This is basically for all of the people that might think that I am biased against the N64 or Nintendo in general.
First of all I like Nintendo. I do not hate them. However there are some tactics used by Nintendo that I do not like at all or hate in general.The N64 to me was a somewhat of a flop. Not too many gamers were in line to play a cutesy game this time around while the PS was churning out Mature rated games. Nintendo took notice to this and decided that the best thing to do was to make more kiddie games.Now it is not like I am against kiddie games or anything. It's just that they are to be enjoyed like alcohol. In moderation. Nintendo is not hearing our pleas.
Next we have the problem called Nintendo of America. Yes these nutheads are the ones that constantly annoy us by acting as our voice. These idiots think they know what we want. Apparently they don't because I don't want Pokemon yet they continue to make it. Those cool imports that you hear about but never see the light of day over here are because of NOA.They are the ones that decide what games to port or sell over here. Hell even Sega does a great job with fun unusual games that might not sell as well as a mascot driven series, but provide the lucky gamer who brought it hours of fun.
Next up is the fact that the N64 uses cartridges. I know the gamecube is using CD's but the 64 is still alive while the GC is not even close to being here yet.If you are wondering why this has such a significant impact then read on my friend.First of all the CD holds way more data than a cartridge. Hundreds of times more. You think that every system out now would be CD based but you'd be wrong. Independent developers like square took their act on the road and left the 64 behind.The CD's gave developers more space which meant better games and audio. Also even if the developers ran out of disc space, they could easily just start on a new one and package multiple ones.Games are starting to become bigger and better which means more space needed. If nintendo tried to release a multiple cartridge game , not only would it fail, but it would look very stupid.Try to imagine Final Fantasy 8 spread out on 32 cartridges. I think not.
Yet another problem is the lack of variety. Yes Mario 64 was great but does that mean butcher all of your trademark games and make them like mario 64. No it does not.Look what happened to Castlevania. They tried to make it like Mario which was also made like Zelda.I am tired of having to play a game that is either with Nintendo characters plastered all over the box or a first person shooter like golden eye.. Yes it is good but I want to see some new stuff. This brings me to another point. All of the competition has wised up and started to import and develope RPG's like crazy.The 64 has only 2 so far and one more on the way. The first should not count as Quest sucked big time and the second one, Ogre Battle 64, is not a full blooded RPG. Then the third one is tainted with Mario's mug titled Peper Mario.The SNES was plagued with them. I remeber almost wetting my pants at just hearing the announcement of a new Square RPG.Iloved FF3 and Chrono Trigger. Now nothing. The SNES had divesity with shooters and adventure games galore! Wise up Nintendo. Update your mascots and diversify your playing field.
The 64 did have some good games that I still play. I do not have a 64 but I do have access to one.While the 64 did have really solid titles , the delays were painful. almost 6 months for perfect dark!.I do like their approach to get everything right though.I would rather have 10 great games than 35 mediocre games that I probably would not play for a while. If the 64 gets positive feedback it is here.Also the reduction in price helps.
Overall Nintendo has had a storied past.However it is important to know that times are changing.Hopefully Nintendo will wise up with the game cube.They have taken a positive step but know you must convince all of your alienated gamers that your new system will cater to their needs.If not expect for them to jump ship and hop aboard the USS. Sony.
