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Square Enix Considers Revolution Support

Posted by Zonk on from the final-fantasy-returns-to-roost? dept.

IGN reports on a recent interview with Square-Enix president Wada, where it's revealed that the RPG crafting company is considering heavily supporting the Nintendo Revolution. From the article: "One area that Wada seems to be impressed with is a particularly controversial side of Nintendo's Online plan. In his comments posted at Impress Game Watch yesterday, Iwata states that Nintendo is going through with the idea of letting players connect only to players whom they've met in real life. While it's unclear how strict Nintendo plans to be with this idea (Animal Crossing DS is reported to allow for play amongst strangers), Wada applauds the move in his comments today, stating 'It gives the image of taking the real world seamlessly into the virtual world.'"

81 comments

  1. False childhood memories. by grub · · Score: 2, Funny


    Square-Enix president Wada

    That sounds like a character George Lucas would make up.

    --
    Trolling is a art,
  2. How do they know? by turtled · · Score: 1

    How do they know if you know someone in real life in order to play with them? And, why is it a problem if you play with "strangers?" I like the way Nintendo is FINALLY going with online connectivity. I had X-Band back in the day with a 28.8 modem, played people all over with Killer Instinct on SNES.

    --
    "I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection." -- Sigmund Freud
    1. Re:How do they know? by KDR_11k · · Score: 2, Interesting

      That's probably referring to the DS in which case "know" would mean had a direct DS connection to.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    2. Re:How do they know? by jessecurry · · Score: 1

      I think that they mean that their online connectivity will not have an auto connect feature. You'll probably need to have a friends list, that way the play will probably seem a little more competitive. I wouldn't be surprised if online communities started springing up allowing people to "meet" for competition purposes.
      I personally think that this would be really cool, if this is the direction that Nintendo is going. And this might be just what Nintendo needs to get back into the US console market.

      --
      Those who know, do not speak. Those who speak, do not know. ~Lao Tzu
    3. Re:How do they know? by Meagermanx · · Score: 1

      Yeah, but wouldn't that restrict your online play? I mean, if I jump online for a quick bout of ->INSERT GAME-, and my 3 friends who have the game are offline, where does that leave me? And what about large team VS team matches?

    4. Re:How do they know? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah.. Finally! Because Sony and Microsoft have been doing it for all 3 or 4 of their previous generation systems. Oh wait.

    5. Re:How do they know? by jessecurry · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I suppose that it may restrict online play a little bit, but I think that overall playing against people you know is a more enjoyable experience. When you're playing people that you actually keep in contact with there is a level of accountability and certain expectations that you develop. I know when I play MMO's I have the most fun playing with people that I've known for a while because I know their playing styles and have some idea of their skill levels. I don't really find it that entertaining to hop online and start a game against someone who is much better or much worse than I am.
      I'm not saying that being able to play only people that you have met is the best for every situation, but I do think that it will make the games that you do play much more interesting. And if online communities do spring up, you'll probably still be able to jump on and play a quick game of whatever you want anyways.

      --
      Those who know, do not speak. Those who speak, do not know. ~Lao Tzu
  3. Cue standard complaints by KDR_11k · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I expect many people to complain about that possibility of restricting you to people you know (which would be zero for me considering friends without DSes don't count). I agree that it doesn't make much sense to hardcode that, it'd be much better to make that an option for parents.

    With children it makes sense to restrict your connections since you probably don't want your kids to meet with strangers to "trade Pokemon" but adults usually don't risk being abducted by paedophiles. Of course they couldn't connect to people with access restrictions, either but at least the rest can play online even when nobody they know is online or they simply don't know anyone else with the hardware. I mean, the whole point of online gaming is that you can play with anyone no matter where you are. This limit defeats the point.

    Well, let's just hope that gets limited to games targeted only at children (as opposed to the ominous "everyone" demographic Nintendo is often talking about) or even just Japan (I could see NoA and NoE cutting that unless NCL forces them to include it).

    --
    Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    1. Re:Cue standard complaints by Admiral+Ackbar+8 · · Score: 2, Informative

      The other reason I could see them doing this (and I don't mean to demean Nintendo, I love them as much as anyone) is so that someone can't buy zero DS games and just play online with anybody whenever they want. This is a possibility given that some DS games support online play with a cartridge in only one of the DS's.

    2. Re:Cue standard complaints by goodenoughnickname · · Score: 1
      ...adults usually don't risk being abducted by paedophiles
      ...But he said he had candy... and his van looked so inviting...

      On a totally unrelated note, it's hard to type standing up.
    3. Re:Cue standard complaints by SetupWeasel · · Score: 1

      You are not going to see single cart internet play. Nintendo has never announced this.

    4. Re:Cue standard complaints by SetupWeasel · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Considering no details have been announced yet, we should all keep our panties unbunched for the moment.

      Think of online play now. Most systems now give you access to everyone and people try to branch off into smaller groups to get away from internet jerks. This doesn't always work, however, as often times random people still have access. Watching my friend play NFL 2K3 on XBOX live highlights the problem. He's good, and more often than not opponents disconnect, quit, or act like total jerks when he is winning.

      Now imagine an opt in system. You look online for certain groups. These groups have rules you have to play by. Moderators can kick you out if you don't follow them. Because it is an opt-in system only, these groups would not be affected by outsiders at all. The downside would be to do the legwork to find groups of people to play with. The upshot is that internet ass clownery is greatly reduced. It will result in more finished games, more civil attitudes, and more fun.

      That's my take on the whole thing. In games like MMORPGs or Animal Crossing most of the game is centered around player to computer conflict, but in sports or fighting games you have direct conflict with another human, and the current anonymous system leads to alot of frustration. I think Nintendo is trying to reduce this.

      That's just my opinion though.

    5. Re:Cue standard complaints by XenoRyet · · Score: 1

      Did I miss something, TFA was about Revolution, yea? Not the DS. Or are we expecting the two to be linked so closely that they're basicaly one system?

      --
      If forums teach us anything, it is that logic and critical thinking should be required courses in the public schools.
    6. Re:Cue standard complaints by Apreche · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Don't be so narrow minded. A feature like this wont be all bad and only for kids. Think of it this way, you'll have a whitelist of people you are willing to play with. And only if both parties communicate with each other in some way can they play games with each other. As long as the whitelist is unlimited in size, this would be awesome.

      No more problems of people dropping out of games. No more problems of accidentally getting team killers on your side. I know tons of people who have only one argument about Counter Strike, that argument is the sterotype of the CS player. A system like this solves that problem flawlessly.

      And you can bet within a day that there will be people sharing info all over the internet so that they can find strangers to play with. There is simply no way Nintendo can prevent that, in fact I think they would encourage it.

      Nintendo prides itself on making things very polished, very simple, and flawless by design. I believe that this move is true as it perfectly fits in with the Nintendo philosophy. However, there better be more to the revolution than just this or it will be more of a quickly routed rebellion.

      --
      The GeekNights podcast is going strong. Listen!
    7. Re:Cue standard complaints by UWC · · Score: 1

      To clarify the parent's assertion: the single-cartridge multiplay is only for some games, and ONLY for the short-range wireless. Any internet play will require each player to have the game.

      --
      Honor Among Slackers. A veri
    8. Re:Cue standard complaints by Apreche · · Score: 1

      What I meant to say is that as much as this system protect small children from playing with pedophiles it also prevents kiddies from playing in games with you or me. Gone will be the days of trying 20 CS servers until there are decent people to play with. Everytime you login there will be some quality gaming action. Unless you're a loser who can't make friends in real life or the internet. But then again, if you're such a loser like that why are you buying a game console which is primarily designed for mutilplayer social gaming? Go get yourself a PlayStation and play those single player RPGs as you cry yourself to sleep at night.

      --
      The GeekNights podcast is going strong. Listen!
    9. Re:Cue standard complaints by SetupWeasel · · Score: 1

      The online platform appears to be the same for both.

      From TFA: Nintendo's networking plan is, according to Wada, "not just a portable, not just a console -- it's exactly what we wanted in that it's the birth of a completely new platform."

    10. Re:Cue standard complaints by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Nintendo DS is the wireless controller for the Revolution.

    11. Re:Cue standard complaints by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Bullshit.

    12. Re:Cue standard complaints by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      What if your social life consists solely of PC fanboys and non-gamers?

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    13. Re:Cue standard complaints by MilenCent · · Score: 1

      I think you might be on to something there. While Nintendo may be trying to branch out more into the adult market, they're trying to do it without jeopardizing the kid market, which for online play pretty much demands restricting players in some way.

      I got a survey from Nintendo a couple of days ago (what can I say, I register my games) asking for opinions on online play in a wide variety of Nintendo's franchises (among them: Zelda, Metroid, Pokemon, Animal Crossing), and one of the options for each one was if I wanted to play just with friends met in RL, just with online friends, or with anyone.

      (For the record: I answered "with anyone" for everything except Mario Party....)

    14. Re:Cue standard complaints by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      The issue is that Iwata makes it sound like they're enforcing this for everyone. It'd be better if you could simply select an option that keeps out strangers and disable it when you want to play online while none of your friends are online (or those who are aren't interested in that game).

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
  4. Why didnt you named the article... by AzraelKans · · Score: 1

    "Nintendo Fanboys come here and cheer at unison!"

    Anyway, whats the big surprise? square already had deals with Nintendo and the result was the highly polemic FF: CC which had more "legend of mana" and "teletubby" look than FF but still managed to be a good game. (although no true FF fan would drool over it) and xbox users well.. MS has a guy who worked in FF. so cheering is optional.

    FF is still controlled by Sony, FF XII is coming for ps2/3 (for better or worse since a lot of reviewers have bashed it by now)

    (and no I dont have a ps2, so Im not a "fanboi" actually I havent played a true FF since I sold my ps1, oh good times.)

    OT:
    You know what is beginning to get me worried?, sometime along the day we will know Everything about the PS3 and I just realized whatever it is is going to be a real surprise. Sony didnt flashed, hyped or "leaked" info about it, so anything they say is going to caught us almost unprepared. and that includes actual info about Final Fantasy and square (at least I hope)

    --
    Go ahead MOD my day!
    More opinions here
    1. Re:Why didnt you named the article... by KDR_11k · · Score: 2, Informative

      FF12 is coming to the PS2 but from there onwards nothing is known. Could very well be that Dragon Warrior 9 or Final Fantasy 13 are released on a Nintendo system. OTOH they might not use their old franchises since they seem to be going for online-only games nowadays.

      They aren't loyal to Sony, that much is sure. They are loyal to whoever has the biggest userbase. Which explains why the DS is getting better support (3 games announced so far, AFAIK) from them than the PSP (FF:AC, what else?). Of course they'll support the previous leader before a clear leader shows but don't expect them to stick with Sony until they die.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    2. Re:Why didnt you named the article... by Jerf · · Score: 2, Funny
      the highly polemic FF: CC

      polemic : 1 a : an aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another b : the art or practice of disputation or controversy -- usually used in plural but sing. or plural in constr.
      2 : an aggressive controversialist
      I'm honestly curious, what did you mean to say?
  5. Except... by Jtheletter · · Score: 1

    that in the real world I can meet new people and make new friends. Or is this just an attempt by Nintendo to get the geeks out of their houses and communicate via the antiquated method of oral vibration modulation in realtime meat-space?

    --
    -- I'm not a pessimist, I'm a realist. It's not my fault that life sucks so much. --
    1. Re:Except... by turbopunk · · Score: 1

      No, i think that they are trying to avoid realtime meat-space. At least, as far as children are concerned.

      i just hope you can disable it. The idea of a parental lock is great. Just don't penalize me for some weird stalker's fetish . . .

    2. Re:Except... by SetupWeasel · · Score: 1

      maybe you could meet them on the internet, duh.

      No one said how you meet them.

    3. Re:Except... by gimpynerd · · Score: 1

      except that it said "met in real life"...

    4. Re:Except... by bitwiseNomad · · Score: 1

      Which is completely impossible to enforce, and everyone knows it.

      On the other hand, having the ability to build a "whitelist" of players with which you may game would be a boon for those of us who don't like playing with assholes over the internet.

      --

      Light is filtering down from above. Would you like to use DIVE?
    5. Re:Except... by Lehk228 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      not completely, each console comes with a cryptographically enabled dongle, the only way to disclose a gaming public key is to exchange nintendo-signed system public keys by plugging twho dongles together. you must have a dongle containing your opponent's key in order to establish a secure gaming connection to his or her machine.

      don't say it can't be done, it can be quite easilly, also not very expensive if you make it more breakable 64 or 96 bit crypto.

      --
      Snowden and Manning are heroes.
    6. Re:Except... by SetupWeasel · · Score: 1

      My connection dongle was left out of my box. So was a place to connect the dongle to my DS.

    7. Re:Except... by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      Not exactly. Having the DS only whitelist other DSes within local wireless range would already limit you.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    8. Re:Except... by Lehk228 · · Score: 1

      the thread is about the Nintendo Revolution

      --
      Snowden and Manning are heroes.
    9. Re:Except... by bitwiseNomad · · Score: 1

      Somehow I doubt that a business in their right mind would put that much strain on consumers.

      --

      Light is filtering down from above. Would you like to use DIVE?
    10. Re:Except... by SetupWeasel · · Score: 1

      Nope, it's about Nintendo's online platform which includes the DS.

  6. After their entry into the cell phone market... by MMaestro · · Score: 1

    This isnt that surprising. With the only other exceptions being the hugely unproven and newcomer to the handheld market, the PSP, and the largely written off as a failure NGage, the DS is the only logical choice. SE has been working on handhelds for a while now (FF Dawn of Souls, FF: Crystal Chronicals, FF:Before Crisis...) so going from the GBA and cell phones to the DS isn't very hard to accept.

  7. Once again Nintendo doesn't get it. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The whole point of online play is to meet and play games with other people and 'shock', 'gasp' make NEW friends.

    The way Nintendo is approaching it shows they just still don't understand the draw of online multiplayer that most gamers have.

    Sadly I think they have painted themselves into a corner and are quickly running out of room in the console market.

    1. Re:Once again Nintendo doesn't get it. by FLAGGR · · Score: 1

      You really think Nintendo would FORCE it? I'd imagine its more of a parental option, so parents can stop their kids from trading pokeman with strangers, or planning to meet this kid he met on PokemanOnline down at the park. Obviously there is NO way Nintendo could actually think this would work for *everyone*, what if some adult doesnt have any friends who play video games? Or maybe it just matchmakes games with people you know preferably, etc etc.

    2. Re:Once again Nintendo doesn't get it. by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      This is NCL we're talking about, such idiotic moves would seem totally logical to them while NoA gasps in horror.

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    3. Re:Once again Nintendo doesn't get it. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ...says KDR_11k, a self-claimed representative of both NCL and NoA.

    4. Re:Once again Nintendo doesn't get it. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you had thrown NoE into that list I'd be really angry.

  8. Is this a surprise? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Everyone in Japan seems to want to throw Nintendo a bone for the DS. Namco, Sega, Capcom, Konami. Everyone's got some quirky proof of concept for the DS in addition to their bread-and-butter releases that pay for this kind of stuff.

    Now with yet another quirky feature it should not be a surprise to see more quirky games from staunchly Japanese companies.

    Don't expect this to mean Final Fantasy XIII or even IV or V will be on the Revolution unless it's 10x more powerful than they purport it to be. These kind of games will definitely be huge budget PS3 affairs that do their best to fill up a Bluray disc.

    Square-Enix will "support" Nintendo's plans with games like "Chocobo Village: Just like Animal Crossing" and "Crystal Chronicals 2 Online: Community Edition". FF and DQ not included.

    1. Re:Is this a surprise? by SetupWeasel · · Score: 1

      Don't expect this to mean Final Fantasy XIII or even IV or V will be on the Revolution unless it's 10x more powerful than they purport it to be.

      Exactly how powerful is Nintendo "purporting" it to be. It might be more powerful than Sony's console, just like this generation.

    2. Re:Is this a surprise? by Suddenly_Dead · · Score: 1

      No idea what you're talking about with the "Yeah, no idea what this guy is talking about. The true performance of the PS3 is not yet known (other than rumours, hype, and "leaked" info), and I've heard absolutely nothing solid or reliable about the Revolution.".

      The true performance of the PS3 is not yet known (other than rumours, hype, and "leaked" info), and I've heard absolutely nothing solid or reliable about the Revolution.

      "Heavily Support" seems to indicate that they will support it more like they are the PS2, less like they are the GameCube.

    3. Re:Is this a surprise? by Suddenly_Dead · · Score: 1

      (Fixing my last post. I really don't get this KDE Klipper clipboard thing, and so quoted myself)

      No idea what you're talking about with the "Don't expect this to mean Final Fantasy XIII or even IV or V will be on the Revolution unless it's 10x more powerful than they purport it to be."

      The true performance of the PS3 is not yet known (other than rumours, hype, and "leaked" info), and I've heard absolutely nothing solid or reliable about the Revolution.

      "Heavily Support" seems to indicate that they will support it more like they are the PS2, less like they are the GameCube.

  9. Sounds like a good idea for Nintendo. by kabocox · · Score: 1

    This is a great idea for Nintendo. It means that parents can let their kids play these games without worry that they would meet any one. I'd think that there should be options for discovering others in the same zipcode or region though. I never knew who had what system when I was growing up. I still don't know who owns what and I'm not going to ask. I'd like to give my kids the option of connecting to unknown kids in the same area.

    I hate to say it, but they should request lists of registered sex offenders from all 50 states, and ban those individuals from creating accounts. Hey, I don't mind sex offenders living some where in my town, but I don't want to let my kids loose in a play ground where sex offenders would flock to or be tempted by.

    1. Re:Sounds like a good idea for Nintendo. by Shook18 · · Score: 1
      I'd think that there should be options for discovering others in the same zipcode or region though
      Wouldn't that INCREASE the problem with child abductions/pedophilia? Finding perverts near your child to be abducted, instead of making the pedophile commute to "meet" your children?
      --
      The Tech Terminal
    2. Re:Sounds like a good idea for Nintendo. by Belgand · · Score: 1

      While I'm not a parent I really can't see the harm here. Sex offenders (of which pedophiles were never specified) are not going to leap out of the television and molest your children. It seems highly unlikely that sex offenders would even be bothered to spend the time playing online games in the hope that they might be able to eventually convince a child to meet them. If they want to molest children there are likely far simpler methods.

      Quite frankly the far more logical solution is the exact opposite of what you're suggesting. Only allow people to randomly meet people from other areas. If the only people they know live 100 miles away they're not going to go out and meet up with them and it will stay online.

    3. Re:Sounds like a good idea for Nintendo. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It must feel bad to be so god damn helpless.

      Repeat after me. Sex offender does not equal hooded man out to molest your child. Sex offender does not equal hooded man out to molest your child. You can be labeled a "sex offender" in most states for taking a leak outside. I don't have a single male friend who hasn't taken a leak outside, and none of them have any desire to molest children.

      You can be labeled as a sex offender for being 18 and having sex with a 17 year old the very day you turn 18, even if you had been having sex with that person for an entire year beforehand.

      I am willing to bet that 95% of the registered sex offenders never actually engaged in any action that did harm to anybody. I am willing to bet that 95% of the registered sex offenders were registered for doing things that you or I wouldn't even raise an eyebrow to hear about. "I had sex with my girlfriend when I was in high school." "I went to the bathroom in the forest." Wow. Those are some scary people. Better lock your kids up.

      Sometimes I just feel sorry for people like you.

  10. Chrono Trigger by MoonFacedAssassin · · Score: 3, Interesting

    If they decided to remake, enhance, redesign, etc., Chrono Trigger for the Revolution, I'd buy the game system simply to play that. Chrono Trigger has to have been one of the best RPGs to date. The Final Fantasy series was great, but I always keep going back to Chrono Trigger and the 12 or so possible endings to that game. I know there was Chrono Cross, but from what I hear it didn't live up to Chrono Trigger's legacy.

    --
    I am a meat popsicle.
    1. Re:Chrono Trigger by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Chrono Cross did a good enough job of establishing it's own legacy.

    2. Re:Chrono Trigger by Cutriss · · Score: 1

      Chrono Cross was a fantastic game. The plot was marvelous. The music was completely fantastic. It was Chrono Trigger all grown up. This is why Chrono Trigger's fans generally panned it.

      About the only downside I can see to the game is the ginormous character roster, which makes character development for the lesser characters much thinner. The game's plot pathing could have been expanded further to cover the character development more to allow for that many characters. Of course, some of them like Tulip and Draggy really could have just been dropped.

      But truthfully, the game is great, and don't let other people's bad opinions of it prevent you from playing it.

      --
      "Mod, mod, mod...and another troll bites the dust."
    3. Re:Chrono Trigger by MoonFacedAssassin · · Score: 1

      Based on your description, as soon as I finally purchase my PS2, and after I'm done with the Star Wars Episode 3 game which I'm addicted to right now (playing on a friend's PS2), I will probably buy Chrono Cross and try it out. I still play Chrono Trigger from time to time so I would love to try Chrono Cross out.

      --
      I am a meat popsicle.
  11. Role Playing G-Rated Movie by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hooray! I think.

    I used to love RPGs but over the years stopped playing them as much as Nintendo stopped carrying them[1]. I wouldn't mind getting reaquainted with Square's brand of RPG, as long as the G stands for Game and not G-Rated Movie.

    [1] Tales of Symphonia the only one in years.

    1. Re:Role Playing G-Rated Movie by BTWR · · Score: 4, Interesting
      You're right in the fact that RPGs are scant on the Gamecube. BUT... in some ways it's a blessing. Unlike PS2, which has some classics along with shelves of crap, the few gamecube RPGs are literally some of THE BEST RPGS EVER MADE:

      Skies of Arcadia: Legends

      Tales of Symphonia

      Paper Mario 2: The 1,000 Year Door (i happened to simply love mario, but lemme tell you, as an independent thought, this game is a fantastic RPG)

      Baten Katos

      Dozens of GBA rpg classics playable with the GBA-Player (Golden Sun, Sword of Mana, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, Mario & Luigi Superstar)

    2. Re:Role Playing G-Rated Movie by Turn-X+Alphonse · · Score: 1

      I've got to disagree on paper mario. I'm like half way through it and I just don't care to play any more. It looks fantastic and could of been great but the RPG element is majorly lacking. You do nothing but try to avoid the same old enemies over and over it's rather short sighted in that the combat also takes forever and you never feel like you're stronger then you were the last 3 stars.

      Symphonia is one of the best RPGs I've played though. Other then no option of the Japanese sound track onthe PAL version (A major downside to me as I love the Japanese voices for the cast for everyone except kratos), it's pretty much flawless . One of the best games I've ever played.

      --
      I like muppets.
    3. Re:Role Playing G-Rated Movie by BTWR · · Score: 1

      I'll give you that. I sorta implied it from my parent post that Paper Mario may not be for everyone, but I think it's a hoot. RPGs, even great ones like Final Fantasy, Symphonia and Chrono Trigger, are all typical Japanese Anime "angst teen saves the world" RPGs. While these can be great, it's really cool to see such a lighthearted RPG that's actually funny! Admit it (or maybe not), but you at least found parts of PM2 to be genuinely funny, right? Now THAT'S not expected in an RPG!

  12. Reversal of Final Fantasy 12 position by dmaduram · · Score: 1

    the whole point of online gaming is that you can play with anyone no matter where you are

    This is an excellent point.

    After reading the article, it seems that Square Enix is backtracking on it's prior stance on openness -- for instance Square Enix's MMORPG (Final Fantasy XII) showed an *unprecedented* amount of player-player communication:

    1. People using both consoles (Playstation 2) and computers could fight together [something which is unseen in any major MMORPG]

    2. People from Japan and America could both go on missions, instead of being relegated to language/country-specific servers

    I'm not sure why exactly Square would close up their systems so much (cue KDR_11k's pedophilia argument), but perhaps they had a bad experience from kids playing FF12.

    1. Re:Reversal of Final Fantasy 12 position by PakProtector · · Score: 1

      As someone who played the game, I'd like to point out it's Final Fantasy XI -- That's 11, for the latin challenged.

      --

      Edward@Tomato - /home/Edward/ man woman
      man: no entry for woman in the manual.
      "Qua!?"

    2. Re:Reversal of Final Fantasy 12 position by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Roman numerals, for the latin challenged!

  13. All 50 states? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So Nintendo won't be selling systems outside of your country anymore?

    1. Re:All 50 states? by kabocox · · Score: 1

      So Nintendo won't be selling systems outside of your country anymore?

      NOA will only be selling it in the US. I'd assume other countries have sex offender databases as well. Heck, I'm sure that other countries would want to provide that information to keep those individuals off networks dominated by childern. Actually, this has little to do with the hardware. I could care less about Sex Offenders buying game consoles. I just don't want them creating accounts for use on the online network that my kids may be using. I'm sure Nintendo could request the information from the government and have those individuals blocked from the server side.

  14. ps3 details by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If you've been reading chip news a lot is out about the CELL and the various compiler techniques they need to use for it. Cheap summary: It's a PowerPC main core with 8 fpu mini cores. Games will need to be massively multithreaded to take advantage of this "power." IBM says it won't be as difficult to program as the PS2, but we'll see about that.

    GPU is developed with Nvidia. Will probably be some sweet butter with a couple cores. Nothing earth shattering, though. Not saying it won't get crazy good performance, but that is what is expected. I'd be really disappointed if it wasn't 10x better than a 6800.

    Also, BluRay storage is a no brainer. Will hold some odd 15 and 30 gigs of media. Output will include HDTV resolutions (up to 1080p just to be safe) and have an HDMI connector (compatible with DVI for computer).

    Controller will be like a Dual Shock 2 with maybe one extra feature. Highly likely to be wireless as well. Connectivity with PSP over wireless as a controller should be possible. Given the PSP's middling battery life this is probably not going to be too popular.

    Will have built in wireless and ethernet internet. Including a wireless hub for controllers and PSP.

    Will also continue to use stupid MagicGate memory cards. Probably upgrade to more sane sizes like 128, 256, or 512mb by the time 2006 rolls around.

    Will probably NOT include an Eye Toy. It's simply not a runaway success despite a positive initial response. If it was really destined to be included with the PS3 they would have boxed it with the Slim PS2.

    Big question on everybody's mind: Will it include DVR? No. They will probably make a media centric version with DVR for target markets (read: Japan only). Sony has just been burned by HD compatability in the PS2 with the HDLoader. Xbox even worse! And for what? Nobody even uses it and it drives up costs.

    Now. What part of the PS3 do you think will surprise you? What's the x-factor here that you're worried about?

  15. Mod parent up by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    and of course see also Greater Internet Fuckwad Theory

  16. Stanger! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    right........ because in the real world.... Theres no such thing as strangers?

    If in real life we could only communicate with those we already know, we could never meet new people. I hope this rumor is totally false

  17. Crisis Core by he+who+meows · · Score: 1

    Although the game isn't supposed to be released until late 2006 or so, Square has mentioned that FF7: Crisis Core will be for PSP, so I doubt they will abandon the PSP completely

  18. Boo. by DeanMeister · · Score: 1

    I think the online thing is sort of lame. I want the ability to play with my friends specifically if I want to, but to limit me to ONLY those people would just be silly. Imagine only playing an Xbox Live game with just the hand ful of people you know who own xboxes and have xbox live. It would just get boring.

    --
    Society never gets more or less violent, the definition of violent just keeps changing.
  19. Interested and Confused by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    From TFA:

    The stance Square Enix takes on the new networking plan in relation to Revolution is the most intriguing. "What increased our interest further," states Wada regarding the networking plan, "is that the next step is already being prepared for Revolution." Nintendo's networking plan is, according to Wada, "not just a portable, not just a console -- it's exactly what we wanted in that it's the birth of a completely new platform."

    What does he mean by "birth of a completely new platform"? It will certainly be interesting to find out.

  20. Neg. by schild · · Score: 1

    Won't happen. Squeenix needs revenue (badly, they're hemmorhaging on the Square side) and they won't have the market they need with the Revolution. They have 2 choices: MS and Sony. So sorry.

    --
    schild
    editor, f13.net
    1. Re:Neg. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Square needs money for one reason: Final fantasy (the movie). The only way they can generate more income is to sell more games (that should be a Maddenism) and they're selling as many games as they can on the PS2 currently; which means that they have to produce games on other platforms. The reasons they might choose Nintendo rather than Microsoft to support are that

      1)Being a Japaneese company Nintendo's coporate culture is closer to their own.

      2)Square/Enix produces a lot of RPGs (which sell well in Japan) and the XBox has no presence in Japan.

      3)Nintendo has the DS and GBA so Nintendo may be leveraging SE to develop more games for their "main" platform.

      4)SE may actually like the direction that Nintendo is going with and see it as potentially more profitable than Microsoft's aproach.

    2. Re:Neg. by falcon5768 · · Score: 1

      also the big one..... FFXI is run using SEs Playonline system (as is 3 other SE games and Everquest which SoE uses Playonline to netowrk in Japan) IF Revolution is supposed to be as free as Sony is with their online stuff, given Sony and SEs recent falling outs over the HD fiasco and other things I could see them eyeing a switch back to Nintendo.

      --

      "Slashdot, where telling the truth is overrated but lying is insightful."

    3. Re:Neg. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "Square side?"

      You started out with no credibility, and then finished with less than that, without spending or absorbing energy. Congratulations, you've caused the universe to implode on itself, with you at the center.

      IOW, pull your feet out of your mouth.

      So sorry.

  21. Oh well. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    Iwata states that Nintendo is going through with the idea of letting players connect only to players whom they've met in real life.

    Bye bye, Nintendo.

  22. Pick a System and Stick with It! by DavidD_CA · · Score: 1

    As a die-hard FF fan, I really wish Square would either pick a system and just stick with it, or release for multiple platforms.

    I own the PS1 and PS2 only because of Square. Honestly. Now they have one game on the GC, another on the GBA. I'm very suprised there is no X-Box game.

    It will be interesting if the migrate back to Nintendo and leave the PS3 behind. But if they release FF13 for the Revolution and FF14 on the PS3, I'm going to be pissed.

    And broke.

    --
    -David
    1. Re:Pick a System and Stick with It! by Turn-X+Alphonse · · Score: 1

      I think you'll find square enix have released several games on the GBA in Japan (The full metal alchemist series for example) and quite a few world wide. If all you'v eplayed is crappy FF games I advice you to go pick up Sword of mana, it's an awesome RPG with alot of depth and alot more fun then "tap attack and watch".

      --
      I like muppets.
    2. Re:Pick a System and Stick with It! by falcon5768 · · Score: 1

      And lets be honest here SE has only released one game for the PS2 really in the FF series, and while good, im sad to say it just doesnt hold up to their old efforts and Im not even going to get into the Magical Girl Transformation mess known as X2.

      --

      "Slashdot, where telling the truth is overrated but lying is insightful."

    3. Re:Pick a System and Stick with It! by DavidD_CA · · Score: 1

      Well I've played other FF games, mostly older ones like Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger/Cross, Parasite Eve... and they were each good in their own ways.

      Fact is I only have so much time to really play games, so I have to be picky. But having to spend my money on 2-3 systems doesn't help.

      --
      -David
    4. Re:Pick a System and Stick with It! by Turn-X+Alphonse · · Score: 1

      to be perfectly honest I'm the same. Unless they bring out some amazing games for the PS2 I'll stick to the revolution. As for the Xbox.. well I don't like the look of it and to be honest the Xbox just doesn't intrest me..

      Back hen I was 10-11 I was happy to buy everything I could get my hands on, now I'm almost 20 and games wise I've not bought much at all. It tends to get to the point where I'm only buying games I REALLY want to play (Usually some weird Japanese RPG or mecha game) or something which is a must buy just to stop the boredom (GTA:SA comes to mind , it's the best example).

      It seems these days games are mass produced and the internet kills more hype then it makes. I remember Nintendo magazines and "weird Japanese RPG... looks cool! I can't wait to get it!" in the SNES era. Now it's "oh look another 12 RPGs no one cares for".

      Hell I'm still waiting for Shin Megami Tensei 3 in the UK.. yet hold no hope :(

      --
      I like muppets.
  23. Bullshit by DeadMilkman · · Score: 1

    Sex Offenders are not always the stalking perverted Jeckle/Hyde's the media makes them out to be.

    The last one in my area:
    Was a 25yr old...
    Who when he was 18...
    Had sex...
    With his now wife...
    Who was 17 at the time...

    OMG HE'S A MICHEAL JACKSON WAITING TO HAPPEN!

    (should I even mention that it wouldn't have been illegal in a neighboring state, and it only came to trial because her folks were pissy since they were finacially better off and though he was a jerk for being lower middle class)

  24. how powerfull? by LewieP · · Score: 1
    "Revolution will contain four 2.5GHz G5-class IBM PowerPC processors, each with 128KB of L1 cache and 512KB of L2. ATI's contribution is a dual-core RN520 chip, with 16MB of in-package frame buffer DRAM."

    http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/05/12/nintendo_r evolution_release_date/

    --
    oxymoron of the day - Xbox gamer