Smashing Success

[dncardman]

Taken from IGN...I just sumerized it but it's still long. Take the time to read it, it's really a good read.



How Microsoft created a franchise phenomenon and Nintendo ignored one.

I have a question for you and I want you to roll it over for a second. What will be the biggest game of this year? Throw away your prejudices this once and realistically consider the contenders. Whether you're a Microsoft, Nintendo or Sony fan, I believe there's a good chance that your answer will be the same: Halo 2.

But I'm getting slightly ahead of myself so let me hit the rewind button. Three years ago Nintendo, just before the launch of GameCube and Xbox, was sitting in what it thought was a pretty position. It had a powerful, robust piece of hardware. It had a decent launch lineup. But mostly, it had mascots. And to be more specific it had Super Smash Bros. Melee, which was billed as its flagship game -- and, I think, for damned good reason. The fighter, a sequel to the N64 hit of the same series, was absolutely packed full of classic and wholly popular Nintendo icons. Mario. Luigi. Link. Samus. Pikachu. Something for every Nintendo fan, really.

Just look at the data. Super Smash Bros. Melee is, even today, GameCube's most popular game. The title has sold through some 2.3 million units in the US alone, according to NPD tracking through May. That figure doesn't quite compete with the success of Halo, which has sold more than 3.3 million copies through the same period, but it's no slouch either, especially when you factor in Xbox's larger installed base. Super Smash Bros. Melee outsold Super Mario Sunshine. Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Pikmin, and Metroid Prime. It outsold every Resident Evil title on GameCube. It outsold every Madden title on GameCube. I could go on.

So my question is, in the midst of all this Halo 2 hype, where the hell is my Super Smash Bros. Melee sequel?

Whatever the reason, any way you slice it this is bad news for Nintendo and its fans. Nintendo's biggest franchise has seemingly been put away, stored in the closet as it works on something else, and the fans who gobbled up the fighter shortly after system launch can only wait. And why, I have no idea. I can only hope that somewhere a sequel is being worked on, or mulled over, or at least contemplated, and that Nintendo does have a plan to maintain interest and to build hype.

What would be scary to me is the alternative: that Nintendo could simply forget about the franchise that single-handedly sold GameCube to consumers.

-- Matt Casamassina

Full Article- http://cube.ign.com/articles/527/527243p1.html

[Mirai]

Yeah, goddamnit I wish they'd get of their fucken arses and make this game! What the hell is wrong with these people? They are very creative and very talented but they have fucken deaf ears to the needs of the customer.

[Freeman_JI]

^^ What did you expect that's been the nintendo difference all along!

[fishbonetaher]

the only way nintendo will listen, is if its consumers stop buying their products, then nintendo will realize that its consumers want more fresh games. I am not saying that they should scrap all of the sequels, but they should concentrate less on sequels and more on fresh ideas. Seriously, throughout the past 10 years (N64 and GC), the only new fresh game from nintendo was pikimin, other than that there weren't really any games that were fresh or weren't sequels. nintendo has to start listening to its consumers, therefore it is time for us to boycott nintendo products. It may hurt nintendo in the short run, but in the long run it will help it.

[The Dude]

I dont think we need another Smash bro until the next generation

[Michael Bluth]

Perhaps Nintendo believes that if it shows a Smash Bros. sequel too early, competitors will copy its ideas. Like they did, I guess, for Super Mario Sunshine. Do you all remember the wave of water-backpack-themed games that hit the market after Nintendo released its platformer? Oh, you don't? Well, there's a reason for that. How about all of the real-time strategy games with cute critters that flooded retail shelves after Nintendo released Pikmin? Wait -- that didn't happen.

:rockon:

[Cofey]

I dont think we need another Smash bro until the next generation
I agree completely. Let's limit it to one every generation. We don't need them killing another one of their beloved franchises. Look at what they've done to Mario already, and what they're doing to LOZ, releasing a new title every fucking week. I'm glad they're not doing this to SSB.

[OutlawAdidas]

I want another one though. Soooo bad

[IEatFriedPikmin]

the only way nintendo will listen, is if its consumers stop buying their products, then nintendo will realize that its consumers want more fresh games. I am not saying that they should scrap all of the sequels, but they should concentrate less on sequels and more on fresh ideas. Seriously, throughout the past 10 years (N64 and GC), the only new fresh game from nintendo was pikimin, other than that there weren't really any games that were fresh or weren't sequels. nintendo has to start listening to its consumers, therefore it is time for us to boycott nintendo products. It may hurt nintendo in the short run, but in the long run it will help it.

pokemon.... but that was on GB. man... your right. dont they realize they could have another boom like pokemon...

[Kliq]

the only way nintendo will listen, is if its consumers stop buying their products, then nintendo will realize that its consumers want more fresh games. I am not saying that they should scrap all of the sequels, but they should concentrate less on sequels and more on fresh ideas. Seriously, throughout the past 10 years (N64 and GC), the only new fresh game from nintendo was pikimin, other than that there weren't really any games that were fresh or weren't sequels. nintendo has to start listening to its consumers, therefore it is time for us to boycott nintendo products. It may hurt nintendo in the short run, but in the long run it will help it.

Thats exactly why I made that "Gamecube=Not Cool" thread, well part of the reason.

I want new sequels just as bad as the next Cube owner, but Nintendo won't listen to us!

[Mach]

That'd be stupid to make another Smash Bros so close to each other...At this late in GC's life cycle it would really hinder the impact of having a next gen Revolution Smash Bros launch title (less new characters and improvements to introduce)

[bobo_ess]

They need to get working on getting those custoners back, it's coming from underneath their feet,it is starting to surround them, they will fall if this thing keeps up with them.

[Viper]

Smash 3 = Revolution launch.


I'm calling it now.

[Mach]

I think that's a given now...
But I think they might hold off a little bit like they did with Melee, that way the Mario launch title can take center stage.

[Michael]

^they need to stop with the mario lauch title...that's my opinion...mario should take a rest this next gen...but I know that's not gonna happen..

[goku2057]

It is true.

[Mach]

^they need to stop with the mario lauch title...that's my opinion...mario should take a rest this next gen...but I know that's not gonna happen..
They did stop with GC's launch and look what that did to them...Screwed everything up.

[Glenn2K4]

Mario will be at launch

[koten]

He's got to be. Nintendo's number one problem was the lack of a Mario game. I garenty that if SMS had launched with the GC the GC would be fairing far better right now.

[Mirai]

I think that's a given now...
But I think they might hold off a little bit like they did with Melee, that way the Mario launch title can take center stage.
No offense but that isn't exactly smart business. That's like saying "If they release 1 excellent game at launch instead of releasing 5, 10 or 20, the next machine will fare better."

I mean, the games are developed by different houses so why not release a Mario and a Smash Bros game on launch. Hell, here's what they need to do.

Get EAD on a new Mario or Zelda
Get HAL on a new Smash Bros
Get Retro on a new Metroid
Ask Sega to do a new F-Zero
Ask Namco to do a new Star Fox

And then instead of waiting for 3rd Party developers to decide what games they want to develop, go to them and do what it takes to get them to commit there biggest franchises to the system.

Get Konami to commit Metal Gear
Get Bandai to commit a one of their big franchises (DBZ, Gundam, etc)
Get Square to commit Final Fantasy
Get Capcom to commit Resident Evil

Nintendo needs to be a lot more agressive with their next console or they are gonna die soon.

Oh yeah, more fucking advertising!!!!!

[Michael Bluth]

I garenty that if SMS had launched with the GC the GC would be fairing far better right now.

I guarentee it wouldn't make any kind of difference. SMS is pretty much considered the worst platforming Mario game to date, and sold below expectations even after all the Nintendo fanboys had months to buy the system. Mario isn't what he used to be, now he's being replaced by GTA and Halo.

[Cofey]

mario should take a rest this next gen
I don't think so. It's been 8 years since the last great new Mario title. I think we're WAY overdue.

[Glenn2K4]

^ i really dont think launching a Mario then gen will help Nintendo in its position right now. too little, too late.

Mario isn't what he used to be, now he's being replaced by GTA and Halo.
sadly i think this is somewhat true.

[dncardman]

I guarentee it wouldn't make any kind of difference. SMS is pretty much considered the worst platforming Mario game to date, and sold below expectations even after all the Nintendo fanboys had months to buy the system. Mario isn't what he used to be, now he's being replaced by GTA and Halo.You may be slightly right that Mario isn't as huge as he was, but don't doubt him. I mean Mario is still absolutly huge and will not die soon. Sure it didn't sell as well as some may wanted but none the less it still sold millions of copies and sold thousands and thousands of gamecubes just because of that game. While you say it was the "worst" Mario game to date, that still doesn't say much since everyone has been great including SMS which was definatly NOT a BAD game. People just don't realize it, everyone would if we went back and it was never released then I would guess Gamecube wouldn't even be competing with your almighty xbox. Know your roots.

[koten]

You know what would make a totally awsome Mario game? If they just made a game of those levels in SMS where you didn't have FLUDD. You know, the just "get to the end before time runs out without being touched or falling" levels. That is classic Mario but reincarneted in 3D. That would be awsome.

[Glenn2K4]

i hated Mario or even Luigi with those darn backpack attachments.

0mg s0 1nn0va71v3!!

[SuperLuigiBros]

No offense but that isn't exactly smart business. That's like saying "If they release 1 excellent game at launch instead of releasing 5, 10 or 20, the next machine will fare better."

I mean, the games are developed by different houses so why not release a Mario and a Smash Bros game on launch. Hell, here's what they need to do.

Get EAD on a new Mario or Zelda
Get HAL on a new Smash Bros
Get Retro on a new Metroid
Ask Sega to do a new F-Zero
Ask Namco to do a new Star Fox

And then instead of waiting for 3rd Party developers to decide what games they want to develop, go to them and do what it takes to get them to commit there biggest franchises to the system.

Get Konami to commit Metal Gear
Get Bandai to commit a one of their big franchises (DBZ, Gundam, etc)
Get Square to commit Final Fantasy
Get Capcom to commit Resident Evil

Nintendo needs to be a lot more agressive with their next console or they are gonna die soon.

Oh yeah, more fucking advertising!!!!!

That would be too good. I know that if they brought all those games out, i would want everyone of them. This would set me back a couple thousand $'s. This would almost definatly make the next nintendo console sell extremely well, but it would be an inconveinence to me, and most likely every other Nintendo fan.

[SuperLuigiBros]

You know what would make a totally awsome Mario game? If they just made a game of those levels in SMS where you didn't have FLUDD. You know, the just "get to the end before time runs out without being touched or falling" levels. That is classic Mario but reincarneted in 3D. That would be awsome.

your right. those levels were absolutely awsome. and they should have a small game on the side like the first level in adventure mode in SSB:M. that was awsome.

sorry bout the double post

[The Dude]

I hate it when Nintendo launches with out mario, it just feels wrong. I think Mario should be a launch title only. I think nintendo needs to launch with mario and a really good "mature" game to capture both audences

[koten]

^ I know what you mean. The GC felt so wrong without a Mario launch game. GC would be doing much better now if not for the lack of a Mario game

As far as mature games, Nintendo should start making Mature games. Either make a new Dev house dedicated to that or get some of their better houses to make them. The casual gamer will return to Nintendo with mature games, but regardless of if they do, I will buy nintendo games, now and forever

[Hisham]

Meh, I don't think nintendo isn't catching up this gen or next gen. Maybe the generation after that. And they need to realize that advertising stragities that worked in the late 80's early 90's won't work now. The world of video games have changed drasticly and they need to pull themselves together and get a makeover. And be more agressive with there marketing. *shudders at the SMS commerical*

[disrupter006]

No offense but that isn't exactly smart business. That's like saying "If they release 1 excellent game at launch instead of releasing 5, 10 or 20, the next machine will fare better."

I mean, the games are developed by different houses so why not release a Mario and a Smash Bros game on launch. Hell, here's what they need to do.

Get EAD on a new Mario or Zelda
Get HAL on a new Smash Bros
Get Retro on a new Metroid
Ask Sega to do a new F-Zero
Ask Namco to do a new Star Fox

And then instead of waiting for 3rd Party developers to decide what games they want to develop, go to them and do what it takes to get them to commit there biggest franchises to the system.

Get Konami to commit Metal Gear
Get Bandai to commit a one of their big franchises (DBZ, Gundam, etc)
Get Square to commit Final Fantasy
Get Capcom to commit Resident Evil

Nintendo needs to be a lot more agressive with their next console or they are gonna die soon.

Oh yeah, more fucking advertising!!!!!

Silicon Knights needs to be on the agenda...and wouldnt it be nice if they could get RARE to do something...(ya ill keep dreaming...)
donkey kong? new ice climbers...lol or earth bound...

[koten]

You know what would make just about everyone happy? Revive Metroid's twin brother Kid Icarus. The two games were so similar and yet Metroid lives on and Kid Icarus died. GIVE IT LIFE NINTY! MAKE ME HAPPY! please?

[Shotgun Plasma]

wow....SSBM been like what? almost 4 years right?

Seriously, I am waiting because they will not make another SSBM until the next system

[koten]

Yeah, it would seem like they are abusing the franchise. I think each instalment of Smash Bros should be made to

A. Commemerate the launch of the console
B. Show of the console's power
C. Give a little bit of history of Nintendo up to that point

Beside's there is that whole Trans Mix World Fighters from Hudson, Konami and someone else comming out sooner or later.

[brudaman]

Yeah, it would seem like they are abusing the franchise. I think each instalment of Smash Bros should be made to

A. Commemerate the launch of the console
B. Show of the console's power
C. Give a little bit of history of Nintendo up to that point

Beside's there is that whole Trans Mix World Fighters from Hudson, Konami and someone else comming out sooner or later.

i liked those three points u summed it up well :headbang:

[Notedog]

Originally Posted by Mirai
No offense but that isn't exactly smart business. That's like saying "If they release 1 excellent game at launch instead of releasing 5, 10 or 20, the next machine will fare better."

I mean, the games are developed by different houses so why not release a Mario and a Smash Bros game on launch. Hell, here's what they need to do.

Get EAD on a new Mario or Zelda
Get HAL on a new Smash Bros
Get Retro on a new Metroid
Ask Sega to do a new F-Zero
Ask Namco to do a new Star Fox

And then instead of waiting for 3rd Party developers to decide what games they want to develop, go to them and do what it takes to get them to commit there biggest franchises to the system.

Get Konami to commit Metal Gear
Get Bandai to commit a one of their big franchises (DBZ, Gundam, etc)
Get Square to commit Final Fantasy
Get Capcom to commit Resident Evil

Nintendo needs to be a lot more agressive with their next console or they are gonna die soon.

Oh yeah, more fucking advertising!!!!!




You put it out like it's so simple, but you know what? For the first half at least, it is. If they finished what ever they're working on now, and then had them all do that, the launch would be unstopable, Have EAD do the mario, and Silicon Knights do the Zelda (THEY WOULD NEVER SAY NO TO THAT!), then the Next gen launch would be unstopable.

Nintendos bought a good deal of Bandai, so that shouldn't be to hard, and Nintendo has the exclusive deal with Capcom, so I don't see why they couldn't try continue it,not to mention, that about a year ago, the domain name for RE5 was bought out, so somethings going on there.

[Xodiac]

I know a kid who bought a game cube and super smash bros. $150. He says he set for video games for the rest of his life. Im not joking.