Burying the Hatchet: A Nintendo/Sega TL

[Gaminguy010]

Fall of 2002 came and the new console generation was in full swing with a number of great games. PS2 owners saw the long awaited Kingdom Hearts finally release in North America along with Tekken 4, Sly Cooper and the Thievius Rescue, Ratchet and Clank and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. While Nintendo fans had a slew of new releases for The GameCube and Game Boy Advance such as Battlefield 1942, Phantasy Star Online, Castlevania; Harmony of Dissonance, Animal Crossing, Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi’s Island, Sonic Advance 2, Hamtaro: Ham Hams Unite, the long awaited Metroid Prime, and Shenmue II finally releasing in North America. After losing their bid to buy Rare, Microsoft began searching for exclusives for the X-Box. After announcing Duke Nukem Forever at E3 and getting console exclusivity on Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind earlier in the year, Microsoft claimed another exclusive in Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance.

Due to the success and chaos of Melee’s launch Nintendo and Sega went to great lengths to improve Nintendo Netcast and to ensure that increased traffic created by the release of upcoming online games Battlefield 1942 and Phantasy Star: Online went without a hitch. Their hard work was rewarded as both Battlefield 1942 and Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II not only experienced no connection issues but both games were critical and financial successes with Phantasy Star Online becoming one of the GameCube’s bestselling titles. Nintendo launched a GameCube bundled with Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II, a 15 Foot Broadband Cable and an ASCII GameCube Keyboard Controller for 170.00 Dollars.


Retro Studios formally closed its doors yesterday as Metroid Prime has gone gold and is set to ship in November. While the studio is closing almost all game development employees have taken up Nintendo’s offer to continue their work at a new studio in Seattle known as Nintendo Development USA.
Excerpt from Planet GameCube, October 13 2002


We have a launch date for Wayforward’s latest Shantae game! Shantae: Risky’s Revenge will launch December 5 for the Game Boy Advance. We’ve shown off this sequel in previous issues and talked about Shantae’s new moves like the Mermaid transformation. We’re excited to see this game hit stores this December!
Excerpt from Nintendo Power, October 2002


Squaresoft and Enix announced a today a merger that would combine the two RPG giants into one RPG behemoth in a large 93.2 billion yen (US$764 million) deal set to be finalized early next year. The purpose of this merger as stated by both companies is due to an increase in development cost and new competition from foreign game companies. The new company for the mean time will be known as Square Enix though this name we’ve been told is not final. Game development for the time being is unaffected and Square Enix will operate separately under a consolidation phase until 2005.

During the press conference Yoichi Wada shared his thoughts "This is an offensive merger”. Wada commented "The merger decision was made in order to further please game players, and in order to survive. Enix is an excellent company. Square has also fully recovered, meaning this merger is occurring at a time when both companies are at their height."
Excerpt from IGN, November 2002


According to a recent rumor, Namco is looking for a company to merge with in order to combat the increasing development cost of video games. The source tells us that Namco had originally sought Sega to merge with but Nintendo’s buyout of Sega has led them to search for other companies. Also according to this source Bandai is on Pac-Man’s list of potential meals though other companies are being considered.

Excerpt from GameSpot, November 2002



Major Games September - November 2002
Dino Stalker - Developer: Capcom / Publisher: Capcom / Platforms: PS2 / Release Date: Sept-9

Battlefield 1942 - Developer: Digital Illusions CE / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Sept-10

Mega Man Zero - Developer: Capcom / Publisher: Capcom / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: Sept-10

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance - Developer: Konami / Publisher: Konami / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: Sept-16

Gungrave - Developer: Red Entertainment / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Sept-16

Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex - Developer: Traveller’s Tales / Publisher: Universal Interactive Studios / Platforms: GCN, PS2, X-Box / Release Date: Sept-17

Kingdom Hearts - Developer: Squaresoft / Publisher: Squaresoft / Platforms: PS2 / Release Date: Sept-17

Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus - Developer: Sucker Punch Productions / Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment / Platforms: PS2 / Release Date: Sept-23

Tekken 4 - Developer: Namco / Publisher: Namco / Platforms: Arcade, PS2 / Release Date: Sept-23

Animal Crossing - Developer: Nintendo EAD / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Oct-5
TTLs Animal Crossing has an online co-op multiplayer mode similar to OTL Wild World. By talking to Porter at the train station the player can open the train station for friends to visit their town and you can visit towns on your friends list by getting on the train so long as your friends have their town open. Up to 4 Players can occupy a single town. By pressing up on the D-Pad you can type out a message, allowing you to talk to your friends online. A LAN Mode is also available to play local co-op. The game is compatible with the Nintendo GameCube ASCII Keyboard Controller, using the controller you can write messages and letters much faster. This version of Animal Crossing would later release in Japan as Doubutsu no Mori: Online.

Crazy Taxi: Online Mayhem - Developer: Hitmaker / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Oct-5
This game features all the content from OTL Crazy Taxi 3 with the inclusion of day and night versions of all three cities, But the biggest feature is the 3 online multiplayer modes. Players can play solo online or create a room for their Nintendo Netcast friends. In VS Mode and Race Mode the city is random in solo but can be chosen by the host in a room.
Arcade: A 4 Player vs mode where players play the standard score attack gameplay of Crazy Taxi. Whoever has the highest score at the end wins.
Race Mode: A standard racing mode where 4 Players race around the city hitting checkpoints that lead to the end goal. Whoever hits all the checkpoints and reaches the goal first is the winner.
Crazy X: A gauntlet of mini-games, whoever wins the most mini-games is the winner.

Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee - Developer: Pipeworks Software / Publisher: Infograms / Platforms: GCN, PS2, X-Box / Release Date: Oct-8

NBA: 2k3 - Developer: Visual Concepts / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Oct-9

NBA: Live 2003 - Developer: EA Canada / Publisher: EA Sports / Platforms: GCN, PS2, X-Box / Release Date: Oct-9

Mario Party 4 - Developer: Hudson Soft / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Oct-21

Tonyhawk’s Pro Skater 4 - Developer: Neversoft / Publisher: Activision / Platforms: GCN, PS2, X-Box / Release Date: Oct-23

The House of the Dead III - Developer: Sega AM1 / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: Arcade, GCN / Release Date: Oct-24

Shenmue II - Developer: Sega AM2 / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Oct-24

Hamtaro: Ham-Hams Unite! - Developer: Pax Softnica / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GBC / Release: Oct-28

Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Developer: Pandemic Studios / Publisher: LucasArts / Platforms: GCN, PS2, X-Box / Release Date: Oct-28

Shenmue II - Developer: Sega AM2 / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Oct-28

Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II - Developer: Sonic Team / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Oct-30

Nintendo GameCube ASCII Keyboard Controller - Developer: ASCII Corporation / Publisher: Nintendo / Release Date: Oct-30
The OTL keyboard controller with one small difference, the pause button is on the right side. It released internationally and was compatible with Animal Crossing and Phantasy Star Online at launch. It retailed for 39.99.

Shrek Extra Large - Developer: Digital Illusions CE / Publisher: TDK Mediactive / Platforms: X-Box, PS2, GameCube / Release Date: Oct-31

Contra Advance: The Alien Wars EX - Developer: Konami / Publisher: Konami / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: Nov-3

Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly - Developer: Check Six Studios, Equioxe Digital Entertainment / Publisher: Universal Interative / Platforms: GCN, PS2 / Release Date: Nov-3

Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance - Developer: Konami / Publisher: Konami / Platforms: GCN, X-Box / Release Date: Nov-4
After the highly positive response from Snake’s appearance in Super Smash Bros Melee Hideo Kojima successfully pushed for a GameCube release. The GameCube version is split into two discs, Disc 1 is the Tanker section with Snake while Disc 2 is the Plant section with Raiden.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Developer: Eurocom, EA UK / Publisher: EA / Platforms: GCN, PS2, X-Box / Release Date: Nov-5

Medal of Honor: Frontline / Developer: EA Los Angeles / Publisher: EA / Platforms: GCN, X-Box / Release Date: Nov-7

NHL 2k3 / Developer: Treyarch / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Nov-10

Shinobi / Developer: Sega AM1 / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Nov-10

Resident Evil Zero / Developer: Capcom / Publisher: Capcom / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Nov-12

Tomb Raider: The Prophecy / Developer: Ubisoft Milan / Publisher: Ubisoft / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: Nov-12

FIFA Football 2003 / Developer: EA Canada / Publisher: EA / Platforms: GCN, X-Box, PS2 / Release Date: Nov-14

Space Channel 5: Part 2 / Developer: Sonic Team / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Nov-18

Metroid Prime / Developer: Retro Studios / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Nov-17

Metroid Fusion / Developer: Nintendo R&D1 / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: Nov-18

Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance / Developer: Midway Games / Publisher: Microsoft / Platforms: X-Box / Release Date: Nov-18

James Bond 007: Nightfire / Developer: Eurocom / Publisher: EA Games / Platforms: GCN, PS2, X-Box / Release Date: Nov-18

Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast / Developer: Raven Software / Publisher: LucasArts / Platforms: GCN, X-Box / Release Date: Nov-19

Super Monkey Ball Jr. / Developer: Realism / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: Nov-19


Current Nintendo Netcast Users: 1,576,598

Most Played Online Games November 2002
1. Super Smash Brothers Melee
2. Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II
3. Animal Crossing
4. Half -Life
5. Battlefield 1942
6. Quake III Arena
7. Marvel vs. Capcom 2
8. Crazy Taxi Online
9. Sonic Adventure 2
10. Virtua Fighter 4

Nintendo Power Players Choice August 2002
1. Metroid Prime / Metroid Fusion
2. Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance / The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past / Four Swords
3. Super Mario Sunshine / Yohi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3
4. Animal Crossing / Contra Advance: The Alien Wars DX
5. Battlefield 1942 / Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland
6. Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets / Golden Sun
7. Phantasy Star Online / Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets
8. Resident Evil / Diddy Kong Pilot
9. Godzilla Destroy All Monsters Melee / Lunar Legend
10. Shinobi / Robotech: The Macross Saga

Nintendo Power Best Selling Games November 2002
1. Super Mario Sunshine / Yu-Gi-Oh! Dark Duel Stories
2. Madden NFL 2003 / Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World
3. Super Smash Bros Melee / Dragon Ball Z: The Legacy of Goku
4. Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2 / Pokemon Crystal
5. Super Monkey Ball 2 / Mario Kart: Super Circuit
6. Battlefield 1942 / Super Mario Advance
7. Resident Evil / Sonic Advance
8. Spider Man / Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
9. Shenmue II/ Super Mario Advance
10. Eternal Darkness / Golden Sun

Nintendo Power Most Wanted November 2002
1. The Legend of Zelda - GCN
2. Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire - GBA
3. Soul Calibur II - GCN
4. Sakura Wars - GCN
5. Counter Strike - GCN
6. Golden Sun: The Lost Age - GBA
7. Skies of Arcadia Legends - GCN
8. Shantae: Risky’s Revenge - GBA
9. F-Zero GX - GCN
10. Star Fox - GCN

 

[Gaminguy010]

Dinosaur Planet - Developer: Rareware / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Dec-12

The game is a combination of OTL’s gameplay with the original’s plot. ITTL the devs decided to focus on one character. Krystal was chosen for being more unique and Saber was dropped for playing to similarly to Link. Thus the plot was altered to account for Saber’s removal. Dinosaur Planet was critically acclaimed and sold higher than OTL’s Star Fox Adventures, selling 2 Million Copies compared to the 1.2 Million of OTL's Starfox Adventures.

Story

Prologue
If you wait at the title screen for a while you get a short backstory cutscene.

Krystal walks through the ruins of a temple as a text monologue appears on screen.

A while back the leader of the Wolven Tribe, Randorn discovered the ruins of an old temple belonging to an extinct race. While investigating Randorn and his daughter Krystal opened a mysterious portal to another world! Intrigued, Randorn used his magic powers to investigate further. This is where our story begins.

"My daughter, I have made contact with another planet, different from our own and have a met a strange creature called a dinosaur! He is the King of the EarthWalker Tribe and has asked me to help him as his planet is in turmoil. The planet is governed by two ruling tribes, the EarthWalkers and the CloudRunners. The leader of the vicious SharpClaw Tribe, known as General Scales, has kidnapped a prince and princess from each of the tribes. By doing this, he hopes to cause chaos throughout the planet as instead of working together, the ruling tribes are too busy blaming each other! I will go to Dinosaur Planet to aid them and stop the SharpClaw. If I am not back in a month take the Mystical Staff of our ancestors and jump into the portal!”
Krystal stares into the portal as she leaps into it. Complete silence is followed by a huge crackle of energy as space itself is torn apart and Krystal falls down to the dusty ground below. The wormhole that she has just fallen through closes above her head and she finds herself in a dark room.

The Story proper begins with a heavy storm as text explains some of the backstory.

Having entered a wormhole, a girl named KRYSTAL searches for her missing father RANDORN.
Finding herself on a mysterious place known as DINOSAUR PLANET.
Having received a telepathic distress call, KRYSTAL follows the source.

Flying on a CloudRunner Krystal encounters a flying galleon. After a short fight with the galleon Krystal boards it where she encounters General Scales. Krystal explores the relatively small galleon deck and comes across an imprisoned CloudRunner. The imprisoned CloudRunner whispers to Krystal that that her name is Kyte and she is the Princess of the CloudRunners. She tells Krystal that there is a key below deck that should open her cage. Once Krystal obtains the key from below deck, she returns to the imprisoned CloudRunner where a cutscene plays.
General Scales comes bursting out of the door, claiming to be the ruler of Dinosaur Planet and asking Krystal what brings her to his world. Krystal then overpowers Krystal and throws her overboard, but Krystal is saved by the CloudRunner from earlier.
Continuing to follow the distress call, brings Krystal to a large mountain. Landing on a cliffside the CloudRunner tells Krystal that this is Warlock Mountain an incredibly dangerous place. Krystal says that the distress call is inside the mountain and apologizes for failing to rescue Princess Kyte. She also thanks the CloudRunner for his help. The CloudRunner takes off signaling the true start of the game.
Krystal finds the source of the distress call, it’s her father Randorn. Randorn is surprised that Krystal made it here by herself but to never mind. Randorn explains that he had attempted to aid the Dinosaur Tribes in defeating Scales’ Army but he was captured. Krystal says that she’ll get him out, but Randorn explains that his cell is magically sealed and only General Scales can open his cell door. Randorn says there’s much to explain but has little time to tell her, so Randorn tells Krystal to go to ThornTail Hollow where the Queen of the EarthWalker Tribe is there in hiding. He also says that in order to get there she will have to find the Warpstone located on Warlock Mountain. After locating the Warpstone he warps Krystal to ThornTail Hollow.
Arriving in Throntail Hollow, Krystal fights a group of SharpClaws at a large stone gate. After defeating them a switch appears above the stone. In this cave Krystal gets her first Staff Ability, The Fire Blaster. The Fire Blaster allows Krystal to hit the switch on the stone gate which opens it. Krystal finds the Queen EarthWalker inside. The Queen EarthWalker asks Krystal who she is, taking a defensive stance. Krystal explains that she’s Randorn’s daughter and Randorn told her to find her. The Queen EarthWalker is relieved by Krystal’s explanation and asks her to rescue her son Prince Tricky, who was captured by the SharpClaws and taken to Ice Mountain. Krystal doesn’t hesitate in answering yes.
Krystal can now access the entrance to Ice Mountain as it was previously blocked by a sleeping ThornTail. After climbing Ice Mountain and confronting a group of Sharplaws that have Prince Tricky captured, Prince Tricky flees down the mountain. The SharpClaws pursue him on jet bikes as Krystal commandeers one and chases after them. After a short chase on the jet bike Krystal accidentally goes off a cliff and into a hot spring, though she’s managed to catch up to Prince Tricky. Krystal tells Tricky that his mother sent her and Tricky joins Krystal.
Krystal and Tricky are now in the Northern Wastes, populated by the SnowHorn Tribe. Tricky slowly explains to Krystal his Sidekick Commands as they journey though the snowy tundra. Escaping the Northern Wastes in a cave passageway Krystal and Tricky are now back at ThornTail Hollow.
The Queen EarthWalker is thankful for the return of her son and gives Krystal a Small Scarab Bag. The Queen EarthWalker also begins to explain the General Scales’ plan. For many years General Scales has always tried to take over Dinosaur Planet, but he was always stopped by various Tribes that worked together but somehow Scales has gained the upper hand. General Scales has taken control of the two Force Point Temples. These buildings are used to extract Magic Energy from deep within the core of the planet, which the dinosaurs then use to power their world. He wishes to use this energy for evil so Scales is currently seeking the Spellstones. To stop him, Krystal must find 6 Spellstones and place them inside the Force Point Temples. This will shut down the power and save their world. In order to get the Spellstones back Krystal will have to find the Gatekeepers. The Gatekeepers are the guardians of the Spellstones and only they know where their particular Spellstone is located. Krystal is told of two Gatekeepers, Garunda Te in the Northern Wastes and The Queen CloudRunner at CloudRunner Fortress.
From here Krystal can either go back to the Northern Wastes or go exploring to find CloudRunner Fortress.

1st Spellstone
If Krystal goes back to the Northern Wastes, she’ll come across Garunda Te who’s been imprisoned underneath a sheet of ice. After freeing him, Garunda Te explains that General Scales came to the Northern Wastes looking for the Spellstone. Threatening to destroy his tribe unless he told him the Spellstones location. While he refused to give up the Spellstone’s location, his daughter Belina Te put the safety of her tribe above the importance of the Spellstone and helped General Scales by giving Scales the general location of it. True to Scales word he did not destroy the SnowHorns, enslaved them instead. Garunda Te tells Krystal that the Spellstone is deep within Dark Ice Mines at the very bottom. Dark Ice Mines is also where Scales has enslaved his tribe to hard labor. Garunda Te further helps Krystal by breaking down a wall. This new path leads to Dark Ice Mines.
Making their way to Dark Ice Mines Krystal and Tricky must first find their way into the mines. After collecting some missing cogs and opening a bridge. Krystal comes across a blinding blizzard. It’s near this impassable blizzard that Krystal comes across a cave where she finds the Dinosaur Horn. By using the Dinosaur Horn a SnowHorn appears to help Krystal through the Blizzard. With the help of the SnowHorn Krystal makes it through the blizzard but Tricky gets lost in the blizzard.
Krystal makes her way into Dark Ice Mines finding her partner Tricky and Garunda Te’s daughter Belina Te imprisoned. After finding the keys and freeing them. Belina Te explains that the SharpClaws are still looking for the Spellstone and that they need to reach the bottom of the mine before the SharpClaws do.
If Krystal went to CloudRunner Fortress first then Krystal will find Belina Te lying on the ground motionless. Having apparently been worked to death by the SharpClaws. If Belina Te is alive then she’ll help Krystal by breaking down some walls leading to the bottom of the mine, but if Belina Te is dead then Krystal will have to find an alternative route. This alternative route is longer and more difficult.
Upon reaching the bottom of the mine the Spellstone is being held by a huge ice statue. Melting the ice however reveals that it’s really a frozen monster. Krystal now must fight the first boss of the game, Galdon. Once Galdon is defeated Krystal obtains the first (or Second) Spellstone.
Upon returning to SnowHorn Wastes Krystal informs Garunda Te of what happened at Dark Ice Mines. Garunda Te will thank Krystal for expelling the SharpClaws from Dark Ice Mines and freeing his people, he will then ask about his daughter Belina Te. If Belina Te is alive Garunda Te is thankful for her daughter’s safety and says that while he didn’t agree with her decision, he thinks she will be a great ruler of the SnowHorns after he is gone. If Belina Te is dead then he will breakdown in tears at the loss of his daughter and he regrets being hard on her for her decision, remorseful that the last time he saw her they were arguing. Either way Garunda Te tells Krystal that the Spellstone needs to be placed back into the Volcano Force Point Temple.
Going though Moon Mountain Pass, nothing interesting happens plot wise on the way to the Volcano Force Point Temple. After going through the Volcano Force Point Temple an returning the Spellstone Krystal now sets off to her next objective but she is distracted by a telepathic voice that calling out to her. It’s her father Randorn who asks Krystal to follow his voice.
Following his voice leads to a cave with large crystals. Randorn’s voice explains that Scales is blocking his telepathic calls to her but this cave’s crystals amplify his telepathy and allow his telepathy to be heard clearly. He explains before he was captured, he was looking into the ancient secrets of Dinosaur Planet. He tells Krystal to go to Discovery Falls. That something secret lies within there and that might help them fight General Scales.

1st Krazoa Spirit
Going to Discovery Falls takes Krystal past a forest and into Cape Claw, the tropical home of the SharpClaw. Getting past Cape Claw Krystal enters a Temple. After a short puzzle Krystal comes across a warp pad that takes her some where mysterious. This strange place leads her to a Krazoa Spirit. The spirit reveals itself as Quan Ata Lachu and says that there are five more like him hidden throughout Dinosaur Planet. After completing the spirit’s test, the spirit then takes refuge in Krystal’s body. The spirit askes to be taken to Warlock Mountain.
Krystal goes to the Warpstone in ThornTail Hollow asking to warp her back to Warlock Mountain. But he initially refuses. Saying “Nobodeh ever brings me gifts anymore!”. Krystal must go purchase the tasty Rock Candy treat to give the Warpstone. Krystal comes back to the Warpstone and gives him the Rock Candy. The Warpstone will thank Krystal for the Rock Candy and warp her to Warlock Mountain.
At Warlock Mountain Krystal goes to talk to Randorn again explaining what happened at Discovery Falls. Randorn explains that on top of Warlock Mountain there is a temple called Krazoa Palace. He believes that the Krazoa are an ancient race that inhabited Dinosaur Planet and they may help fight Scales if they are freed, the Krazoa Spirits must be returned to Warlock Mountain. There must be somewhere that Krystal can release the spirit on the mountain. Having released the spirit Krystal returns to ThornTail Hollow.

2nd Spellstone
Krystal must go to CloudRunner Fortress but the CloudRunner Fortress is built on top of a steep mountain impassable by anyone who cannot fly. Talking to the ThornTails reveals that one of them saw a CloudRunner fly over towards a forest in the west. Going west into the forest she goes through the forest and into an area called Cape Claw, the tropical home of the SharpClaws.
After exploring she comes across a captured CloudRunner. She’s Kyte the Princess of the CloudRunners. After freeing her Kyte offers to give Krystal a lift into CloudRunner Fortress. Kyte rather disgustingly asks if she has to bring “that overweight brute” with them, Tricky then begins to hurl insults back at Kyte and two begin arguing but they are stopped by Krystal. Kyte then explains that the EarthWalkers and CloudRunners don’t see eye to eye. After Krystal says that there are bigger issues right now than whatever petty squabbles their two tribes must have Kyte agrees to carry Tricky to CloudRunner Fortress.
Landing near the gates of CloudRunner Fortress Krystal asks why they didn’t land in the Fortress itself. Kyte explains that General Scales has occupied CloudRunner Fortress and that it would be foolhardy to fly further in. On top of this Tricky says that while he agreed to come here, he refuses to go into CloudRunner Fortress itself and will wait at the entrance. Leaving Krystal alone to infiltrate the fortress.
Going into CloudRunner Fortress Krystal reaches the courtyard where General Scales is interrogating Queen CloudRunner. Krystal intervenes to stop Scales brutality, but she is overpowered by flying guard drones. After beating Queen CloudRunner in attempt to get her to tell her where the Spellstone is Scales has both Queen CloudRunner and Krystal imprisoned.
If Krystal went to Dark Ice Mines first then Scales brutal beating of Queen CloudRunner kills her. Apparently having been brutalized by Scales for some time. Either way Krystal is imprisoned in the dungeon of CloudRunner Fortress.
Finding a pushable rock in her cell Krystal makes her escape, her staff and items are all on a table being guarded by a sleeping SharpClaw. Sneaking her way around Krystal meets up with Gradabug, the engineer of CloudRunner Fortress who is imprisoned in the dungeon. Gradabug says that somewhere in the dungeon there’s a hidden cavern that might aide Krystal. Upon finding the cave it reveals a hidden grotto to another Staff Powerup. Although despite not having her staff she gains the SharpClaw disguise. With the SharpClaw disguise Krystal is able to get her Staff back and better sneak around the fortress. Freeing Gradabug, he explains the fortress’ power has been cut and to acess the higher floors Krystal will need to find 4 Gems and an activator key to bring the power back on and activate the fans that will lift her to the higher floors.
After finding the 4 Gems and activator key. Krystal brings power back to the fortress and can now access the higher floors. She comes across a cage containing Queen CloudRunner and her son named Nimbus. Queen CloudRunner explains that because of Scales’ occupation of the fortress her babies have been scattered around the fortress hiding in fear. She asks Krystal to find and bring her babies back to her and gives Krystal the CloudRunner Flute in order to help her.
Krystal must now find the baby CloudRunners and play the CloudRunner Flute. By playing the CloudRunner Flute the baby CloudRunner’s will return to the nest. There are six babies in total and they must be rescued before the time limit ends, Krystal must dispatch any SharpClaws within vicinity of the baby. To help Krystal is the Queen CloudRunner who will fly around searching for baby CloudRunners. Once she has found one, she’ll make a similar sound to the CloudRunner Flute and the baby will return to the nest.
If Dark Ice Mines was your first dungeon then Nimbus will be alone in the cage and he give Krystal the CloudRunner Flute and explain that the babies will only answer their mother’s call which the CloudRunner Flute simulates. With Queen CloudRunner dead Krystal is left alone to gather all six babies. Making it significantly harder.
After rescuing the babies Queen CloudRunner (or Nimbus) explains that the Spellstone is in the treasure vault in the lower floors. The babies all have a piece of the key necessary to open the door. Once obtaining the key a huge explosion is heard. It’s the SharpClaws who have forcibly blown the vault door open with explosives.
Upon reaching the vault Krystal comes across Scales and the SharpClaws who have the Spellstone. Krystal attemps to attack Scales but he hitting a button on his belt he vanishes in thin air. The SharpClaws take the Spellstone and make their escape on jet bikes. Krystal follows in pursuit on a jet bike and after defeating the SharpClaws Krystal gains the Second (Or First) Spellstone.
Before leaving Clourunner Fortress Kyte offers her help to Krystal. Gifting Krystal the CloudRunner Flute, Kyte says that she’ll offer Krystal and Tricky a ride whenever she needs it. By using the CloudRunner Flute in designated spots in the world. Krystal can hitch a ride on Kyte in order to easily travel to locations she’s already been too.

2nd Krazoa Spirit
Returning to ThornTail Hollow Krystal and Tricky heads south to the Desert Force Point Temple. To get there she must go into through the Golden Plains, a vast barren desert. At the edge of the desert is a the HighTop Village. Home of the HighTop Tribe. The tribe leader Necklon will not allow Krystal and Tricky passage until they solve the “Ghost Voices” plaguing the village. Solving some puzzles this “Ghost Voice” turns out to be a hidden Krazoa Shrine. Entering the shrine Krystal find a Krazoa Spirit who explains the history of Dinosaur Planet. There are 8 Majestic Planets, and Dinosaur Planet is one of them along with her home world. Long ago the Krazoa fought in a war that nearly wiped them out but there are a few that survived. It tells Krystal that she must find the surviving Krazoa in order to save Dinosaur Planet. Completing the spirit’s test, the spirit takes refuge in Krystal’s body. With the “Ghost Voices” gone Krystal and Tricky can cross the Golden Plains and enter the Desert Force Point Temple. With the Spellstone returned Krystal heads back to ThornTail Hollow.
From ThornTail Hollow Krystal uses the Warpstone to go to Warlock Mountain. Krystal meets up with Randorn again and tells him what the Krazoa Spirit told her. Randorn says that there were tales of an ancient battle between two races that wiped each other out. He deduces that if Scales is victorious, he will likely conquer all 8 Majestic Planets, their home world being one of them. He explains that when Krystal released the previous Krazoa Spirit a large increase of magical energy began coming up from deep within Warlock Mountain. Randorn advises to keep releasing the Krazoa Spirits within the mountain. Krystal agrees to do so but before she leaves, she asks about her staff. That it was worthless in the hands of anybody in the Wolfen Tribe, not even Randorn could wield it. Randorn replies that the staff is an ancient weapon of their people and the staff may only be wielded by ones the staff choses worthy. Randorn says that he always beloved that Krystal was worthy to wield the staff. Randorn tells her to go before the guards come, so Krystal leaves Randorn’s cell and goes to free the Krazoa Spirit.

3rd Spellstone
Returning to ThornTail Hollow Krystal & Tricky return to the Queen EarthWalker. She informs them that the King EarthWalker is a Gatekeeper and to find the whereabouts of the next Spellstone krystal will have to venture deep into the Walled City and free him. Krystal and Tricky waste no time in going to the Walled City.
Upon arriving in the Walled City they find it is occupied by the Redeye Tribe, a large tribe of meat eating Dinosaurs! They’re so large in fact Krystal can’t even harm them with her current arsenal. After solving a puzzle, they manage to find and free the King EarthWalker. When Krystal explains that she’s here for the Spellstones location the King EarthWalker laughs and explains that the Spellstone is actually within the Walled City, but it’s located deep under the Central Pyramid and that in order to open the way Krystal will need to find the Moon and Sun Stones. Once the Silver and Gold Redeye Teeth are acquired Krystal can enter underneath the Central Pyramid.
Underneath the Central Pyramid there are a few block puzzles before Krystal can enter the main chamber. After completing all the puzzles Krystal enters the main chamber where the Spellstone is. The Spellstone is guarded by King Redeye, Ruler of the Redeye Tribe. Once King Redeye is defeated Krystal obtains the third Spellstone.

3rd Krazoa Spirit
After their second and final visit to the Volcano Force Point Temple. Krystal and Tricky set off to find another Krazoa Spirit. Luckily for them they hear a whispery voice in Moon Mountain Pass this voice sounds the same as the “Ghost Voice” the HighTop Tribe heard. Krystal assumes it’s a Krazoa Spirit. Exploring Moon Mountain Pass they are now able to collect Moonseeds which open new areas. This leads Krystal to a Krazoa Shrine. The Krazoa Spirit details more of Dinosaur Planet’s history. The ancient war that almost wiped the Krazoa was between the Krazoa and a powerful foe called the great Kameria Dragon. The Krazoa defeated the Kameria Dragon. A descendant of the Kameria Dragon is attempting to revive the Kameria Dragon and is manipulating Scales to do so. After completing the spirit’s test Krystal heads back to the Warpstone in ThornTail Hollow.
Once at Warlock Mountain Krystal find Randorn in a weak state, being unable to respond to her. She goes to release the Spirit and comes back to Randorn hoping her may have recovered slightly, but Randorn isn’t there. Laughter is heard, and Krystal turns around to find she’s cornered by General Scales and some large SharpClaws. Scales has Randorn by the neck, Randorn looks weak. Krystal exclaims to Scales to let her father go. Scales just laughs and askes Krystal if she really believes that. Krystal askes Scales what do you mean by that. Scales askes Krystal if she’s ever wondered why the Staff only works for her. Some dialogue later it’s revealed that Krystal isn’t really a wolf, she’s a fox and her tribe was wiped out by Randorn when she was a baby. Krystal says that Scales is lying. Scales let’s go of Randorn who admits it's all true, he really did wipe out Krystal’s Tribe. But when he found Krystal, he felt guilt for the first time in his life and took Krystal in. With a weak voice he apologizes for never telling her. Krystal is shocked and speechless. Scales asks Krystal to join her, that with the power of the Spellstones they can bring back Krystal’s Tribe. Krystal exclaims that she would never abandon the Dinosaurs and she would never follow the orders of a tyrant. Scales laughs and orders the SharpClaws to kill her. As they slowly walk up to her Krystal slowly vanishes!
Krystal finds herself back in ThornTail Hollow with the Warpstone. The Warpstone says Krystal is lucky since it took him a lot of power to warp her back. The Warpstone says he overheard Krystals conversation with Scales and thanks her for not betraying the Dinosaurs. Krystal thanks him for saving her.

Spellstone 4
Krystal returns to the Queen EarthWalker who tells Krystal that she doesn’t know who the last Gatekeeper is but that he is close by. Going around ThornTail Hollow asking the ThornTails reveals that the quiet ThornTail is the Gatekeeper. The ThornTail Gatekeeper says that the Spellstone is located at Dragon Rock but warns that strange things are happening there since Scales took over.
Upon entering Dragon Rock they find strange and hostile creatures that resemble Dinosaurs. Upon exploring they find a captured EarthWalker who explains that Scales is using the tower in the center of Dragon Rock to mutate captured Dinosaurs to create horrible mutant creatures for his army. The EarthWalker says that there’s a mutative field around the tower that will mutate her after a period of time and that she must spend as little time in this area as possible. He asks Krystal to free her and he will help her destroy the sentinel’s shield generators. After the shield generators are destroyed. Krystal can destroy the sentinels around the tower.
Once the sentinels are destroyed a new area opens up and Krystal and Tricky find a captured Hi Top. Once Krystal frees the HighTop he offers his help to get Krystal into a secure area high up the map. This leads Krystal to a captured CloudRunner, it’s the same CloudRunner that helped her get on board Scales’ Galleon. After Krystal frees him, he helps Krystal to shoot down the antennas around the tower. This disables the mutating field and allows Krystal to enter the tower.
Inside the tower Krystal encounters the remains of the Kameria Dragon. Only the heart of the dragon remains. The heart is connected to huge tubes giving it magic with the Spellstone attached to the heart. Krystal takes the Spellstone but encounters Drakor on her way out. Krystal manages to escape Dragon Rock Tower with the Spellstone.

Krazoa Spirit 4
With the last Spellstone Krystal and Tricky return to the Ocean Force Point Temple and put the Spellstone back, stopping Drakor’s plan. Her main objective now is to find all the remaining Krazoa Spirits. On her way back to ThornTail Hollow she is ambushed and captured. Krystal wakes up tied to a totem pole surrounded by mysterious Dinosaurs. Their leader reveals that they are the Lightfoot Tribe. A seclusive tribe that doesn’t get involved with the other tribes. The Lightfoot Tribe’s Chief explains that Krystal has repeatedly trespassed on their land and she will be executed. Fortunately for Krystal the CloudRunner from Dragon Rock comes and rescues her. He drives off the Lightfoot Tribe and frees Krystal. The CloudRunner thanks Krystal for everything she’s done.
After the CloudRunner leaves Krystal hears the voice of a Krazoa Spirit. She goes to the Lightfoot Chief to inquire about it. The Lightfoot Chief says that deep within Blackwater Swamp there exists a shrine, but before Krystal can access this shrine, she must first complete 2 tests to become an honorary member of the Lightfoot Tribe. Once these tests are complete Krystal can access Blackwater Swamp and the Krazoa shrine within it. After going through Blackwater Swamp and entering the Krazoa Shrine the Krazoa Spirit says that even though Drakor no longer has access to the Spellstones he may still try to find another way to bring the Kameria Dragon back from the dead. Once the spirit’s test is completed Krystal heads to ThornTail Hollow to warp to Warlock Mountain.

Finale
Krystal warps back to Krazoa Palace and frees the Krazoa Spirit. After freeing the spirit, she hears Randorn weakly call out for her and she reluctantly goes to Randorn’s Cell. Randorn is dying and begs Krystal to free him. Krystal says that she will help him only because he spared her life. Randorn weakly says Scales is within Warlock Mountain and that he has the Key to his cell. Going deep into Warlock Mountain Krystal finds General Scales, who isn’t happy about losing all the Spellstones. Scales talks about how he gained the upper hand that his tribe had found a strange area called Dragon Rock where they found Drakor imprisoned. Drakor offered to aid Scales in his takeover of Dinosaur Planet if he freed him. With Drakor’s help Scales had easily conquered the planet. Krystal calls him pawn and says that Drakor is just using him. Scales charges Krystal in fury initiating battle.
Although Krystal wins against Scales he retreats, dropping the Key to Randorn’s cell. Krystal opens the door to Randorn’s Cell. Randorn weakly gets up and slowly walks out. He says that he instantly feels better now that he’s out of that magic draining cell, but he is too weak to aid Krystal. Randorn says that Scales still has something that Krystal needs and asks her to pursue him. Krystal says that she doesn’t trust him and says goodbye to Randorn as she leaves. Randorn exclaims to Krystal to come back and hear him out. Krystal stops in her tracks and comes back. Randorn explains that Scales was looking into the Krazoa Spirits as well and that Scales found a Krazoa Shrine and asks once again to pursue Scales. Krystal agrees and goes after Scales. Randorn uses his magic to open a sealed door near his cell.
Krystal goes through the door and into the final level, Krazoa Palace. It’s a long and puzzling area but halfway through Krystal encounters General Scales. Another battle between them ensures and this time Krystal is makes sure to take care of him for good. On his dying breath Scales admits that he knew Drakor was scheming something and was preparing to try to gain the power to take down Drakor and reveals that he was also investigating the Krazoa Spirits. Scales screams in agony, releasing a Krazoa Spirit! But Drakor swoops hin and takes the Spirit for himself, saying that he will take the other Krazoa Spirits at the top of Krazoa Palace and sacrifice them to revive the Kameria Dragon.
The second half of Krazoa Palace is now on a timer as Krystal races Drakor to the top of Krazoa Palace. If Drakor gets there first it’s game over. When Krystal makes it up to the top she sees all the Krazoa Spirits encircling a huge diamond. Drakor reaches the top, and Krystal is ready to fight. The first phase of the boss shows how one sided the fight is, Drakor is simply too powerful. But then the Krazoa Spirits circle the diamond faster and faster, the diamond releases a powerful energy ball that knocks Drakor down. The second phase of the boss begins as Krystal fights Drakor with the help of the Krazoa Spirits she freed.

Ending
With Drakor defeated the final Krazoa Spirit is freed and begins to encircle the diamond. It spins faster and faster until a bright flash blinds Krystal. Krystal see the diamond is gone and the Krazoa Spirits have gained a physical form again. The Krazoa thank Krystal for helping in their resurrection and that for her hard work the Krazoa will grant her one wish. The Krazoa tell Krystal that their power is great and they could revive Krystal’s Tribe. Krystal doesn’t wish for the revival of her tribe but simply wishes for her and Randorn to return to their homeworld. The Krazoa say “Very Well.” And with a bright flash she and Randorn are back in the center of the Wolven Tribe. The members of the Wolven Tribe cheer at the return of their leader.
Randorn raises a hand, silencing the Wolven Tribe. Randorn thanks Krystal for helping the Dinosaurs and saving not only Dinosaur Planet but all 8 Majestic Planets, and again apologizes for what he’s done to Krystal’s Tribe. Krystal says that she cannot forgive him for what he’s done, but she cannot simply ignore all the good things he’s done for her as well. Randorn says that it’s time he retired and asks Krystal to lead the Wolven Tribe.
Krystal refuses his offer, saying that she wants to explore beyond the lands of the Wolven Tribe looking for clues and possible survivors of her own tribe. Randorn understands and says that no matter what happens, she will always have a home here. Krystal thanks him for the hospitality and walks away from Randorn and the center of the Wolven Tribe. The Credits Roll.

Levels – By Order of First Appearance

Warlock Mountain
A cavernous mountain with dangerous acid. A large area revisited multiple times in the story.

ThornTail Hollow
Home of the ThornTails, it is a peaceful grassy hub world. The shop is located here.

Ice Mountain
A cold mountain that leads to the Northern Wastes.

Northern Wastes
The cold remains of the SnowHorn Village after Scales invaded it.

Dark Ice Mines
A large cavern of fire and ice where the SnowHorns have been enslaved.

Moon Mountain Pass
A lunar-like mountain range full of acidic geysers.

Volcano Force Point Temple
A sacred temple located on a volcano.

Cape Claw
A tropical beachside area home to the SharpClaw. Enemies are a dime a dozen here.

Discovery Falls
A tropical area with large waterfalls. A mysterious temple is located here.

CloudRunner Fortress
An impenetrable fortress home to the CloudRunners. Despite being accessible only to thos who can fly Scales manages to successfully infvade an occupy it.

HighTop Village
The peaceful village of the HighTop Tribe on the outskirts of the golden plains.

Golden Plains
A large barren desert infested with sandworms.

Desert Force Point Temple
A large temple located deep within the golden plains.

Walled City
The home of the EarthWalkers, now under control of the carnivorous Redeye Tribe. A Mesoamerica themed pyramid is in the middle.

Dragon Rock
A strange and hostile land recently discovered by the SharpClaw. Scales uses this place to jail Dinosaurs and transform them into ravenous mutants.

Lightfoot Village
A secluded area near the woods between ThornTail Hollow and Cape Claw. Home to the elusive Lightfoot Tribe.

Blackwater Swamp
A dangerous swamp known for its black poisonous water.

Krazoa Palace
The ancestral home of the Krazoa and the final area of the game.

Staff Upgrades– In Order Obtained

Fire Blaster – Obtained in ThornTail Hollow
Shoots a blast of fire. Can activate switches and hurt enemies from a distance.

Rocket Boost – Obtained in Dark Ice Mines
Boosts Krystal high up at certain pads.

Ice Blaster – Obtained in Volcano Force Point Temple
Continuously spews put a cold mist. Can freeze enemies.

SharpClaw Disguise – Obtained in CloudRunner Fortress
Useful for stealth.

Energy Shield – Obtained in Golden Plains
An optional staff upgrade that protects Krystal from any attacks. Offers more protection over Krystal’s standard guard.

Ground Quake – Obtained in Walled City
Charge to slam down and create a shockwave that deals major damage and stuns foes who aren’t fazed by regular attacks. Consumes a lot of magic.

Magic Boost – Obtained in Northern Wastes, Moon Mountain Pass, Discovery Falls, Dragon Rock, Black Water Swamp
An optional staff upgrade that increases the magic meter.

 

[Gaminguy010]

Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Developer: Wayforward / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: Dec-15

The game is a combination of OTL’s Risky’s Revenge with some gameplay elements from the canceled GBA game it's also much larger than OTL's Risky's Revenge with 6 transformations and 6 Dungeons instead of only 3 transformations and 4 Dungeons. While the game was critically praised it only sold 120,000 copies in the US. But it was popular in Japan and sold over 270,000 copies and 170,000 in Europe for a combined total of 560,000 copies total over the GBA’s lifetime.

Plot Synopsis
Scuttle Town is peaceful after Shantae defeated the villainous pirate Risky Boots, but when she attacks the town again and steals a mysterious gem from Mayor Scuttlebutt, Shantae finds herself once again fired and in pursuit of Risky Boots’ newest evil plan. Throughout her quest Shantae discovers that the mysterious gem is one of multiple that Risky is using to power her “Tremor Engine”, a machine that can shift the landscape. Shantae must once again defeat the villainous Risky Boots.

Gameplay
Gameplay is the same as OTL’s Risky’s Revenge but with the addition of the “Tremor Engine” in the Shantae GBA Demo. By using the Tremor Engine Shantae can shift the background to alter a levels landscape and open new areas.

Controls
D Pad – Move, Crouch, Crawl
A - Jump
B - Attack
Hold L – Dance
Start - Pause

Charaters
Shantae
Risky Boots
Bolo
Rottytops
Sky
Uncle Mimic
Mayor Scuttlebutt
Squid Baron

List of Dances
Monkey
Elephant
Crab
Spider
Mermaid
Harpy
Tinkerbat (Optional)

Matt Bozon: When the first sales numbers came back from Nintendo it looked grim. Sales weren't really up to what Nintnedo projected.

Was that disapointing to you and the team?

Matt Bozon: No, not really. Shantae is too sexy a kid's audiance but too cute and girly for a boy's audiance. We knew this from the first game on GameBoy Color. We hoped that maybe Nintendo's assistance in marketing would help and it definatly did but not to the level we hoped. Our saving grace was when we got the sales from Japan. They were much more favorable. It was Japan that really helped get the game to Nintendo's projected sales.

So you found Shantae's audiance in Japan?

Matt Bozon: You could say that, but we've grown a large audiance in America over the years as well."

Excerpt from Nintendo Power Interview with Matt Bozon - July 2017

 

[Gaminguy010]

Disappointment at Nintendo as the delays in the Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker meant the game missed the holiday season in North America but things weren’t all bad as it gave Panzer Dragoon Orta the spotlight. Sony had the much-hyped sequel to Devil May Cry and the debut of the Xenosaga series. Meanwhile Microsoft continues to trail but it’s certainly not out for the count.



The Advertising Campaign for Sakura Wars
The Ad Campaign for Sakura Wars was much larger than anyone anticipated and it’s localization was highly prioritized. Not since EarthBound on the Super Nintendo had a Japanese only RPG been given such a marketing budget. With a budget almost double of EarthBound’s 2-million-dollar advertising budget, many senior Nintendo of America employees warned new President Peter Moore about repeating history. While Peter Moore understood their concern, he retorted by saying that “This game stinks!” was not a good marketing slogan regardless of the money behind it. Peter Moore also considered it a personal challenge to make sure the game found success in North America. Advertisements downplayed the visual novel aspects and mostly showed gameplay of the Koubo Mech battles and brief clips of cutscenes being touted as featuring “Thrilling Action, Drama and Romance!”. Posters were put up in just about every Gamestop and EB Games, TV Ads were frequent on Cartoon Network’s Toonami Block, Sakura Wars graced the cover of Nintendo Power’s January 2003 Issue with a large article discussing the series history on Sega Saturn and Sega Dreamcast, and a pre-order bonus featuring the game’s original soundtrack and a poster was available.



To: Satoru Iwata, President of Nintendo
From: Hideki Sato, President of Sega
Cc: A solution to our hardware problem
5-12-2002

After multiple brainstorms between both our engineers and Nintendo’s engineers. We have come up with a simple but effective solution to the issue of our upcoming hard drive add-on and Nintendo’s Game Boy Player using the same port within the GameCube. Our solution is to design a new model GameCube with both Hard Drive attachment and Game Boy Player built in, allowing both to be used simultaneously. The team at Sega has created some rough designs and have implemented some cost cutting methods that can lower the overall price to match the current GameCube’s price of 15000 Yen / 149.99 US Dollars. If we receive approval this new model GameCube could be on store shelves as early as September 2003 in both Japan and North American Regions. Myself and Sega’s Engineers eagerly await your response Iwata-san.

Many Thanks,
Hideki Sato, President of Sega



To: Shigeru Miyamoto, Head of Nintendo EAD
From: Yuji Naka, Head of Sonic Team
Cc: Expressing my thanks
15-12-2002

Miya-san, I would like thank you for giving me and rest of Sonic Team the opportunity to collaborate with you and Nintendo EAD on Project Real. The rest of Sonic Team is already teeming with excitement over this new project, as we have never developed this type of game before. While the team is already working on concept art and other early phase development. Development proper will begin after the completion of Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg.

Many Thanks,
Yuji Naka, Head of Sonic Team



A Look into the Nintendo Hard drive!

Nintendo’s new Hard disk drive add-on by Sega is expected to release soon in the spring. So we’ve got a quick rundown of the add-on and how it enhances your gaming experience. The HDD is highly recommended for players who want to expand their gaming experiance. DICE’s Battlefield 1942 is having an upcoming expansion on their hit game Battlefield: 1942 called Road to Rome which is available for players who have the HDD. This upcoming expansion adds more weapons and maps to an already amazing title. Future titles may also use the HDD to decrease loading times by installing parts of the game onto the HDD. Games with more than one disk may in the future be able to install the extra disks onto the HDD, allowing only one disk to be needed. Finally, future online titles may possibly use the HDD to update their games after release. We’re excited about the possibilities of the HDD.

Excerpt from Nintendo Power – January 2002




The Saturday edition of the Japanese Newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun has reported that Masafumi Miyamoto wants to bring the Squaresoft and Enix merger to a halt. This is particularly bad for the merger as being the largest shareholder, Musafumi Miyamoto’s approval is needed to approve the merger. On top of this the newspaper also reported that Namco is attempting to stop the merger and have made Square their own offer for a merger. Square and Enix are currently working to sort out on an agreement and will meet in February for a final vote to approve the merger. Things look grim and it seems to be do or die for the Squaresoft and Enix merger.

Excerpt from RPG Gamer January 2002



Major Games December 2002 – February 2003
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords – Developer: Nintendo EAD, Capcom / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: Dec-2

Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Developer: Wayforward / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: Dec-12

Panzer Dragoon Orta – Developer: Smilebit (Sega) / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Dec-20

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers – Developer: Stormfront Studios / Publisher: EA / Platforms: PS2, GCN, X-Box / Release Date: Dec-30

Tom and Jerry in War of the Whiskers – Developer: VIS Entertainment / Publisher: NewKidCo / Platforms: PS2, GCN, X-Box / Release Date: Jan-4

Resident Evil 2 – Developer: Capcom / Publisher: Capcom / Platforms: GCN (PS1 Port) / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Jan-14

SimCity 4 – Developer: Maxis / Publisher: EA / Platforms: PC / Release Date: Jan-14

Resident Evil 3 – Developer: Capcom / Publisher: Capcom / Platforms: GCN (PS1 Port) / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Jan-15

Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball – Developer: Team Ninja / Publisher: Tecmo / Platforms: X-Box / Release Date: Jan-22

Devil May Cry 2 – Developer: Capcom / Publisher: Capcom / Platforms: PS2 / Release Date: Jan-25

Skies of Arcadia: Legends – Developer: Sega AM1 / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Jan-21

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelists of the Roses – Developer: Konami / Publisher: Konami / Platforms: PS2 / Release Date: Feb-16

Dark Chronicle – Developer: Level-5 / Publisher: Sony / Platforms: PS2 / Release Date: Feb-17

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest – Developer: Nintendo EAD / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Feb-18

Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb – Developer: The Collective / Publisher: LucasArts / Platforms: PS2, X-Box, PC / Release Date: Feb-25

Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht – Developer: Monolith Soft / Publisher: Namco / Platforms: PS2 / Release Date: Feb-25


Current Nintendo Netcast Users: 1,752,965

Most Played Online Games November 2002
1. Super Smash Brothers Melee
2. Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II
3. Animal Crossing
4. Half -Life
5. Battlefield 1942
6. Quake III Arena
7. Marvel vs. Capcom 2
8. Crazy Taxi Online
9. Sonic Adventure 2
10. Virtua Fighter 4

Nintendo Power Players Choice February 2003
1. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker / Metroid Fusion
2. Metroid Prime / The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers / Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire
4. Animal Crossing / Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland
5. Skies of Arcadia: Legends / Contra Advance: The Alien Wars DX
6. Timesplitters 2 / Golden Sun
7. Resident Evil Zero / Diddy Kong Pilot
8. Tony Hawk: Pro Skater 4 / Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3
9. Minority Report / Lunar Legend
10. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest/ Super Monkey Ball Jr.

Nintendo Power Best Selling Games February 2003
1. Metroid Prime / Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Eternal Duelist Soul
2. Mario Party 4 / Metroid Fusion
3. Super Mario Sunshine / The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords
4. Phantasy Star Online Episode 1 & 2 / Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
5. Dinosaur Planet / Shantae: Risky’s Revenge
6. Resident Evil Zero / Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3
7. Animal Crossing / Frogger’s Adventures: Temple of the Frog
8. Skies of Arcadia: Legends / Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2
9. Super Smash Bros. Melee / SpongeBob SquarePants: Revenge of the Flying Dutchman
10. James Bond 007: Nightfire / Namco Museum

Nintendo Power Most Wanted February 2003
1. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker - GCN
2. Soul Calibur II - GCN
3. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles - GCN
4. Sakura Wars - GCN Counter Strike - GCN
5. Counter Strike - GCN
6. Killer 7 - GCN
7. Golden Sun: The Lost Age - GBA
8. Harverst Moon: A Wonderful Life - GCN
9. F-Zero GX - GCN
10. Star Fox - GCN

 

[Gaminguy010]

Squaresoft HQ, Tokyo Japan – April 1st 2003
It was the beginning of April, the temperature was slowly increasing by the day, the cherry blossoms were beginning to bloom. However, things were not coming up roses for Yoichi Wada. His big merger with Enix was almost complete, but Masafumi Miyamoto had objections and was planning to vote against the merger. His vote being the key to finalize the merger was frustrating him. As if that wasn’t enough Namco contacted him asking to reconsider the merger and instead merge with them, making their own offer to him. Wada’s mind was already set on this merger, he wasn’t even considering whatever Namco offered him. That is unless Masafumi Miyamoto couldn’t be convinced to vote on this one. He knew Namco would hound him if things went south in this meeting. He sat down as the meeting began.
“Gentlemen, you all know why we are here today.” Masafumi Miyamoto started the meeting. “As I have discussed in phone calls with Enix and Wada-san. I have objections to the exchange ratio of one Squaresoft share to 0.81 Enix shares. If you are to convince me to agree to this merger than this ratio must be altered.” Masafumi Miyamoto stated.
“We are willing to offer a new exchange ratio of one square share to 0.85. Is this agreeable?” The Enix executive asked. “Yes, I would have accepted this but recent developments have come up. Last night Namco called me and offered an exchange ratio of one Squaresoft share to 0.90 Namco share. It was quite a temptation to not accept it on the spot. If you can match that then you’ll have me convinved.” Masafumi Miyamoto replied.
“We can go as high as one Squaresoft share to 0.87 Enix shares. Unfortunately, we cannot match what Namco is offering but we hope you consider the other benefits of Enix and Squaresoft merging.” The Enix executive said.
“Alright let us begin the vote. I vote in favor.” Wada begrudgingly declared as voting began. In favor, against, in favor, in favor, against, against, in favor. His anxiety and blood pressure were rising as each shareholder voted one at a time. Nobody seemed to change their vote from the last meeting. It was now time for Masafumi Miyamoto to vote.
“After some consideration. I have decided I am against the merger.” Masafumi Miyamoto stated his final decision. “Very well. Squaresoft and Enix will not merge. Then it seems that we’re done here. We shall make our leave.” The Enix executive said as he and the other members of Enix left the room.
Everyone left the meeting room and Wada was waiting for the elevator. Wada was hiding it but he was mad that the merger didn’t go through. He thought Masafumi Miyamoto was an idiot for not agreeing to it and speak of the devil Masafumi Miyamoto walked up to him. “I understand you are likely upset with me and I apologize for upsetting these plans.” Masafumi told Wada. “Then why didn’t you vote in favor. If I may ask.” Wada wanted an answer. “I believe there are greener pastures elsewhere for Squaresoft. Even if it’s not Namco then perhaps somewhere else or perhaps we are already standing in the greener pasture as an independent company.” Masafumi gave Wada his answer. “I see.” Wada gave a short reply before getting in the elevator. Losing the Enix merger was a loss but he had to take it in stride. He thought of what Masafumi said “Greener Pastures elsewhere” Wada decided he’d contact Namco when he got back to his office.


We’ve recently just learned that the Squaresoft/Enix merger that would bring the two RPG giants together has fell through, with Squaresoft’s largest shareholder Masafumi Miyamoto voting against the merger. Squaresoft announced just a few hours ago that it would not merge with Enix, but oddly enough Square also announced it is now in talks with Namco on a possible merger. We have contacted Squaresoft, Enix, and Namco for comment but none have responded.
Excerpt from IGN, April 1st 2003

This is an April Fools right?
Comment on IGN

I don’t believe it. Why would they not merge? This has to be an elaborate April Fools prank by all the major gaming news sites.
Comment on Gamespot

Edit: This isn’t an April fools guys. We're not collaborating with any gaming news sites on this. We're just reporting the latest gaming news as usual.
Excerpt from Gamespot, April 1st 2003

Aw I wanted a Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest crossover!
Comment of Gamespot

 

[Gaminguy010]

North American Box Art

Sakura Wars
Developer: Sega AM1
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: GCN
Release Date: April 15, 2003

Reviews
Metacritic: 81/100 - User Score 9.0
IGN: 9/10
GameSpot: 7/10
1Up.com: B+
Nintendo Power: 9.5​

While Sega had second thoughts on releasing Sakura Wars outside of Japan, Satoru Iwata encouraged Sega to release the game at least in the US, but what surprised both Sega and Iwata was how much Peter Moore pushed for the games success. Peter Moore gave Sakura Wars a noticeably large advertising budget and made it’s localization a high priority for Nintendo Treehouse.

This was the first major localization effort for the newly enlarged Nintendo Treehouse which now had many members from former Sega of America’s localization team. While Wind Waker was very text heavy its western medieval fantasy theme and lack of major voice acting was small potatoes to the very Japanese centric and voice heavy Sakura Wars. The localization stays very close to the original Japanese text and with almost no censorship. The latter was a direct order by Peter Moore who thought censoring parts of the game would hurt sales. There was one exception however as one character sported a manji symbol on his forehead, in order to avoid anyone confusing it with a Nazi swastika the scenes, textures, and sprites we’re edited to remove the manji symbol from the character.

Side by side comparison. Original on the Left, North America on the Right


The game itself is the same as OTL, but one unique change from is a reference to Nintendo’s Pre-Videogame History. The Hanafuda Cards used in the Koi-Koi minigame are replicas of actual Hanafuda made by Nintendo around the same time period as Sakura Wars. This is indicated by one of the cards featuring Nintendo’s original Kanji logo 堂天任. When read right to left reads Nin Ten Do.

Overall, the game’s advertising campaign paid off as the game was a success selling over 1.2 Million copies in its lifespan.

Main Characters
Ichiro Ogami (Cam Clarke)
Sakura Shinguji (Wendee Lee)
Sumire Kanzaki (Michelle Ruff)
Maria Tachibana (Lani Minella)
Iris Châteaubriand (Sherry Lynn)
Kohran Li (Dorothy Fahn)
Kanna Kirishima (Mary Elizabeth McGlynn)
Commander Ikki Yoneda (Charles Martinet)
Ayame Fujieda (Lani Minella)
Tsubaki Takamura (Jen Taylor)
Yuri Sakakibara (Dolores Rogers)
Kasumi Fuji (Karen Strassman)

Villains
Tenkai (Marc Biagi)
Aoi Satan (David Humphrey)
Crimson Miroku (Michelle Ruff)
Jade Setsuna (Lani Minella)
Silver Rasetsu (Cam Clarke)
Inoshishi (Charles Martinet)
Shika (Jen Taylor)
Cho (Wendee Lee)


Sakura Wars provides examples of:

All There in the Manual: While not as extreme as some examples the game’s manual provides descriptions of the Japanese pronouns used by the characters that are likely lost on most English players.

Base Breaking Character: Iris. While not actually hated by any fans some are squicked at the pedophilic implications of Ogami (Age 19) dating the nine-year-old girl Iris. The fact that she calls the player Mon Frère (Brother in French) doesn’t help. Though some fans have confessed to having been around Iris’ age when they first played the game. Besides that, pretty much everyone likes her for her sweet personality, backstory, and usefulness in combat as The Medic.

Broken Base: There’s a reason the series is often jokingly called “Waifu Wars” as debates about who is “Best Girl” tend to get very heated.

Fandom Rivalry: If there is one thing Shining Force fans and Fire Emblem fans agree on, it’s that they think of Sakura Wars as little more than a high budget visual novel with little to no gameplay. Sakura Wars fans will often cite quality over quantity in terms of its characters and claim that Fire Emblem’s and Shining Force’s characters are just “good looking chess pieces” with the main protagonist(s) being the only one(s) who get any kind of real character development.

No Export for You: The Game didn’t receive a European localization anywhere. After the good sales numbers in North America the game did get released in Britain using the North American localization.

Sidetracked by The Golden Saucer: The Koi-Koi minigame was so popular that Sega made an entire game dedicated to it (and other card games) for the DS.

Woolseyism: Rather than use onii-chan, Iris will refer to Ogami as Mon Frère, the French word for brother.

 

[Gaminguy010]

Artwork by Ken Sugimori

Pokémon Ruby & Pokémon Sapphire
Developer: Game Freak
Publishers: Nintendo
Platforms: GBA
Release Date: May 13, 2003
​

Spending an extra two months in development to implement online play TLL’s version contains a few notable changes.
Day/Night Cycle
The Day/Night Cycle from Gen 2 is kept, besides the visual effects of the Day/night shift some Pokemon like Tailow are more plentiful during the morning while Poochyena is found more frequently at night.
Days of the Week
Each day of the week has a random chance of either harsh sunlight or rain on certain areas. These areas include Mauville City, Lilycove City, Mossdeep City, Sootopolis City, Ever Grande City, Route 110, Route 118, Route 123, Route 124, Route 125, Route 126, Route 127, and Route 128, Route 129, Route 130, Route 131. Route 119 and Fortree City rains every 4 out of the 7 days of the week. Dewford Town, Route 105, Route 107, Route 108, Route 109 and Slateport City have harsh sunlight every 4 out of 7 days of the week.
Another mechanic of the day of the week system is every 2 out of 7 days random areas will have their wild encounters be double battles for the whole day. These double battles give you a chance to capture a Pokemon from the other version. For example, in Ruby version encountering a wild Solrock during a double battle gives you a 3% chance of encountering a wild Lunatone.
Due to how late in the game this feature was added in there's a development oversight. If an area has double battle wild encounters activated for the day and you encounter the roaming Legendary Pokemon Latias or Latios then it's possible to encounter both of them in a double battle. Though due to how wild Pokemon double battles work it's not possible to capture both of them, one must be KOed before the other can be captured. Though this effectivly allows you to "pick" between them. But due to the incredibly slim odds of it happening, encountering both Latias and Latios was little more than playground rumor and urban legend until years later when ROM hackers discovered the glitch. Later versions of the Ruby and Sappire fixed this oversight.
Online Mode
The Pokemon Communication Center is located in the southeast of Rustboro City and requires the Stone Badge in order to enter the building. It is here that online battling and trading take place. The two main features are the Trading Network and the Battle Network. The Trading Network works exactly like the Global Trade Station in Gen 4 and the Battle network allows you to battle with random people.

Many ideas were thought of to shake up the battle formula such as giving Pokemon more than 4 moves and having more than 6 Pokemon. One idea that stuck was a new type, the Sound Type. All Sound Type attacks are special until Gen 4 introduced the Physical/Special Split.

The Sound Type
Super Effective Against: Ghost, Steel, Water
Not Very Effective Against: Bug, Grass
Resistant Against: Ghost, Water
Weak Against: Poison, Bug
Immune to: Sound

List of Sound Type Pokemon - Gen 3
Jigglypuff - Normal / Sound
Wigglytuff - Normal / Sound
Igglybuff - Normal / Sound
Politoed - Water / Sound
Misdreavus - Ghost / Sound
Swellow - Sound / Flying
Whismur - Sound
Loudred - Sound
Exploud - Sound
Vibreon - Sound
Wailmer - Water / Sound
Wailord - Water / Sound
Chimecho - Psychic / Sound
Chimiko - Psychic / Sound

Sound Type Moves - Gen 3
Grass Whistle
Growl
Heal Bell
Howl
Hyper Voice
Metal Sound
Perish Song
Roar
Screech
Sealing Chant
Sing
Snore
Supersonic
Uproar

Unique Pokemon / Moves from TTL

Pokemon
Vibreon – A New Eveelution designed to show off the Sound Type. It evolves from Eevee while inside a dark cave where the HM Flash would be used such as Granite Cave in Hoenn and Rock Tunnel in Kanto. In order to give players an opportunity to obtain Vibreon, Lannete will give the player an Eevee if they talk to her inside her house on Route 114.

Chimiko – A Pokemon based off of a Shinto shrine maiden. It evolves from Chimecho at level 32. It has a signature move called Sealing Chant.

Moves
Sealing Chant – A 60 Base Power Sound Type move that prevents the opponent from using whatever move it selected on that turn for 2-3 Turns. Only one move can be “sealed” at a time, but the attack still does damage if used repeatedly. It hits both Pokemon in a double battle.
“A mystical chant blocks an opponent’s move” – In Game Description

Screw online trading every freaking offer is a level 100 legendary! - A Frustrated Player

Did anyone else encounter both lati twins? - Post on Serebii.net Forums

Too much Water - IGN Review

 

[Gaminguy010]

 

[Gaminguy010]

Uncolored Page Depicting Samus Aran and Ridley

Metroid
Head Writer: Karl Bollers
Co-Writer: Ken Penders
​

Archie’s Metroid Comic released in the spring and published monthly starting in March. The debut arc is a retelling of the 2002 Japan only Metroid Manga which details Samus’ backstory as a kid on her home planet of K-2L, the death of her parents at the hands of Ridley and the Space Pirates, her adoption and training by the Chozo, and her early days as a solider in the Galactic Federation alongside her squad mates Mauk, and Kreatz while under the command of Adam Malkovich.
The comic deviates from the manga by focusing and expanding on Samus’ time in the Galactic Federation, her relationship with her squadmates turned friends Mauk and Kreatz and Samus’ relationship with Adam Malkovich the stern but fair and understanding commander who becomes a third father figure for Samus after her late-father Rodney Aran and her adopted father Old Bird of the Chozo. The arc ends with the Space Pirates attack on the Chozo home world of Planet Zebes and Samus abandoning the Federation to take the Space Pirates down.

 

[Gaminguy010]

The news that Squaresoft and Enix had broken their merger plans was a shock to many who thought that it was a done deal, leaving many to believe it was an April Fools prank. Though once it was confirmed that it was indeed real many were left wondering what happened and those interested would never know what happened until a 2015 interview with Yoichi Wada where he detailed the final meeting with Enix.


To: Hideki Sato, President of Sega
From: Satoru Iwata, President of Nintendo
Cc: The Transfer Program
1-3-2003
After much back and forth the discount amount of the final game in our “Dreamcast to GameCube Ambassador” program has been approved, with a final publishing discount of 40%. The developers are intending to showcase the game at E3 this year. The offices at Sega assisting in handling the program can now be diverted or closed.

With Thanks
Satoru Iwata, President of Nintendo


With the failure of our merger with Squaresoft we are rethinking our overall business strategy and we are considering our options in order to broaden our international market. Starting with the possibility of releasing Dragon Quest as a multiplatform game franchise.
---Internal Memo from Enix


Having snubbed Enix, Squaresoft announces plans to merge with Namco. Details are scarce but Squaresoft said that they plan to not have anything get in the way of this merger.
---Excerpt from IGN – May 2003


How did Monolith react to the Squaresoft/Namco merger?

“Not well. We left Squaresoft for more creative freedom. So, to find ourselves potentially under them again gave us reason to panic. Our biggest fear however was that our projects would be undervalued, and Final Fantasy would get preferential treatment over our games like Xenosaga.”
Excerpt from a Nintendo Power Interview with Yasuyuki Honne - July, 2009


After consideration we’ve decided to skip Sakura Wars 2: Thou Shalt Not Die due to Sega AM1 having no current plans to remake the game. Due to this we have begun work on the translation for Sakura Wars: Is Paris Burning. A brief overview of its plot leads us to believe that there is little issue to skipping Sakura Wars 2. Release can be expected by spring 2004.
---Internal Memo from Nintendo Treehouse to Nintendo of America President Peter Moore



Major Games March – May 2003
Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc – Developer: Ubi Pictures / Publisher: Ubisoft / Platforms: GCN, PS2, X-Box / Release Date: Mar-4

Sonic Advance 2 – Developer: Dimps, Sonic Team / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: Mar-9

Mega Man & Bass – Developer: Capcom / Publisher: Capcom / Platforms: GBA (SNES Port) / Release Date: Mar-11

Game Boy Advance SP – Developer: Nintendo / Release Date: Mar-23

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker – Developer: Nintendo EAD / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Mar-24
TTLs Wind Waker contains a special item similar to the Tingle Bottle from OTL’s Wind Waker HD.
Letter Paper - This item is used to write a short letter to other players via Nintendo Netcast. You can obtain Letter Paper by purchasing it from a special store on Dragon Roost Island for 5 Rupees. There are 6 styles of letter paper, Standard Style, Windfall Style, Dragon Roost Style, Skull Style, Night Sky Style, and Tingle Style. Once a letter is written you can attach a picture from the Picto Box. After confirming you are done the message is put inside a bottle and thrown into the ocean or where ever Link happens to be at the time. It will be sent to other users through Nintendo Netcast where it can be found in the overworld and picked up by them. Letter Paper is stored in your Delivery Bag. If your Delivery Bag is full then you will be asked to throw something away. Link cannot throw away crucial items like The Cabana Deed, Maggie’s Letter, Moblin’s Letter, and the Note to Mom but in an odd programming quirk Link can throw away Father’s Letter. This is because Letter Paper cannot be bought until after Dragon Roost Cavern is completed and Link has already delivered Father’s Letter.
Up to 15 Letters are stored at a time and can be freely read at any time by accessing the Quest Status Screen.
The messaging system itself was similar to Animal Crossings. While there was no moderation on sent letters there was a huge list of banned words that players were not allowed to send. Despite the attempt many players found ways to subvert the banned word list such as writing @SS in place of ass.

Dynasty Warriors 4 – Developer: Omega Force / Publisher: Koei / Platforms: PS2, X-Box / Release Date: Mar-25

Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak – Developer: Pax Softnica / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: Apr-8

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell – Developer: Ubisoft Montreal / Publisher: Ubisoft / Platforms: GCN, PS2, X-Box / Release Date: Apr-10

Golden Sun: The Lost Age – Developer: Camelot Software Programming / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: Apr-14

Ikaruga – Developer: Treasure / Publisher: Treasure / Platforms: GCN / Release Date; Apr-15

Sakura Wars – Developer: Sega AM1 / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GCN / Release Date: Apr-15

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow – Developer: Konami / Publisher: Konami / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: May-6

Nintendo GameBoy Advance Internet Connector – Developer: Nintendo, Sega / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: May-13
Released the same day as Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, it is inserted into the GBA’s cartridge slot with the games themselves being inserted into a cartridge slot on the GBA Internet Connecter and allows the GBA to connect to internet. It came with both Dial-Up and Broadband versions though the Dial-Up Modem was discontinued after a year due to low sales. The price was 29.99.

Nintendo GameBoy Advance GameCube Online Disc - Developer: Nintendo, Sega / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: May-13
This disc was created as an alternative for those who owned a GameCube. By inserting the disc into the GameCube, it hi-jacks the entire GameCube so that it can use the built-in modem to connect the GameBoy to the Internet. While it never sold on its own it was included with the GameCube – Game Boy Advance Link Cable starting around the time of Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire’s release.

WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! – Developer: Nintendo R&D1 / Publisher: Nintendo / Platforms: GBA / Release Date: May-26

Hulk – Developer: Radical Entertainment / Publisher: Universal Interactive / Platforms: GCN, PS2, X-Box / Release Date: May-27

Shrek Super Party – Developer: Mass Media Inc. / Publisher: TDK Interactive / Platforms: GCN, PS2, X-Box

Current Nintendo Netcast Users: 1,937,845

Most Played Online Games November 2002
1. Super Smash Brothers Melee
2. Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II
3. Animal Crossing
4. Battlefield 1942
5. Half -Life
6. Quake III Arena
7. Marvel vs. Capcom 2
8. Crazy Taxi Online
9. Virtua Fighter 4
10. Sonic Adventure 2

Nintendo Power Players Choice GameCube May 2003
1. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
2. Metroid Prime
3. Sakura Wars
4. Skies of Arcadia: Legends
5. Ikaruga
6. Panzer Dragoon Orta
7. Red Faction 2
8. Super Mario Sunchine
9. The Lord of the Rings; The Two Towers
10. Animal Crossing
11. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003
12. Wario World
13. The Sims
14. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell
15. Resident Evil Zero
16. James Bond 007: Nightfire
17. Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem
18. X2: Wolverine’s Revenge
19. Timesplitters 2
20. NHL Hitz 20-03

Nintendo Power Best Selling GameCube Games May 2003
1. Metroid Prime
2. Mario Party 4
3. Super Smash Bros Melee
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
5. Resident Evil Zero
6. Phantasy Star Online: Episode I & II
7. Dinosaur Planet
8. Animal Crossing
9. Skies of Arcadia Legends
10. Super Mario Sunshine
11. Panzer Dragoon Orta
12. NBA Street
13. Medal of Honor: Frontline
14. Godzilla: Destroy all Monsters Melee
15. Luigi's Mansion
16. Sonic Adventure 2
17. Crazy Taxi: Online Mayhem
18. Nascar Thunder 2003
19. Ty the Tasmanian Tiger
20. NBA Live 2003

Nintendo Power Player’s Choice Gameboy May 2003
1. Golden Sun: The Lost Age
2. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
3. Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising
4. Sonic Advance 2
5. Shantae: Risky's Revenge
6. Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past / Four Swords
7. Metroid Fusion
8. WarioWare Inc: Mega Microgame$
9. Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire
10. Lunar Legend

Nintendo Power Best Selling Gameboy May 2003
1. Yu-Gi-Oh!: Dungeon Dice Monsters
2. Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Eternal Duelist Soul
3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past / Four Swords
4. Kirby Nightmare in Dream Land
5. Shantae: Risky's Revenge
6. Metroid Fusion
7. Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advanced 3
8. Super Mario World: Super Mario Advanced 2
9. Yu-Gi-Oh!: Dark Duel Stories
10. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Nintendo Power Most Wanted May 2003
1. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles - GCN
2. Soul Calibur II - GCN
3. Harverst Moon: A Wonderful Life - GCN
4. Counter Strike - GCN
5. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance - GBA
6. Killer 7 - GCN
7. Banjo-Kazooie: Grunty's Revenge - GBA
8. Mario Kart - GCN
9. F-Zero GX - GCN
10. Star Fox - GCN

 

[Gaminguy010]

Fushimi Inari Shrine – Kyoto, Japan, Summer 2003

Shigeru Miyamoto and Yuji Naka are walking through the arches of the Shinto shrine. “So this is where you came up with Star Fox Miya-sama?” Yuji Naka asked Miyamoto. “Partially, the idea of flying through rings came to me while walking through these arches.” Miyamoto answered. “It’s been a while since I’ve been to a shrine. I forgotten how relaxing the atmosphere is.” Yuji Naka said. “I understand, it can be hard to make a visit being so busy. Too bad we don’t know when we’ll have the time to come back.” Miyamoto responded. “You know Miya-sama that reminded me of something my mother said. That if you sit still in silence and think of the future you can hear the future whispering to you.” Yuji Naka said. “Really?” Miyamoto asked skeptically. “Yes. But I’m not sure how effective it is. The last time I tried it, I heard things about Sega becoming a third-party developer, Sega and Sammy merging, Rareware being bought by Microsoft, Nagoshi-san creating one of Sega’s biggest series since Sonic, the next Nintendo system using motion controls, my last Sonic game being considered one of the worse games ever, me working at a merged Square and Enix. It’s all so bizarre.” Yuji Naka answered with honesty in his voice. “Interesting, perhaps I’ll try that sometime.” Miyamoto said. The two game developers walked out of the shrine. “I need to get back to Tokyo before the trains shut down. See you at E3 Miya-sama” Yuji Naka said as he walked away to the trains station.

Miyamoto returned home, after exchanging pleasantries with his wife who was busy in the kitchen he found himself alone on the couch. It was quiet and Miyamoto though back to what Naka said. Miyamoto sat still, closed his eyes and listened.

“Sega signs deal with Linkin Park to produce the theme song for Sonic Spin-off”

“2005s Duke Nukem: Forever is the Greatest Game of All Time”

“Microsoft’s Crash Bandicoot greatly aides the launch sales of the new X-Box 360 with a new dual @̷̲̍̓̐#̴̨̠̪̗̞̬̮̞̰̭͉̗̜͖̃̆́̓̚͠$̵̤̘̞͓̋̑͐̌̋̌̃͐́͝%̷̖̤̅̍͂̈́̊̅͝^̸̧͚͔̠͓̻̗̙̬̱̊̐͐̓&̸̨̨̭̥̦̗̯͓̑̈́̊̂̿̚͝ͅ*̸̧̙͈̠̮̹͓̆̈̒̋̔̔̏(̸̳̰̗̦̠͇̘̤͔̮͙̱̌͂͛̎͌̊̿̀̎͐͘̚͜͝)̵̩̳͕̝̹͓̫̞̼̖̞̐̀͜ game.”

“The Nintendo @̷̲̍̓̐#̴̨̠̪̗̞̬̮̞̰̭͉̗̜͖̃̆́̓̚͠$̵̤̘̞͓̋̑͐̌̋̌̃͐́͝%̷̖̤̅̍͂̈́̊̅͝^̸̧͚͔̠͓̻̗̙̬̱̊̐͐̓&̸̨̨̭̥̦̗̯͓̑̈́̊̂̿̚͝ͅ*̸̧̙͈̠̮̹͓̆̈̒̋̔̔̏(̸̳̰̗̦̠͇̘̤͔̮͙̱̌͂͛̎͌̊̿̀̎͐͘̚͜͝)̵̩̳͕̝̹͓̫̞̼̖̞̐̀͜ war continues in court.”

“Nintendo’s new @̷̲̍̓̐#̴̨̠̪̗̞̬̮̞̰̭͉̗̜͖̃̆́̓̚͠$̵̤̘̞͓̋̑͐̌̋̌̃͐́͝%̷̖̤̅̍͂̈́̊̅͝^̸̧͚͔̠͓̻̗̙̬̱̊̐͐̓&̸̨̨̭̥̦̗̯͓̑̈́̊̂̿̚͝ͅ*̸̧̙͈̠̮̹͓̆̈̒̋̔̔̏(̸̳̰̗̦̠͇̘̤͔̮͙̱̌͂͛̎͌̊̿̀̎͐͘̚͜͝)̵̩̳͕̝̹͓̫̞̼̖̞̐̀͜ has been sold out for over a year in both Japan and the United States”

“Sony @̷̲̍̓̐#̴̨̠̪̗̞̬̮̞̰̭͉̗̜͖̃̆́̓̚͠$̵̤̘̞͓̋̑͐̌̋̌̃͐́͝%̷̖̤̅̍͂̈́̊̅͝^̸̧͚͔̠͓̻̗̙̬̱̊̐͐̓&̸̨̨̭̥̦̗̯͓̑̈́̊̂̿̚͝ͅ*̸̧̙͈̠̮̹͓̆̈̒̋̔̔̏(̸̳̰̗̦̠͇̘̤͔̮͙̱̌͂͛̎͌̊̿̀̎͐͘̚͜͝)̵̩̳͕̝̹͓̫̞̼̖̞̐̀͜ the PS3.”

“Why the Nintendo @̷̲̍̓̐#̴̨̠̪̗̞̬̮̞̰̭͉̗̜͖̃̆́̓̚͠$̵̤̘̞͓̋̑͐̌̋̌̃͐́͝%̷̖̤̅̍͂̈́̊̅͝^̸̧͚͔̠͓̻̗̙̬̱̊̐͐̓&̸̨̨̭̥̦̗̯͓̑̈́̊̂̿̚͝ͅ*̸̧̙͈̠̮̹͓̆̈̒̋̔̔̏(̸̳̰̗̦̠͇̘̤͔̮͙̱̌͂͛̎͌̊̿̀̎͐͘̚͜͝)̵̩̳͕̝̹͓̫̞̼̖̞̐̀͜ is the worst system ever.”

“Dinner is ready!” Miyamoto woke up from his almost trance like state as his wife called him for dinner. “Never Again” Miyamoto whispered under his breath.

------------------
TTL is two years old now. This update is non-canon and meant to be silly. I’ve completed about half of E3. Will hopefully be done this month.