November kicks off with a bombshell: Resident Evil 4, the GameCube’s only remaining exclusive third-party heavyweight, is confirmed for PlayStation. Days later SPOnG would exclusively reveal that an Xbox version is being developed alongside the Sony game. It’s one of the most embarrassing moments for any company all year.
Day two and Sony president Ken Kutaragi makes fresh comments that plunge the battery life expectations widely held for the PSP back into the pit of darkness, undoing some natty spin work from the previous week. Speaking to Japanese press, Kutaragi-san said, “A puzzle game will last longer, but Ridge Racer will probably be shorter than that," he admitted, revealing finally on the record for the first time what has been suspected for some time – that unless one is playing a very specific type of game with a very specific hardware configuration, Sony’s four to six hour power life claim could be discarded.
The next day and Nintendo sues tasteful soft-porn-outsider-community site - Suicide Girls.
As Business Daily columnist and senior psychology major Jonathan Titchenal puts it: perhaps the truth is out there somewhere -
Boss: Are you looking at PORN on company time?!
Guy: Uh, no, no of course not! I'm, uh, I'm (clickety-click) - I'm searching this site for illegal use of Nintendo trademarks! Look at that! The word "Metroid," right on the page. We must take action!
Boss: Are you sure?
Guy: (louder) We must take action!
Boss: Uh. Sure. Right. Carry on.
The case stemmed from a user on the porn site expressing an interest in Nintendo gaming.
Nintendo is forced to make this embarrassing climbdown:
SPOnG exclusively reveals that the PSP will launch in March in Europe, following the obtaining of high-level leaked release plans. The news is subsequently confirmed by high-ranking retail sources.
Meanwhile, Rare’s shame is almost complete. Kameo, the game it has been working on since pre 2000 is essentially canned, with the much-trumpeted action title being removed indefinitely from all release schedules. “After a lot of thought and discussion, Rare and Microsoft Game Studios have decided to push back the launch of Kameo: Elements of Power in order to incorporate several changes and new features (some minor, some not so minor). We realise this is frustrating in the short term to all those of you avidly following the game's progress and itching to bust some Troll heads, and we can only apologise for keeping you in suspense, but rest assured that every last one of these new developments is designed to enhance and expand the overall experience. We want this to be the best game possible, so like any delays we may have instigated in the past (surely not) we have every confidence that this one will ultimately work out for the best..”
The entire Rare buy-out for Microsoft has left the firm embarrassed from the outset. The Redmond giant ensured attendees at it’s X02 summit that it’s new acquisition would be releasing at least five blockbuster smash hits for Xbox every year. This is currently running at staggering 90% shortfall.
To compensate, the 8th sees Microsoft’s mobile mouth Peter Moore take a pop at the PSP saying that launching against the Kyoto giant is akin to “…developing your own little operating system and saying, 'Well, I'm going to challenge Windows!’” Moore is placed back in the naughty corner, no-one mentions Linux to him. Microsoft then announces support for Gizmondo. You’ve got to laugh sometime, laugh as long and as loud as possible.
Despite Microsoft support and a very nice website, Gizmondo launches later in November without anyone noticing.
The 10th of November sees Polyphony make an incredible pledge regarding the future of the Gran Turismo series. Studio head Kazunori Yamauchi claims that the next iteration of the game, to be made available for PlayStation 3, will see full car damage modelling.
Five days later and Marvel Entertainment threatens the existence of game editors, sueing South Korea-based NCSoft alleging copyright infringement in the Online action game City of Heroes. The suit stems from a few users dressing up their characters to resemble Marvel Superheroes The Fantastic Four. NCS goes on to roll out its game across the world on the back of the publicity.
Microsoft see the latest serious Xbox 2 information leak, with practically all the world’s gaming press receiving a copy of the firm’s 2005 plans. As IGN puts it, “Microsoft will release the successor to Xbox in 2005. And by the way, if there is still any doubt about this happening, now's the time to put it to rest. I've seen some holiday 2005 plans from publishers and several of them have major Xbox 2 titles scheduled for next November. I could name specific franchises and brand new IPs. It's really happening. And from the looks of it, there are going to be some pretty impressive launch titles.”
The following day, the 17th, sees two games confirmed for the Xenon system from EA, again via a leak. Black and Battlefield: Modern Combat are revealed as launch titles.
On the same day Nintendo decides to dish out a load of DS units to various celebrities. “They look great!” odd-looking pop singer Pink was paid to say. “They are small enough to travel with and will help me pass away many hours when I'm on tour, especially on those long bus rides,” she continued before tossing the DS onto a massive pile of other promotional stuff she had received that hour.
Two days later, UK retailer Game says, “We have been officially advised by Sony that the UK market will not receive any deliveries [of PlayStation 2 hardware] for the rest of November. We’ll be receiving stock during December and these will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The units remain on sale in high-end bundle firm throughout the shortage.
The 22nd sees Nintendo make a move of more political import than any of SPOnG’s peers realised by offering its products on open sale in Turkey. The move would go on to become a timely focal point to the country’s ongoing struggle for European Union recognition.
A day later and the JFK Reloaded assassination recreation row flares. SPOnG points out that the game, in which you try and blow mafia-linked womaniser JFK’s head off, playing as CIA stooge Lee Harvey Oswald is far from the worst thing wrong with the world that day. A lively and politically charged forum debate ensues.
On the 25th, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto tells what is widely believed to be a massive lie regarding the future of Mario 128. “The next Mario, which we still are calling Mario 128, will be released for the Nintendo GameCube when it is complete,” he said, “Though at this time, I cannot comment on when you will see this game launch.” As one Nintendo America staffer points out to us, “What else is he going to say. To announce a GameCube no-show right now would be like telling everyone that the system is finished.”
Later that day SPOnG interviews Rumble Roses lead developer Akari Uchida. We ask, “When a gamer buys Rumble Roses, how do you perceive the split of his time will be spent between playing the game and enjoying it, in the ‘gentleman’s way’?”
He says, “Ha ha ha. I think about 20 percent gameplay and 80 percent masturbating. Hah ha ha!” There is a small party in our hearts. Later than night we photograph Uchida-san being beated up by women at a swanky Champaign bar in London’s West End. Aside from the fact that was are ruined and covered in fake tan from an unknown source, a great time is had by all. One day, we’ll publish the photographs.
The month ends on something of a bitter-sweet note. Katamari Damacy, Namco’s joyous puzzler, is removed from all European release schedules. However, the sequel is announced on the same day, confirmed as a global release.
Day two and Sony president Ken Kutaragi makes fresh comments that plunge the battery life expectations widely held for the PSP back into the pit of darkness, undoing some natty spin work from the previous week. Speaking to Japanese press, Kutaragi-san said, “A puzzle game will last longer, but Ridge Racer will probably be shorter than that," he admitted, revealing finally on the record for the first time what has been suspected for some time – that unless one is playing a very specific type of game with a very specific hardware configuration, Sony’s four to six hour power life claim could be discarded.
The next day and Nintendo sues tasteful soft-porn-outsider-community site - Suicide Girls.
As Business Daily columnist and senior psychology major Jonathan Titchenal puts it: perhaps the truth is out there somewhere -
Boss: Are you looking at PORN on company time?!
Guy: Uh, no, no of course not! I'm, uh, I'm (clickety-click) - I'm searching this site for illegal use of Nintendo trademarks! Look at that! The word "Metroid," right on the page. We must take action!
Boss: Are you sure?
Guy: (louder) We must take action!
Boss: Uh. Sure. Right. Carry on.
The case stemmed from a user on the porn site expressing an interest in Nintendo gaming.
Nintendo is forced to make this embarrassing climbdown:
We would like to apologize to you and to those who frequent the suicidegirls.com website for inadvertently contacting you about a fan posting on the website.
We know that many of our fans are old enough to make their own choice about what they want to view on the Internet. We value the support of our fans and we respect their decisions. The letter was sent as part of an ongoing Nintendo program to aggressively protect our younger consumers from the hundreds of sexually-explicit sites each year that use Nintendo properties to attract children. We are proud of our efforts in this area. Unfortunately, the site posting identified in our letter was targeted by mistake.
As a gesture of goodwill, we would like to offer you (and RuneLateralus) a free Nintendo video game system and game of your choice. (...)
In addition, we would appreciate it if you could provide us with contact information for RuneLateralus, or have him contact us directly, so that we may apologize to him. We would be glad to send him a game and system of his choice through you as well, since we do not have his contact information.
Sincerely,
Christie Hamilton
Nintendo of America Inc.
Consumer Service Department
SPOnG exclusively reveals that the PSP will launch in March in Europe, following the obtaining of high-level leaked release plans. The news is subsequently confirmed by high-ranking retail sources.
Meanwhile, Rare’s shame is almost complete. Kameo, the game it has been working on since pre 2000 is essentially canned, with the much-trumpeted action title being removed indefinitely from all release schedules. “After a lot of thought and discussion, Rare and Microsoft Game Studios have decided to push back the launch of Kameo: Elements of Power in order to incorporate several changes and new features (some minor, some not so minor). We realise this is frustrating in the short term to all those of you avidly following the game's progress and itching to bust some Troll heads, and we can only apologise for keeping you in suspense, but rest assured that every last one of these new developments is designed to enhance and expand the overall experience. We want this to be the best game possible, so like any delays we may have instigated in the past (surely not) we have every confidence that this one will ultimately work out for the best..”
The entire Rare buy-out for Microsoft has left the firm embarrassed from the outset. The Redmond giant ensured attendees at it’s X02 summit that it’s new acquisition would be releasing at least five blockbuster smash hits for Xbox every year. This is currently running at staggering 90% shortfall.
To compensate, the 8th sees Microsoft’s mobile mouth Peter Moore take a pop at the PSP saying that launching against the Kyoto giant is akin to “…developing your own little operating system and saying, 'Well, I'm going to challenge Windows!’” Moore is placed back in the naughty corner, no-one mentions Linux to him. Microsoft then announces support for Gizmondo. You’ve got to laugh sometime, laugh as long and as loud as possible.
Despite Microsoft support and a very nice website, Gizmondo launches later in November without anyone noticing.
The 10th of November sees Polyphony make an incredible pledge regarding the future of the Gran Turismo series. Studio head Kazunori Yamauchi claims that the next iteration of the game, to be made available for PlayStation 3, will see full car damage modelling.
Five days later and Marvel Entertainment threatens the existence of game editors, sueing South Korea-based NCSoft alleging copyright infringement in the Online action game City of Heroes. The suit stems from a few users dressing up their characters to resemble Marvel Superheroes The Fantastic Four. NCS goes on to roll out its game across the world on the back of the publicity.
Microsoft see the latest serious Xbox 2 information leak, with practically all the world’s gaming press receiving a copy of the firm’s 2005 plans. As IGN puts it, “Microsoft will release the successor to Xbox in 2005. And by the way, if there is still any doubt about this happening, now's the time to put it to rest. I've seen some holiday 2005 plans from publishers and several of them have major Xbox 2 titles scheduled for next November. I could name specific franchises and brand new IPs. It's really happening. And from the looks of it, there are going to be some pretty impressive launch titles.”
The following day, the 17th, sees two games confirmed for the Xenon system from EA, again via a leak. Black and Battlefield: Modern Combat are revealed as launch titles.
On the same day Nintendo decides to dish out a load of DS units to various celebrities. “They look great!” odd-looking pop singer Pink was paid to say. “They are small enough to travel with and will help me pass away many hours when I'm on tour, especially on those long bus rides,” she continued before tossing the DS onto a massive pile of other promotional stuff she had received that hour.
Two days later, UK retailer Game says, “We have been officially advised by Sony that the UK market will not receive any deliveries [of PlayStation 2 hardware] for the rest of November. We’ll be receiving stock during December and these will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The units remain on sale in high-end bundle firm throughout the shortage.
The 22nd sees Nintendo make a move of more political import than any of SPOnG’s peers realised by offering its products on open sale in Turkey. The move would go on to become a timely focal point to the country’s ongoing struggle for European Union recognition.
A day later and the JFK Reloaded assassination recreation row flares. SPOnG points out that the game, in which you try and blow mafia-linked womaniser JFK’s head off, playing as CIA stooge Lee Harvey Oswald is far from the worst thing wrong with the world that day. A lively and politically charged forum debate ensues.
On the 25th, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto tells what is widely believed to be a massive lie regarding the future of Mario 128. “The next Mario, which we still are calling Mario 128, will be released for the Nintendo GameCube when it is complete,” he said, “Though at this time, I cannot comment on when you will see this game launch.” As one Nintendo America staffer points out to us, “What else is he going to say. To announce a GameCube no-show right now would be like telling everyone that the system is finished.”
Later that day SPOnG interviews Rumble Roses lead developer Akari Uchida. We ask, “When a gamer buys Rumble Roses, how do you perceive the split of his time will be spent between playing the game and enjoying it, in the ‘gentleman’s way’?”
He says, “Ha ha ha. I think about 20 percent gameplay and 80 percent masturbating. Hah ha ha!” There is a small party in our hearts. Later than night we photograph Uchida-san being beated up by women at a swanky Champaign bar in London’s West End. Aside from the fact that was are ruined and covered in fake tan from an unknown source, a great time is had by all. One day, we’ll publish the photographs.
The month ends on something of a bitter-sweet note. Katamari Damacy, Namco’s joyous puzzler, is removed from all European release schedules. However, the sequel is announced on the same day, confirmed as a global release.
Comments
Me_Me 31 Dec 2004 13:03
1/11
Regarding the Gizmondo, as I m sure a 'great' site like Spong would know a shipment of Gizmondos are coming in the 2nd week of Jan.
And with pre orders of over 500k Gizmondo (Tiger Telematics) will be very happy, and also as I m sure you are aware in November very few Gizmondos got released...
And with pre orders of over 500k Gizmondo (Tiger Telematics) will be very happy, and also as I m sure you are aware in November very few Gizmondos got released...
shearDS 31 Dec 2004 13:27
2/11
Have you guys been on the sony pills or something like what the guy said above, u will find that the gizmondo actually has sold quite well a lot more than what people expected and at the moment has more units out there than the psp
And you mention nothing about the hugh launch for the ds in the US which happened in november and the ds has now sold over 1 million to date in the US alone!
And you mention nothing about the hugh launch for the ds in the US which happened in november and the ds has now sold over 1 million to date in the US alone!
more comments below our sponsor's message
DoctorDee 2 Jan 2005 09:24
3/11
Me_Me wrote:
Regarding the Gizmondo, as Im sure a 'great' site like Spong would know a shipment of Gizmondos are coming in the 2nd week of Jan.
SPOnG is a great site isn't it? Thanks for acknowledging that.
Why would we know that? Gizmondo haven't told us that. In fact their press and PR have said virtually nothing about the machine to us. They had an impressive booth at E3, but with no hardware on it.
But from what we can see, it's just a PDA on its side with gaming-friendly controls.
Third party software support is poor.
Me_Me wrote:
And with pre orders of over 500k Gizmondo (Tiger Telematics) will be very happy
They WOULD be, but I guarantee you those figures are either global, dealer-sales, or made up.
and also as Im sure you are aware in November very few Gizmondos got released...
Of course. But the real fact is NO-ONE cared. It was the least anticipated, and the least noticed launch in recent years. Gizmondo may be a lovely looking piece of kit, but they have singly failed to create industry anticipation about it.
Trevsweb 3 Jan 2005 14:23
4/11
not sure what your sources are but why would a company lie in a public press release about sales figures? they are most likly global but thats still alrite since that was back in november.
and the gizmondo isnt out yet.
first shipment is on the 2nd week of january wiether or not they are sent striaght out is up to gizmondo really, i've been promised mine then anyway.
i think alot of people have already been brainwashed by the dominence of both the DS and the PSP already, when the gizmondo can offer alot more. sure atm the games list is very low but my gizmondo staff contacts have told my site that there will be plenty of variaty from many upcoming developer signings this year.
overall the product is very sturdy looking and a high built quality to it, like the expensive electrical devices on the market.
i know i shouldnt but theres alot more infomation on my site if your interested in learning more...
http://www.gizmondoforums.com
any questions you have ill be happy to answer if i can :)
and the gizmondo isnt out yet.
first shipment is on the 2nd week of january wiether or not they are sent striaght out is up to gizmondo really, i've been promised mine then anyway.
i think alot of people have already been brainwashed by the dominence of both the DS and the PSP already, when the gizmondo can offer alot more. sure atm the games list is very low but my gizmondo staff contacts have told my site that there will be plenty of variaty from many upcoming developer signings this year.
overall the product is very sturdy looking and a high built quality to it, like the expensive electrical devices on the market.
i know i shouldnt but theres alot more infomation on my site if your interested in learning more...
http://www.gizmondoforums.com
any questions you have ill be happy to answer if i can :)
fluffstardx 4 Jan 2005 18:08
5/11
Well, it definately exists; the local Dixons (Newcastle upon Tyne) has them. They're in the same bit as the Creative PMC. The other, "true" games consoles are at the back. I forget the price - at least £230, IIRC - but i was thoroughly unimpressed. It looked like the PMCs, for a start, and was switched off unlike its fellow devices, so i couldn't even see the quality.
Not a good way to get consumers on your side, really.
Not a good way to get consumers on your side, really.
Trevsweb 4 Jan 2005 19:00
6/11
now you see your mistaken what you saw was the tapwave zodiac not the gizmondo, if it was the gizmondo (which its not seeing as not even the official website has any yet) they are selling them unoffcially.
trust me its the zodiac u saw as they have a special deal with dixons and yes the zodiac does suck
anyway what the hell is that how you review systems, you were unimpressed yet the system wasnt even on lmao
trust me its the zodiac u saw as they have a special deal with dixons and yes the zodiac does suck
anyway what the hell is that how you review systems, you were unimpressed yet the system wasnt even on lmao
DoctorDee 5 Jan 2005 10:24
7/11
Trevsweb wrote:
not sure what your sources are but why would a company lie in a public press release about sales figures?
Because that's what companies do. There's no penalty for lying, but telling the truth can make them seem like a loser against their competition (who lie also).
they are most likly global but thats still alrite since that was back in november.
and the gizmondo isnt out yet.
and the gizmondo isnt out yet.
Well, they took the wrap on MCV in November to announce the launch. And they said on their web site that they were launching in November. So I think the confusion might be largely self-inflicted.
i think alot of people have already been brainwashed by the dominence of both the DS and the PSP already, when the gizmondo can offer alot more.
But it also ofers a lot less too. It's really just a PDA with a landscape screen and good gaming controls.
I mean, I think the more the merrier. And GIzmondo wil certainly have a lot to offer the mature, office-working gamer who needs a pDA, but wants something a little funkier.
But I think DS has more to offer the hardcore gamer, and PSP has more to offer the gadget freak. Personally, I'm mix of the latter, a hardcore gaming gadget freak... and we have DS and PSP in the office. We don't have a Gizmondo yet, and they haven't offered us one...
sure atm the games list is very low but my gizmondo staff contacts have told my site that there will be plenty of variaty from many upcoming developer signings this year.
But again they WOULD say that wouldn't they. If it's true, and the deals are inked, they'd be putting out press releases...
overall the product is very sturdy looking and a high built quality to it, like the expensive electrical devices on the market.
The device looks good. But without a bog list of good games titles, it'll be competing with the iPaq and the Palm, not with DS and PSP.
i know i shouldnt but theres alot more infomation on my site if your interested in learning more...
http://www.gizmondoforums.com
http://www.gizmondoforums.com
No, we don't like spamming of other people's forums, but we're not totally against you mentioning them. Your site is very good, I went there to try and learn more about Gizmondo, because Tiger aren't telling us very much at all.
DoctorDee 5 Jan 2005 10:27
8/11
Trevsweb wrote:
anyway what the hell is that how you review systems, you were unimpressed yet the system wasnt even on lmao
Hold on with the word "review" there... SPOnG will review Gizmondo when we get one.. anyone else's thoughts on these forums are opinioon, not review...
But a piece of hardware does not have to be switched on for you to gain first impressions aboutg the hardware... true you can't say dick about the OS/software, graphics and performance. But you can tell if the design and build quaility are good.
Trevsweb 5 Jan 2005 10:40
9/11
hehe ya i understand tiger telematics and gizmondo are very quiet to the public, but ive gotten quiet a few answers from just asking them through email, its nice to see a company willing to contact fansites these days, dont think sony or nintendo would do the same.
one more thing tho and i must really really stress this, gizmondo is not a PDA, Zodiac is a pda as it has the applications of a pda, but gizmondo is first for games, all the addon stuff like the cam and gprs and gps are allo to be used in feature games. just like saying the DS is a PDA cause it has a stylus. if anything the gizmondo is more comparable to the PSP not as powerful but has the simeler features.
no deals signed yet tho so no press releases :S just hope they hurry up with them.
go check the new screenshots of colors cause that looks class in house game for the giz.
the rest of the list is there just dont rely on the lame un updated official website there are over 30 games going for the giz, the other fansites for the giz have the lists and all are signed deals if you read the press releases. such as SCI, Warthog, indiestudios, fathammer, microsoft. really the fault of giz HQ cause they really need that list up.
sorry i didnt mean say review but it did seam he was talking about the zodiac :S, also just thought my site would help with any more info rather than reling on the tiny bit of info from the official site.
one more thing tho and i must really really stress this, gizmondo is not a PDA, Zodiac is a pda as it has the applications of a pda, but gizmondo is first for games, all the addon stuff like the cam and gprs and gps are allo to be used in feature games. just like saying the DS is a PDA cause it has a stylus. if anything the gizmondo is more comparable to the PSP not as powerful but has the simeler features.
no deals signed yet tho so no press releases :S just hope they hurry up with them.
go check the new screenshots of colors cause that looks class in house game for the giz.
the rest of the list is there just dont rely on the lame un updated official website there are over 30 games going for the giz, the other fansites for the giz have the lists and all are signed deals if you read the press releases. such as SCI, Warthog, indiestudios, fathammer, microsoft. really the fault of giz HQ cause they really need that list up.
sorry i didnt mean say review but it did seam he was talking about the zodiac :S, also just thought my site would help with any more info rather than reling on the tiny bit of info from the official site.
DoctorDee 5 Jan 2005 11:12
10/11
Trevsweb wrote:
hehe ya i understand tiger telematics and gizmondo are very quiet to the public,
Well, I've just been told by Andy that Tiger have been in touch with us via Indigo Pearl, their PR agency, and we are going to their offices shortly to take a look at Gizmondo. I think my problem was that I thought they had very quietly launched Gizmondo in November.. when in reality they "soft launched" in November, but won't be in channel until January.
its nice to see a company willing to contact fansites these days, dont think sony or nintendo would do the same.
Agreed. SPOnG seems to sit in the gap between fan sites and "real" commerical sites. So some companies deal with us, others don't. But we like it here, most commercial sites never dare publish anything because they are scared of losing their advertising.
one more thing tho and i must really really stress this, gizmondo is not a PDA,
Well it LOOKS like a PDA (it runs Windows CE), it smells like a PDA (that's the whiff of Windows again) and it tastes like a PDA (it has standard Pocket PS screen resolution).
such as SCI, Warthog, indiestudios, fathammer, microsoft. really the fault of giz HQ cause they really need that list up.
Agreed. They REALLY need to get that list publicised... because they will only get one crack at this (unless Microsoft buy them and pump endless cash into the platform turning it iinto Xbox mobile - which is what I'm betting will happen).
They are up against two voracious competitors, who PR every move they make, Tiger cannot afford to keep quiet about this, or they will be horse three in a two horse race.
also just thought my site would help with any more info rather than reling on the tiny bit of info from the official site.
Your site is great. It has a lot of information, but some of it is hard to find, because it is in the very busy forums.
Trevsweb 5 Jan 2005 11:19
11/11
ya planning on just developing the front page make it a little more user friendly :s
good luck with the visit they are great people
good luck with the visit they are great people