James

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Raiha [/i] [B][COLOR=royalblue]*holds hand up* Question: When did Sephiroth come into the story? I thought he was the bad guy. Even though he is a looker...[/COLOR] [/B][/QUOTE] [size=1]Erm, I think that Seph has mistaken his character...I think he's thinking of FF: Online Another World (which by the way, I've posted on finally...)[/size]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sephiroth [/i] [B]if you really need help on J&D, all you need to do is ask us what part you are stuck in, I'm guessing your stuck in the snow place since thats where a lot of people get stuck on.... if you really need codes though, check out gamefaqs.com.... [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Ahh yes, the infamous snow level...funny how every platformer has a snow level, isn't it? lol I loved J&D...it's kind of sad that it didn't last long. Now that I'm playing it for a second time through, it's not nearly as fun *sigh*. I am definitely awaiting a sequel. In the meantime...I'm sure that some people here can provide help if anyone is stuck. I'm guessing that quite a few people who visit this forum have played it through.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Ahh yes. Metroid Prime was the source of much controversy shortly after it was "revealed" at Spaceworld 2000. During last year, there were various problems surrounding development of the game. The game's developer, Retro Studios, had laid off group after group of staff and Nintendo's EAD department (Entertainment, Analysis & Development) was forced to physically step-in and ensure that the game was being produced to Nintendo's standards. Initial footage looked somewhat poor and many Metroid-purists claimed that the game's new "First Person Adventure" style was effectively the last nail in the coffin for the game. To naysayers, I say: "Oh yee of little faith!" ;) The early dark days of Metroid Prime's development are over. And Nintendo EAD's more consultative and involving approach with game development has clearly had the desired effect; not only does Metroid graphically make Halo look shoddy and awkward, but the game's "First Person Adventure" style is actually winning acclaim from various gaming publications due to its smoothe implementation.[/color] [QUOTE][i]Matt Casamassina, IGNcube[/i][b] I have to say that out of all the software recently previewed to us at Nintendo's Las Vegas presence, Metroid Prime looked the best. So why is Metroid so hot? Well, let me first reiterate what Mr. Miyamoto said during our interview with him -- that the series has gone back to its roots, in first-person mode. According to Miyamoto, Metroid Prime is all about "exploration," which is exactly what all of us want. The footage rocked. Retro's art experience is impressive. Samus busted through 3D environments at 60 frames per second. The visor view that looks so amazing in screenshots comes off even better in motion, I can verify. When one targets an enemy, the visor flips up all sorts of tactical data on the side of the screen, along with blue prints and other neat goodies, and meanwhile the target system moves around and centers in on the beasts. There is also a kind of thermal-view and yet another one beyond that -- both very stylistic. [/b][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue] Yep, it's not just another cliched first person shooter. The game's focus is on exploration and adventure -- the first person view may very well benefit the game in the longrun. Not to mention the fact that the "visor view" makes the player feel more centered -- as if they're actually exploring, rather than just being "a floating hand" like in other FPS games.[/color] [QUOTE][I]Matt Casamassina, IGNcube[/i][b] I can tell everyone once and for all that the game plays primarily in first-person mode and that the 3D-camera system is not controlled manually. It happens automatically depending on the environment and situation, according to Miyamoto. So if Samus happens to be exploring a tunnel with ramps, for instance, the camera automatically pans back to reveal her third-person form, and from here she can roll into a ball and do her thing. [/QUOTE][/b] [IMG]http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/2002-03-04-metroidprimefootin1.jpg[/IMG] [color=royalblue] And there we have it. The intuitive and practical camera system appears to be the best of both worlds -- utilizing a first person view mode for standard play, while automatically switching to a third person view when the player's actions require it.[/color] [QUOTE][i]Matt Casamassina, IGNcube[/i][b] The footage also showcased areas in which Samus had to use her gadgetry to take advantage of the level. One scene had her using a freeze beam to gain access over a chasm. Interesting, when the grapple-hook-like gadget pulled her across the abyss below, the view remained in first-person -- and it actually looked good this way. Not disorienting at all. A lot of PC players will recognize this technique as it has been used in some previous first-person shooters. Another, perhaps even cooler demonstration, featured an ice area in which the gap to the other side was far too big to cross. However, upon careful examination, Samus discovered a group of stalactites hanging from the ceiling over the gap. She shot them, they fell, and became platforms for her to cross. It was brilliant. [/QUOTE] [/b] [IMG]http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/metroid030204a.jpg[/IMG] [color=royalblue]As you can see, the game's environments are reminiscant of the original game's environments, in the sense that they offer a moody and deep atmosphere. To back up my point, here is yet another comment from Matt Casamassina regarding the game's visuals (remember, the video that the media have seen recently isn't yet available to the public).[/color] [QUOTE][I]Matt Casamassina, IGNcube[/i][b] Visually -- wow. Great art, huge 3D worlds, detailed texture work, amazingly detailed particle effects and what looked to be some form of per-pixel lighting. Samus' ball glows purple underneath and sends out flashes of light that illuminate her metal shell and it looks particularly beautiful. And let me once again stress that the visor display is by far the coolest of any first-person game ever created, hands-down. What a superb style this game has going. In the end, we didn't get to play it so there is no telling how everything stacks up play-wise. But boy, does it look promising. I'm very happy. And this is now one of my most wanted games on any system. Fran, I think, agrees. Everyone should be excited. [/b][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Everyone should be excited: I know I certainly am. Metroid Prime is now on my "top three" list as one of my most wanted games. Here are Fran Mirabella's comments on the video:[/color] [QUOTE][i]Fran Mirabella III, IGNcube[/i][b] I do indeed agree with Matt. I'm finally getting really -- and I mean really -- excited about Metroid Prime. I'm a die-hard Metroid fan -- I have a SAMUS license plate on my car for cryin' out loud -- and was really put off by the first-person announcement. I thought it would be an okay first-person shooter, but wasn't counting on it feeling like, say, Super Metroid. After seeing the new footage and talking to Miyamoto... I'm starting to be convinced. Miyamoto specifically said it is not a first-person shooter; it's an exploration title from a first-person perspective. The man is notorious for staying focused and polishing upon that. That said, I truly believe it will feel different than a first-person shooter overall. [/QUOTE][/B] [color=royalblue]Yet another glowing account -- especially regarding the first person shooter issue. I believe that Nintendo and Retro can truly do justice to the game using this perspective (particularly as many of Retro's staffers are ex Valve, ID software etc employees).[/color] [IMG]http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/2002-03-04-metroidprimefootin3.jpg[/IMG] [color=royalblue]It's relatively hard to convey in static screenshots, but these HUD visuals are said to be absolutely incredible.[/color] [QUOTE][i]Fran Mirabella III, IGNcube[/i][b] Truly, it looks amazing. Retro's art team is doing things you've always dreamed of but rarely come true. The visor view is ambitious and could be totally botched by an untalented team. After seeing it in motion, I'm hooked on it. It gives the first-person view a meaning. You don't feel like you're an arm floating around. You're inside Samus' suit, and you're rocking some alien arse. Metroid Prime, even in this early form, already presents polish and stunning attention to detail. Retro may have gone through its rough period, but with Miyamoto conferencing with the team on a weekly basis things are looking very bright. Metroid Prime is poised to be one of the most stunning GameCube titles released this year based on the tour de force of footage we saw. I think you'll agree too once Nintendo finally releases the footage. [/QUOTE][/B] [color=royalblue]So there you have it. Despite being a Nintendo-oriented site, IGNcube were actually quite skeptical of the whole FPA issue when Metroid Prime was first unveiled. To see such an about-face on the issue suggests that they are truly impressed with the game's development. I am really looking forward to Metroid Prime -- and I'm wondering, based on this new information...who here is planning to purchase the game once it is available?[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sephiroth [/i] [B] added rare weapons, new costumes, and a whole new class says it all really.... [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Yep, as well as several four player offline modes -- with zero slowdown. Sounds tasty, eh? ;) [/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Angelus_Necare [/i] [B]What is the first thing you think when you wake up? "I wish I was asleep right now..." [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]What do I think when I first wake up? "I really hope I don't see any foolish/inane topics on OtakuBoards today"[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Zachary [/i] [B]this is a game where i put up a word and then you name something that has to do with it. the next person has to say something with the last to reply. Just keep on assotiating words heres the word ---------------- pie [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]I believe a Super Moderator has already send you a Private Message about your posts, Zachary. Therefore, this is your final warning. Don't spam again.[/color] [SIZE=1][FONT=century gothic][COLOR=crimson]Yes not only did i DELETE the topic i sent you a PM as well. Now these topics are A. SPAM, and B. Would have gone in games and RPGs like my PM said. Just in case you dont know how to get there ill give you some instructions. On the main page of the boards near the bottom is a 'private message' link. Click that and you will be taken to list of your PM's. After you find the one you want to look at click it and it will take you to the message. Sorry for using your post james ;)--kuja[/size][/color][/font]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sephiroth [/i] [B]the sock thread was my fault for bringing it up in the first place, I even remember what I said to james who was concerned about quality of threads.... "well look on the bright side james, at least no one has made a thread about what their favourite type of sock is" and lo and behold, a minute later I see that flash did that very thing.... [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Yes...that was painful for all involved. By the way, to the member who started this thread...I'm from Melbourne. There are quite a lot of Australians on these boards...heh, Melbourne is the most beautiful city on earth ;) And yes, as Delian said...it's a shopper's haven. hehe Anyhoo...Seph, I am once again concerned about the quality of threads I'm afraid. Now there seems to be a tendancy to ask people what their favourite [insert pointless thing here] is. Whether it be a favorite memory, favorite place, favorite toy, favorite site...pleaaase, make the pain stop...make it stop...*cries* :nervous: :bawl: [/color]

[size=1]Geh...sorry for not posting here in a while...let's get this story going again, shall we? ;)[/size] [i]The sun rose high above the clouds. The enormous leaves and branches of the Great Tree were casting shadows over the many inhabitants who were going about their daily business. Karu had spent the morning eating breakfast and stocking up on supplies. Both he and Calya had decided to visit the King's Palace, in order to request a staff for Karu.[/i] Calya: Are you ready to go, Karu? Karu: Yep...ready as I'll ever be. Calya: Okay...off we go...[i] Calya led Karu outside onto the branch and the pair made their way back toward the trunk of the tree. However, this time, Calya purchased a special bag of greens with the title "King's Palace" embroidered on the front in gold lettering. In addition, he had to rent a special Trunk Beetle...it was black with silver and gold etchings on its shell. Calya explained to Karu that this beetle was designed to specifically travel to the King's Palace and that ordinary beetles weren't permitted. The pair sat on top of the Royal Trunk Beetle (it was very well behaved...much moreso than ordinary beetles) and soon, the huge creature was making its way up the trunk. Once again, Calya made his staff light up so that the both of them could talk.[/i] Karu: I'm still amazed at the whole staff thing...I didn't realize that each Quart was entitled to a staff at birth. Calya: Oh yea...well, it's common knowledge around these parts of course. But having grown up in a Windhyte area...I guess it's understandable that you dun know 'bout it. Karu: Yeah...I had always heard that Quart were very defenseless...and that made me kind of embarassed when I went to school. Some of the Windhyte creatures picked on me. Calya: Defenseless? Bah! We posess the world's most powerful magic...you dun have ta be big to make a lot of noise. :) Karu: Heh yeah...you're right. :) Calya: Ahh here we go...we're getting close...[i] The beetle suddenly emerged at the top of the trunk. However, Karu noticed that the top of the trunk was totally bare...there was nothing in sight.[/i] Karu: Is this a joke? Calya: Noo...look...[i] Calya pointed to a long branch which was protruding from one side of the top of the trunk. It stretched upwards into the clouds...but at the very top, Karu could see a glint of white...and what looked like big gates. It was so far away, yet still visible...Karu thought it must have been huge in person.[/i] Karu: Do we use the beetles to get up there? Calya: You betcha. Let's go! [i]The two beetles began slowly lumbering up the branch. It was much thinner than the trunk and made Karu feel a little disoriented...[/i]

[color=royalblue]Just a note for Gundam fans of OtakuBoards -- if you visit our Jobs@Otaku forum you will see a job opening for a Gundam Moderator. All members may apply. Note to Mod/SM: This thread may be removed when a moderator is appointed.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by jcgoudy [/i] [B] [color=indigo]Yeah, I know. I think he deserves a lot more credit than he gets. Without him, Nintendo wouldn't be what it is. Who knows, it could still be Marufuku Co. Ltd. and still be making playing cards in Japan... Which would mean the NES wouldn't have been around to pull the video game industry out of its slump... And video games probably wouldn't be nearly as popular or succesful as they are. Maybe Atari would still be around making consoles? So many possibilties...[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]I agree. The video game industry wouldn't be where it is today without Nintendo. You'd have no PlayStation/PS2, no Xbox and certainly no Dreamcast/Genesis/Saturn. The entire game industry pretty much collapsed during the early 1980s, and it was Nintendo who single-handedly revived it and made it larger than it had ever been before. Of course, this led to Nintendo having total domination over the market during the late 1980s...that is, until SEGA came along. Though the Master System wasn't a huge threat to Nintendo...but the Genesis was really the console which proved that SEGA was a viable gaming giant. Of course, even the Genesis failed to topple Nintendo... Still, it's certainly an interesting thing to consider. Hiroshi Yamauchi is often booed because of what happened with Square (even though Square recently admitted that it was to blame)...so I often feel that he is bashed unfairly. He's one of the world's truly remarkable businessmen...and he's a total genius when it comes to the game industry.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by jcgoudy [/i] [B][color=indigo]I was talking about the development of the games, not the franchise as a whole. I agree that without Yamauchi, Pokémon probably wouldn't be what it is today, but I was talking about who first started development on Pokémon; and that was Game Freak. Nintendo probably worked with Game Freak on the development, but Game Freak had started before that. Nintendo is what made it what it is today, a worldwide franchise, but Game Freak started it. I think we were in agreement without knowing it, Lol. :)[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Yep, I think we're basically in agreement. I guess I'm trying to say that Yamauchi has a good nose for popular things...despite his age, he has been able to pick and choose what he wants for Nintendo. And really, without his involvement...Pokemon wouldn't exist in any form at all. So when people consider how popular Pokemon has been in pop culture, it's amazing to think that a man in his 70's really selected and initiated the whole phenomenon. Yamauchi really knows talent where he sees it...afterall, he personally hired both Shigeru Miyamoto and Gunpei Yokoi. Yamauchi himself is often not given a lot of credit...or at least, not as much as he should be. [/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Treble [/i] [B] Just thought that I should make the famous legend name reconizied(sp?). The name of the great man who did most of the programming work on Metroid,along with his invention "Virtual Boy", is [b][i]"Gumpei Yokoi[/i][/b]". [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Just an interesting side note to that - Gunpei Yokoi was one of the most important figures in Nintendo's history. When Nintendo began producing electronic games, Gunpei Yokoi was the company's primary software designer/programmer. Gunpei Yokoi came up with many inventions during Nintendo's lifetime. Everything from the Game & Watch technology, to the Virtual Boy...and even the Game Boy were created by Gunpei Yokoi. In 1997 (I [i]think[/i] it was '97), Gunpei Yokoi left Nintendo to create his own company: Vic Tokai. However, in that same year, Mr. Yokoi died in a car accident. Gunpei Yokoi is often overlooked as one of Nintendo's most innovative minds...but he definitely deserves to be held in as high a regard as someone like Shigeru Miyamoto.[/color] :)

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by gundamcat17 [/i] [B] i just think we being the community of 16 and above should think a little more before we go off on random tangents. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]I agree with you. I am sure that the relevant staff will read this topic and make their own decisions about this issue. I'm not in the habit of continually excusing staff, but by the same token, I'm not prepared to unfairly punish staff either. And yes, I think that there has been enough discussion on this topic -- whoever reads it can make up their own mind about it. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]Very good, BabyGirl. I haven't read all of it yet (just the first post), but it's really well written and very descriptive. I like it a lot. :) This is the kind of thing this forum was created for. Keep up the good work :) By the way, double posting IS allowed in this forum, given the character limit on posts) :);)[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by gundamcat17 [/i] [B]you being staff is completely besides the point in fact that is what makes it worse.you should set good examples kuja not close topics because there spam and then spam in them.you saying that it didn't hurt the boards i believe is false as well say any one from someplace else comes in and goes to that topic...there first words to there friends are going to be well the site was cool but the mods are ****s they make fun of people,spam,and then say hey im a mod so its not your buisness... Thanx kuja. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]I agree with you. However, staff are not in the business of spamming constantly like some other members on the boards. This does not excuse blatant spamming, but it does mean that even staff need a little leeway. You would not yell at one member for spamming once and being oblivious, and thus, it is inappropriate to hold staff to a different standard. I hold staff to the same standards as members. In this case, the staff involved probably shouldn't have done what they did. However, I see no point in making a big deal about it. I know more than anyone what it's like to be over-scrutinized for doing anything wrong -- and all members must understand that staff are members themselves as well. And they're only human -- they're bound to make mistakes. But as long as staff are prepared to learn from their mistakes, then I see no reason to really push the issue. If you put the spotlight on staff more than members -- then that could also be regarded as a double standard.[/color]

[i]As night time approached the Shinra base, a blanket of darkness covered the landscape. There were less guards around the base at night -- most were getting their rest within the base's barracks. Although there were still various guard patrols moving around the entrances to the base and along the perimeter wall. The Base Captain was sitting in his leather chair, sipping coffee. He was looking out of his window over the base as he sipped. Outside the perimeter walls, there was nothing. Just fields of white snow as far as the eye could see. The Base Captain still wondered why on earth Shinra would want to establish a base all the way up here...even if the reason was to build a Mako Reactor, he could think of at least fifty more convenient (and cheaper) locations to build something like that. Nope, it had to be something else. Something he hadn't been told yet. Just as he was pondering the issue, he saw a shadow move past one of the guard turrets. The guard standing next to the turret suddenly collapsed on the ground and the snow around him began turning red. The guard standing opposite him fell down a moment later. Something was wrong. The Base Commander put his cup of coffee on the table and pressed a red button underneath his desk. Immediately, red lights all over the base began to flash and a loud siren broke the silence of the cold, dark night. Shinra soliders began to flood the area directly outside the base. They could be seen travelling in small groups of three, blasters loaded...ready to fire on anything that looked threatening. The gates surrounding the base were completely closed and the turrets lit up with white light, as they shone spotlights all over the snowy ground around them. The increased awareness made the Base Commander feel more comfortable. But he knew he'd have to report what he saw, so as to justify his pressing the alarm button. Just as he stood up from his chair, the door to his office opened. He had half expected to see one of the Group Commanders, but instead, a man wearing black stood there. He had long, white hair and his eyes were filled with colored fire... The Base Commander stood still for a moment. [/i] Base Commander: You... ???: Hello, Commander... Base Commander: W-what?! What are you doing here?! [i]The Base Commander pushed a second button under his desk, which alerted his personal guards. However, they didn't come...[/i] ???: Don't bother with that. Your guards won't be coming to save you...I have made sure of that... Base Commander: What do you want from me? ???: You don't belong here... Base Commander: But we had to build the base here...it wasn't my fault, I was ordered to! ???: Hahah, yes...orders. You would follow meaningless orders, wouldn't you? Base Commander: Please...I don't know what this is about...but please don't hurt me...I'll do whatever you want... ???: You'll do whatever I want? Base Commander: Yes, of course! Anything!! [i]The dark man lunged forward and unsheathed his long sword. Before the Base Commander had time to move, the dark figure grabbed him by the collar and buried the sword deep inside him.[/i] ???: What I want, is nothing more than to see your insides, Commander... [i]Screams of terror and pain filled the night. By the time the soldiers entered the Base Commander's office, it was too late. Half of him was on his desk, the other half was on the floor infront of it. In between the two halves lay the Commander's bloody entrails. Two of the guards fainted, the others closed and locked the office and immediately called the Shinra Freighter Vessels which were laying in wait in the ocean. They didn't want to stick around any longer -- a full evacuation of the base was ordered...[/i] [size=1]Hope that's not too graphic lol...I'm trying to set up how truly terrifying this dark man really is. Afterall...he did cause an entire Shinra base to evacuate. ;)[/size]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by jcgoudy [/i] [B][color=indigo]No, Satoshi Tajiri did, the founder and president of Game Freak. In number 124 of Electronic Gaming Monthly (November 1999), there's a big article about Pokémon. At the very beginning it says, and I quote: "The story goes something like this: When he was a kid in Japan, Satoshi Tajiri would stalk bugs. He'd capture them. He'd collect them in jars. He wanted to make them fight like the rubber-suit monsters of his favorite flicks. He wanted to catch them all. Sound familiar? Now in his 30s, Tajiri, the founder and president of Game Freak, has taken this hobby and turned it into something bigger than a game, bigger than a movie, bigger than a toy line. The inventor of Pokémon, Tajiri has unleased a global pop-culture phenomenon that has made more money than Poké-icon Pikachu can shoot sparks--$5 billion in worldwide merchandising sales. American gamers have bought 4 million copies of Pokémon Red and Blue. The animated series, now in its second season, is the top rated kids' show in the country. Nintendo's Pokémon training tour crams malls with 10,000 kids at every stop." Those are the first two paragraghs of the article. It clearly states that Satoshi Tajiri, the founder and president of Game Freak, created Pokémon. EGM has always been pretty reliable, so I don't think this is wrong.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Yep, I understand all of that. That's not what I'm saying though. The actual creative ideas of Pokemon weren't Yamuchi's, as the article above clearly states. However, the original concept of Pokemon -- the concepts of creating something unique and different for children were really Yamauchi's core ideas. Yamauchi doesn't really get a whole lot of credit for his involvement with Pokemon, but he was really the driving force behind the games. Of course, Game Freak designed the actual games themselves, but it was Hiroshi Yamauchi's original concepts and vision which brought about the whole thing in the first place. Clearly, Nintendo and Game Freak are both jointly involved in the series. But while that article talks about Tajiri's original ideas for the actual game, the broader concept of Pokemon was brought about by Hiroshi Yamauchi. He is also the one who originally spearheaded the movement with Game Freak. So I wasn't talking about game development so much, I was talking more about the creation of the "Pokemon franchise". Yamauchi realized that games were becoming too repetitive and boring -- and he knew that Nintendo needed something new which would focus on communication between children. This is what drove the fundamentals behind Pokemon. Yamauchi obviously at some point saw Game Freak's ideas for Pokemon and decided that Game Freak was Nintendo's best opportunity to bring this new idea to the market. Obviously, Game Freak couldn't have done it on their own. And Yamauchi was really interested in the idea of using the Game Boy to transfer Pokemon between players. He also knew that Pokemon was the right gaming concept to bring this idea to fruition in a meaningful way. So yeah, I was talking more about the entire franchise and the concept of communication/trading etc. Tajiri was of course a creative force behind the specific games, but as with Shigeru Miyamoto, it was Yamauchi who knew when to give Game Freak its big break...just as Yamauchi did with Miyamoto in the early 1970's. And look where that got Nintendo. :) [/color]

[color=royalblue]I like coming here because of the differing views...the unique (and somtimes crazy) members...and the friendly staff. OtakuBoards also features some of the 'nets most creative RPGs...I don't think I've ever seen storytellers with such imagination on other sites. Also, our site has a great history. This isn't just a web forum...it's a world wide community with a colorful and interesting past. And I'm sure the future will be just as great. :)[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by jcgoudy [/i] [B][color=indigo]Nintendo didn't create Pokémon, but they do have the rights to Pokémon. Game Freak licensed Pokémon to Nintendo.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Nup. Nintendo created Pokemon. :) The project was originally thought up by Hiroshi Yamauchi, and was then supervised by Shigeru Miyamoto. Nintendo created the franchise and then lisenced it to Game Freak, who was responsible for software development.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Nintendo will be launching the GameCube in Australia on May 17, 2001 for a price of AUD $399. Games will retail for approximately AUD $99. Here is the company's press release:[/color] [b]Nintendo Australia announces release date for GameCube[/b] AUSTRALIA, MELBOURNE, 29 January, 2002 ? Nintendo Australia announces May 17 as the much anticipated launch date of Nintendo GameCube. GameCube, a dedicated video game play system, is the gaming giant?s latest innovation. Nintendo GameCube is available in two colors: Jet (black) and Indigo (violet) for a suggested retail price of $399. GameCube will launch with about 20 software titles including Nintendo?s Luigi?s Mansion and Wave Race. About 50 titles will be available by mid-year. Nintendo GameCube software will retail for a suggested retail price of $99. Nintendo Australia plans sales of 50,000 hardware units in the launch month. Aside from its innovation and high quality graphics, another of GameCube?s selling points is its interconnectivity with Nintendo?s Game Boy Advance. In the United States, Nintendo GameCube represented the top video game launch of 2001 with initial hardware unit sales running more than twice that of Microsoft Xbox and even Nintendo?s own wildly successful Game Boy Advance. Many stores reported selling out of the hardware system in a matter of hours. [color=royalblue] As you can see, Australia will not suffer from "software shortages" like the United States. The later release will ensure that a constant stream of software will be available to the Australian marketplace during 2002. Other interesting news regarding the Australian market: 1) The PAL version of Luigi's Mansion will have extra features, in order to extend the game's physical play-time. 2) Nintendo Australia has just launched the Jet Black Game Boy Advance, which is exclusive to the Australian market. Pick yourself up one if you don't have a GBA yet ;) Hope that info helps.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by kuja [/i] [B][SIZE=3][FONT=century gothic][COLOR=crimson]my understanding is... Nintendo owns GameFreak therefore owns PKmon as well... kinda like HAL labratories the people who made SSBM. where as sony and square have an agreement... im pretty sure nintendo actually owns PKmon cause if you look at the card game it says nintendo not gamefreak...[/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Nintendo created Pokemon. It also owns the rights to Pokemon. Game Freak isn't owned by Nintendo, but rather, the company is contracted to develop Pokemon software for Nintendo. Nintendo's relationships with Game Freak is similar to its relationship with Camelot Software Planning. Both of these companies are essentially "third party" developers who work very closely with Nintendo itself.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Jaclyn [/i] [B][COLOR=indigo]Just a new thought out of my head, does anybody speak any different languages? It's pretty cool, I tried to get as many as I could, so please don't blame me if a language isn't on there...[/COLOR] :D [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]I have learned a little of a few different languages. I did Japanese for a year...and I studied Mandarin and Italian for only a couple of months each (both of these programs were cancelled at school). I also studied Idonesian for 3 1/2 years at high school...so I'm [i]relatively[/i] fluent in Indonesian.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by jcgoudy [/i] [B] [color=indigo]Jabroni3:16 is actually pretty nice, if you get to know him... Well, lets just say that the graphics are different from anything else you've ever seen... The game overall is pretty good, though. I was considering buying it for awhile after it came out... But I was still playing Final Fantasy IX (I [i]still[/i] haven't finished it, either). [/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]Heh, nice is one thing. Knowledge of games is another. ;) Paper Mario is pretty much on par with other N64 titles. It's very easy to mistake the game for a SNES game in screenshots (as SS pointed out)...but if you play it, you'll notice that it goes beyond visuals (even though the visuals are quite nice in some areas).[/color]

[i]After a week of work, the Shinra Icicle Base was completed. It was amazing to think that such an enormous compound could be built in such a short time -- but high skilled (and high in number) Shinra workers, along with the assistance of Shinra Construction Robots, managed to finish the job quickly. The base was surrounded by large concrete walls. The walls were at least two stories high. There were four walls surrounding the base -- and each side had its own entrance point. On either side of each entrance point were two large turrets, which were manned by Shinra Turret Guards. On top of the turrets themselves were Shinra Flak Cannons, which were capable of firing energy beams at long distance. The Group Commander entered two large double doors at the top of the main staircase inside the Command Centre. The doors lead to a large office, which belonged to the Base Captain. The Group Commander removed his hat and sat down infront of the Base Captain's desk.[/i] Group Commander: Ugh sir... Base Captain: Yes? Group Commander: Ten of our men are dead... Base Captain: WHAT?! Group Commander: Yes...one of them was lost, and we sent a search party of nine men to find him...but their GPS units are all sending back a status of "0% Health".[i] The Base Captain sat down at his desk. He removed his hat and rest his head in his hands.[/i] Base Captain: But how could that be? Weren't they armed? Group Commander: Of course they were armed, sir. We have no idea what killed them...they had ventured to the north west, toward the Crater... Base Captain: *sigh* You know that our units were told not to go in that direction. You should be well aware of the circumstances of that crater... Group Commander: What circumstances, sir? Base Captain: Ugh, you mean nobody told you?! Group Commander: No, sir... Base Captain: The crater is where former President Shinra visited...and saw the great Weapon. It was also the place where Sephiroth was last sighted... Group Commander: Sephiroth?! Base Captain: Yes...Sephiroth. The infamous Ex-SOLDIER. Oh I remember those days. I used to be an Infantry Trooper under the first President Shinra's army...[i] The Base Captain stood up and paced back and forth behind his desk.[/i] Base Captain: We were often sent on tough missions. But in many cases, we had to provide guard for important Shinra executives...or we had to guard a weapons shipment. I became good at my job and I soon became an Elite Infantry Trooper.[i] The Base Captain paused and looked at the Group Commander. He smiled briefly, as if remembering a long-lost memory...and then continued pacing.[/i] Base Captain: I met Sephiroth only once. But I saw how ferocious he was in battle. Little did I know at the time; he was a part of Shinra's biological experiments. Mako experiments, specifically. Group Commander: Hasn't Shinra outlawed such experiments? Base Captain: Yes...but only when President Rufus died... Group Commander: Oh. Base Captain: Sephiroth was a troubled soul, from what I remember. Many said that his love for Shinra was what made him so dedicated. But I think that he was too ambitious for Shinra...he wanted something else. He had his own agenda. Needless to say, he is now dead and I am here...a Base Commander at the Shinra Icicle Military Installation. It was a big promotion...but it was due... Group Commander: Yes...well...I didn't know about Sephiroth. You said he was last sighted here...but you also said he was dead. If that's the case, then why would he be a threat? Base Captain: I never said he was a threat... Group Commander: But you implied it, sir. Base Captain: Ahh, you have a very keen mind soldier. Never loose that. Yes, I guess I implied that Sephiroth was a danger...but I am unaware of other beasts which may roam this wilderness. They too could be a danger to Shinra. Group Commander: Sir...why do you think Shinra's management told us to set up a base here? I mean, there is nothing here...it's just a big lump of ice... Base Captain: Who knows, Commander. Nobody does...none of us were told. I believe that we may be setting up a Mako Energy Facility here...but I really don't know anything specific. Group Commander: Seems like a strange move to me... Base Captain: You'd be wise not to question what Shinra does. Shinra may have evolved and come far since the days of President Rufus...but some of the former executives still pull strings at the headquarters in Midgar. It's best to keep quiet...you never know who might be listening. Group Commander: Yes, sir. I should go now... Base Captain: Okay, bye Commander. Keep a look out for us. Group Commander: Will do, sir. [i]The two saluted each other and the Group Commander walked out of the room. He suddenly felt like he was in a very deep situation. A situation that he didn't fully understand -- and he didn't like that feeling.[/i]

[i]One of the Shinra Perimeter Guards had noticed that a member of his squadron had not yet returned to the base. He ran across the snowy field toward the Group Commander, who was talking with several other officers. The Perimeter Guard tapped the Group Commander on the shoulder...[/i] Perimeter Guard: Sir...it appears that we've lost one of our troops. Group Commander: Oh? I'm sure he'll return soon. He's probably lost his way. What about his personal GPS? Perimeter Guard: That's just it sir...it is sending a faint signal which indicates that his heart has stopped beating. Group Commander: .... Perimeter Guard: I recommend sending a search party to the west... Group Commander: Alright. Do it then...but make sure that they are heavily armed. I don't want any dead soliders out there, you hear me? Perimeter Guard: Yes, sir. [i]The Perimeter Guard saluted the Group Commander and ran to the makeshift barracks to gather a search party. The Group Commander looked out over the frozen wasteland to the west of the base. Soon the concrete walls would begin construction...it wouldn't be long before the base was heavily fortified. In the meantime, he hoped that there was no more danger... ...just as he was about to walk back toward his tent, he saw what he thought was a black cloak in the snow. He blinked; but it had dissappeared.[/i]