to present you with the "Troll of the Week" award.

First, there is shovelware on every console. The DS isn't any different and if only 50% of it are "like 5 bucks"-ports, then that's a shit-ton better than the GBA. Secondly, the "better" DS games need a lot of vigourous playtesting. Concepts and level design of a game such as the Kirby's Magic Paintbrush don't manifest themselves overnight.

And no, there are no 1:1 similarities between the DS and the Revolution, just trends that appear similar when generalized (something you're more than familiar with). Examples:

- a new way to interract with the playworld (touch screen and mic vs Revolution controller)
- development costs are higher than its direct or remote predecessor (GBA & DS vs GC and Revolution)...
- ... but lover than its direct or remote competitors (DS & PSP vs Revolution & Xbox 360/PS3)
- both aim at a slightly different demographic than its direct or remote competitors
- similar APIs (???) ("like 5 bucks" vs GC API)

So yeah, there are similarities. But of course, the difference you noted remains, because the ones I mentioned above are all relative, but the monetary resources independent devs have is an absolute sum.

Then again, I can't recall there being any succesful indie games on the DS either, which means you're arguing with strawmen here.

[Kelegacy]

Well, he has made snap judgements based on very little information and preconcieved notions. That is sort of like investigating it.
Many people who hate the DS really haven't tried it out. The first time I tried out a DS, after hating the notion of the handheld for a year, was in EB with Mario Kart running. I bought one that very same day.

And the statement that there aren't really any games worth playing on the system is so perverse that it's laughable. Plus, it plays GBA games and costs not much more than the SP or Micro.

[Blade]

Nutshell time.

PSP, great launch, mucho capabilities, mediocre library to date.

DS, sour launch, more built-in gaming-related features, above-average library to date. Oh, and it plays GBA games flawlessly.

[nemyhlovecraft]

Innovation is a great thing, if it was coming from a developer who could actually support it.

That's just straight ig'nant.

[nemyhlovecraft]

Nutshell time.

PSP, great launch, mucho capabilities, mediocre library to date.

DS, sour launch, more built-in gaming-related features, above-average library to date. Oh, and it plays GBA games flawlessly.

That is also just straight ig'nant.

[nemyhlovecraft]

DS != Revolution

Fix'd...........

[nemyhlovecraft]

Ok, so seriously. Please people don't kids yourselves. Just because you say something doesn't mean its a fact. As well, just because you have an opinion about something doesn't mean it isn't completely misinformed and just plain stupid. I'm not even going to address any specific worm erupting forth from the can of ignorance which is this forum; its easier just to call you all stupid.

P.S. Evil Avatar (the person, the site, the stupid name, whatever) is completely biased against Nintendo as is a good half of the flaming fanboy intertron. Nintendo fanboys aren't much better, but that being said I tend to find them a bit less "thugish" than their MS and Sony counterparts (especially those damned PSP whores: why can't you just admit it has a library only slightly better than the N-gage...UMD movies != games...bling bling mf...ahem). Personally I have no problems with fanboyism...I like getting angry at stupid people. It's what makes the internet fun for me. On the other hand, the reporting and selection of stories on this site is amateurish and inconsistent, which makes it less and less like a gaming news site and more and more like a glorified forum. So, please consider that when questioning whether to have children or not. Don't intend to do one thing and then end up with a baby martini.

[goc_sin]

I'm going to buy a Revolution thanks to Evil.

[captainspankypants]

EvAv is taking a lot of flak here, so I feel I need to deflect some of this. I don't agree with him 100% (I can see how many of the games for the DS would appeal to a lot of people), but like him, I have seen absolutely NOTHING on the DS that appeals to me. Animal Crossing, Phoenix Wright, Trace Memory, Kirby... I recognize the innovation and can see how they might appeal to some people, but to me they are all just kind of 'meh.' Yelling into a handheld or drawing a slide for Kirby or whatever might be fun for about fifteen seconds, but I am totally certain that it would not be something I'd want to do for any significant amount of time. And I play my handhelds primarily on public transporation, so the mic isn't really a feature I'd look forward to.

I haven't bought a PSP yet either because the price is prohibitive, but Armored Core, Dynasty Warriors, GTA, Wipeout, Lumines, and a bunch of other things look pretty good to me. Most of them aren't in any way innovative, since they are mostly just PSP versions of existing franchises, but I can't play them on the go without a PSP, and that's where the appeal lies.

[RMan]

So just looking at the DS and saying, "wow, tons of innovative, "independent" games that take advantage of the hardware!" and inferring that such a thing will happen on the Revo "just because" is flawed thinking at best.
Well, it's pretty much a relative thing, after all. I don't really consider the DS a home for "independent" game development, as I think the combination of retail delivery and being a cartridge system makes the cost of entry prohibitive for independent developers (in comparison to, say, the PC). I’d say for the DS the reason for the more creative games is the superior and unconventional input device, the second screen is nice, but the touch screen is what makes the real difference IMO. Since the Revolution will have the same advantage, assuming the same kinds of results is pretty realistic, I think. As far as being better for independent developers, I’d say it will if it has an accessible online delivery platform, the new controller and the lack of focus on graphic fidelity makes it a clearly better platform for independent/creative developers than the 360 or PS3.

[EvilBob46]

That is what those kiosks are for - to give you time to try the system to see if you would purchase it. I tried it and it didn't look like something I would purchase.

I tried a PSP and it did look like something I would purchase.

I'm glad you guys like it, but we post a lot of DS news and I have yet to see a game talked about that I wanted to play.

Since when do gamers buy a handheld just because it has a big shiny LCD screen and a sleek design, and buy games just because they happen to "look cool?" Only when they're of the Evil Avatar variety it seems.

Here is a complete list of DS games that have been received by critics well or, in most cases, exceptionally well:

Mario Kart DS
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Advance Wars: Dual Strike
Meteos
Kirby: Canvas Curse
Animal Crossing: Wild World
Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
Nintendogs
Sonic Rush
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

You are not interested in playing any of them? That's not so much a failure of the DS as it is just you being biased and unwilling to try games that somehow don't "look interesting enough" for you, even though they are all of upmost quality.

[Draft]

Advance Wars DSThere is nothing in that game that takes advantage of the DS. In fact, I found it much easier to play with the dpad and buttons than the stylus.

Advance Wars DS is, in fact, one of the games I was talking about. Could have very easily been a GBA game.

[KSmitty]

All i really care is news about SUPER SMASH BROS. MELEE REVOLUTION! ARGH!!
Amen Brother!!!


-K

[nonchalance]

There is nothing in that game that takes advantage of the DS. In fact, I found it much easier to play with the dpad and buttons than the stylus.

Advance Wars DS is, in fact, one of the games I was talking about. Could have very easily been a GBA game.

Agreed, actually, as much as I love my DS. I generally play AW DS with the stylus, but occasionally I'll just use the D-pad, and there's no real difference in functionality - just ease of use.

That said, the second screen with terrain and unit information is actually really helpful. Cuts out a lot of the boring busywork that characterised similar GBA games.

[Liquidize105]

I really like my DS. My only gripe with it has been it's damn uncomfortable for me. Especially the Metroid Hunters demo for a lefty. Using the buttons for movement instead of the D pad while holding it with one hand and applying pressure with the stylus is a wrist killer.
Use the thumb strap, Luke.

[Kelegacy]

There is nothing in that game that takes advantage of the DS. In fact, I found it much easier to play with the dpad and buttons than the stylus.

Advance Wars DS is, in fact, one of the games I was talking about. Could have very easily been a GBA game.
Yes, and it WAS done on the GBA. But the touch screen makes the game much more...intuitive? It's sort of like playing with a mouse, but instead taping and clicking where you want your troops to go. A game of this type can be done with a normal control pad but it excels with a better input device, be it mouse or stylus.

And you found it easier to play with the d-pad? But the stylus makes everything faster, and you don't have to navigate an entire map to set upon the unit you want to move. You just tap him.

[mister_slim]

How will the Revolution be different from other console systems? Unless they can get 3rd party developers to develop Revolution exclusive titles that use the DVD-remote style controller, it will be just another console system.
Hey, sounds like the current generation. The publishers that put out shovelware will complain their games don't sell on the GC, and the publishers that actually target the platform properly will do well.

[51|RandoM]

Well, he has made snap judgements based on very little information and preconcieved notions. That is sort of like investigating it.

he also pretty much stated that what he wants out of a portable IS NOT GAMING. No wonder he doesn't like the DS, it is the best portable game machine out there.

[51|RandoM]

There is nothing in that game that takes advantage of the DS. In fact, I found it much easier to play with the dpad and buttons than the stylus.

Advance Wars DS is, in fact, one of the games I was talking about. Could have very easily been a GBA game.

It uses both screens for chrissakes. I've not seen any two-screen GBAs, have you?

People seem to be hung up on the "touch" aspect of the screens, and if they don't see it actively used, then there must be something rotten in denmark.

Whenever you find yourself doing this, just repeat this three times: A good game is a good game.

It really is that simple.

[mightbe]

I really like my DS. My only gripe with it has been it's damn uncomfortable for me.

Nintendo is training you subliminally to be able to execute the "Monkey Grip" technique. This is where when you see someone with a competing system you reach out and smash it like a piece of third grade oragami.

That's what the DS is really for.