Mailbag (issue 5)

After 5 weeks, there are 4 letters in the mailbag. 3 questions and 1 time some game-info...

(a registered member) asked:

Hey Dennis, wanted to ask you what your views are on the current GBA/SP situation, do you think the SP has attracted new gamers?

Also are you concerned about the upcoming new rivals entering the handheld market? Which one (N-gage or PSP) poses the biggest threat?

Cheers bud.

Hi there J7! It's always nice to see a familiar face around here. Now about your question, the GBA SP certainly attracted a whole new market: the 'elderly' gamers. The GBA SP advertisements were focussed on the somewhat older gamers, and Nintendo succeeded in getting those potential customers. While the N-Gage and the upcoming PSP both try to reach that same audience, i don't really think they'll succeed. First of all, the N-Gage is a phone. What do you use a phone for? Not for gaming. Besides, what happens if you're finally in that particular boss-fight and someone rings you? The PSP however will be a gaming handheld. While the specifications of the new device sound incredible, it's Nintendo who currently owns the handheld-market. Nintendo already announce the GBA successor to be released somewhere in 2005 (my guess is during Q1), which is very close after the release of the PSP. The PSP therefor has only a limited amount of time to prove itself worthy. I also think the GBA fans will stick to the GBA (due to the enormous amount of games available), while the PSP will draw most Playtation fanatics.

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einsk8 (another registered member) had this articular question:

I cant wait to get advance wars 2 and STUNTMAN ...especially stuntman... and you?

ps: just to be sure...stuntman will be lauchd in canada ? just wondering , caus stuntman is a european game

Hello einsk8, Of course I can't wait for Advance Wars 2 to be released (won't be long now). Stuntman however is a different story for me. The game looks promising, but with titles such as Need for Speed within view, Stuntman just doesn't seem the effort. Stuntman was being developed by Infogrames. Infogrames was recently bought out by Atari. Atari doesn't have a special Canadian-department, but they do have a North-America one. I doublechecked their releaselists, and Stuntman is on the list (no date though). The European version will be released on the 13th this month, so you could also try the nearest importstore.

einsk8 also wanted you to know that:

hey maybe you know or...if not... thps 5 on game boy advance will be a hell good game. you can create your own trick AND create your own sk8park! AND you can ride BMX...yeah bmx! AND you can also ride a moto! Man I'm scared for my real life skateboarding to become a virtual-skateboarder ( at least I wont get hurt)

Einsk8, you're totally right. Tony Hawk's Underground (also known as Tony Hawk pro Skater 5) was on Activisions list during E3. Unfortunately, they only supplied the console factsheets (for PS2, XBox and GC). On these lists, there's indeed a notice that you'd be able to ride a skateboard or explore the levels on foot (or 'using a vehicle') and a level editor-option. I think the GBA version will also feature (most of) these options. ps. if you're logged in, there should be a link to 'supply news' on the left of your screen

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Finally, there's henk (not registered):

Hey ,

First of all I would like to see your site kicks ass!! i have written to this kick ass mailbag before and thanks for answering that question. Please say Hi to Tim for me ;) I visit his site daily also. I have both GC and GBA.

My question is whether you think it is worth purchasing the GBA Player?

Thanks! Henk

Hey Henk, first of all, Tim said 'hi' back. Since the GB Player is more a GameCube pheripheral (it's basically a GBA for the GameCube), you won't be surprised to see this device on both sites (gba.n64europe.com and Cube-Europe). Tim recently received his GB Player and according to him (although he also owns a few GBA's), the device is definately worth the money. He also wanted to tell you all that you should check out Cube-Europe 'in the near future' for a full review on the GB Player...

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And that's it for this week. Hopefully j7wicked, einsk8 and henk got the answers they were looking for, otherwise be sure to write back (this also applies for all others).

Share on Twitter or FacebookPosted on 01-06-2003 by Dennis

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