Mario Goes Hollywood: A Collaborative Timeline

Reader mode
Giga NES
  • Index

    • eldandythedoubter

    Gamecube Logo Png posted by Christopher Thompson
    1639667042339.png

    Created and Manufactured by The Dolphin Consortium (Nintendo R&D, Philips, Panasonic, Intel, and IBM).
    Chief Architects: Howard Cheng (Overall Design) and Dylan Cuthbert (Programming)
    Release Date: October 21st, 2001 in Japan, December 14th, 2001 in North America, April 4th, 2002 in Europe, May 16th, 2003 in Australia
    Technical Specifications:
    Console Dimensions: 6.5 x 7.0 x 5.0 inches.

    Mass: 6 lbs. 3.1 kg.

    Power 48-watt AC adapter

    Media: DVD format discs capable of holding 4.7gb of data on a single layer disc and 8.5 gb on a dual layer disc, DVD-Video playback, and backwards compatibility for all Ultra Nintendo and Game Boy Line games with through the Game Boy Player add-on.

    CPU: Intel/IBM/Philips custom chip codenamed “Orca” clocked at 800 MHz and one Toshiba VR3200 clocked at 93.75 MHz

    GPU: ATI/ArtX custom chip codenamed “Dolphin” clocked at 400 MHz

    Memory:80MB overall on its own, 100MB when attached to the external hard drive: 20MB for the system, 24MB DRAM, and 36MB for Video Ram.

    Display: Composite Video, S-Video and RGB Scart, and YPP component video.

    Sound: Dolby Pro Logic II Analog stereo.

    Storage: Memory Cards at launch, external hard drive.​

    Controller: “The Wavebird” wired controller with 2 analog sticks, one on the upper left, the second on the bottom right, a,b,x,y face buttons on the upper right, a d-pad on the lower left, a start button in the center, an on/off switch for the wireless controllers, L, ZL, R, and ZR buttons on the top.
    Development History:​
    Development of the GNES would begin in January 1997 with founding of Dr. Wei-Yan's graphic chip company Artx. Under this union, the GNES would not only be able to play UNES titles but expand the overall graphical performance to keep pace with most PCs of the time.
    The Macro split of Microsoft:​
    In 1997, project Directx begins development at Microsoft. The objective was to create a console that could use the Directx platform as an easy to program development kit that would minimize the cost and time needed to make transition games from the PC. Both Intel and IBM were considerably interested in the product and thus offered the use of their most recent chips to power the console. Unfortunately, their efforts would be rendered moot due to situations outside of their control. On July 18th, 1998, the FTC would launch an anti-trust lawsuit against Microsoft for various deals made with Compaq, HP, Toshiba, Sony, and Dell to require the use of Windows 98. After one year of litigation, Intel and IBM would pull out of project DirectX. Six months after that, the main designers would resign from the company to take a position at Samsung North America. Philips kept their eyes on the situation and with their sound chip for the Game Boy Alpha taking a fair chunk of resources to manufacture, looking elsewhere for Project Triton would require outside help.
    The Announcement:​
    Unlike the Ultra NES, no internal documents would be leaked to the public this time around. So, speculation ran rampant for three years straight. IGN would put together a hilarious April fool's joke in 1999, detailing the console as a cartridge-based system that would hold over 2 GB of data, a built in 28.8K Modem, and backwards compatibility with all former Nintendo consoles.
    1639667042467.jpeg

    IGN’s Mockup of the Giga NES, titled the Gamebox.
    The rumors would end at Spaceworld 2000 as the second half of the event’s press conference. Unlike the Game Boy Alpha’s showcase, the GNES would be organized with the following standpoints: (1) Technical Details for the console and the use of DVDs as its medium; (2) connectivity with the Game Boy Alpha through the use of an external connector; (3) the virtual console, an add-on that would allow the console to play all previous Nintendo cartridge games; (4) the external network adaptor for online connectivity built by IBM; and (5) an external hard drive built by Philips for storing game saves and extra data from certain games. Once all five of these features are explained, the games are showcased. First, a tech demo known as Super Mario Dolphin. In the demo, Mario would run around a large beach filled with fruits that can be pushed around, gather sand from the ground, and float in the sea water. Next, a technical showcase from Rare that shows off Banjo and an older Conker being chased by a horde of classic cartoon characters. The next demo would be for one of the new Nintendo studios, Hocotate Freight Games. This demo would show off a well detailed open arena as a male wireframe fighter rendered the colors of Pikachu would take on a female wireframe fighter rendered in the colors of Eevee. The two would act out a fight very similar to Tekken, a tongue in cheek reference to Hocotate’s head Masamichi Abe. Finally, the console would be shown to the public.
    1639667042605.jpeg

    Final Design of the GIGA NES
    The hype would continue in March at the 2001 Spring Tokyo Game Show. It was rare to see Nintendo make an appearance at the show but with the rise of Satoru Iwata as executive vice president, things were changing at Nintendo. On the show floor was playable demos of Luigi the Fearful, Pikmin, Pro-Am Racing, and Timu’s Golden Journey; a new title created by former Iguana employee Jeff Spandenburg. Also shown was the first trailer for Resident Evil remake, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and a tech demo for the next Legend of Zelda.
    The final showcase of the console would be at E3 as both Smash and Resident Evil Remake would have a playable demo running on the show floor. The new head of Nintendo of America Reggie Fils-Amie would head up the press conference with the official release date for North America and price point. December 14th, 2001 for $350. Included with the console would not be a full game but instead a demo showing off builds of all first party games on the show floor along with the second demo for Super Mario: The Delfino Debacle. Also shown at the event was the Game Boy Alpha's e-Reader add on, which would add extra content to specially marked games. These titles include Zelda: Another Hero, Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade of Elibe, and Super Mario All Stars-Anniversary Edition.

    Launch Titles:
    Titles marked with an asterisk are Multiplatform releases.

    Pikmin.
    Publisher/Developer: Nintendo/Hocotate Freight Games.
    Same as Otl.

    Super Smash Bros Melee.
    Publisher/Developer: Nintendo/HAL Laboratories.
    The roster increases to a massive 40 characters with the following characters.​
    • Mario (Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Wario, Yoshi)​
    • Donkey Kong (Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Cranky Kong, King K Rool)​
    • The Legend of Zelda (Link, Zelda, Sheik, Ganondorf, Majora’s Mask, Young Link)​
    • Metroid (Samus Aran)​
    • Kirby (Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede)​
    • Pokémon (Pikachu, Eevee, Jigglypuff, Mewtwo, Charizard, Amater, Tsukiyo)​
    • F-Zero (Captain Falcon, Samurai Goroh, Jody Summer)​
    • Earthbound (Ness, Lucas)​
    • Fire Emblem (Marth, The Tactician)​
    • Star Fox (Fox McCloud, Wolf O’ Donnel, Falco Lombardi, Andross)​
    • Disney (Darkwing Duck, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command)​
    Mega Man X: The 1st Maverick Hunters. *
    Publisher/Developer: Capcom.
    Created as a third person shooter, this game tells the story of Sigma and his mission to apprehend the Maverick Alselor.

    Luigi the Fearful: The Poltergust Chateau.
    Publisher: Nintendo. Developer: Brinstar Games.
    Developed by Kensuke Tanabe as a prototype to the next Metroid Game, Luigi the Fearful is a Metroidvania that sees the green plumber trying to escape the Chateau of King Fantome. Armed with a sucking cannon and the help of Fantome’s sister Teresa, Luigi rushes to capture as many of the ghosts as possible with various upgrades to his cannon.

    Pro-Am Racing: The Rare Circuit.
    Publisher: Nintendo. Developer: Rareware.
    Originally created as a showcase of several new projects as Rare, the game evolved into a Super Smash Kart including characters from the following franchises:
    Donkey Kong Country (Dixie Kong, Kiddy Kong, Klubba the Kremling)
    Banjo-Kazooie (Banjo and Kazooie, Mumbo Jumbo, Gruntilda, Klungo)
    Killer Instinct (Fulgore, Jago, Black Orchird, Sabrewulf)
    The Battletoads (Rash, Zitz, Pimple, The Dark Queen)
    Conker’s Bad Fur Day (Conker, Berri, Queen Bee, Death)
    Jet Force Gemini (Juno, Vela, Lupus, Mizar)
    Monster Max (Max the Werebass, Lord Knord)
    Circuit Island (Timber the Tiger, Wizzpig, T.T. the Stopwatch)

    WWF: The Civil War. *
    Publisher: THQ. Developer: Yuke’s.
    The first WWF game of the post-Monday Night Wars era sees you create a wrestler to join one of the six factions forming around the main event: The Rattlesnake Army, Deadman Inc., The Game’s Court, The People’s Rock, Team Angle, or The King of Harts. Unfortunately, each of the factions are backed by the Mcmahon family: Vince: The People’s Rock, Shane: Team Angle, Stephanie: The Game’s Court, Linda: Deadman Inc., Trevor Mondt: The King of Harts, and the neutral party: The Rattlesnake Army.

    Timu’s Golden Journey
    Publisher: Nintendo. Developer: Retro Studios
    This action-adventure game is based off the Indonesian fairy tale of Timun Mas. In it, a young girl named Timu with skin as green as a cucumber uses a special hoe to grow vegetables and fruits. She uses these fruits as tools and weapons to fight off the monsters of Buhto Ijo.

    Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Rise of Outworld *
    Publisher: Midway. Developer: Midway Chicago/Paradox Interactive.
    Helmed by relative newcomers Joshua Tsui and David Michcich along with oversight by John Tobias, Rise of Outworld is a 3D beat-em-up that puts you in control of Shao Zeung as fufils his role as protector of Outworld from the Hordes of Tarkata, Zaterra, Khaosrealm, and Edenia. Combat is fleshed out by recreating as much of the move input from the fighting games while also adding various weapons and the environment to your advantage.

    SSX Tricky *
    Publisher: Electronic Arts. Developer: EA Sports Big (Canada Division).
    Same as Otl.

    Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 *
    Same as Otl but in place of the Marvel characters; are Batman, Young Obi-Wan, and Master Chief.​
     
    Last edited:
  • Index

    • TheFaultsofAlts

    First off, the DVD capabilities, earlier version of Virtual Console, and backwards compatibility with all Game Boy titles from the past 12/13 years are great details to have for the GNES.

    Second, Pikmin getting their own studio brand, while Rare and Retro coincide with each other? That is great news!

    Third, the Pro-Am Racing reboot, what Luigi's solo game is like ITTL, and the Mega Man X prequel focusing on Sigma are also good titles to pick up. Although I wonder if the first of those three would get a sequel later on.

    Finally, in the event of a new Smash game, may I request the following newcomers?
    Super Mario:
    -Toad
    -Princess Daisy

    Donkey Kong Country:
    -Dixie Kong

    The Legend of Zelda:
    -Tetra
    -Midna

    Metroid:
    -Ridley
    -Dark Samus
    -Sylux
    -Mother Brain

    Kirby:
    -Marx

    Pokemon:
    -Meowth
    -Gen 3 Rep

    F-Zero:
    -Black Shadow

    Earthbound:
    -Ninten
    -Giygas

    Star Fox:
    -Slippy Toad
    -Peppy Hare
    -Krystal

    Banjo-Kazooie:
    -Banjo and Kazooie

    Conker's Bad Fur Day:
    -Conker

    Battletoads:
    -Rash

    Retro Reps:
    -Ice Climbers
    -Mr. Game and Watch
    -R.O.B.

    Kid Icarus:
    -Pit

    Disney:
    -Mickey Mouse
    -Tigger
    -Scrooge McDuck
    -Mr. Incredible
    -Mary Poppins

    Sorry for the extra-long post on my end.
     
    Reader mode
    You must log in or register to reply here.
    Top
    Top