Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Sites Appear

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Sites Appear

Posted by Zonk on Saturday October 23, 2004 @02:30AM from the continuing-the-bee-trend dept.

b0r1s writes "Gamespot was among the dozens of gaming news sites to point readers to the arrival of the first of Nintendo's apparent marketing sites for Metroid Prime 2 Echoes. Having started the trend with Datadyne prior to the launch of Perfect Dark, Nintendo apparently pokes fun at ilovebees.com with several different fake domains. Also included are links to government contractors sites. It seems like Channel 51 and Orbis Labs will both be updated in the weeks prior to the release of Metroid Prime 2. Channel 51 seems to have new stories every week, and Orbis Labs promises that test videos of the Battle Sphere are coming soon. In addition, there is a name and password login on the Orbis site, which we expect will be leaked--or even "hacked"--later on."

46 comments

Min score:

Reason:

Sort:

Perfect Dark by Isbiten · 2004-10-23 03:09 · Score: 1

I remeber that you could get a login and password in the end of the game for login in to the good guys website :)

--
I fought the corporate America, and the corporate America bought the law.
1. Re:Perfect Dark by SamSim · 2004-10-23 09:39 · Score: 1
  
  Actually that's two half-truths stuck together. If you get as far as the Attack Ship level on Perfect Agent (the hardest preset difficulty level) and pick up Cassandra's necklace, you find her username and login (which I don't remember offhand). And if you get a ranking of 1: Perfect in the Combat Simulator you get another username/password ("Entropic Decay" and "Zero-Tau" if I remember rightly).
  
  Rare had originally intended to use these passwords for cool online stuff but they never did it, the lazy devils. They do nothing.
  
  On the other hand, both dataDyne (the bad guys) and the Carrington Institute (the good guys) had pesudo-real websites set up with secret sections which COULD be accessed, using secret passwords whose origins I don't know, but which certainly aren't in the game. Both sites are gone now but they're still in the Wayback Machine cache:
  
  CI, dD
  
  The secret areas don't work anymore but I managed to dig out the passwords and logins anyway. Carrington Institute: Username: solaris, Password: pal32ver21z. dataDyne: Username: JamesTann07, Password: 8CR31D29
  
  --
  qntm.org
2. Re:Perfect Dark by Isbiten · 2004-10-23 12:50 · Score: 1
  
  You think they should bring the websites back online since PD is coming out for xbox. But thanks for correcting me. I only got the necklace login, but I found out the other when searching for the holy grail cheats. I wonder how many people are still looking for cheats in PD, those in Goldeneye was a mistake, they intended to remove them before it shipped it was used only for beta testing.
  
  --
  I fought the corporate America, and the corporate America bought the law.
3. Re:Perfect Dark by buffer-overflowed · 2004-10-23 20:47 · Score: 1
  
  Wha? You had to earn(unlock) the cheats in goldeneye, I would hardly call that a mistake, and you could get cheats via unlockables or the Transfer Pak(and a GBC Perfect Dark cart).
  
  There is NO confirmed Perfect Dark game coming to the Xbox. We don't even know for sure if Rare retains the rights to the franchise(knowing Nintendo, I doubt it), and the most you'll find is a few screens, a video(from late last year) and mention of it being made for the Gamecube(3 years ago no less).
  
  Sigh.
  
  --
  The key to the enjoyment of pop music is to replace any instance of "love" with "C.H.U.D."
4. Re:Perfect Dark by Anonymous Coward · 2004-10-25 03:59 · Score: 0
  
  Goldeneye had a lot of old-fashioned cheat codes as well as the unlockable "cheats" (I always hated calling those cheats; they should be called bonuses or something). Google for "goldeneye pushbutton codes" or somesuch terms and you should find them. Like the days of yore, these codes were used in debugging, but got left in the finished product. After a lengthy period of Rare swearing that no such codes existed, somebody found them somehow and unleashed them on the web. Rare didn't seem too happy about that, and they were more careful with Perfect Dark. They probably didn't leave any such codes in that game, but somewhere out there, there's probably a kid trolling a message board right now with rumors of pushbutton invincibility codes. Maybe even THIS VERY THREAD!
  
  AAAIEEEE!!
Metroid Prime first by tedgyz · 2004-10-23 03:17 · Score: 1

I guess I better hurry up and finish the first one. I was really enjoying it, but I burnt out before completion. I know it's good to have longevity in a game, but this was a bit much.

--
"No matter where you go, there you are." -- Buckaroo Banzai
1. Re:Metroid Prime first by tekunokurato · 2004-10-23 03:21 · Score: 2, Informative
  
  Yeah, I found the game absolutely incredible and would consider it one of my all-time desert island games, but I couldn't beat the omega pirate!
  
  --
  Read jack phelps dot net
2. Re:Metroid Prime first by danbeck · 2004-10-23 03:27 · Score: 1
  
  I actually got to the very end, but never beat the last boss. I find that I do that often, though. With most games, in the end, I've already seen what there is to see and the idea of sitting an hour through a disproportionatly difficult boss just to see a really, really crappy ending, doesn't strike me as very fun. =)
3. Re:Metroid Prime first by Svenheim · 2004-10-23 03:44 · Score: 1
  
  You sissy :) I am doing my third run of Metroid Prime, second run I got 100% items, but I missed some of scans for the research logs, which I need to unlock one of the galleries. (Yes, I am a completionist). I should do it on Hard after, but well, I think it's gonna be Hard. Normal is challenging, but with enemies sustaining twice as much damage and inflicting twice as much damage, as well as being smarter, the game is essentially 4 times harder on Hard mode.... Metroid Prime 2 is allegedly going to be a lot harder than MP1. Should be fun :)
4. Re:Metroid Prime first by Anonymous Coward · 2004-10-23 05:11 · Score: 0
  
  After all this talk about how hard the Omega Pirate was supposed to be I was surprised that I beat him without much effort on my second try. Break his armor with a powerbomb then give him a super missile as he regenerates his armor. Should down him in five cycles or so (you might need to use missiles to remove his armor ifyou run out of powerbombs). If you can't get away from him fast enough, try using the morphball.
5. Re:Metroid Prime first by Zangief · 2004-10-23 05:33 · Score: 1
  
  I agree with you that the final boss is difficult, but...getting there is a lot more difficult, you know.
  
  I think I cursed more on the freaking metroids that push you off the platforms on your way to the final boss, than I ever did on him (whom I killed on my second try).
6. Re:Metroid Prime first by Svenheim · 2004-10-23 06:03 · Score: 1
  
  Agreed. The damn Metroids near the end are VERY VERY annoying. I usually just let them grab me and powerbomb them away, but they come back so quickly...
7. Re:Metroid Prime first by DarkAdonis · 2004-10-23 07:23 · Score: 1
  
  Yeah, they shouldn't have made both getting to the last boss difficult AND the last boss itself as difficult as they are. I gave up because the metroids pushing me off the cliffs annoyed the hell out of me.
8. Re:Metroid Prime first by Spleener12 · 2004-10-23 08:26 · Score: 2, Interesting
  
  Correct me if you happen to be in the states, but I'm pretty sure that Power Bombs only break the Omega Pirate's armor in the European version. Metroid2002.com has a full list of the version differences.
9. Re:Metroid Prime first by Zangief · 2004-10-23 11:59 · Score: 1
  
  Yeah, they shouldn't have made both getting to the last boss difficult AND the last boss itself as difficult as they are.
  
  In general, I like that style of gaming, mainly on RPGs. Nowadays, most japanese RPGs put a save point just before the boss, in every dungeon. And most of these games give the player items that fully recharge the characters, but can only be used at save points, so, the temptation is strong...
  
  I liked more the way that Lunar: SSSC did it. You had a savepoint outside the dungeon, and maybe one in middle of the dungeon. You navigated a long way towards the boss, so when you reached him, you were very low on HP. Add to that the fact that every character could carry limited items, and you had a very cool game. The Dragon Quest saga does this also, IIRC.
  
  I gave up because the metroids pushing me off the cliffs annoyed the hell out of me.
  
  I was not complaining about those metroids. Getting to the last boss should be difficult. The only game that doesn't do this, but still has a cool last battle is Chrono Trigger.
10. Re:Metroid Prime first by Bloomy · 2004-10-23 18:50 · Score: 1
  
  The easiest way to get through the Impact Crater is always keep moving, with one exception.
  
  When you enter, just run. Stay to the left of the central pillar so the Metroid doesn't pick up on you right away. Jump on the floating platform, then to the ledges along the wall. When you get to the floating platforms, turn during your jumps so when you land, you are already facing the direction of your next jump.
  
  When you cross the central pillar halfway up and get back to another ledge, ignore the missle reload room. Move along the wall, between an "aquarium" in the wall and a slab along the edge. At the end of the ledge, there will be 2 root like structures and a Metroid ahead. Another Metroid will be coming up behind you. Jump between the roots, roll up and drop a power bomb. Both Metroids should get caught in the blast, and they won't split into the beam vulnerable Metroids. You should then be able to get to the top of the room before any more Metroids come after you.
Funny by Lisandro · 2004-10-23 03:40 · Score: 2, Funny

I enjoyed the picture of the badass sphere machine in a green, calm field. Subtle parody, i've seen quite a site with similar images in their "investors" links.
Come, Now by Rie+Beam · 2004-10-23 04:22 · Score: 2, Insightful

I take it by the fact that the "Government Login" doesn't mask passwords, that of course it's supposed to be easily-guessable, and most likely a run-on name of some sort...

And no, before you ask, "George" and "Bush" don't work. :p
1. Re:Come, Now by NonSequor · 2004-10-23 05:22 · Score: 1
  
  I was thinking some variation on Samus Aran for the login. My only guess for the password was Metroid.
  
  --
  My only political goal is to see to it that no political party achieves its goals.
Surprising. by Cutriss · 2004-10-23 04:22 · Score: 2, Funny

When I saw that the domains were just copycat, I was surprised they didn't register "iloveeevees.com" and "ilovebeedrills.com". I mean, who says you have to promote *one* product on a website? Surely they might be able to generate an extra sale or two from a Pokemon fanatic... :P

--
"Mod, mod, mod...and another troll bites the dust."
I hate bees. by KramarDanIkabu · 2004-10-23 04:27 · Score: 4, Interesting

This is why Nintendo continues to be the greatest. And for anyone who didn't notice, the logo for Channel 51 is a Metroid. That's probably the most obvious, not to mention that many of the pictures and vids from it are just blurred MP2 Screenshots. Peace.

--
"Your toast has been burned, and no amount of scraping will remove the black parts!" - Michael J. Caboose
SCAM by venomkid · 2004-10-23 05:32 · Score: 2, Funny

"Self-contained Armored Machine"

Ha ha ha!

--
vk.
1. Re:SCAM by venomkid · 2004-10-23 08:46 · Score: 1, Funny
  
  AAHAHAHAHA
  
  "Battle Sphere"
  
  BS! WHEEEE!!!!!
  
  --
  vk.
Domains by Katravax · 2004-10-23 05:42 · Score: 1

Well, they're not exactly fake domains are they? I mean, they're registered and all.
Well.... by creaturespeaker · 2004-10-23 06:37 · Score: 0, Offtopic

I beat Metroid Prime on hard my first time through (someone else had already unlocked it).=)
Free Flat Screen HERE!
Heh heh... by SamSim · 2004-10-23 09:46 · Score: 2, Insightful

for the sake of sanity, and so you can at least put a name to the pretty mug around the piercing, consider this scientist's name to be Samantha Manus
"Sam...us". Subtle.

--
qntm.org
Full list: by Recoil_42 · 2004-10-23 10:15 · Score: 4, Informative

http://www.channel51.org/
http://www.orbislabs.co m/

http://www.ilovebeams.com/
http://www.ilovebeet s.com/
http://www.ilovebeasts.com/
http://www.il ovevees.com/
http://www.ilovebeaks.com/
http://w ww.iloveskis.com/
http://www.ilovekeys.com/
http ://www.iloveknees.com/
http://www.ilovegees.com/
http://www.ilovecees.com/
http://www.ilovehees.c om/
http://www.ilovebeeps.com/
http://www.iloves neeze.com/
http://www.ilovetease.com/
http://www .ilovefees.com/
http://www.ilovenees.com
http:// www.iloveease.com
http://www.iloveplease.com
htt p://www.ilovedisease.com
http://www.ilovebreeze.c om
http://www.ilovetrapeze.com
http://www.ilovew heeze.com
http://www.iloveseas.com
http://www.il ovelees.com
http://www.ilovesqueeze.com
http://w ww.ilovepeas.com
http://www.ilovesprees.com
http ://www.iloveescapees.com
http://www.iloveflees.co m
http://www.ilovecreamcheese.com
http://www.ilo vejeez.com
http://www.ilovecapris.com

--

Newsie, Moderator, www.tauniverse.com
1. Re:Full list: by TheBot · 2004-10-23 13:12 · Score: 1
  
  Those are funny! I think Nintendo is acting clever. "I love Escapees"
  
  --
  Flat Screen TV for F
2. Re:Full list: by Anonymous Coward · 2004-10-23 14:47 · Score: 0
  
  You're missing 8
Some intresting observations on Channel 51 by Anonymous Coward · 2004-10-23 14:37 · Score: 2, Interesting

I noticed when reading the info on the channel 51 site that the person running the site was born in Sumas, WA , which is believed to just be 'samus' backwards, but do a search on google and it comes up web sites for a real Sumas, WA! either that, or they went waaaaaaay into it. On another note, she mentions someone named xy455 contacted her via AOL Instant Messenger about some info. Well, I put that name in my buddy list before I went to work, and nothing happened. I just came home, and the name was active, but with an away message. Checking the away message, I came across this:

The tolling of the bell calls me to Meifumado, that which some might call Hell. I have drawn the veils of time and space aside, and am withdrawing beyond the illusion, albeit temporarily. Truly, the answers are hidden amongst the shadows.
I hide amongst the shadows as well.
No Adventurer Reveals Passwords And Secrets; Some Wonder Of Righteous Desires.
My greatest fear is not of the dark. Tell me, what is your greatest fear? Perhaps then you may learn mine.

Intresting, no? I'm assuming it's a clue for the password. This is gettin' a little creepy.
1. Re:Some intresting observations on Channel 51 by Anonymous Coward · 2004-10-23 14:41 · Score: 1, Interesting
  
  Just noticed this:
  
  [N]o [A]dventurer [R]eveals [P]asswords And [S]ecrets; [S]ome [W]onder [O]f [R]ighteous [D]esires.
  
  NARPASSWORD....
2. Re:Some intresting observations on Channel 51 by hempdog · 2004-10-23 16:15 · Score: 2, Informative
  
  Funny.. check out this cheat code for the original Metroid: Super password: Enter NARPAS SWORD0 0000_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ as a password. Note: "_" indicates a space, and except for the letter "O" in "SWORD", the remaining characters are the number zero. You will start at the beginning of the game with unlimited life, unlimited missiles, and all upgrades. The word in this is "NAR PASSWORD". "NAR" is an abbreviation for the name of the person who designed the password system, Tohru Narihiro.
What is ILove Bees?? by MagicDude · 2004-10-23 14:56 · Score: 1

What is so popular about ILoveBees.com?? I had never heard of it before now, and when I went there I didn't see anything of particular interest there. Just some crazy pictures and no content. Can someone clue me in onto why why this is such a popular website?
1. Re:What is ILove Bees?? by Quixotic · 2004-10-23 15:24 · Score: 1
  
  from what i understand, it's a alternate reality game. As a reward for solving various puzzles and/or completing certain tasks, players are given audio stories that flesh out the Halo universe a little more. It's actually been pretty good, the voice acting is great, and the climax of the story is going to lead right into the Halo 2 launch.
  
  --
  --
Re:HAHAHA... yeah. by Anonymous Coward · 2004-10-23 15:14 · Score: 0

???

ilovebees is just a promo website, like both of the Nintendo sites for Perfect Dark that came before it.

And are you actually one of those people who cares about what sells? What kind of gamer gives a shit? Oh yeah, the Xbox newbie kind - but I repeat myself.
Re:HAHAHA... yeah. by KramarDanIkabu · 2004-10-23 17:11 · Score: 1

Which reminds me, where can I pick up a leaked copy of Halo 2, thanks?

--
"Your toast has been burned, and no amount of scraping will remove the black parts!" - Michael J. Caboose
Concept is going to TV. by NashCarey · 2004-10-24 02:26 · Score: 1

A Pilot episode will be airing tonight on The Movie Network. http://regenesistv.com/ is the site which people at home experience the Alternate Reality and playing along on Television. This concept has been tried before by the TV show Push, NV. And with the excitement ILOVEBEES has created it may finally be time for this concept to fully take hold.

Players are using http://http//www.forum.immersionunlimited.com/view topic.php?t=754 as a means to share discoveries. They also have an a place IN-GAME/IN-SHOW which players use also at http://www.sciencesucks.com/.

Whether or not this is just a new form of Reality TV or just a flop waiting to happen remains to be seen, but you can view an interview with the creator of the show at http://www.arginsider.com/regenesis.wmv. The movie is 15 minutes long, but very interesting.
1. Re:Concept is going to TV. by NashCarey · 2004-10-24 02:31 · Score: 1
  
  Fixed Link from above... As a place people are playing along. http://www.forum.immersionunlimited.com/viewtopic. php?t=754
Re:Halo Prime by KramarDanIkabu · 2004-10-24 04:37 · Score: 1

Does anyone else remember logic? I sure did love logic, whatever happened to it?

--
"Your toast has been burned, and no amount of scraping will remove the black parts!" - Michael J. Caboose
Re:Halo Prime by Evangelion · 2004-10-24 06:38 · Score: 1

And I'm going to get it on my cube how...? That shitty PSO I/II network hack? Yeah, like I want to wait for all the game content to be sucked over a shitty 10baseT connection from a laptop....
Re:Halo Prime by VendingMenace · 2004-10-25 03:27 · Score: 1

Oh yeah, i LOVED it in Halo when master cheif roled himself up into that cute little ball...er...wait. Nevermind. I just realized that you are an idiot.

Oh well, so sorry for you.
Re:Halo Prime by Anonymous Coward · 2004-10-25 03:41 · Score: 0

Uh... Didn't Metroid Prime come out BEFORE the first Halo game? How can it possibly be an imitation, then?

Wouldn't it make more sense to say that Halo imitated Metroid? Or wouldn't it make the most sense to acknowledge the obvious fact that the games are almost completely disimilar?

Whoever wrote the parent post is a complete and total MS fanboy moron.
Re:Halo Prime by Bagels · 2004-10-25 13:24 · Score: 1

Actually, no. Metroid Prime came out a year afterwards, and yes, there is some design overlap between the two, though of course that might just be attributable to FPS design in general. It seems that every FPS has to include some sort of infection that warps the enemies into nastier versions of themselves (Phazon in MP, the Flood in Halo). There's a tiny bit of story overlap, too, in the sense that both focus on cybernetically enhanced warriors exploring the ruins of an alien civilization and being attacked by various kinds of aliens. I've played both of them through. I personally found that Halo had better balanced weaponry - a bit more mundane, but very well thought out - while Metroid Prime had better (and more detailed) level design. Obviously they don't share too much in the way of game mechanics, as the lock-on feature that works so well in Metroid Prime would be completely disastrous in Halo.

--
--- Bwah?
Re:Halo Prime by mink · 2004-10-26 10:10 · Score: 1

Yah, it's not like there were any Metroid games before Prime with cyberneticaly enhanced warriors.
And the enemies in those non existant metroid games never changed or got stronger after a certain point.

--
Well I've wrestled with reality for thirty five years doctor, and I'm happy to say I finally won out over it.