The Heart of a Gamer keynote highlights - Revolution, Zelda, DS, Mario Kart, you name it
by Ben Zackheim 
{ Mar 10th 2005 at 2:35PM }
Satoru Iwata just gave an amazing, heartfelt keynote. I'm not a Nintendo fanboy. Just look at my impressions of the DS to see that.
After this keynote, though…
He didn't give it a name but he verified that the DS is going wifi. Animal Crossing will utilize it. He promised a
huge announcement at E3 about a groundbreaking title.
He showed off Nintedogs. It has voice control that exceeds Seaman by leaps and bounds. I worry for real animals after
seeing that cute virtual puppy run around.
The Revolution will be backwards compatible, and easy to develop for. More at E3 of course.
He showed off Mario Kart play, and it looks like a blast. He brought up 8 birthday boys/girls and raced with them.
Then took the DSs back before they left the stage (I woulda pocketed that cart!)
Electro Plankton may as well have been Jerry Seinfeld. it had everyone laughing and clapping.
In a nutshell, if they would just frickin release these games I may update my DS impressions!
Oh yeah and they showed off the next Zelda. A clip of Link fighting in lush environs against classic Zelda baddies. It
looks stunning and it had the room electrified.
Furthermore!
Iwata's presentation is probably what secured my admiration for what Nintendo is trying to do. He's a personable guy. However, it was the little details of the speech that finally crystallized (to me) what their plan is. Nintendog and Plankton are playful experiences that simply don't come across well in video clips or description. But when you see them in action you get an idea how addictive they could be. The DS now seems more like a recreational device that's customizable to your gaming needs, as opposed to a "hardcore" gamer device or a "recreational" gamer device. Their effort to be all things to all people solidified in front of my eyes. I find it admirable. It's the naive part of me. The skeptic in me thinks that nothing can be everything to everyone. I hope the naive half is right. For once.
I find myself moved by Iwata's effort. I'm not a sucker for these things. I've never met a keynote I like. But this one seemed to do everything Nintendo needed to do — show actual titles for the DS, prove that they're different but fun, ask for a thorough going-over from the game development community, and remind everyone why we love games. One of the big criticisms of the Allard keynote is that it was all number crunching and trying to guess what the future will require. Iwata stuck with the Nintendo talking point - it's all about the software. Then he proceeded to show us software. Would it have been better if they'd introduced more quality titles for the DS earlier? Oh yeah. I don't think anyone can argue otherwise with a straight face. But I see no reason why their 4 million DS customers have to worry. Be patient? Yes. Worry? For the first time, I just don't think so.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Knowie @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I just saw the Zelda Trailer #2 and all i got to say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nintendo is going to won
Esmail @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I knew Nintendo won't let us down!
It seems that they also have BIG things under the table, though.
Iwata said that Revolution will be backward-compatible and wi-fi compatibale out of the box. What does Nintendo have more to tell ?
I actually can't wait until May. that's 2 months! TWO!
funkonaut @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Zelda GDC trailer:
http://media.cube.ign.com/media/572/572738/vids_1.html
ketch @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Ben, I was reading your past "opinion article" on the DS (I must have missed that one) and I would like to know if you have a similar piece or will you make a similar piece for the PSP, I liked your opinions and although I don't agree with some of them on the DS I do respect them as they are true to the "portable" issues/problems of both DS & PSP.
Good job on getting the highlights of Iwata's speech, I feel all tingly and in a state of anticipation because of E3. Good times, good times.
lokey @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
here's the full transcript of the key note
http://crystaltips.typepad.com/wonderland/2005/03/nintendos_sator.html
Prof Wiz @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Wow. That Zelda trailer is freaking amazing. Such atmosphere. I'm not a big Nintendo fan but after reading the keynote and interviews with Reggie, I think I might become one.
Their honesty and love of games comes through in all they say and do. It makes me feel like Nintendo really cares about games and that the only reason Sony is in the game business at all is to rake in cash; they don't care about the games.
Chris Norman @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Nintend0 is teh sux.
DS is teh suxx0rz.
Gamepuke iz for kiddiez.
Whothwhathefu...
Wi-fi? Free global network play? Backwards-compatible Revolution when the best games of this generation are currently coming out for the NGC? Two industry heavy-hitters developing the tech (IBM & ATI)? A current-gen title that looks like it will blow away all of the games that have been hinted at being next-gen so far? Amazingly original titles that will draw in far more non-traditional gamers than any PSP Playstation remakes? The potential for amazing integration between DS and Revolution titles via an in-home wireless network?
And this is just the warm-up to the real juicy stuff at E3?
Shee-it!
Nintendo just blew everyone out of the water without even breaking a sweat. These are some of the smartest moves I have seen coming out of the new leadership, and they are definately poised to change the gaming landscape (every announcement has far more potential to revolutionize *gameplay* versus delivering higher rez graphics, pushing more polygons, or generally soaking more money [via micropayments] from consumers).
DarkbladeX @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
This is great, that Zelda trailer brings a tear to my eye, and DS's wifi sounds awesome. Can't wait till E3.
Sean @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Commenting on the above feedback about Nintendo:"Their honesty and love of games comes through in all they say and do. It makes me feel like Nintendo really cares about games and that the only reason Sony is in the game business at all is to rake in cash; they don't care about the games."
I agree 1000% and believe you can put Microsoft in the same category as Sony.
Nintendo loves gamers and shows it by being the company that leads the way in new types of games. The others just copy them.
Chris Norman @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Those skeletons coming to life look like something taken from a Harryhausen animation. Absolutely stunning.
Luke @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I already couldn't understand why any self respecting gamer wouldn't have a gamecube by this point (99 dollars people), but seeing that other zelda trailer just made me all the more curious.
The game is going to rock! That and the other great GameCube games that are available (many of them discount by this point).
SetupWeasel @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I'm curious what exactly impressed you so much about the speech, Ben. As someone who follows Nintendo closely, only a few things were new. Was it something about how he presented himself? Was there something he said that the media hasn't reported on? (Like something not that wasn't news per se, but resonated with you.))
J44xm @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I'm very impressed. And even more excited. I wasn't going to buy a DS, but now ...
"Smash Bros." is one of my all-time favorites. Iwata-san's enthusiasm might mean another entry into the series ...
Man!
I have to agree, for pure heart, Sony and Microsoft fall far, far behind -- in genuineness and gaming experience.
Ben Z. @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I updated my post with some more thoughts.
Eric @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I have to say i have never been so excited about video games since i was a little tyke playing super mario....no wait i am more excited. Nintendo is right, graphics won't do anymore (Brute Force is a great example).
Nintendo to beat sony finally? With GBA 2 coming and backwards compatibility Rev-Gamecube.....HECK YES!:D
PrettyObvious @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I def agree with post number 12. If anybody has followed Nintendo closely last year and seen the launch lineup of the DS, How can anybody get excited? I didnt touch my GC once in 2004, it's not that I didnt want to, It's that I had no reason too. Metriod Prime 2 was basically its only stellar game of the year and it didnt even top the first Prime so I stuck with Halo 2. Nintendo has dissapointed me one time to many, and sure Zelda looks nice and all but they seem to think that releasing one amazing game after a year and half will make everyone jump for joy. Its pitiful. And DS owners are jumping for joy about the inclusion of WiFi gameplay of which the PSP already has at its launch with twice as many games as the DS currently has altogether since its launch. You guys need to check your loyalty. Its not Microsoft or Sony you should be mad at. For the first time in 23 years im no longer a Nintendo fan.
Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Ben:
Thanks for updating your article. I'm glad you can see Nintendo the difference in philosophy.
SetupWeasel @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Don't twist my words, #15. I've been excited about the Nintendo DS since the first videos last E3. I wanted to know what Ben thought, because he was there, and he seemed to be affected by the presentation more than I would have expected from the press releases.
I'm listening to the speech now, and it is a good one. (you can find it on nintendo.com) Ben's reactions after "Furthermore!" mirror my own about Nintendo. I've always thought they were chasing something pure and ideal, and I think a lot of Nintendo fans agree with this. Companies are supposed to be these monolithic beasts that only care about their bottom line, but I've always considered Nintendo differently. Maybe they've pulled the wool over my eyes, but if they have, I have been completely duped.
Like Ben said, it's the naieve part of me that thinks this. I don't know what he will feel about Nintendo later on, but he described what I have felt about Nintendo and how I feel it very well.
Luke @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
@PrettyObvious:
You must not read Joystiq much! I get the impression that SetUpWeasle is one of biggest Nintendo fans on Joystiq (I'm right there with ya SetUp!).
So I think that what SetUp was trying to say was: As awesome as Iwata's speech was, it didn't say anything new per se (certainly not new to anyone who follows Nintendo), so what was it that turned a "skeptic" (I mean that nicely of course ;) like Ben around.
Sorry if I am mis-understanding you SetUp. And sorry for speaking for you too!
Oh by the way, you should all take the time to read Iwata's speech transcript. It's on cube.ign.com. It's a great read, and it shows that Nintendo has it's heart in the right place, even when they supposedly make "bad" decisions.
Luke @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Oh snap! We must have posted at the same time SetUp! I agree with you wholeheartedly by the way.
Jon @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I too thought it was a reasonably good, heart-felt keynote. However, the mario kart birthday people battle on stage was pretty cheesy. And the Nintendogs thing is just a fancier tamagotchi, not really "innovative" - one of nintendo's 4 "I's." The electro-plankton thing looks kind of neat, but make no mistake, these are not games anymore, they are toys (not entirely a bad thing), even if Nintendo doesn't want it coming off that way (what was all that crap about the DS appealing to "hardcore gamers?").
As for DS wifi, as I mentioned in a comment to an artcile here previously, is not true 802.11 compatible. In my last comment I said that they would have to brand/release a Nintendo access point that was compatible with the DS - and today's keynote solidified that the Revolution will be just that. I have no more doubt in my mind. You want to play online with the DS? You'll be needing a revolution too. It's 1/2 retarded engineering, and 1/2 marketing brilliance.
SetupWeasel @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
The DS uses both IEEE 802.11 AND Nintendo's proprietary format. It depends on the software. Plus the first wi-fi games will be out BEFORE the revolution.
http://www.nintendo.com/techspecds
curtschilling @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
great, announcement basically annoucing a later announcement. no dates from nintendo.
an announcement about the ds going online or that "noline" bullshit isnt going to keep people froming picking up a psp that goes online out of the box.
Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
I believe it will prevent people from picking up a PSP for online gaming.
Anyone who has used Xbox Live vs. playing the PS2 online can tell you that there is a vast chasm of difference between the user experiences.
PSP will go online, just the same way it will play MP3s, barely. The functionality is the bare minimum.
With the DS, you will instantly know which of your friends are online. You will communicate with them. It will be like a network of friends not nameless, faceless people sitting on some obscure IP number.
Dan Dickinson @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Kamalot, could you name any PS2 network game where the users are only identified by IP address? I'd really love to see this nameless, faceless network game.
Kamalot @ Dec 18th 2005 8:46PM
Please show me a cross-game friends list implemented on the PS2. No? See what I mean about a nameless, faceless system? You don't REALLY know who you are going up against. Each game is an island. Where are your friends? Are they on some other island? Why can’t you communicate?
I don't think I said that players are identified by IP number now did I?