Charles

[QUOTE=Ganon6d9]OK, about another hour of pondering just what the hell this means for Nintendo's third-party relations I wonder how they could possibly port anything. I though that perhaps the d-pad could be used as more buttons just as the c-pad was on the 64, plus the analogue plugin is a big help for it too., in fact if that is the case then the Revolution would have [i]more[/i] buttons than it's competitors, and it's not like Nintendo couldn't release a standard pad, or plugin, for that little slot on the bottom for it. Also, Hideo Kojima(of Metal Gear Solid fame) and Square-Enix had praise for it, which could mean very big things. I can see Crystal Chronicles being put to good use with this. Ah, the possibilities people, try not to worry at all until you actually see the titles that Nintendo have planned.[/QUOTE] I'm not worried. As I said, I just need to let it sink in. I also hated the Nintendo 64 controller until I [i]used[/i] it. That's going to be the difference-maker here. I'll probably have to learn a lot more about the controller and experience it before I can fully appreciate it. I'm really starting to warm up to it though. I admitted earlier that my negative reaction was largely based on my initial impression. Although I still must echo my earlier statement: unless third parties are willing to warm up to the Revolution and make exclusive games for it, then Nintendo is screwing itself. Multi-platform games could potentially be ruined by this.

[quote name='OtakuSennen']EDIT: God damn you, Charles. God damn you to hell.[/quote] Haha! I saw your post and immediately started laughing with satisfaction. To your credit you put a lot more effort into yours. So, don't feel too bad. Anyway, now that I've pondered this design for a few minutes, I've become somewhat fond of the originality. It introduces new functionality to be sure. But, I'm sure that multi-platform releases are going to be impacted quite a bit from this. On the flip side, hopefully developers are interested enough in the unique design to create more original games for the system if they're not able to bring their multi-platform games over. Your point about the DS is something I considered immediately but didn't mention. I wasn't exactly fond of the gimmick, and although I still feel that it's under-utilized, I've come to appreciate it a lot. So, we'll see.

Well, the Nintendo Revolution controller has been revealed. Right now, I don't know how to react. I'm sure I'll warm up to this but my first (and current) impression is extremely negative. I think I have to let this sink in and read up on it. As it stands this image alone disgusts me. I wasn't expecting a television remote and although I recognized Nintendo's goal was to keep it simple, I expected at least a few more buttons. However, I suppose the analog attachment is cool, as is its likeness to the original NES controller, and the ability to move the controller in 3D space like a mouse should open up some interesting possibilities.

This doesn't look like such a huge leap forward. Don't get me wrong--it'll be a blast and I'm sure I'll enjoy it thoroughly. But I'll probably pick up Burnout Legends for the PSP first.

[quote name='Rachael']Here's the thing. I am 16 going on 17. My ambition is to be a top line computer animator. I think it's amazing how we can create the cg on computor. I was playing ff10 and I was on the mi'hen highroad whan the camera shifts and we can see the wind blowing the grass gently with tidus in the backround (for those who've played it i'm sure you know what I mean) thats what got me seriously thinking about this certain career. The thing that worry me is that after reading the thread "The love of Gaming" I got to thinking it might not be a good choice. I think it was James that said the video game industry is losing it's "freshness" as he put it. I'm worried that when I get my degree and start looking for a job that there will be no job because everyone has moved on with gaming. What is your imput? Are my theories crazy or do you agree with them?[/quote] I don't think video games are losing their innovation altogether. With Sony's Eye Toy, the fleshing out of online gaming, and the interesting things Nintendo is trying to do, I see quite a bit of room for games to grow in creative ways. But even so, you're acting as if the video game industry is your only option for becoming a computer animator. Pixar would probably disagree with you.

[quote name='Violet Link']I think the point of the cel-shading was to try a new approach towards the zelda games and show everyone that graphics don't matter that much, that it's really more about gameplay. But most people just care about the graphics for a game and think it will be awesome. But look at old NES games. They may not have the best graphics in the world, but they last forever (if you take good care of your NES).[/quote] Nah, the cel-shaded direction was obviously a throwback to Zelda's roots. By the way, if the intention there was to show everyone that graphics don't matter through the visual style, then the developers failed miserably. The game was absolutely gorgeous regardless of whether one agrees with the style or not. When it was first released, I thought it was the best-looking console game ever. I remember being floored when I saw ash swirling through the air while scaling the volcano. And when I actually entered and saw the heat and lava effects (which were only just recently surpassed by those found in Resident Evil 4)--I felt that the game looked better than most cartoons. I even stared in awe at minor effects, like the plumes of smoke that followed an enemy's death. Great stuff.

It's funny how the last handful of posters just seemingly haven't read through this thread at all. Just recently we had a detailed discussion within this very thread on whether or not Nintendo should launch the Revolution with this game. So, some of you guys may want to read over that. I think it's interesting, anyway.

Hey Frankie, you should read "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allen Poe. It's the ultimate "I've grown to hate my pet" story. [url]http://bau2.uibk.ac.at/sg/poe/works/blackcat.html[/url]

Sometimes it's good for a couple to have seperate interests--and to keep them seperate. If it's something he prefers to do with his friends, you should let him have that space. You don't have to do everything together.

[QUOTE=Retribution][SIZE=1]Ehh... dump? Sometimes people 'dump' their grandparents into an 'old folk's home,' but other times, people who cannot care for their parents must put them in a retirement home. Granted, I'm sure it happens that people go "screw you, ma, you're going to the retirement home. I'll write. Later." But many other times, people cannot structure their lives around dealing with such a person in their household, and must simply put them in a retirement home. I certainly would put my parents in a retirement home if I could honestly not care for them properly, and they were in turn making my life miserable. Sometimes they can care for them better than you can, too.[/SIZE][/QUOTE] Use common sense. This thread is mostly aimed towards the annoying behavior or an elderly woman. In the context of my post, I obviously used the term "dump" exclusively in the instance of people relieving themselves of the bother of dealing with an annoying old person as opposed them putting a legitimately helpless elderly person into a home for the right reasons--so that they would receive proper care. I'm not in any way arguing that retirement homes are completely evil and should never be an option.

[quote name='Bloodseeker']Imagine spending 10 years (we'll just say the eight years old is when I really became aware of it) living close to somebody that acts like she's going to die at least once a week, someone that uses that false illness to get out of going to events that are important to the rest of the family, someone that uses those same illnesses to try to force you to follow her selfish will.[/quote] I've lived with someone exactly like that that for twenty-three years--[I]my[/I] grandmother. lol That's why I'm speaking in my official capacity as someone who's experienced what you have. There are times when I'm about to go to work only to be told by her that she's probably going to be dead by the time I return home. I try to encourage her to get out of the house and spend the day with her children. What does she do? First she accuses me of trying to throw her out of the house and then she grabs her chest and tells me she's going to die and that it's my fault. Is that stuff right? Hell no. But, what am I going to do? I don't want to leave her alone until I can make sure she's supported and if I went out on my own it would become incredibly difficult to finish up college. This behavior is just something I've had to grow accustomed to. When I begin my career and move out, is she going to lay a guilt trip on me? I'll bet my life on it. But, I'll deal with it. I'm not trying to portray you as a bad person. I just want you to understand that old women can inherently be annoying with no other motive than to seek and gain attention. It's just something that you have to grit your teeth and bear unless you're willing to dump them into an old folk's home.

[quote]Alright, I can see what you mean to a certain extent, however, I don't think they were reducing her to the equivalent of a foolish child. I think Bloodseeker was more frustrated, that their grandmother is acting the way she is. In reality, he/she has a right to be frustrated. Postponing trips, canceling dates you had something to do, rearranging entire schedules around an "I have a rash. Come check on me. Now." Besides, the whole crying wolf thing is actually dangerous for her. One day Bloodseeker's family might say "I'm sure you'll be alright - we're going out of town for a few days. See you then," and she'll actually have something serious, instead of a rash or a cough or a cramped foot.[/quote] Of course it does. The thread directly compares her to "the boy who cried wolf." Don't be mistaken; I understand where he's coming from and I understand that her behavior is annoying. I'm not saying that they should go ahead and cancel trips because of her. But, it's important to understand why she's acting the way she is and not abandon her altogether because of it. She's just afraid of being alone so she's reaching out for attention. Just deal with it. We all grow old someday. I'm sure many people will go through a phase where their children are grown up with families of their own. Meanwhile their widowed elderly parent is left to feel like they have nothing left to do in life except die. There are no children left to raise and they can no longer work. Maybe she is a bad person. I don't know; I don't know her. But the initial post just portrayed her as a typical elderly individual crying out for attention. [quote]What sympathy should Bloodseeker show? Sympathy that his/her grandmother is old and ailing in health? I'm sure their family already does that, you know, dropping by every so often, a phone call here and there. Aside from that, there's nothing more they should do. Be warm with her, but you can't structure your world around cries for attention.[/quote] The kind I described above. Simple understanding. Respcet for the fact that she made their family possible in the first place. She's an old lady--that's all we're talking about here. Some people don't take aging as well as others. Maybe this woman isn't even manipulative as far as her suffering is concerned. Perhaps she truly convinces herself that she's suffering from heart pains and such because she's so afraid of age and death. Her behavior during her fifties is a good sign of that. There's nothing he's going to accomplish through talking with her or yelling at her. It'll only make things worse. Now, Bloodseeker's family shouldn't live on her every whim but goddamnit just be respectful to her and check on her every so often instead of whining about it. Listen to her complaints patiently and don't dismiss them even if you know they're false. Because that's all she probably wants--just someone to listen to her to make her happy. Take her go to a doctor routinely even if she doesn't want to go--and then they'll know the state of her health so that "crying wolf" won't be an issue. That's all I'm saying. It's simple. It just saddens me when I see people talk about the elderly like they're nothing but a bother. As for you Frankie, I understand that she's annoying but again--we're talking about a woman who's ninety-four years old. It may be hard for you to understand this, but she just doesn't want her family to forget about her. She still wants a place in the family--and she wants to exist. That's why she's constantly pestering them. Also, she wants to do these things that she cannot because it's hard to be completely stripped of your independence and rights as an individual. It's hard to be an adult and then become something like a child. I'm not saying that you or your family don't have a right to be annoyed but personally, I'd just grit my teeth and bear it because it's the right thing to do.

[QUOTE=RiflesAtRecess][font=trebuchet ms]I totally agree with Charles, the only thing I disliked (minor as it is) is the fact that not all of the characters had 3P outfits to unlock. I just spent about an hour soaking in the website, I haven't been there yet. I really didn't think that the PS2 could get graphics that good. It really felt that the folds in the clothes were popping out of my monitor. I heard rumors that Raphael would be like a vampire, but reading his story, it's starting to seem true. Seigfried and Nightmare, as said by Sage, look to be two characters. This is really cool, but I hope that there's enough separation in moves to make them two different characters.[/quote] Yeah, it's really amazing what Namco has been able to accomplish on the PS2. Soul Calibur 3 runs on an enhanced version of the Tekken 5 engine. If you've never played the Playstation 2 port of Tekken 5 I highly encourage you to do so. It'll really give you a glimpse of what you can expect. Namco has really been on the ball lately; if they were able to rebound successfully after Tekken 4 with such a masterpiece, then I'm sure that Soul Calibur 3 will be awesome. [quote]I also noticed that some of the returning characters don't have a story, they seem to be the less important characters, while Seigfried, Nightmare, and Raphael have been pushed to the front. Or maybe there's more to the other characters that they don't want to share until the game comes out?[/quote] They'll all have plots. As you undoubtedly know, every Soul Calibur has been very plot-oriented. Although certain characters are emphasized over others, everyone's given a distinctive and usually interesting backstory. Since this is the first version developed specifically for a console and not the arcade, I'm sure we'll see that tradition furthered. [quote]I'm also saddened by the lack of Hwang or Yunsung this time around, as well as Cervantes. However, it looks like you can create similar characters in Character Creation mode.[/font][/QUOTE] In addition to what Sage has said, I've also heard that every character from the series will be returning. So yeah, I can't wait for this game. It's probably one of the most underrated holiday releases this year.

She's an old woman. She's not "crying wolf." She's lonely and looking for attention. I know it can be annoying but it's understandable. Her child(ren) are grown up and have lives of their own and she obviously doesn't want to be left behind to die alone. What's left in her life to make her important? She's not needed by her kid(s) anymore. It's depressing to think about. Also, it's a horrible fate to grow old and be pushed to the side like you're nothing but a problem until you finally pass on. In other societies, like Japanese society, for example--the one you're visiting-- the old are revered and shown great respect. Maybe you should show some sympathy instead of complaining about her like she's some nuisance. As it stands, your lack of compassion and understanding, in reducing her to the equivalent of a foolish child, is astounding.

What's with these replies? My goodness. [quote name='Kamuro]I bought SCII and wasn't really impressed. [B]It was fun, but there wasn't much depth to it. [/B'] It was fun, but I don't expect much from SCIII, or the series for that matter. Also, if the game is PS2 exclusive, it would make no sense at all. Generic stated it before. Why would the original open up and actually vary between systems and then come out with a sequel exclusive to just one.[/quote] There wasn't much depth? Are you joking? It's true, Soul Calibur is a game newcomers can feel comfortable easing into, but they would never stand a chance against an experienced player. The array of techniques available to each character is astounding. Soul Calibur doesn't have quite as much depth as, say, Virtua Fighter 4, but it's not far off. Also, it's hard to call this game a Playstation 2 exclusive when there are rumors circulating that it could be released on the Xbox 360. In any case, I can understand the benefits of releasing it on one system at this time. When a game is released across three platforms, it doesn't really take advantage of any of them. By concentrating on one platform, the developers will be able to make a stronger game. [quote name='Killer7']Yeah I do have to say the second Soul Calibur was overrated. It was slightly above mediocre, but honestly it was so similiar to other fighting games ( as most fighting games are alot alike) it got boring fast Also the first Soul Calibur, aside from being alot more innovative, had more unlockables.[/quote] While I'll agree that it was overrated simply because gameplay-wise, it wasn't much different than the first, I'd say that it was [b]far[/b] from mediocre. The animation has a smooth, natural look to it that most other fighting games simply don't possess. Furthermore, the gameplay easily put it in the top tier of fighting games when it was released. And, you know what? It's still there. I also put into question your claim that the game is generic in the field of fighting games. Not only are the characters, art, and plot more distinctive but the weapons-based fighting is easily the best I've ever experienced in the genre. What other fighting games are you playing that make the Soul Calibur games seem mediocre? I would like to know.

[quote name='Morpheus']All of this in an effort to make the next GTA really, really pretty.[/quote] That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. The next Grand Theft Auto most certainly won't even be exclusive to the Playstation 3 to begin with. But, even if it did turn out to be, why would Sony develop its next system entirely around that one game? :laugh: If you ever have the urge to post anything like that again, please take the blue pill and live life as if the thread never existed.

[quote name='Kni7es']Another interesting thing I found in the "Console Wars" was that the next-gen consoles would in fact switch rolls. By this, I mean where the PS2 was supposed to have more and better games to overcome the Xbox's superior hardware, the 360 is lined up to have the better games to overcome the PS3's superior hardware.[/quote] There's not much of a switch in roles, really unless you want to say that Microsoft is releasing a weaker system first while Sony is releasing a more powerful one soon thereafter. But, even then you would be grasping at straws because it doesn't seem like there's a huge difference between the two in terms of power since they both hold advantages over one another. There won't be much of a noticeable difference between the two during the first few years of their lifespans--and even afterwards I doubt that the Playstation 3 will completely obliterate the 360. When third party developers created multi-platform games this generation, they were often very similar across all platforms. Despite the Xbox having a power advantage over the GameCube and the Playstation 2, it was rarely used. This is the same stuff we've been over before. Sony's had the ability to attract third parties for years and Microsoft was able to enjoy great third party support with the Xbox. It'll be interesting to see how third parties react to all three systems this time around, considering the differences between them. [quote]In the end, I'm a diehard Bungie fan, not a Microsoft fan. I hate Bill Gates' guts passionately, more than most of you, probably, but I'm still getting the 360 for my Halo 3. And yes, there will be a Halo 3, I was the guy 4 years ago no one listened to when Bungie started throwing out hints for Halo 2.[/QUOTE] What a controversial statement! Halo 3! You don't say! Yeah, Nostradamus, no one saw Halo 2 coming but you. And you're right. I don't hate Bill Gates at all. I have no reason to.

[quote name='Mitch']Also add to that the fact that I don't own an Xbox, and an Xbox 360 is backwards compatible, so I could play all the good games I missed.[/quote] Remember, it only supports [B]limited[/B] backwards compatibility. You're only able to play "best-selling" Xbox titles chosen by Microsoft.

[QUOTE=Generic NPC #3]Xbox 360 has a really damn strong line-up already. Considering how many Japanese developers have already announced and shown RPGs for the system (several and certainly more than the PS3 or Revolution both right now), I have to wonder where this "crappy Americanized RPG" idea comes from. I think most people who aren't interested in Xbox 360 haven't been keeping up with it at all and in that case they just shouldn't bother saying anything. If people don't want to get the system, then whatever, but the thing seriously does have some really strong stuff lined up for launch as well as the near future. Aside from sequels to established franchises that I'm interested in, but that have already proven to be dying out sales wise (Metal Gear Solid, Devil May Cry), I don't exactly see what the PS3 is really offering over any of this stuff either... especially with Square Enix saying recently they want to bring more of their games to all systems. It's just assumed because PS2 and PSX had the most games before that. Well, Nintendo did before that and look how that changed. These things do not last forever.[/quote] Personally, I'm interested, but I doubt I'll be an early adopter this time around. I have been following it closely, and my problem doesn't necessarily stem from the lack of quality software available, but from the pricing strategy they've employed. Microsoft has said that its out to make money this time around, which is understandable. But, how they're going about it could be potentially harmful. My main concern is that they're selling one completely useless SKU that's going to possibly limit the Xbox 360's overall potential. The 512 MB of RAM will soften the blow considerably, the fact that a portion of the system's audience won't have the hard drive means that we won't see it incorporated into a lot of games. Interestingly enough, the hard drive was the reason Square Enix seemed to jump onboard the 360. [quote]"After hearing that the Xbox 360 would come equipped standard with a hard disk, it was decided that we had no choice but to jump on board." ---Hiromichi Tanaka, Producer, FFXI "Taking into consideration [the Xbox 360's] hard disk and infrastructure, I think it's a safe bet that in the future, you'll see more and more cases of game makers creating their new network games on the Xbox 360 platform." ---Famitsu, Hamamura Tsushin (Famitsu Wavestream corner)[/quote] I wish instead that Microsoft released a value pack with the hard drive and cut out stuff like the remote control and made the price a bit more expensive. Just some comments on the rest of your post: --The Playstation 3 price--I have common sense, so I agree, it's going to be super expensive. Sony will undoubtedly release a basic pack like Microsoft without the hard drive and/or the Bluray drive to soften the blow--but again, it'll be useless to buy it. I just wish they would release one SKU. I do, however, feel that it's good that Sony's included built in wi-fi. It costs $100 to add it to Xbox 360. But, I suppose that should give a good indication of the system's inevitable price point. --HD output-- Microsoft also requires that all games have to be able to do at least 720p.

[QUOTE=Killer7]Xbox 360- they announced the price point yesterday. for $300 you get just the console and a controller. For $400 you get the console, a 20 GB HD (which allows you to play original xbox games, and download stuff) a wireless controller, a wireless headseat, and a ethernet cable (WOOT!). It looks like the majority of the games will be cliched first-person shooters, action RPG's (crappy americanized ones), and racing games will be the main type of games. I probably get it for Christmas, but I am looking forward to the other 2 systems much more 6/10- game library needs work Playstation 3- Like alot of other people said it will probably be around $350 or $400. The games will probably be the best out of all the systems with MGS, DMC, and the numerous RPGs. Personally I am a strategy/RPGer so I am looking forward to this the most. Also it looks like it will have the highest graphical power. 10/10- price is a little high Revolution- Small price possibly around $250 This system looks like it is going to be the most innovative, with it's touch screen controller. Also you have the lineup of Nintendo idols like Mario, Link, Donkey Kong, Samus, and Star Fox. Not only that but you will be able to buy classic nintendo games off a internet shop. The only bad things are the lack of RPGs and third-party support. 8/10- GET MORE DEVELOPERS![/QUOTE] [CENTER][IMG]http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/1122/banhim4oj.gif[/IMG][/CENTER]

I'm very happy with mine because I make sure I get the most out of it. I actually use it for its music playback, and I occasionally use its video capabilities. I've still not played out the five or six games I have either. I basically spent all summer unlocking things in Hotshots Golf. Until bigger titles hit, like Sega's tennis game, Burnout Legends, Legend of Heroes, and Grand Theft Auto, I'll be happy playing emulated games. SNES emulation is actually really good right now thanks to the new TYL version (with another update coming shortly), Genesis emulation is nearly perfect, and the same goes for Nintendo and Gameboy Color. My favorite is probably the Neo Geo CD emulator though. It's blazing fast. A new Scummvm emulator came out today as well, so I'll probably get around to trying that out. Otherwise, there's a whole bunch of other fun homebrew applications that I play with too. So, yeah, although I'm not exactly using the system for its intended purpose, I use it daily and have a blast with it. The natural dry spell isn't even noticable because it's not like there's a lack of games for me to play, official, or emulated. I still want a DS, but honestly there's only two games I'd play for that right now. That'll be changing soon thankfully, since Nintendogs isn't too far away.

[quote name='SilentSecurity']Expensive...the PSP was $250 and I thought that hurt my wallet. $299 :animenose That's crazy.[/quote] You think that $299 is crazy? :laugh: I distinctly remember the Playstation 2 and Xbox being in the same ballpark. I actually paid more for them because they were only sold in bundle deals. Secondly, the real price for Xbox 360 is $399 because the core system package is useless. No hard drive? No backward compatability (which requires the hard drive)? A wired controller? No Xbox Live headset? I wouldn't pay $299 for that. It's a shame that Microsoft went they route the did too--a lot of developers are going to be discouraged from using the hard drive in their games. I understand their goal is to provide choice for casual gamers--and many casuals will buy the $299 bundle, but it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Plus, the pricing for Xbox 360 accessories is quite steep as well. ? Faceplate ($19.99, 19.99 Euros, 14.99 GBP) ? Hard Drive (20 GB) ($99.99, 99.99 Euros, 69.99 GBP) ? Memory Unit (64 MB) ($39.99, 34.99 Euros, 22.99 GBP) ? Wireless Networking Adapter ($99.99, 79.99 Euros, 59.99 GBP) ? Wireless Controller ($49.99, 44.99 Euros, 32.99 GBP) ? Play and Charge Kit ($19.99, 19.99 Euros, 14.99 GBP) ? Rechargeable Battery Pack ($11.99, 14.99 Euros, 9.99 GBP) ? Controller ($39.99, 34.99 Euros, 24.99 GBP) ? Headset ($19.99, 19.99 Euros, 14.99 GBP) ? Universal Media Remote ($29.99, 29.99 Euros, 19.99 GBP) ? Component HD AV Cable ($39.99, 29.99 Euros, 19.99 GBP) ? S-Video AV Cable (US) ($29.99) ? SCART AV Cable (Europe) (24.99 Euros, 17.99 GBP) ? VGA HD AV Cable ($39.99, 29.99 Euros, 19.99 GBP) The faceplates, controllers, and memory cards are especially expensive. Who would play $40 for a 64mb memory card that would be filled with patches and downloadable content extremely quickly when they could buy a much higher capacity hard drive for $100? I'm sure that's why some of these products are being priced the way they are though. Anyway, if $299 discourages you, wait until you see the Playstation 3's price. Even if they sell a basic model without the hard drive (which they will probably do) I doubt we'll see a package selling for under $399.

[QUOTE=James][font=franklin gothic medium]I think it's easy to make the mistake of saying that a console is dead when its successor is on the horizon, though. Even if GameCube stops selling tomorrow, there are still approximately 15 million GameCube owners who want to buy new software. This is why I think you'll see a lot of developers releasing PS2 games throughout 2006 and into 2007 - it makes no sense to throw everything to next generation consoles even in their first year. My understanding is that Nintendo are simultaneously working on a new Zelda for Revolution, which has been in development for a few months now. Porting Twilight Princess over to Revolution is good in theory, but they will potentially lose a lot of software sales if they do that. At least if they put it out on GameCube, there's a good chance that they'll pick up a few million sales relatively quickly. Those profits would presumably be put back into Revolution software development. Not to mention that Revolution is backward compatible, so this game will be playable on that console. If you don't own a GameCube and you want TP, you may prefer to buy a Revolution, so that you get the best of both worlds (ie: you get to play TP, but you also get next-gen software).[/font][/QUOTE] I agree with a lot of your points, but I still see some problems with releasing it for the GameCube. First and foremost, on a certain level, I respect their decision to push the game back. A lot of companies will release a rushed product just to capitalize on the holiday sales boom. Even games with a lengthy development cycle, like Halo 2 could have easily used four or five months more of development time. The fact that they're willing to push back their big holiday seller shows that they care about making it the best game possible. However, the consequences of not meeting the November release date are going to be extremely bad. They're essentially handing the holidays to Microsoft and Sony on a silver platter. Just as you indicated in your post--the decision of whether or not to buy a 360 won't be quite as difficult for a lot of people. When Twilight Princess does release, we'll probably be sitting in March or April of next year. So--at that point next generation Xbox 360 games will have been on the shelves for about five months and I doubt that many GameCubes will be sold over the holidays. You've still got those fifteen million GameCube owners out there but I'll bet that the majority of them don't exclusively own a GameCube and that a good portion of them are interested in the 360 (especially with no real killer app available for the Cube later this year). And then there are a lot of gamers who never bothered with the GameCube to begin with. The questions are then--how much of an impact will Zelda have launching four months after Christmas? How much incentive will customers have to buy a next generation Revolution so that they can play Zelda through backwards compatibility when the desire to experience the benefits of new next generation software is out there? Or who would buy a GameCube when Zelda launches just for it with the 360 on the market and the PS3 on the horizon? Only faithful fans will bother at all. We'll see how this develops, but I'll be surprised if it sells a million copies. Has Resident Evil 4 even topped the million mark yet? I think that the Playstation 2 is a different case for several reasons. For one thing, there's not only a much larger user base to consider but also a lot of great third party software to support it through 2006/2007. The GameCube doesn't have that benefit. They're basically releasing one huge game with very little to follow up on after it, which makes little sense to me. A lot of the bigger PlayStation franchises (Devil May Cry, Tekken, presumably Grand Theft Auto) have already moved over to Playstation 3 development, anyway). Consider also, that at this point I highly doubt that a new Zelda will be ready in time for the Revolution launch, or anywhere close to it with how much effort Aonuma has been putting into TP. The fact that a new Revolution Zelda is in development would be great though because we would be looking at two Zelda titles within two years on the system. But anyway, let's say that the Revolution Zelda doesn't make launch. I doubt that a big Mario title will even be ready either. Miyamoto has said himself that he hasn't even come up with a concrete idea for the next Mario title. The lack of these francihes at launch wouldn't be doing Nintendo any favors. So, why celebrate the death of a console with this really amazing game when you can make it even more amazing and strengthen the launch of a new machine? The presence of a legitimate Zelda title in addition Metroid Prime 3, a new Super Smash Bros, and [i]possibly[/i] a new Mario title would round out one of the strongest launches ever. I think it's necessary for them to come out swinging. I mean, it is the Revolution after all. I say all this knowing that it's going to be for GameCube, however, because they've specifically emphasized that fact. I don't mind as much as I seem to by what I'm saying here. I just like entertaining a "what if" scenario. It just seems like it would be a really good idea to repackage it like Silicon Knights did for Eternal Darkness. [quote]The screens look really great, however. I didn't think that GameCube games could get much better looking than Resident Evil 4, but it looks as if EAD are out to prove that sentiment wrong lol.[/quote] I still think they have a long way to go before TP looks better than RE 4. Don't get me wrong--it's a fantastic-looking game. Hell, many of the screens and videos I've seen have been beautiful. However, the ugly art apparent in the villager models and the London-esque fog present in the new city shots are definitely signs that it won't quite reach that high benchmark.

Bah, they should just move this to the Revoultion. It would make much more sense for Nintendo to launch Revolution with new Zelda and Mario games than to release this after the holidays on an essentially dead GameCube.

[QUOTE=James][font=franklin gothic medium] Even though Xbox 360 comes out at the end of the year, it's still far too early to make a decision about which next gen console is best for you. There haven't even been playable PS3 demos yet and Revolution is still a way off being fully revealed. So in the absence of that information - the most critical information - you simply can't make an informed choice.[/font][/QUOTE] This is especially true considering the Xbox 360 launch is going to be driven by military shooters, sports, and racing games. So, although it's launching earlier than the others, I see no reason for you to be an early adopter unless Perfect Dark Zero ends up being the most amazing game ever. And, even then you would be better off with a current generation console for the holidays. Dragon Quest 8, Shadow of the Colossus, and Soul Calibur 3 all look incredible. Furthermore, I've been picking up a load of outstanding games recently for dirt-cheap prices. I found F-Zero GX for $8.99, Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando for $17.99, and Hitman 2 for $7.99. Ico is also under $10. So, if you're short on cash, this should be a no-brainer. You won't have to worry about the next-generation consoles for a while. I've read that Sony may not launch the Playstation 3 until 2007 and we still know very little about the Revolution.