Has Nintendo been neglecting it's core gamers?

This is really an controversial topic here. I decided to make a thread dedicated to this situation right here: http://boards.ign.com/nintendo_wii_lobby/b8270/189720568/p1/?22

Here are the ground rules of this discussion:

1. You are not allow to use this to hate on Nintendo or praise Nintendo as if they were God. That means you cannot make this as an excuse to rant on how awful Nintendo is and how they have 100% factually abandon the core gamers. You may also not call people crazy for saying Nintendo has neglected there core gamers and you may not say Nintendo is the greatest thing ever created or something along those lines.

2. Explain why you think why you came to your conclusion. This isn't something I'll report on or anything, but I strongly suggest more then an yes or no answer. Give your reasons why you came to your conclusion and make it worth reading (Even people who tend to usually make one or few-words posts).

3. Absolutely no flame wars.  Flame wars are massive and very common, and they usually take forever to get resolved. All name-calling, threats, messages mean to hurt other people, or others like that is unacceptable. Now don't get me wrong, I highly encourage debating with each other when done smoothly and with an apporite manner. I just don't want to see any flame wars here.

4. Read the posts completely before even considering replying. Make sure to read it completley once before reasponding. This will help keep things smooth.

5. Before debating the situation with anyone who posted here, give your thoughts out first. You can even reply to the same person who you want to reply to, as long as your thoughts on the situation comes first. This isn't something you'll get reported over if you break it, just an recommendation.

This is my post on IGN regarding the situation:

"Now the the posts are starting to pour in, I'm going to give my thoughts on the situation.

For the few people who were wondering, yes, I was that first preson who voted "Yes, to an certain degree". However, let me explain myself.

I voted "Yes, to an certain degree" because it really depends what area Nintendo has really been neglecting. In general, they have done an excellent job this generation with great games, great market stragedy, and made two unique consoles this generation, the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS, both great systems, although I prefer the Wii since I am losing interest in the handheld market. Thus, they deserve lots of credits and respects this generation. And just to add something nice, the Nintendo Wii improved from the Nintendo Gamecube, which I consider to be Nintendo's worst home console.

That's not to say that Nintendo is perfect and is an almighty god we should bow down to. They certantly have some flaws that no Nintendo fan that isn't an deliusional fanboy can denide.

First off, they do not have the best marketing stragedy for core games. Very rarely do I see an adversitment for an Wii game nowadays (But that's also link to the fact that I don't watch TV much) and most third-party core games underperform due to that. The fact that Excitebots: Trick Racing sold only 140,000 is saddening, as I love the game and believe it's highly underrated.

Another problem with Nintendo is how they treat some of there franchises. Pokemon haven't received an great console installment since Pokemon Stadium 2. Nintendo has also failed to give the Earthbound franchise a chance to suceed outside of Japan, we're even left in the dark if Earthbound itself will be on the Virtual Console outside of Japan. Kirby hasn't been that good in the console area either since 2001. And they are well known for milking the living **** out of Pokemon, which resulted in me and numerous other people who grew up with the first generation to lose interest in future installments after the 2nd or even 3rd generations.

And the Virtual Console, while that is great for the most part, they have failed miserably in the Nintendo 64 category, which is my favorite video game system. Having just seventeen games, all first or second-party games, on the Virtual Console for that system is disheartening, and is the main reason why I'm getting another Nintendo 64.

However, despite the big words I put into them, overall, Nintendo has done very well this generation. Nevertheless, I say they have neglected there core gamers, but only mildly."

I am so going to be broke this year.

Even when I get a job, I might still be out of spending money quickly. Why? Because Nintendo delievered a very good Media Summit. These I am excited for:

- Mega Man 10 is coming out March, 1
- Monster Hunter3 Tri is coming out April, 20 (ON MY BIRTHDAY!)
- Super Mario Galaxy coming out May, 23
- Sin & Punishment 2: Star Successor on June, 7
- Metroid: Other M coming out June, 27
- Span Smasher in July

Looks like my Nintendo 64 is going to have to wait a little.

The biggest wishlist of retro games you'll ever see from a fifteen year old.

If you've read the previous page, you know that the Nintendo 64 is one of my very most beloved system, even thought I don't have one anymore (See previous post for reason why). I'm getting another Nintendo 64 this summer (Maybe earlier depending if my grandparents will let me, but don't expect that to happen). I already made my plan to get the system, so once I get one, I'll have an huge list of games I want. These aren't just for collecting, oh no, I really want to play them. So without further ado, let's unveil my huge list:

- Mario Tennis
- Mario Party
- Mario Party 2
- Mario Party 3
- Banjo-Kazooie
- Banjo-Tootie
- Conker's Bad Fur Day
- Donkey Kong 64
- Goldeneye 007
- Perfect Dark
- Vigilante 8
- Vigilante 8: Second Offense
- Dr. Mario 64
- Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA
- Crusin' World
- Re-Volt
- BattleTanx: Global Assualt
- Diddy Kong Racing
- Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness
- Harvest Moon 64
- Mortal Kombat Trilogy
- Mortal Kombat 4
- Killer Instinct: Gold Edition
- Worms: Armengandon
- Beetle Adventure Racing
- Star Wars: Rouge Squadron
- Indiana Jones and the Infernal Machine
- Star Wars: Episode 1 Battle For Naboo
- Mega Man 64
- Resident Evil 2
- Space Station Silicon Valley
- Lego Racer
- The World Is Not Enough
- Tony Hawk Pro Skater
- Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2
- Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3
- Mickey Mouse Speedway USA
- Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six
- Rayman 2: The Great Escape
- Jet Force Gemini
- NBA Hangtime
- Extreme G
- Turok: Dinosaur Hunter
- Turok 2: Seeds Of Evil
- Wetrix
- Pilotwings 64
- Ridge Racer 64
- Namco Musuem 64
- Tetrisphere
- The New Tetris
- Bomberman 64: The Second Attack
- Bomberman Hero
- Mischeif Maker
- Hot Wheel Turbo Racing
- Pokemon Stadium
- Pokemon Stadium 2
- WipeOut 64
- Mission: Impossible
- Rocket: Robot On Wheels
- Transformer
- Chameleon Twist
- Glover
- WWF Wrestlemania 2000
- Lode Runner 3D
- Clay Fighter 63 1/3: Sculpture Cut

I think that's sixty-four to sixty-six. Now I'm not getting my grandparents to get these games, I will be saving up money for them. Yes, I am getting a job with 1/8 of the reason being the Nintendo 64. I can guaranteen you that I will not regret the system.

My love for the Nintendo 64.

You all know how much I love Nintendo. I believe that they are one of the most innovative, selfless, caring, and dedicated companies of all-time, which has been the case for the NES, SNES, N64, Gamecube, and even the Nintendo Wii. They are currently my favorite video game company right this moment.

But there's something special about the Nintendo 64, something that I have an special attraction for, something that makes it my favorite system out of the bunch. What could those things be? Well, let's dive in into why the Nintendo 64 is my favorite video game system so far.

Back in Christmas of 1999, I wasn't sure what video game was. I was five back then (Currently fifteen), so I had very little memories of things before (The only major exception being the wedding of my mom and stepdad). Now on that day, I got an Nintendo 64 and Super Mario 64. That game and especially that console would go on to be a revolution that has permanently influenced gaming as we know it. Full 3D gaming was born.

I had a ton of games for the system. Along with Super Mario 64, I also had these games:
-Banjo-Kazooie
- Banjo-Tootie
-Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six
-BattleTanx: Global Assault
-Space Station: Silicon Valley
-Lego Racer
-Super Smash Bros.
-Mario Party
-Donkey Kong 64
-NBA Hangtime
-Pokemon Stadium
-Re-Volt
-Namco Musume 64
-A baseball game
-A Madden game
- A F1 game

That's a lot of games. All except the last three were amazing games that I will forever remember in my heart. These games basically made up my childhood. They were the reason why I play video games today. This was an perfect start to gaming in my opinion, because I also had access to the NES and SNES at the time, but I spent most of my time on the Nintendo 64. Heck, when my Playstation 2 died in 2005, we used an Nintendo 64 as an replacement. Once again, I remember those memories of the console and all the fantastic games. Once I got a Gamecube, I sent it back to my dad's house (I live with my grandparents).

Sadly, that turned out to be the biggest mistake I've ever made in gaming. On November, 2007, my Nintendo 64 died on me. I said it was okay to my dad, but in reality, I was devastated. My favorite console was gone forever and so was the games. I even mistakingly passed up an wonderful oppertunity at Spring Break of 2008. To make things worse, most of the games I grew up with would never come to the Virtual Console, due to licensing issues. I really cannot bear not having a Nintendo 64 any longer.

This is what I'm planning to do. I am going to get a job at Albertson and work for an Nintendo 64. Then I'll start collecting games for the console so I can relive memories of the system.

But regardless, the Nintendo 64 will forever live in my heart and so will the memories. Long live the N64!

BTW, if you also love the Nintendo 64 and wants to discuss all things Nintendo 64, by all means, head to this forum: http://s9.zetaboards.com/Nintendo_64_Forever/index/

This is an fantastic community here that I just joined a few days ago. You will not regret signing up for this community.

Regarding Earthbound on Virtual Console.

Note: This is geared mainly towards North America. If you live in Japan, don't worry, you're probably going to get the game regardless. But sadly, I cannot speak for the PAL region. Even if Japan and North America sees this, a European and/or Australian release is not guaranteen. Tecmo Bowl anyone?

You are all aware that Earthbound has formed one of the biggest video game cults in history. As expected, this was one of the most requested games on the Virtual Console. However, on February 16, 2009, fans like me were up for an rude awakening when we heard that Earthbound might not be coming to the Virtual Console, due to potential legal issues. As a result, people gave up all hopes for anymore exposure of the franchise, be it new installments, remakes, complimations, or even Virtual Console releases. However, instead of following the crowd, I decided to give my spin on the situation. I'll give out my opinion if we'll see the game on the Virtual Console.

A Virtual Console release is not as unlikely as you think it is if my theory turns out to be correct.

When it comes to discussing if that particular game will be made available on the Virtual Console, no game has been more controversial then Earthbound. Take a look at the Virtual Console section of the Nintendo Life Forums and you'll find numerous arguements regarding the game VC release.

Okay, let's get on with the facts first.

1. Earthbound is rumored to be under legal issues. This can (Not will, but it can) prevent an Virtual Console release, and I can no longer denide that if true.

2. Nintendo has not confirmed Starmen's source. Right now, we should leave the source as unconfirmed, because Starmen.net, while is an huge Earthbound site, is not official news site for Earthbound-related games on Nintendo's consoles. Therefore, they are not entirely creidable in that section.

3. The game has an ESRB rating. Sure it's been there since May, 2008, but it's still there. Check out the webiste and type in "Earthbound" and you'll find an ESRB rating for the Wii, suggesting that Nintendo might be using it for an Virtual Console release (Most likely since the franchise is dead).

4. This is one of the most requested games on the Virtual Console. This has been the case since it's announcement at E3 2005, which brings me too...

5. It was announced at E3 2005. Satoru Iwata, the president of Nintendo announced at Nintendo's E3 2005 that Earthbound, along with Punch-Out!, Excitebike, and another title (Can't remember) would be released on the Virtual Console.

6. All three Super Smash Bros. games featured Ness as a playable character. Ness is an vetern character in the series and has grew in popularity as the series continued. All of the original characters except Ness at least gotten a game with an Virtual Console release, so they probably want to put Ness on the spotlight on the Virtual Console too now that they got the other series covered.

7. Super Smash Bros. is available on all region on the Virtual Console. This is an crucial evidence here. Ness is an unlockable character here, so this is an perfect oppertunity to get people to familize with him if they haven't already and this could increase demand for Earthbound to be put on the Virtual Console.

8. The game is very expensive. Most copies are more then what you see on an Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 games and that's quite sad. Luckily, Virtual Console has been proven an efficent way to bring down cost of previously expensive games (See Bubble Bobble) or at least gave them an cheap option to experience the game previously mostly unaffordable (M.U.S.H.A. for example). The longer the game goes without an Virtual Console release, the the more expensive the game will get. Releasing the game on the Virtual Console would really help bring down the cost and give us an cheaper solution to finally experience the game.

9. The franchise is owned by Nintendo. Do I need to say more?

Nine facts that we all need to know that could be related to a Virtual Console release. Now what is my opinion on the situation? You might be surprised to here this, but I actually think the game has a good chance of being released, providing that unsolved legal issues doesn't get confirmed by Nintendo. Now legal issues would (Not will, would) prevent a Virtual Console release, but we don't know that right? All but the first fact leads me to my general conclusion. As a matter of fact, I think if Nintendo pulls the right strings, we could see the game in the latter half of 2010. And also, because I have no plans to give up hope on an Virtual Console release of this game. As a matter of fact, I think I have an interesting theory. Take a good read at this.

Like I said before, there has been rumors of legal issues. Even if this is true, it's not like Nintendo didn't know of it just yesterday. They probably did a lot of research regarding potential legal issues and as you might expect, they got a ton of them. However, for all we know, they might not have done this shortly before we heard the news about the game not coming to the Virtual Console. They could have done this shortly after Nintendo came up with the idea of the Virtual Console. Knowing this, they could have asked Nintendo of Japan to change the music, but they rejected the request sent by NOA. And even before E3 2005, Nintendo of America would have decided to start fixing the legal issues. They could have discussed this with Nintendo of Japan and they would have given them the OK to start fixing them and release the game unaltered. In return, Nintendo of Japan announced Earthbound for the Virtual Console at E3 2005. Fixing the legal issues like this probably took a couple years or so to do, if not more. If they did start shortly before E3 2005, then they should have fixed it sometimes in late 2007/early 2008. Then they went to the ESRB to approve it and they did, thus we have an ESRB rating for the game. Then for some oddball reason, someone at Nintendo of America wanted the version to more resemble the original Japanese version or add something like multiple lanugages in the game, so NOA might have approved it and maybe that's why a release is taking like forever to happen here. Then some dedicated member from Starmen.net on February 15th, 2009 dedcided to search for news relating to Earthbound and he found that Nintendo of America were trying to change music, of NOJ denide their request. As a result, he got devastated and decided to tell Starmen.net about it, thus giving us a rumor about the game not ever coming to the Virtual Console.

These are the squares that Earthbound might be in. Which square do you think they're in?

Square 0: The game is never coming to the Virtual Console, no matter how many people want it.

Square 1: The game can be made available on the Virtual Console, but it's going to be difficult to do, due to legal issues, and the ESRB rating doesn't mean anything.

Square 2: The ESRB rating does help and it will likely be made available on the Virtual Console, but the game might have legal issues.

Square 3: The game will be made available on the Virtual Console, above should explain why the game is taking so long to get released.

According to this, I believe Earthbound is under Square 2. It can move either way.

The theory is just my opinion, nothing more. We don't really know if the game is coming or not, all we can do is speculate until (A: We heard from Nintendo that it's not coming or (B: The game gets an Virtual Console release.

Will we ever see Earthbound again?

The Earthbound/Mother fanbase has been met with nothing but massive disappointments for the past decade. Nintendo ignored the petition for an Mother release on the Game Boy Color, Earthbound 64 was cancelled (Which eventually turned into Mother 3), we didn't receive the Mother+Mother 2 complimation, and we will most likely never see Mother 3 and more disappointments. I really can't imagine how the fanbase didn't give up already and move on, no offense. However, Earthbound, if released on the Virtual Console, can be a turning point for the franchise and people should finally be able to recognize why this game is so well beloved by it's fans.

Judgement Day: The Grinder Fanbase reaction to the game going multiplatform.

The Grinder Fanbase shows how insane fans can get over one announcement.

It's true. Just two days ago, High Voltage Software confirmed that The Grinder will no longer be an Wii exclusive, but will also be available on the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. As a Wii-only owner, you would think that I would go apeshit over this announcement and declare High Voltage Software as an evil overlord who betrayed the Wii. But no, I'm smarter then that. Here is my opinion on The Grinder going multiplatform: http://the-grinder.webs.com/apps/forums/topics/show/2037514-my-opinion-on-the-grinder-going-multiplatform-and-an-plea-for-the-company-

Here's a summary, I am a little disappointed by HVS's decision to go multiplatform, but that doesn't really affect me, although it really does suck that we have to wait until October, 2011 to see it. See, I have been highly anticapating this game since it was announced with Wii Speak and Wii MotionPlus, proving that High Voltage Software wants this game to suceed on the Wii. The fact that it's going multiplatform will likely not change HVS's views on that. The only thing I wish for the company to do is make all four versions equal to each other. That's it, no more and no less then that. Even if the Wii version does fall behind, I'll be getting it for the PS3, since I'll have a PS3 by 2011. See, I'm getting the game regardless, so I'll be following further news regarding it.

But most of The Grinder fanbase refuse to accept the game going to new platforms. And as a result, they went crazy over it. Most of them are worried about the Wii version getting dumbed down (Which is understandable, but they are still taking that too far), but some of them got so furious that they gave HVS the middle finger, said "f*** you" to them, and because of this, there has been massive flame wars regarding the news.

To all who panic about the situation like it's the end of the world. Are you that insane and shallow? Do you really think a company that has sacerficed a lot to make great core games to us deserve to die? Is it really apporite to have all of these flame wars going on over one freakin' announcement? If so, then that's really patethic. There is absolutely no reason why all of this had to start. High Voltage Software is probably pissed at your behavior towards them, knowing that YOU betrayed them when you said you would never play a game from them because of the game going multiplatform.

And folks, this isn't the first time this has happen this generation when console fanboys put up a fit over a game that's coming to another system, yet is still going to be available in their system as well. This has happen to the Sony fanbase a few times and Microsoft fanbase is also guilty of this at least once. This is the first time Wii fanboys actually went crazy over an game going to another system, while still being on the Wii. And so, I congrat The Grinder Wii fanboys for making the rest of the fanbase look bad (Sarcasm).

This isn't the first time a former Wii exclusive was made available on the PS3 and 360. Take No More Heroes as an example. In January, 2008 (December, 2007 in Japan), the game was made availabe in North America as a Wii exclusive. It got good reviews and sold decently on the system. But against Suda 51 wish, Marvelous and Ubisoft are porting this to the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. That might be worth getting angry over, but guess what? The No More Heroes fanbase didn't go crazy. They knew that the sequel would remain an Wii exclusive, so they realize that going crazy over the first game getting the multiplatform treatment would do nothing more then make themself look like asshole with no life. Reacting calmly to the situation is how The Grinder fanbase should have done.

Sadly, it didn't work that way. They made themself look like idiots, call HVS names, and went insane over practically nothing. They are reminders of why they make the rest of the fanbase look bad. Now, went non-fans react to the situation two years from now, they'll probably say "Wow, the entire fanbase is a mess.". But we're, not, but the majority of the fanbase are crazy.

In case you non-fans don't believe me, look at this site and see the posts for the general and offline forum section and you'll see what I mean: http://the-grinder.webs.com/

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a good day.

@Destructoid: You should totally do an Fanboy Friday on The Grinder fanbase. That would seriously be halirious to do. BTW, I sent you an tip over doing that,. I'll be checking every Friday for that and once you mention there insanity, I will sign up to your site just because of that.