Nintendo of America today formally announced that the manufacturer's suggested retail price of Nintendo 64 has dropped to $149. The new price is effective as of March 17
Sega makes note that being $199 with 3 Free games and low priced software titles is still the best deal. Sony's Reaction. Well which would you rather have Games for $80. Or CD games for 40?
GameWorks opened its doors to its first visitors on Saturday with a star-studded party hosted by MTV. The new 30,000 square foot arcade and entertainment center created by Sega, DreamWorks SKG, and Universal Studios was quite a happen party.
Some celeberaties were on hand for the GameWorks Grand Opening. Bill Gates, Coolio, Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), and names from Hollywood as well as the video game industry.
With Gillian Anderson, Carmen Electra, and Joey from Walt Mink were also there.
GameWorks Seattle is the first of more than 40 centers planned to open in the next three to four years.
Sony has unveiled the game maker's dream machine at last. The Net Yaroze is a PC compatible PlayStation development unit. Priced at $750.00, the system is aimed at people who want to get into the video game creation biz but can't afford the extra 20 to 40 grand.
The Net Yaroze package includes a black development PlayStation, two black controllers, a PlayStation access card, a serial cable that connects to a PC, an AV lead cable, and a power cable.
Also included with the Yaroze are a number of software utilities. These consist of standard "C" programming languages, PlayStation math libraries, 3D rendering libraries, PlayStation controller interface libraries, special Yaroze sound libraries, graphical file format conversion utilities, 3D object conversion utilities, an R3000 C compiler, a Linker, and a Debugger.
The minimal requirement for programming on the Net Yaroze is an IBM Compatible PC 486 DX2 running at 66 MHz, with one or more serial ports, a 28.8 bps modem, a dual-speed CD-ROM, 4 Megabytes of RAM, a mouse, and an SVGA monitor.
Currently, the only way to get a Net Yaroze is to sign on at Sony's website where you will be required to fill out a licensing agreement that gives Sony first rights of refusal to any games you might want to publish. This means that before any other company can publish your game, Sony would have to turn it down. This means they get first pickins of all the stuff you make. The licensing agreement also gives Sony permission to do a background check to make sure you're not a notorious software pirate.
Once you get your very own Yaroze, Sony will be there to help you with 24 hour website support and limited access to a professional R&D staff at Sony Computer Entertainment America. The website also allows Net Yaroze people to exchange ideas and input on creating games. Sony's doing a beautiful thing here people. If you have programming experience and have an interest in getting into the vid spawning business, you should definitely check it out.
For additional information, ordering details, and a special deal for Macintosh users, check out Sony's website at http://www.scea.sony.com/net.
Technosoft has announced that they are going to release Thunderforce 5 for Saturn in Japan. Expect this shooter to use Saturn's sprite capabilities and color palette to its advantage. It is unknown at this time if the Thunderforce Gold pack will be available or This New game will come to the US instead. "Dead or Alive", a third party Model 2 fighting game has plans to come to Saturn later this year.
Virus will be released this August in Japan on 3 CDs and according to Sega of America, Virus will NOT be coming to the US.
Games under development are a basketball title, a soccer game and Virtua Fighter 3. Sega is aiming for a Japanese launch in late 1998 with a US introduction in 1999
American gamers got their first glimpse of Sega's newest Model 3 arcade racing game at the ASI in Las Vegas. The game, which is known as Scud Racer in Japan, will be known as Sega Super GT here in the States. Sega Super GT, which was mobbed by show-goers, uses the same Model 3 board as Sega's Virtua Fighter 3.
In a press conference held yesterday, Sega announced "Virus," a game collaboration with HudsonSoft (of Bomberman fame), Sega, and Avex record company, which will use Avex music software and Sega graphics technology.
Gameplay details are unknown but it seems to be a futuristic adventure game, with planetary colonies, biomechanical monsters, and CG-rendered, anime-style graphics. As a plus for Japanese fans, the game will feature music from this Japanese Pop group Favorite Blue, who did "Dream & Memories," still on Japanese music hit lists.
Sega expects 1 out of 5 Saturn owners to buy this game, which is about as good as Nights did. Virus is expected to come out in August.
Sega has given Psygnosis (a company owned by Sony) the task of porting over Manx TT to Win 95. Sega is porting this title to PC to make extra money so it looks like it won't be a Saturn exclusive. Sega's choice of Psygnosis doing the conversion work was due to Psygnosis haveing had more success porting there games over from PSX to PC in the past.
Tomb Raider 2's back on schedule! Core artist Toby Gard and programmer Paul Douglas are staying with the company, instead of moving over to Shiny. Shiny tried to get them to come over, but Eidos and Core made them a better offer. Since two of them were key people behind Tomb Raider. Eidos had to have them stay.
One more thing to mention, Tomb Raider 2, Ninja, and Fighting Force (Judgement Force) are still on schedule. Ninja (which WAS going to be held off) is scheduled for June '97. TR2 and FF are expected later in the year.
Software developers are now hearing the first details of Sega's next machine which is based upon two big technological elements.
The first is the inexpensive Videologic/PowerVR PCM2 chipset which is expected to cost manufacturers less than $30 in lots of 10,000 units. NEC has previously said that they have spoken with Sega about the use of the PowerVR hardware in future systems. Such a system would provide hardware support for anti-aliasing, mip-mapping, z-buffering, texture filtering and alpha-channeling.
The system is also expected to support an unnamed 64-bit CPU (rumor is a PowerPC of some variety) as well as maintaining a CD-ROM format. There is no word on the polygon handling capacity of the unit.
The second major component of the system is said to be the Microsoft Arcade Operating System. Yu Suzuki has been rumored to have been in Redmond, visiting Microsoft a little less than a year ago investigating the MAOS. Such a system allows for easier development with more standardized tools. Arcade games developed to use the MAOS could relatively easily be ported to the new system.
Currrently Sega and SegaSoft are said to be working with the hardware in its current form. Some developers should be receiving development kits as early as Christmas '97, with a system release possibly as early as Christmas '98.
While developers are were unaware of the Black Belt's expected price point, most agree that it should provide a much needed boost in performance and ease of development.
Spawn is coming to a PSX near you this August, courtesy one of SCEA's top in-house development teams. The game is a Tomb Raider-style 3D action/adventure with real time combat and puzzle elements. Spawn fans will be pleased to hear that the game features accurate models of all your favorite Spawn characters (including the Violator and Angela), and promises to remain true to spirit of Todd McFarlane's dark vision.
Eidos says that it is shelving Ninja, which was supposed to be released on Saturn, PS, and PC 4th quarter is now on hold until sometime next year. Eidos says it is now going to market Tomb Raider 2 and Fighting Force 4th quarter. Reason why Eidos delayed Ninja. It was because they didn't want to cut into there own profits by marketing 3 titles at the same time.
Nintendo is saying that the DD64 will be released in Japan in December, NOT Summer. Nintendo is telling devolopers that the drive will not be ready in time and the software for it is not going fast enough to have many games at release. This news comes to no suprise with Zelda now being released FIRST on Cart then on DD64 as mentioned in the news here earlier.
Eidos, publisher of CORE games, has some upcoming titles for Saturn and PSX including Swagman, Fighting Force, and Tomb Raider 2. Tomb Raider 2 is rumored to use Saturn's new upgrade cart.
Ubi Soft has picked up the US rights to Human Grand Prix. The game will be renamed "F1 Pole Position" and released on the N64 in August. The game's combination of great graphics and classic Formula One gameplay should help N64 in getting games.
Konami is bringing the arcade hit, Life Force. It is getting retouched for its 32-bit debut. Unlike Gradius Deluxe, which had mild improvements in graphics, Life Force will make use of the Playstation's capabilities to give players a full blown experience. A Saturn version of Life Force may also be in the works.
In dating news, Konami and Red Co. (the developer responsible for the ultra popular Sakura Wars) have teamed up to work on a new girlfriend game, ala Tokimeki Memorial. The untitled game is scheduled for a 4th quarter release in Japan.
Japanese sources suggest cart will launch first - DD version later. The rumor is that in Japan Zelda will launch on cartridge this year, before the highly anticipated 64DD version. It has been suggested that both versions will feature dramatically different content - with the 64DD taking advantage of the writeable nature of that format. It has also been suggested that the 64DD version will have enhanced music, textures and plot.
No official confirmation is forthcoming from Nintendo Japan, but the recent PR push for Zelda 64 suggests that the rumor may be true. This theory also adds credence to the belief that Nintendo Japan is scrabbling for software to release on the game-starved system.
Eidos and Core come out with Ninja, a new game for Saturn. Core the developer is hard at work on many of the games that are expected to carry on the success it had in 1996. Among these titles is Ninja.
While Ninja may resemble Tomb Raider, the developers assert that this is in no way a sequel. The emphasis on this title is action and not so much exploration. According to Core, there will be enemies on almost every screen.
Consisting of over ten levels, Ninja will have indoor and outdoor levels and some with a combination of the two. The game still has a dynamic camera, but due to the emphasis on action, players will not have control over it.
More info on Ninja
Fighters MEGAMiX, released in Japan last December, will make it's way to the U.S. on May 16.
Combining the worlds of Fighting Vipers and Virtua Fighter, Sega gives fighting fans the best of both games plus some new moves, and combos.
Nintendo will release a full color spectrum of Game Boy Pockets this month.
The Game Boy, celebrating its 8 year anniversary, is has been the best selling video game system ever. It has sold a total of 21 million units in the U.S. and 52 million units worldwide. The new color Game Boy Pockets will have a $54.95 price tag (a $5 drop).
Remember Ys, Dragon Slayer, or Xanadu? Well, Falcom is redesigning the games, with updated graphics and new features, and bringing them over to the Saturn.
Y's: Originally appeared on the PC Engine (Turbo Grafx-16)
and has spawned more than five games. A sixth game is currently
in the works for the PC. This series is heralded as one of the
best RPG series of all time. Ports of this game have appeared on
the SNES and Sega Master System. (Picture of Turbo Duo Version)
Xanadu: Another PC Engine title. This title was never seen in the US. A very popular title in Japan, Xanadu has sold more than 4.5 million copies.
Dragon Slayer: Another excellent series that appeared on the PC Engine. The first game (there were two games made of this title) was released in the US and was met with mild success. It was a bit short (about an 11 hour game), but still a lot of fun.
What's new? The graphics have been upgraded to Saturn quality, while Xanadu and Dragon Slayer have classic and New mode, which has level select and a map changer.
The Falcom Classics package will retail for around $50 US. November is the expected Japanese release date.
It seems that the Next Generation System war is taking its toll. The latest battle took place when Sony announced the PSX at $149 Now aparently as reported by a Newspaper in Japan. Nintendo of Japan said that NOA SHOULD lower the price of the N64 in the states. Most people think that it would. Well NOA has said that we will consider dropping the N64 price. As to when and how much will be announced at a later date.
Sega WAS actualy planning a price reduction of the Saturn to $179. But then Sony dropped to an unexpected $149. Sega will have to see if it can first even go that low. Afterall they are still offering the 3 free games with a purchase of the Saturn. The price drop would have probaly come after the 3 free deal ended and maybe would have been anounced at E3 in June.
Well concidering that Sega and Sony are loosing money on each system. At the previous $199 dollar price. Sony makes PSX's at about $350 each. Selling it at $199...Sony was loosing about $150. Now they are loosing about $200 for each one they make then sell
Sega makes them at about 350 as well and also looses about $150 selling them at $199. Another factor in this is that Sony was already low on stock in some stores. Now that the price reduction went into effect...more places are running out. Except where some stores like Toys r Us because the prices have not yet been changed.
Nintendo is considering a price reduction as well. Being it costs Nintendo about $280 to make each N64 and they are being sold at $199. Nintendo isn't loosing too much. but also Nintendo isn't making them fast enough to keep up with the demand. Can they pull of a price reduction. Yes Nintendo is a big company. But who can pay $150 for a System that isn't even in stock? And what about the people who have prepayed for a N64. They would have to be given $50 back.
Well to be honest only time will tell what will happen to these Systems. After all...rumors flying about 64 and 128 bit systems around the corner...why bother you ask? And who cares if you have one system and hate the other. doesn't mean your special. Its just for fun right?
A new branch currently being constructed in Honolulu, Hawaii, Sqaure plans on using a staff of 120 people to begin work on what will potentially become Final Fantasy IX. Development is expected to be completed by the year 2000 with costs running between $70 million and $80 million. The Honolulu branch will be mostly responsible for CGI work, while Square USA handles game development. Square says, the main reason for the new Honolulu branch is to improve the company's already mindblowing CGI capabilities. Another project rumored to be in development is a Final Fantasy movie, fully rendered in CGI. Final Fantasy IX is expected to be released in the year 2000. What platform the game will appear on is still unknown.
Meanwhile, in Japan, Sakaguchi Hironobu has confirmed that Final Fantasy VIII will be released on PSX. Predictions are that the game will be released sometime next year in order to compete with Enix's Dragon Quest VII, another RPG of FF7 calibre for the PSX platform.
As for releases this year, Square announced more titles today. All are for the PSX and whether we'll see them in the US is still a mystery.
Seiken Densetsu 4 (Secret of Mana 4)
Last SaGa (game based on the popular Romancing SaGa series)
Front Mission 3 (a follow up to the popular Super Famicom
strategy game series)
Final Fantasy I, II, & III
The grand opening of the Seattle GameWorks on March 15 appears as though it will be one of the biggest game related events of the year. Grammy Award-winning artists Beck and Coolio will kick off the event with a special performance which will air on March 15 at 8:00 PM on MTV. Other activities for this gala arcade premiere include game competitions and the unveiling of several new arcade games.
Located at:
Gameworks Meridian
1511 7th Avenue
Seattle,WA 98101-1703
One other note...
John Shea, has just been hired as VP of marketing at Sega
Gameworks. He had previously worked for MTV for 9 years marketing for
them. Maybe thats the tie in with MTV?
3/5/97
The new analog pads should be released simultaneously with Tobal 2. Both are to be released on April 25th in Japan. Actual reservations for Tobal 2 will begin on March 14th at convenient stores only. More games supporting Sony's new analog pad will follow. One of those is believed to be Bushido Blade, another Square fighting game. Both games will take advantage of both analog control and the limited solenoid force feedback. No details have been released on how these features will actually affect gameplay. More information HERE
SNK Japan recently announced they will never produce an English version of Samurai Spirits RPG. It means that we'll never see the first non-fighting Spirits title on the NeoGeo CD in America. This brilliant looking hand-drawn RPG is also being released in Japan on the Saturn and PlayStation, and although there's been nothing official announced, there is a chance we might see it here on one of those systems. For more Information click HERE
3/5/97
After months in development, Capcom has finally released shots of the Saturn version of BioHazard (Resident Evil). And although there won't be much of a visual difference from the PlayStation original, definite enhancements will be included. The primary changes to be made are those that were originally planned for the PlayStation "Dash" version. Information made available at that time (when the PS title was first mentioned) strongly suggested the addition of a few new enemies and at least one new area near the end of the game. Of course, until the April 4th Tokyo Toy Show, where Capcom will officially announce what the differences between the PlayStation and Saturn versions will be.
Resident Evil for the Saturn should hit American shelves this August, shortly after the Japanese release. More info HERE
3/5/97
Game.com - Tiger's Internet-capable gaming handheld machine - will be launched in the US this June at $69. Game.com is a black and white handheld machine with an optional 9600 baud modem (Possibly using a Tiger Internet Service not your own.) allowing users to access the Internet as well as use e-mail. By plugging into a phone-line and using a touch-screen keyboard, users will be able to send e-mail. How Tiger's Internet accessibility claims will square with the tiny size of the screen is not yet understood, although it is likely only text-capable.
A spokesperson for Tiger today announced that the machine will debut at E3 in Atlanta this June, but will also be readily available in stores around the country at that time.
The cartridge-based machine will feature touch-screen technology allowing users to send e-mail via an on-screen keyboard. The unit will come with a built-in puzzle game and various organizer functions. The touch-screen interface will be a stylus.
Technically, the machine is extremely simple. The screen resolution is 160 by 200 pixels, making it slightly better to Gameboy, but with the same number of gray shades (four). Tiger is not releasing full technical specifications as yet, but the custom-designed proprietary chip is said to be at least 16-bit. It is similar in design to the Game Gear although slightly smaller and thinner.
Games under development for the system include Duke Nukem, Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Indy 500, Jurassic Park, Arcade Classics, Madden Football, NBA Hangtime and, believe it or not, Virtua Fighter 3. Tiger has a liscense with Sega which they have used in the past with their little VR unit.A series of games based on popular TV quiz shows will also be available at launch. have used in the past for their little VR Unit. A series of games baised on quiz shows will also be available.
Sony just dropped the price of the PSX. What do you have to say Nintendo and Sega. Well its not going to Disneyland...but here's what they had to say.
Nintendo said that the current supply of N64s are either sold out through April or May or are on back order for the current list price. Nintendo also had no comment on a new pricing announcement, although in Japan the N64 price was lowered due to slow sales.
Sega has also commented saying that the Saturn's pricing will remain intact. Even with Sony's
announcement, Sega believes that it's "3 Free" promotion still offers the best value to consumers.
One side note Saturn owners who regestered their Saturns may be receving a package in the mail. Included in this Package is a free demo of bootleg sampler Vol II. It's the
same one that they have been using with display machines for the past two months. It also comes with a "buy
two, get one free" coupon, and a coupon for 35 dollars off the Netlink, and a 35 dollars off a New Saturn for a friend
Regardless of Sega's and Nintendo's current stance on pricing, industry history has proven that both companies are likely to react to Sony's move in the near future. Maybe around E3 or X-mas
Capcom has announced that as of March 31, they will cease production and shipping of Resident Evil in order to allow stores to clear out their current supply of the game. This, of course, is to keep the original game, which has sold two million copies since it debuted a year ago on the Sony PlayStation, from interfering with their sales of Resident Evil 2. Capcom anticipates that Resident Evil will continue to sell at a good pace until the last one is purchased. Resident Evil 2 should be hitting the stores some time in the fourth quarter.
The price of PlayStation has dropped to $149 - effective immediately! Sony announced the change this morning. It's a $50 decrease, and makes the PSX the cheapest Next Gen system available - for now.
Software will also be set to $49.95 for all titles. And Sony will launch a Greatest Hits series priced at $25 including Battle Arena Toshinden, Face Off, Warhawk and Gameday.
Sega and Nintendo will no doubt be a little mad. Although Sega already is giving the 3 free games on purchase.
3/3/97
The Saturn version of Duke Nukem 3D is shaping up very well. This is a shot of the first level which has been faithfully translated to the Saturn hardware.
Players take on the role of this character who must blast his way through over 30 levels of aliens. The game's distinctive attitude and level design has made it one of the more popular Doom clones of 1995/1996.
The traditional weapons are back ranging from shotguns, to
shrinking rays to pipe bombs to the almighty destroyer. Sega has
promised NetLink support for the title which it will be publishing
early this summer. The addition of a NetLink title whose
multiplayer brilliance is well established is likely to help shift
additional NetLinks and Saturns.
Duke Nukem Pic 2
Duke Nukem Pic 3
3/3/97
MANX TT is typically housed in a deluxe arcade unit where players can hop on
top of a plastic bike and ride into the sunset. Soon Sega Saturn owners will be able to play this game at home. There's no word yet as to EXACTLY when this arcade racer will be available for
the Saturn. But it will be in March to EARLY April.
Manx TT Pic 2
Manx TT Pic 3
