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Editorials 
Spaceworld: A Day For The Ages?
- By Rob
Schlicht
Spaceworld 2000 is right around the corner now; the moment of truth is almost upon us. We here at NShooters.com decided it would be worthwhile to take some time to explain what our hopes, expectations, and fantasies are for the upcoming show. And for some staff, the anticipation even brings about some nostalgic feelings. Read on for what comes to the minds of many of our staff members upon hearing the words "Spaceworld 2000."
Brett:
As I type these very words, it is 12:18 a.m. EST on Tuesday, August 22. A little more than one hour ago, heeding the advice of a friend, I visited ign64. The two words he used to describe what was on the site made my heart skip a beat: "Holy s*it!" I thought, "What in the world could it be?" Did N or one of N's developers leak out the real name of Project Dolphin? Was it confirmed that footage of a new Mario or Zelda game would be shown at Space World to demonstrate the technical abilities of Dolphin? Has some snippet of videotape been released showcasing Dolphin's powers? I honestly didn't know what to expect. Breaking my custom of visiting ign64 only in the morning (sort of like reading the morning paper), I hastily clicked on my ign64 bookmark. Suddenly, it appeared: "IGN launches a new sister-site to celebrate the real name of Nintendo's forthcoming console." My friend was right. Holy s*it. I felt a feeling I hadn't felt in ages regarding video games. A feeling similar to when I pushed Mario to the right for the first time in SMB. A feeling similar to when I hatched, and subsequently hopped upon, Yoshi in Super Mario World. A feeling similar to when I made Mario run around in a circle and do back flips in Super Mario 64. The feeling that, come August 24, Nintendo will once again shock and revolutionize the video game industry.
Damn, do I feel old. I'm too young to be feeling nostalgia; yet, I am. I remember the first time I grasped my fingers around a video game controller. It was sometime in the spring of 1988 when our family was visiting friends of my dad in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The game: 10-Yard-Fight. The most generic football game known to man introduced me to N. I didn't play at first; I just watched my dad's friend and his sons manipulate the pudgy onscreen players. Compared to the "Maddens" and "GameDays" and "QB Clubs" of today, 10-Yard-Fight resembles Al Gore (sorry, I couldn't resist). Come Christmas, Mario, Princess Toadstool, Bowser, and the yelping hunting dog from Duck Hunt made their way into my living room. Simple, addictive, and FUN (although I'm sure my parents must have winced once or twice upon witnessing my glee after successfully blowing ducks out of the sky with the Light Gun). For the next year, other now-classic titles came my way: Blades of Steel, Castlevania, Ice Hockey, Kid Icarus, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Pro Wrestling, SMB2, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. I knew nothing of the quality of these games before I bought, rented, or played them at a friend's house. I bought them because the boxes looked "cool" or the story (I didn't know the word "plot" in those days) sounded "neat." I mean, honestly, who gave a damn about the graphics or the sound? The concept of an "interactive book" in which you controlled the main character was something never before seen. N's marketing people were right on target when they coined the following phrase: Now You're Playing with Power. By merely pressing buttons on a controller, you could control what occurred on your TV. For a new gamer like me, this was revolutionary.
By 1991, the quality of NES games started to deteriorate; not so coincidentally, my interest in video games began to wane as well. That is, until the June issue of Nintendo Power arrived in my mailbox. Inside, on pages 44-45, was the future of gaming: the SNES. While this two-page spread was fine and dandy, my real question was: "Where are the games?" This query, NP promised, would be answered with the July issue. Sure enough, the July issue featured a special pullout poster showing one picture for each of the 29 games rumored to be released or already scheduled for release. My ten-year-old mind envisioned arcade-like graphics and CD-quality sound on titles such as Super Mario World, F-Zero, Zelda III, Pilotwings, Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts, Castlevania IV and, last but not least, Final Fantasy II. Come Christmas, my dreams were answered. Who can forget playing F-Zero for the first time and being wowed by the Mode-7 graphics? Nothing topped the vibrant colors and smooth, futuristic feel of gliding around in a pseudo-3D environment.
Fast-forward to June 1995. After months of hints and rumors, Nintendo Power finally delivered the goods: the first glimpse of N's Ultra 64. I clearly remember returning home from school that day and, upon seeing the words "NU 64 Unveiled!" printed on the cover, frantically thumbing through the pages seeking the ultimate video game system. Not more than two minutes after soaking in the image, I phoned my best friend Jim. Like me, he was equally excited about N's future. Not knowing any better, we were expecting the NU 64's games to resemble the "games" found when one wore one of those bulky "virtual-reality" devices found at your local mall. Although we were way, way off the mark, such is the hope and excitement that comes with each new next-generation Nintendo console.
This leads me to this week; specifically, August 24. What will the NCube look like? What games will be used to show off the NCube's power? Will we see updates of the classic franchises of yesteryear, such as Metroid or Kid Icarus? How "mature" will next-gen Mario be? Given N's track record for revolutionizing the video game industry with the release of each new console, we have nothing to fear. Sony, Sega, and Microsoft, on the other hand, do.
Rob:
Let’s not kid ourselves. Spaceworld 2K is going to have a few N64 games, including the highly anticipated Sin and Punishment 64, and a few GBC games, but no one’s traveling to Tokyo to see them.
They’re headed there for the next-generation unveiling Nintendo has to offer. Really, truly, this is shaping up to be one of the single biggest speeches in the history of videogames. Nintendo will be unveiling two next-generation systems to the public, and in an even better way than PS2, the Dreamcast, or even the X-Box could hope for. Not only are there two new systems we’re going to see, but we know almost nothing about either of them. Nobody knows quite what to expect, but I have a few ideas of what to expect.
The first thing is, these few days belong to Game Boy Advance, that is for certain. Tons of playable games will be available for testing, and we’re sure to get final specs for the system, a list of developer support a mile long, a final name (even though the GBA moniker isn’t half bad) and most likely a finalized casing, complete with the button configuration. IGN has already shown the development kit for the GBA, and it looks like the system will stick with the D-Pad over an analog stick, which is a disappointment. Also, it will have both a Select and Start button, and probably two face buttons and two shoulder buttons. This is also disappointing, as the possibility of some great SNES ports to the system is less likely without another two face buttons, unless we see the select and start button used, which would be uncomfortable, to say the least. I’m guessing that the system is going to be horizontal rather than vertical, because of the screen dimensions and the good press received by the Neo Geo Pocket Color, which was much friendlier to adult hands than the Game Boy was. Also, I’m thinking that though it may not be announced, we will see several colors of the unit at launch.
IGN has reported the finalized name of the Dolphin to be the Nintendo Game Cube. I don’t know, but I liked Star Cube a lot more than this, but I’m sure I won’t mind calling it the NCube. Although this won’t have much presence at Spaceworld, I’m betting a large portion of the press-only pre-Spaceworld event will be devoted to the next Nintendo console. We’re probably going to see full specs on the console, many of which are pretty much known already. We’re probably going to see the next controller, and once again, I’m betting that we’ll see multiple colors of controllers. The console itself is nearly certainly going to have four controller ports, and if controllers are going to have built-in rumbling, I find it unlikely they will have slots for memory cards. I’m betting the big N will go with a Playstation-style memory card system, with slots under the controller ports. These slots might double as the place where GBA connects, be it through a cable, or something else.
I honestly think we’re going to see more than one game being shown (though not playable). This is a Nintendo system, so you know you’ll see Mario. The question is, what type of Mario are we going to see? Miyamoto has been telling us that Mario himself will be much different, but are we going to see a Mario 64-type game, a Mario Party, or a Mario Kart? I find it hard to believe that they would launch with something besides an adventure game, simply because of the wide appeal the genre has. However, with GBA-NCube connectivity being a big part of the presentation, and Mario Kart Advance as the flagship GBA title right now, I’m more and more confident of seeing a Mario Kart, just to demonstrate that. But as I said, adventure games appeal to more gamers than anything else. And wasn’t Mario 64 II in development for 64DD before it was canceled? So what are we going to see? Metroid? Zelda? Two Mario games? Or will it be Mickey Mouse? Don’t laugh... Rare signed on to make several Disney games. Let’s see... we have two racing games, one for Game Boy Color, and one coming for the N64. I think Rare owes Disney one more game. So which will it be? That’s a good question. Perhaps we won’t see an adventure game at all. Not a good answer, but I don’t know for sure.
One thing Nintendo has emphasized about the NCube is that it is the “anti-N64”. What this says to me, is “RPG’s”. Can you name a sequel to an SNES RPG that was in development for N64? How about Super Mario RPG 2? No, don’t try the “But it’s Paper Mario” argument. Until I find out more about Paper Mario’s storyline, I don’t buy that argument. What classic Nintendo RPG do you know of that’s simply dropped off the face of the earth, after being very far in N64 development? If you said Earthbound, you win a cookie. In fact, looking at movies and pictures of Earthbound “64”, you’ll notice it is a very good looking game, very similar to another I’m thinking of, named Resident Evil Zero, which has all been confirmed that it’s been moved from N64 to NCube.
This would fill the shooter gap in the lineup quite nicely. Then again, Factor 5 has been working on Thornado, a first-person shooter that is coming out on “next-generation consoles”, but appears only in IGN64’s database. This is old news as well, and in this case, old sounds a lot like “in development for a long time”. And yet there’s another wild card in the form of Retro Studios, a very good second-party developer who has traditionally done sports games who hired the man responsible for the Capture the Flag mods in Quake. Does this mean that they want to make a first-person shooter?
So, in summary, what do I expect to see, software-wise?
- A Mario Kart that connects with the GBA version.
- An Adventure game, could be Mario, Metroid, or Mickey, possibly Zelda, though it’s not likely.
- A first/third person shooter game, Resident Evil Zero, or Thornado, Metroid could fit here as well
- An RPG, could be Earthbound or the sequel to Super Mario RPG
When you look at my list, you’ll notice that lots of it is based on games that were canceled for the N64. Lots of games get canned, but my point is, that is unheard of for big-name titles. It’s very rare that you’ll see a mascot game get canceled. And finally, remember, this is all speculation. This is just me looking at the situation, and trying to make sense of the chaos. Since it’s all speculation (I refuse to use the word “guess”), if Spaceworld comes and goes with none of this, don’t e-mail bomb me. But if I’m right, feel free to send me praise. There is one thing we do know for sure. All true Nintendo fans will not be disappointed on August 24th. It will be a great day in the history of videogames.
Joe:
For being a gamer from the beginning of the NES age, you can only imagine how giddy I get when I think about the possibilities of seeing Mario and Zelda in lushish environments with all new capabilities. In a few days we will witness the glory that is Nintendo Game Cube (N-Cube!!). In this nicely detailed segment, I hope to convey my feelings on what I want Spaceworld to showcase and my desires for the new system look, controller, and any delicate peripherals.
With N-Cube's awesome capabilities, I would love to see Mario in gorgeous environments with gameplay similar to Super Mario Brothers 1 and 3. I want the classic music to make a triumphant return so I can't reminisce about the old days of playing Super Mario Brothers undisturbed. Every track in that game was amazing and I desire it because I grew up with it. Remember one of the first few levels of Super Mario Brothers? The pipes in general, I wish those would return. Like you're in a pipe-based level and you can warp and stuff similar to the first Mario game. If you know what I'm talking about, then you're cool. Also, I hope Nintendo brings back two of the most awesome characters that made Mario evolve: Luigi and Yoshi! Luigi has never had any starring role in a Mario game so I see it right that he gets at least half of the action this time around. I mean, come on, the name of the series is "Super Mario BROTHERS", not "Super Mario Mario". Similarly, Yoshi should expand a little and be brought into this game a lot. Lastly, I'd love to see some movies of this game as Nintendo hasn't let any sort of leak out on the new Mario game.
One of my favorite gaming series is of course, The Legend of Zelda. So, I see it fit that Nintendo shows us Zelda and its new gameplay ideas and prospects. I want to see all the new weaponry and cool armor that those gaming gods at EAD have come up with. Another hope is that Nintendo digs deep in their gaming hearts and adds in the classic Zelda music from ALL of the past Zelda games. Ocarina didn't have this and I was really angry, so Zelda Cube better have it! Since the Zelda series is by far my favorite, I hope it lives up to the gameplay and fun that the older games had and still have. It's my dream to play a new Zelda game so realistic and unique that it boggles my mind.
On par with the older systems, I'd like to see a few pictures/movies of a few sequels from N64. Think of the possibilities: Jet Force Gemini 2, After Dark, Waverace Cube, Killer Instinct 3, etc, etc. I'd love to see Rare's awesome talent be put to use in making a JFG sequel because the first game was so incredible that only hardcore gamers can appreciate. After Dark would be an awesome follow-up to Perfect Dark and gamers would really love to see this game. Waverace 64 was definitely an above-average water racer so I'd be happy if at least Nintendo shows us a pic or two. This is what I crave. Am I too stubborn or am I right? I think we, as Nintendo fans, deserve each and every game that I've listed so far.
How about a new Metroid game, Nintendo? Jeez, it's seemed like decades ago I first played Metroid on my NES. What a fantastic game, a revolutionary shooter. Remember the ending? Samus was, in fact, a woman! Who would have that of that cool ending? Amazing, simply amazing. Now that you know I want this sequel so bad, I will be sorely disappointed if Nintendo doesn't deliver a Metroid Sequel. Thanks for listening, Nintendo!
Off of games for a second, I'd like to actually see what the system looks like. What color is it? What does the final controller look like? How many buttons are featured? Hopefully, the new system looks extremely detailed and really hi-tech. I hope it is either silver, blue, or black. Four-controller sockets is a given and I hope Nintendo adds a few extra goodies to the controller such as a microphone or a built-in rumble device which you can conveniently turn on and off at any time. This is the type of stuff I live for since I grew up with this maverick gaming company. Also, I hope Nintendo adds a little bit of information about N-Cube's Internet capabilities and new ideas for this connected world.
To top this segment off, I'd like to take this time to thank everyone at Nintendo and their developing buddies for waiting it out until Spaceworld to showcase Nintendo's next-generation system. While I wait impatiently for that fateful day to come (bah, 2 days:), I will be enjoying a system that is far too underrated for its own good. Yes, I will be playing my N64, my favorite system ever. I will be playing Waverace 64, Perfect Dark, Zelda: OoT, etc, to get hyped up for one of the biggest Nintendo events ever. Farewell chaps.
Andrew:
I’m very excited to see what Nintendo has been keeping from us for all of this time. The thought of finally seeing the AGB and Nintendo3 in the flesh is really what raises my pulse. I want to see whether or not the Nintendo Cube’s power will bring groundbreaking software. I hope that with the next-generation of videogame hardware comes a higher level of gameplay. I want to see some more multi-genre games done right. For instance, wouldn’t it be cool if Mario Kart 64 and Mario Party were merely a section of Mario 64? Granted, that’s a far cry, but it’s still something I want to see. At the very least, I want to see some developers breaking the mold and try something new. If there is groundbreaking software (in terms of gameplay) being touted at Space World then that will be the greatest of announcements I could foresee. As for the Game Boy Advance, I hope everything I’ve heard about it is true. If we can see some upgraded SNES games that’ll be huge, and I’d love to see the AGB be a system I can turn to in order to receive my dose of two-dimensional gaming. I hope to see some great shooters as well as innovative platformers and RPGs for the little portable that could. Heck, I even want to see what that “refined mode 7” is all about. Space World 2000…..don’t fail me now. In any case, I think that E3 2001 is where we are going to truly see the N3 shine in the software department. So, I’m not getting my hopes up about hearing too much about the actual software for Nintendo’s elusive next-generation home console. And yes the N64 will have a few titles there, most notably of which is Sin and Punishment. This is something that will make you shooter fans VERY happy.
Mike:
Since they all above me have already speculated and elaborated quite extensively on many issues, I'm going to begin by agreeing to some of their speculations... It is almost a given that the bulk of Spaceworld will be dedicated to the GBA, or AGB as Nintendo's press releases call it. We have Nintendo of Japan's President on record for basically saying that Gameboy Advance is Nintendo's top priority. Therefore, clearly NOJ is not ready for Nintendo3 to steal the limelight from their precious handheld. So as Andrew stated, E3 2001 is the time for Nintendo3 to be displayed in all its glory. However, I agree with most all of Rob's analysis of what will happen console wise. It is here that some of my own hopes and wishes can come forth: First, although I don't see it happening, I'd like Nintendo to use Nintendo3 to reverse the trend of getting less and less with the purchase of a console. Remember purchasing a NES, and having it packaged complete with 2 controllers, a gun peripheral, as well as a REAL GAME? Good, I do too. Although the days of getting games packaged with a console are almost certainly gone forever - understandably so due to the mass amounts of profits that can be reaped with by selling a killer-app on the side - I think it's high time that Nintendo gives us more accessories to use straight from the beginning. Only with additional controllers, and a memory pak, will their games be able to be enjoyed to the fullest. And to make gamers shell out additional cash just to be able to experience the game how it was meant to is absurd. So, in a move that would garner support from videogame nuts everywhere, and make their competitors look bad in the process, Nintendo could do no wrong by giving Nintendo3 buyers two controllers and a memory pak. Granted, I'm not proclaiming this will happen, and quite honestly don't expect it to, but it is a desire of mine nonetheless. I'm also equally intrigued by the possibility of knowing what's on Rare's Nintendo3 menu. I do not expect After Dark to be mentioned in any way, shape, or form (remember, this is Rare we're dealing with); however, it will be interesting to hear what Rare has in the works. In my own opinion, no movies of Rare games will be shown, but it will be revealed what Rare's first project or two will be, of which one will be a Mickey adventure game.
On the Nintendo 64 front, I completely expect Sin and Punishment to wow show-goers. It's a 1st party Nintendo Shooter - that fact alone is enough to make me ecstatic. For me personally, this game looks to be everything that I love in a game. Fast action with a great pickup and play for any length of time mentality. Although I do enjoy deep games that require a large amount of time to get into, nothing beats a game that you can enjoy whether you only have five minutes available to play games, or 500. I know that whether this game hits America or not, I will be buying it.
So ends this large editorial on our hopes, our expectations, our fantasies, and the nostalgic memories that Spaceworld 2000 brings within much of our staff. Please feel free to contact any one of us to let us know what you've thought of our opinions.
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