4cr PrE3 Roundtable

[Its almost here!]

With E3 almost upon us I asked some of the 4cr staff to comment on what they were looking forward to. If you care to hear our senseless ramblings and predictions, follow the link:

1. What are you most looking forward to about E3?

Nick: Clearly I cant wait to see the Revolution. However, the most exciting part of E3 for me is always seeing the new games they spring on us. I have a feeling Nintendo has a lot up its sleeve this year. Im also curious to see how each of the big threes pre E3 shows go.

Thores: DS footage and release dates, and although it’s not Nintendo related, Kingdom Hearts II.

4ndy: DS online network

CoffeeMan: The thing i’m mostly looking forward to for E3 is the Online announcement for the DS, and if we’re lucky we might get a sneak-peak at the Revolution.

Bombs: I’m looking forward to seing actual facts about the comming consoles and not more rumors. The 3 parties all have great things comming, time to see if they’ve put the work they said they did

pumbaa: As much as I’m looking foward to the next gen systems. I’m excited for the DS truly coming into its prime and Nintendo making us realize exactly how amazing the system is giong to be.

LSK: I think the game everyone is looking forward to is Zelda. SSBDS would be nice to see.

hokku: Personally, I’m looking forward the most to any juicy details about the Revolution.

2. What game are you most looking forward to?

Nick: Well, Zelda for GC looks awesome. I also really want to see some Mario 128 footage! Other than that Im just excited to see all of the awesome DS software.

Thores: Kingdom Hearts II, though the Nintendo game I’m looking forward to most.. either Metroid Prime Hunters or Lost in Blue.

4ndy:Zelda (GCN, DS)

CoffeeMan: The Legend of Zelda for GameCube

Bombs: I’d have to say the new Zelda. I haven’t been able to keep up to date with everything that is comming out in the next year, but Zelda definetaly has my attention.

pumbaa: So, Mario 128. I would normally say Zelda, but I want to try to keep the new LoZ a surprise for me. We’ll see how long I hold out.

hokku: Of the announced games so far, I’d say the new LoZ. Though if they have some new info on Goemon DS that would be nice too.

3. Any guesses on surprise titles that will show up?

Nick: Hmm, well Im sure most of it will be for the DS, but I bet a few new things will show up for the Cube also.

Thores: Super Smash Brothers DS, and hopefully something, anything, involving Kid Icarus.

Kydd: Smash Bros DS… I can sense it.

4ndy:Mario 128

CoffeeMan: They’ll probly show Super Smash Bros DS, since it was ask in there online survey, and they’ll show the DS version of Zelda.

Bombs: I’m guessing we’ll see very little surprised titles, perhaps SSMB DS and maybe a glipse at games they are planning for the Revolution.

pumbaa: Hopefully Mario 128… for GCN. I loved Super Mario Sunshine and I’d love to see another Mario game before next gen.

hokku: SSB:DS, though the best suprise titles are the ones I’m not even thinking of.

4. Do you think Nintendo will show the Revolution? Or possibly wait until SpaceWorld?

Nick: I have the feeling that we will see the system casing and maybe some footage on video, but not the controller or anything. Really, Nintendo having a SpaceWorld this year, totally devoted to the Revolution makes a lot of sense to me.

Thores: Nintendo will totally show the Revolution. It likely won’t be playable, but I doubt they’re going to wimp out on showing us at least the basic specs of the hardware, and lots of video footage of the software. It’s never been a problem before.

4ndy: Footage at E3; official unveiling at Spaceworld

CoffeeMan: I wouldn’t really be surprise if they showed the system at Spaceworld. They’ll probly do the full unveilling at SpaceWorld, and just show video footage and maybe the console at E3, but not the controller

Bombs: I don’t think the Revolution will be on display. I don’t think they want people to hype features they haven’t even thought of more than they are now. SpaceWorld might see revolution premiere.

pumbaa: I think Nintendo will tantalize us a little bit, but you won’t be seeing as much about the Revolution as you’ll see about the PS3 and the Xbox360. No doubt Nintendo will use the “we dont want people to steal out ideas” line.

hokku: Nintendo will show the Revolution. Video at least, maybe the console, even less possibly the controller I hope they give us more than just video, but I know they won’t show us everything I’m saying yes on Spaceworld though. They gotta have it this year.

5. What about the rumors of a new Gameboy. Do you think Nintendo is planning an upgraded SP or even a totally new Gameboy?

Nick: Again, as Ive stated in the past, I think if anything Nintendo will show an upgraded SP. What I like to call the SP3 because I assume it would have mp3 Play-Yan capabilities and maybe a better screen.

Thores: I think Nintendo’s going to wait for any sort of news involving a new GB, or an update to the SP. Reggie said a while back that it’s too soon anyways, and this year the main focus is on the DS.

4ndy: no Evolution until next year; it will be able to play GC games

CoffeeMan: From what i’ve seen on websites till now, the talks are about a new GBA SP with integrated wifi, that be compatible for playing GBA games with DS users having the GBA game. and also having the play yan thing, to play video and music integrated inside it.

Bombs: I doubt a new gamboy would be announced at this E3. With the DS being released late last year, it doesn’t seem probable to see a new Gameboy. A new SP with more features would be possible though. I’d say a sp with integrated play yang would be feasible and very fun to own.

pumbaa: Yes yes yes. This is going to be the E3 of the portables for Nintendo. I think there will be a new version of the GBA priced at around $100 w/ Play-Yan and Wireless communication w/ the DS build in

LSK: Yes SP is more likely, Nintendo’s systems are flipping shut a lot lately.

hokku: The SP with a built-in Play Yan and wireless seems like the popular speculation, but I’m still hoping for the portable Gamecube. The former is starting to seem more likely to me though.

6. Are you ready for more Reggielution?

Nick: Hell yeah!

Thores: Haha, Reggie. I don’t get why people idolize him so much. He looks like a lost ape trying to convince people he’s an expert on video games… but sure, he’s lovable enough.

CoffeeMan: Reggie scares the hell out of me. He looks like the kind of guy that would be a killer in a movie.

Bombs: Reggie is kinda scary, but he’s carrying nintendo in a more aggressive situation. That’s what nintendo needs right now because I’m afraid they wouldn’t last much longer being too passive.

pumbaa: Yes. I think Reggie is taking Nintendo in a direction more in line with the Sony and Microsoft… but still keeping that special Nintendo magic. I think he’s great for the company…and it great that Ninty fans have a guy to ruffle them up.

LSK: Yes!

hokku: I’m not gay, but Reggie rocked my world. Just his on stage presence seems to seethe strength and gives me faith in Nintendo. The only thing I’m curious about is HOW will he top himself from last year?

7. Do you think Reggies presence has made Nintendo better?

Nick: I think he has given a strong voice for the Nintendo fanboy and also made the mainstream gamers and press look at Nintendo in a little better light. Like the company and its fans are total pushovers.

4ndy: Reggie has made Nintendo cooler; all advertisements have been much better

CoffeeMan: Since he’s been with Nintendo, there’s been some changes made. Good ones, marketing wise.

Bombs: Reggie has certainly helped nintendo’s presence getting noticed. I didn’t like him much first time I saw him, but he’s making them go the extra mile they were missing.

pumbaa: See question 6.

LSK: Yes again.

hokku: There’s no question. Of course he has.

8. What about Iwata?

Nick: Iwata is my new hero. Say what you will about Reggie, but Iwata is that man! Iwata is taking this company and turning it around; making it more friendly to developers and 3rd parties, changing peoples perception of the company and putting on a good face. He comes across and genuine and humble…yet you know he controls the the big N, so the man has major power.

Thores: I miss Miyamoto, but Iwata is great. Though he stumbles with the English language and diction a lot, he’s very, very charismatic and charming, and he seems to know what gamers want.

4ndy: Iwata knows what he’s doing, and a great speaker

CoffeeMan: Same thing, since he’s been there, nothing went wrong. So i guess he’s doing a great job.

Bombs: Iwata was like the japanese Reggie. He had a strong presence within Nintendo. Too bad he’s leaving, he was fun to read about. Whoops, mixed Iwata with Yamauchi… Yamauchi was awesome. Iwata is still doing a good job though, but he doesn’t insult the people interviewing him. ;P

pumbaa: Iwata is the emperor behind Reggie’s Darth Vader. I think he knows what he’s doing, and hes the strong silent leader type.

hokku: He still seems to be getting used to his position, but I think he’s doing a marvelous job and his uniqueness is a great asset. Kinda like a spiritual successor to Miyamoto. lol, the Perfect Dark to Shiggy’s Goldeneye

9. How soon do you think Nintendo will rollout the DS wireless service?

Nick: Im hoping to see it right after E3! Haha. But, the chess/card game is coming out soon and Metroid should be out soon. I think it will happen much faster than most are anticipating.

CoffeeMan: It will be at E3, and will be out in the state around july-august

Bombs: I’m guessing they’re about ready to get the system running. I’m guessing we’ll be seeing it roll out around October or November.

pumbaa: This Fall. To coincide with Metroid Prime. Unless some 3rd party developer jumps the gun… which would fine by me.

LSK: This month.

hokku: Well isn’t there a Japenese board game suite coming out next month that’s online? I think the service will be out by the end of June.

10. Which game are you most looking foward to playing via Wifi?

Nick: Animal Crossing, Advance Wars, Metroid. I would also just like to be able to chat via Pictochat while at school or a Coffee shop. I cant wait.

Thores: Out of the current lannounced lineup, Animal Crossing DS, with Pokemon Diamond/Pearl taking a close second.

CoffeeMan: I’d have to say, Animal Crossing. I was a big fan of the first one

Bombs: I’m looking forward to play any game wifi. I don’t think it should be restricted to certain games. Every multiplayer game should have a wi-fi mode to be able to play with your friends anywhere.

pumbaa: Anything by Nintendo. I think Nintendo will being something to online play that no other company has thought of. I think its going to be awesome.

LSK: I’m looking forward to playing SSBDS over wifi.

hokku: SSB:DS(hopefully), MP: Hunters, Mario Kart, basically any game that has multiplayer.