Preview Day

Today, a Preview session was held at Nintendo's Headquarters in the Netherlands. As I promised, a full report on this event...

Today, the Dutch department of Nintendo held a 'preview session'. Six upcoming GBA games were shown:

Pokon Ruby/Sapphire (Jap)
Zelda Advance
Rayman 3
Crouching Tiger - Hidden Dragon
Toca Touring Cars

Each of these were available for playing (which I of course did). I'll try to desribe my first thoughts on each of these games separately.

First, there were the two Pokon games: Ruby and Sapphire. Although they were both the Japanese versions, the game actually played very well. The general idea is still the same: you're a boy (or girl), you'll gain your first Pokon by helping out a professor and your opponent will be one of your best friends. The true story however stays unknown, since my lack knowledge of the Japanese language.
So what did I actually do for 30 minutes with a Japanese game?
That's easy. I was hunting those critters! The game works almost exactly the same as the previous Pokon games. While fighting, the menu consists of 4 options: attack, item, change Pokon and run. For moves, just try a learn. For items, the bag-idea is back. This means pokeballs in the front pocket. Playing went extremely well (for the circumstances).
On to graphics-talk. Pokon Ruby and Sapphire are an updated version of Pokon Gold/Silver. I didn't really notice that the GBA screen is a bit wider (compared to the regular Gameboy), until a fight started. There was clearly more room on the screen, which was also needed for the tag-battles, but the monsters actually had room for showing several moves. The Pokon actually move themselves when performing certain attacks.
Another nice eyecatcher, was the reflection of characters when standing next to water. Still, graphics aren't far as nice as Golden Sun's.
Taking everything together, I think you could say Pokon Advance is a nice new adventure, but graphics could've been nicer...

Second on the list: Zelda Advance.
As you all know (otherwise, check out the reviews-section on Zelda), the game contains 2 modes: SNES' Link to the Past and multiplaying game The Four Swords. Both of these modes were tested.
Link to the Past: truely a classic! The game is a regular port of the SNES version, with some small improvements. Sounds (music and effects) have been reshaped, which results into a better experience than on the SNES. Graphically, the game is identical to the original.
The Four Swords: Played this one together with Jelle from insidegamer.nl. The game is based on cooperation and therefor on multiplaying only. There's NO way, you could finish a level by yourself. Some rocks can only be lifted by two (or more) people, some switches must be stepped on/hit at the same time, players must be thrown over gaps, etc.
Monsters appear throughout the dungeons, and most have a weak point. And what do you know? Even these weak points are based on cooperation. An example. Some monster was hiding in a shell. Whenever it was thrown, the monster started flying for a brief moment, so Jelle and I started a little game of baseball with these monsters...
If you've got friends who play with their GBA a lot, buy this game!

Then there's the new Rayman game: Rayman 3. Visually, not a real improvement. Don't get me wrong, graphics aren't bad. On gameplay, some things have changed. For example, the level select screen is now a regular level (instead of a map). Some levels can't be reached unless you've obtained a certain ability (like swinging).
Another nice addition, is the swamp race. in this level, Rayman is waterskiing on a swamp. Unfortunately for him, the swamp is filled with bombs and sandbanks. It's your task to guide him trough. This level was nice the first time, but after hitting a bomb, you'll have to start the whole race over. Experiencing a collision with the same bomb three times in a row, kinda makes you unhappy...

Fourth game: Crouching Tiger - Hidden Dragon.
Not much to say about this game actually. The game reminded me of Sub Zero's game on SNES. A action/fighting game with 6 special moves (all given to you). Just walking, jumping and slashing in this game.

Last, Toca Touring Cars. Either the game wasn't finished yet, the controls weren't optimalized or I can't drive. Let's hope it was the first one.
Toca isn't graphically top of the bill. Games such as VRally 3 whipe the floor with this game in its current state. Talking about whiping, sound wasn't exactly good either. My car sounded like a motorcycle, while another car (riding next to me) remembered me of an airplane...
Not everything was bad on Toca though. The game includes pitstops (needed, because your car will take damage).
Was that all? Yes, unfortunately it was.

Seeing all these games (and playing them) was pretty nice, but it also made me aware of what's coming to the GBA soon. Big titles such as Zelda and Pokon will be garanteed hits. However, there's still much work to be done...

thnx to Tim from Cube-Europe

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FacebookPosted on 09-11-2002 by Dennis

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