Does that mean a Pokemon/Digimon grudge match will unfold in the portable arena?
Beyond the Genesis-An Alternate Video Game History
- Thread starter Confortius
- Start date
Does that mean a Pokemon/Digimon grudge match will unfold in the portable arena?
Yes it does.
Yokoi lives! He is still working at Nintendo at the point where he quit in OTL because he never goes through with the Virtual Boy, therefore his death is butterflied away.
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E3 1997
3DO
The 3DO Company came into E3 1997 in great shape. They had just taken first-place in total next-gen console sales, they were expanding their company, and they were ready to show the next 3DO, the 3DO M2.
The M2 was announced as an upgrade and a completely new console in one. Trip Hawkins demonstrated, revealing an add-on for the current 3DO models. He explained that all manufacturers of current 3DO models would develop an M2 add-on. The M2 add-on would transform the 3DO into a 64-bit system, but it would retain the same core hardware, making development easier for creators and making upgrading more convenient for the consumer. Hawkins also showed brand new 3DO M2 console models for those who haven’t yet bought a 3DO. The new models would include M2 hardware in the console and be backwards compatible with 3DO games. The add-on would start at $199 US dollars, with Hawkins pointing out that “you can now upgrade to a 64-bit system more powerful for the competitors for $100 less than the competitors”. The new 3DO M2 console units would cost $399 however and would be bundled with the dual analog controller.
Panasonic's M2 console model
Hawkins moved on to software, explaining that the goal with M2 is to give developers new tools without the learning curve of a new architecture. Further saying that “the base architecture is the same, so all developers have to worry about is what they are going to do with all that extra power.”
This led to the announcement of certain games that would be compatible on both original 3DO and M2 models. Certain games would playable on 3DO’s original models, but if played on M2, it would offer a better looking, smoother experience with many noticeable differences. They showed a demonstration with Crash Bandicoot 2. The 3DO version looked great, but the M2 version did look noticeably better and more on par with competitor’s 3D offerings.
The 3DO Company had plenty of first party offerings to show including Pandemonium 2 from Crystal Dynamics, Slam N’ Jam ’97 from Left Field Productions, and Crash N’ Burn: Carnage also from Left Field Productions.
Pandemonium 2
Next up were some third-party titles. Psygnosis showed Colony Wars, G-Police, and Warhawk 2 at the event and strong 3DO partner Konami unveiled a new entry in the Metal Gear franchise, titled Metal Gear Solid. Metal Gear Solid was a full 3D stealth title and would be available in 1998 for the 3DO and M2.
Metal Gear Solid
3DO also revealed the M2 exclusive, The Fallen. The Fallen was a new game from Psygnosis that followed law enforcers of the future called The Lords. The Lords maintain a sort of police –state across the U.S. and go after The Fallen, people who refuse to be part of The System. The player can experience the story as either a Lord or Fallen in an experience that includes choices and options that include bribery, corruption, gambling, and violence that cloud both sides of the battle. It would be a launch title for the M2 in November and went on to become one of the most anticipated games at E3.
The Fallen
SEGA
Sega came into E3, proud of their fast selling Evolution and at 1997’s E3 it was all about the Evolution. They started by showing Eternal Champions: The Final Chapter, a new entry into the series running on the Virtua Fighter engine. Next, was another fighting game from Ninja Team, the developers behind Dead or Alive. The new game was a fighter, starring multiple Sega characters from all different IPs. The E3 trailer for Sega All-Star Fighters showed Sonic the Hedgehog, Alex Kidd, Lara Croft, and Shinobi, the trailer ending with “Coming 1998”.
After this reveal, they played a trailer for Phantasy Star V by Star Team. There was no gameplay, just a computer generated trailer, but Sega promised the graphics would surpass those of a recent, popular role playing title from another company. Another RPG was revealed by Sega afterwards, Panzer Dragoon Saga, for which they showed gameplay.
Panzer Dragoon Saga
Sega brought out some lead designers from Core Design to show what they were working on. They first discussed the tremendous success of Tomb Raider and thanked the gamers for buying and playing their game, which led to the announcement and reveal of the sequel, Tomb Raider II. Tomb Raider II would be ready for release in the fall. Then, they surprised everyone, revealing that they had been given the task of creating the fourth entry in the Streets of Rage franchise. Streets of Rage 4 would bring an all new 3D experience to the series and would launch in September 1997.
Streets of Rage 4
NINTENDO
Nintendo began the show by showing a trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Magic Medallions. Shigeru Miyamoto then came to the stage to demonstrate the game. The biggest surprise was that the game was in first-person view. Miyamoto expressed how impressed he was with first-person games on the market and thought Zelda would perfectly translate to first-person 3D gameplay. The game was confirmed for a November release.
The Legend of Zelda: Magic Medallions
Next, Nintendo went on to show a new game from Star Fox developer, Argonaut Software. The new game was a 3D platformer, called Yoshi’s World featuring the loveable little dinosaur from the Mario franchise. The game appeared to play very much like Super Mario 3D Adventure, but with some new abilities such as Yoshi using his tongue to grapple on to objects and pull over to them and to swing across platforms, followed by double jumps. The game was announced for a September launch.
Yoshi's World
Nintendo brought out the Stamper brothers from Rareware to show what their studio was working on. They showed a final trailer for GoldenEye 007 and a new trailer for Diddy Kong Racing. They also revealed two original titles, Banjo-Kazooie and Conker’s Quest, which were brand new platformers for the Ultra Nintendo Entertainment System.
Conker's Quest
After Rareware was done showing their games, Gunpei Yokoi took to the stage. He talked about the Metroid series and how it will evolve into 3D. He also mentioned the great partnership with western studios and that he was partnering with one to produce a new Metroid. The trailer for Metroid: Harvest by DMA Design was shown, revealing a 1998 release date. He also revealed that he was working on Kid Icarus III exclusively for the Game Boy Color.
Metroid: Harvest
Nintendo also announced F-Zero X and 1080 Snowboarding for 1998.
OTHER
Outside of the big conferences held by 3DO, Sega, and Nintendo, were quite a few great surprises and showcases. Epic MegaGames showed off an impressive new engine called Unreal Engine, which would be powering their next title and Microsoft revealed a new internal development studio called Valve Software. The studio presented a brand new shooter titled Quiver that would be released at the end of the year.
Quiver
3DO
The 3DO Company came into E3 1997 in great shape. They had just taken first-place in total next-gen console sales, they were expanding their company, and they were ready to show the next 3DO, the 3DO M2.
The M2 was announced as an upgrade and a completely new console in one. Trip Hawkins demonstrated, revealing an add-on for the current 3DO models. He explained that all manufacturers of current 3DO models would develop an M2 add-on. The M2 add-on would transform the 3DO into a 64-bit system, but it would retain the same core hardware, making development easier for creators and making upgrading more convenient for the consumer. Hawkins also showed brand new 3DO M2 console models for those who haven’t yet bought a 3DO. The new models would include M2 hardware in the console and be backwards compatible with 3DO games. The add-on would start at $199 US dollars, with Hawkins pointing out that “you can now upgrade to a 64-bit system more powerful for the competitors for $100 less than the competitors”. The new 3DO M2 console units would cost $399 however and would be bundled with the dual analog controller.
Panasonic's M2 console model
Hawkins moved on to software, explaining that the goal with M2 is to give developers new tools without the learning curve of a new architecture. Further saying that “the base architecture is the same, so all developers have to worry about is what they are going to do with all that extra power.”
This led to the announcement of certain games that would be compatible on both original 3DO and M2 models. Certain games would playable on 3DO’s original models, but if played on M2, it would offer a better looking, smoother experience with many noticeable differences. They showed a demonstration with Crash Bandicoot 2. The 3DO version looked great, but the M2 version did look noticeably better and more on par with competitor’s 3D offerings.
The 3DO Company had plenty of first party offerings to show including Pandemonium 2 from Crystal Dynamics, Slam N’ Jam ’97 from Left Field Productions, and Crash N’ Burn: Carnage also from Left Field Productions.
Pandemonium 2
Next up were some third-party titles. Psygnosis showed Colony Wars, G-Police, and Warhawk 2 at the event and strong 3DO partner Konami unveiled a new entry in the Metal Gear franchise, titled Metal Gear Solid. Metal Gear Solid was a full 3D stealth title and would be available in 1998 for the 3DO and M2.
Metal Gear Solid
3DO also revealed the M2 exclusive, The Fallen. The Fallen was a new game from Psygnosis that followed law enforcers of the future called The Lords. The Lords maintain a sort of police –state across the U.S. and go after The Fallen, people who refuse to be part of The System. The player can experience the story as either a Lord or Fallen in an experience that includes choices and options that include bribery, corruption, gambling, and violence that cloud both sides of the battle. It would be a launch title for the M2 in November and went on to become one of the most anticipated games at E3.
The Fallen
SEGA
Sega came into E3, proud of their fast selling Evolution and at 1997’s E3 it was all about the Evolution. They started by showing Eternal Champions: The Final Chapter, a new entry into the series running on the Virtua Fighter engine. Next, was another fighting game from Ninja Team, the developers behind Dead or Alive. The new game was a fighter, starring multiple Sega characters from all different IPs. The E3 trailer for Sega All-Star Fighters showed Sonic the Hedgehog, Alex Kidd, Lara Croft, and Shinobi, the trailer ending with “Coming 1998”.
After this reveal, they played a trailer for Phantasy Star V by Star Team. There was no gameplay, just a computer generated trailer, but Sega promised the graphics would surpass those of a recent, popular role playing title from another company. Another RPG was revealed by Sega afterwards, Panzer Dragoon Saga, for which they showed gameplay.
Panzer Dragoon Saga
Sega brought out some lead designers from Core Design to show what they were working on. They first discussed the tremendous success of Tomb Raider and thanked the gamers for buying and playing their game, which led to the announcement and reveal of the sequel, Tomb Raider II. Tomb Raider II would be ready for release in the fall. Then, they surprised everyone, revealing that they had been given the task of creating the fourth entry in the Streets of Rage franchise. Streets of Rage 4 would bring an all new 3D experience to the series and would launch in September 1997.
Streets of Rage 4
NINTENDO
Nintendo began the show by showing a trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Magic Medallions. Shigeru Miyamoto then came to the stage to demonstrate the game. The biggest surprise was that the game was in first-person view. Miyamoto expressed how impressed he was with first-person games on the market and thought Zelda would perfectly translate to first-person 3D gameplay. The game was confirmed for a November release.
The Legend of Zelda: Magic Medallions
Next, Nintendo went on to show a new game from Star Fox developer, Argonaut Software. The new game was a 3D platformer, called Yoshi’s World featuring the loveable little dinosaur from the Mario franchise. The game appeared to play very much like Super Mario 3D Adventure, but with some new abilities such as Yoshi using his tongue to grapple on to objects and pull over to them and to swing across platforms, followed by double jumps. The game was announced for a September launch.
Yoshi's World
Nintendo brought out the Stamper brothers from Rareware to show what their studio was working on. They showed a final trailer for GoldenEye 007 and a new trailer for Diddy Kong Racing. They also revealed two original titles, Banjo-Kazooie and Conker’s Quest, which were brand new platformers for the Ultra Nintendo Entertainment System.
Conker's Quest
After Rareware was done showing their games, Gunpei Yokoi took to the stage. He talked about the Metroid series and how it will evolve into 3D. He also mentioned the great partnership with western studios and that he was partnering with one to produce a new Metroid. The trailer for Metroid: Harvest by DMA Design was shown, revealing a 1998 release date. He also revealed that he was working on Kid Icarus III exclusively for the Game Boy Color.
Metroid: Harvest
Nintendo also announced F-Zero X and 1080 Snowboarding for 1998.
OTHER
Outside of the big conferences held by 3DO, Sega, and Nintendo, were quite a few great surprises and showcases. Epic MegaGames showed off an impressive new engine called Unreal Engine, which would be powering their next title and Microsoft revealed a new internal development studio called Valve Software. The studio presented a brand new shooter titled Quiver that would be released at the end of the year.
Quiver
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DOOM CREATOR’S NEW GAME COMING THIS YEAR
John Romero, one of the minds behind the highly successful ‘Doom’, left id Software last year, but since then he has already founded a new studio, Ion Storm, and his new project, Daikatana will be released in December on id’s Quake engine.
GT INTERACTIVE CONQUERING THE PUBLISHING SPACE
GT Interactive has continued its expansion by acquiring Virgin Interactive and Westwood Studios for $100 million, further expanding its portfolio with titles like Command & Conquer.
ACTIVISION LOOKS THROUGH THE GLASS
Activision has fully acquired developer Looking Glass Studios, the company behind Ultima Underworld and System Shock. They will be publishing its upcoming game, The Dark Project. Rumors were suggesting impending lay-offs at the studio, but Activision has confirmed that no one at Looking Glass will be laid off.
SEGA EXPANDS WESTERN EFFORTS
Recently, Sega has purchased two more western studios. The first being BlueSky Software and the other being Appaloosa Interactive. Their recent purchase of Core Design has encouraged this move to make its western partners into in-house studios.
ULTIMA ONLINE DELAYED
The anticipated Ultima Online has been delayed into 1998 by Electronic Arts. The game’s beta was reportedly very buggy and needed some extra time in the oven. Ultima IX: Tribunal will be coming out in September 1997 though, so Ultima fans will still have their fix this year.
John Romero, one of the minds behind the highly successful ‘Doom’, left id Software last year, but since then he has already founded a new studio, Ion Storm, and his new project, Daikatana will be released in December on id’s Quake engine.
GT INTERACTIVE CONQUERING THE PUBLISHING SPACE
GT Interactive has continued its expansion by acquiring Virgin Interactive and Westwood Studios for $100 million, further expanding its portfolio with titles like Command & Conquer.
ACTIVISION LOOKS THROUGH THE GLASS
Activision has fully acquired developer Looking Glass Studios, the company behind Ultima Underworld and System Shock. They will be publishing its upcoming game, The Dark Project. Rumors were suggesting impending lay-offs at the studio, but Activision has confirmed that no one at Looking Glass will be laid off.
SEGA EXPANDS WESTERN EFFORTS
Recently, Sega has purchased two more western studios. The first being BlueSky Software and the other being Appaloosa Interactive. Their recent purchase of Core Design has encouraged this move to make its western partners into in-house studios.
ULTIMA ONLINE DELAYED
The anticipated Ultima Online has been delayed into 1998 by Electronic Arts. The game’s beta was reportedly very buggy and needed some extra time in the oven. Ultima IX: Tribunal will be coming out in September 1997 though, so Ultima fans will still have their fix this year.
Will it work, even if the market is not that fragmented and fiasco of 32X and other and even panther sucess, hope not goes so bad but even them if falied, nothing of value will be lose, the other three can take care the losses anyway.
Nice Idea for an original game and Konami being kONAMI, Sorry still knew little about 3D0, but Metal gear solid would goes to sony equivalent, heck even Solid was worked in 3do before the console died.
Total Consoles Sold Worldwide by the end of 1997
3DO: 16.4 Million
Atari Panther: 11.8 Million
Sega Evolution: 11 Million
Ultra Nintendo: 7 Million
Atari Panther CD: 1.9 Million
M2: 300,000
Handhelds:
Game Boy: 92 Million
Game Gear: 37.7 Million
Game Boy Color: 7.4 Million
NOTABLE GAMES OF 1997
Q1 1997
Blast Corps (UNES) Nintendo-Rareware
Bushido Blade (UNES) Square-Bergsala Lightweight
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (3DO,EVO,UNES) Konami
Final Fantasy VII (UNES) Square
The Last Express (WIN) Sierra Entertainment-Smoking Car Productions
Tekken 3 (3DO,EVO,UNES) Namco
Tobal 2 (UNES) Nintendo-DreamFactory
Turok: Dinosaur Hunter (UNES) Acclaim Entertainment-Iguana Entertainment
Q2 1997
Ace Comabt 2 (3DO,EVO,UNES) Namco
ActRaiser 3 (UNES) Enix-Quintet
Dungeon Keeper (PC) Electronic Arts-Bullfrog Productions
Final Fantasy Tactics (UNES) Square
MDK (DOS,WIN,MAC,EVO) Interplay Entertainment-Shiny Entertainment
Shining Force III (EVO) Sega-Camelot Software
Star Fox 3 (UNES) Nintendo-Argonaut Software
Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter (WIN) LucasArts-Totally Games
Q3 1997
Allegiance (PTRCD,MAC) Atari-Team 17
Elric the Necromancer (DOS,MAC,WIN) Psygnosis
Fallout (DOS,MAC,WIN) Interplay Entertainment
G-Police (3DO,WIN) Psygnosis
GoldenEye 007 (UNES) Nintendo-Rareware
Hexen II (WIN,EVO) GT Interactive-id Software/Raven Software, Lobotomy Software (Evolution)
The House of the Dead (EVO) Sega-Virtua Studios
King’s Quest VIII (PC) Sierra
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee (WIN) GT Interactive-Oddworld Inhabitants
Pandemonium 2 (3DO) 3DO Company-Crystal Dynamics
Prey (WIN,MAC,EVO) GT Interactive/3D Realms-Developers of Incredible Power, Lobotomy Software (Evolution)
SaGa Frontier (UNES) Square
Streets of Rage 4 (EVO) Sega-Core Design
Total Annihilation (WIN,MAC) GT Interactive-Cavedog Entertainment
Ultima IX: Tribunal (WIN) Electronic Arts-Origin Systems
Yoshi’s World (UNES) Nintendo-Arognaut Software
Q4 1997
Age of Empires (WIN) Microsoft-Ensemble Studios
Colony Wars (3DO,WIN) Psygnosis
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back (3DO,M2) Universal Interactive-Naughty Dog
Crash N’ Burn: Carnage (3DO,M2) 3DO Company-Left Field Productions
Daikatana (WIN) Eidos Interactive-Ion Storm
Diddy Kong Racing (UNES) Nintendo-Rareware
Enemy Zero (3DO) WARP
Eternal Champions: The Final Chapter (EVO) Sega
The Fallen (M2) Psygnosis-Sensory Deception
Front Mission 2 (UNES) Sqaure-G Craft
Grand Theft Auto (DOS,EVO,PC,UNES) BMG Interactive-DMA Design/Visual Sciences
Hellfire (WIN,MAC) Sierra Entertainment-Synergistic Software
The Legend of Zelda: Magic Medallions (UNES) Nintendo
Mega Man Legends (EVO,UNES) Capcom
Monster Rancher (UNES) Square
Mortal Kombat 4 (3DO,M2,EVO,UNES,WIN) Acclaim Entertainment-Eurocom
Myth: The Fallen Lords (WIN,MAC) Bungie Software
Quake II (WIN,MAC,EVO) GT Interactive-id Software
Quiver (WIN) Microsoft-Valve Software
Riven (WIN,MAC) Sierra Entertainment-Cyan
Slam N’ Jam ’97 (3DO) 3DO Company-Left Field Productions
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II (DOS,MAC,WIN) LucasArts
Tomb Raider II (EVO) Sega-Core Design
Warhawk 2 (EVO,UNES,3DO,M2,WIN) Psygnosis-SingleTrac
Wing Comander: Prophecy (M2,WIN) Electronic Arts-Origin Systems
3DO: 16.4 Million
Atari Panther: 11.8 Million
Sega Evolution: 11 Million
Ultra Nintendo: 7 Million
Atari Panther CD: 1.9 Million
M2: 300,000
Handhelds:
Game Boy: 92 Million
Game Gear: 37.7 Million
Game Boy Color: 7.4 Million
NOTABLE GAMES OF 1997
Q1 1997
Blast Corps (UNES) Nintendo-Rareware
Bushido Blade (UNES) Square-Bergsala Lightweight
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (3DO,EVO,UNES) Konami
Final Fantasy VII (UNES) Square
The Last Express (WIN) Sierra Entertainment-Smoking Car Productions
Tekken 3 (3DO,EVO,UNES) Namco
Tobal 2 (UNES) Nintendo-DreamFactory
Turok: Dinosaur Hunter (UNES) Acclaim Entertainment-Iguana Entertainment
Q2 1997
Ace Comabt 2 (3DO,EVO,UNES) Namco
ActRaiser 3 (UNES) Enix-Quintet
Dungeon Keeper (PC) Electronic Arts-Bullfrog Productions
Final Fantasy Tactics (UNES) Square
MDK (DOS,WIN,MAC,EVO) Interplay Entertainment-Shiny Entertainment
Shining Force III (EVO) Sega-Camelot Software
Star Fox 3 (UNES) Nintendo-Argonaut Software
Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter (WIN) LucasArts-Totally Games
Q3 1997
Allegiance (PTRCD,MAC) Atari-Team 17
Elric the Necromancer (DOS,MAC,WIN) Psygnosis
Fallout (DOS,MAC,WIN) Interplay Entertainment
G-Police (3DO,WIN) Psygnosis
GoldenEye 007 (UNES) Nintendo-Rareware
Hexen II (WIN,EVO) GT Interactive-id Software/Raven Software, Lobotomy Software (Evolution)
The House of the Dead (EVO) Sega-Virtua Studios
King’s Quest VIII (PC) Sierra
Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee (WIN) GT Interactive-Oddworld Inhabitants
Pandemonium 2 (3DO) 3DO Company-Crystal Dynamics
Prey (WIN,MAC,EVO) GT Interactive/3D Realms-Developers of Incredible Power, Lobotomy Software (Evolution)
SaGa Frontier (UNES) Square
Streets of Rage 4 (EVO) Sega-Core Design
Total Annihilation (WIN,MAC) GT Interactive-Cavedog Entertainment
Ultima IX: Tribunal (WIN) Electronic Arts-Origin Systems
Yoshi’s World (UNES) Nintendo-Arognaut Software
Q4 1997
Age of Empires (WIN) Microsoft-Ensemble Studios
Colony Wars (3DO,WIN) Psygnosis
Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back (3DO,M2) Universal Interactive-Naughty Dog
Crash N’ Burn: Carnage (3DO,M2) 3DO Company-Left Field Productions
Daikatana (WIN) Eidos Interactive-Ion Storm
Diddy Kong Racing (UNES) Nintendo-Rareware
Enemy Zero (3DO) WARP
Eternal Champions: The Final Chapter (EVO) Sega
The Fallen (M2) Psygnosis-Sensory Deception
Front Mission 2 (UNES) Sqaure-G Craft
Grand Theft Auto (DOS,EVO,PC,UNES) BMG Interactive-DMA Design/Visual Sciences
Hellfire (WIN,MAC) Sierra Entertainment-Synergistic Software
The Legend of Zelda: Magic Medallions (UNES) Nintendo
Mega Man Legends (EVO,UNES) Capcom
Monster Rancher (UNES) Square
Mortal Kombat 4 (3DO,M2,EVO,UNES,WIN) Acclaim Entertainment-Eurocom
Myth: The Fallen Lords (WIN,MAC) Bungie Software
Quake II (WIN,MAC,EVO) GT Interactive-id Software
Quiver (WIN) Microsoft-Valve Software
Riven (WIN,MAC) Sierra Entertainment-Cyan
Slam N’ Jam ’97 (3DO) 3DO Company-Left Field Productions
Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II (DOS,MAC,WIN) LucasArts
Tomb Raider II (EVO) Sega-Core Design
Warhawk 2 (EVO,UNES,3DO,M2,WIN) Psygnosis-SingleTrac
Wing Comander: Prophecy (M2,WIN) Electronic Arts-Origin Systems
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Should be Shining Force III, III was divided in 3 disc act(the first two being the story of both side in conflict and third one being the unify story after the climax), so under Takahashi bros decided to abandon that vision, for 1997 we should still being in III or was a III before?
Excellent updates, the images give better life to timeline, still sceptic with first person zelda and ironically body harvest looks a lot of metroish i remember.
Ah, glad you caught that. It was a mistake and I fixed it, but it is not split into separate discs.
As for Body Harvest, that was my first thought when I saw it. I saw the screen when researching the dream team, thought it looked Metroid-like and figured it would be interesting to give DMA Design the Metroid IP. I would be skeptical about first-person Zelda too, but I know that was one of the original concepts and I figured it would be interesting to see it live.
Yeah thanks fixed it, pretty interesting not separetd in disc, easily one of biggest SRPG at the time, would easily worth thr 60$
Yeah i remember played it and asking if was metroid or nintendo related but the show me the box called body harvest, but even the 'space solider from future' looks so much to samus, same armour colour and rifle arm
I remember what say miyamoto about the 'wonky camera' and avoid it, hope Elders Scrolls fans will not be so vocal here.
Will be an update soon?
GAMEFORCE MAGAZINE TOPS THE CHARTS
New gaming magazine, GameForce has taken the lead in sales and the attention of gamers everywhere. The new magazine has gained attention on their story about the Chair-Fight between Sega’s Tom Kalinske and Nintendo’s Howard Lincoln. They are also praised for their trustworthy reviews and their exclusive sneak peeks. The newest issue features Ryu Hayabusa in his 3D debut with Ninja Gaiden: Crimson from Final Fantasy publisher Square.
GAMEFORCE REVIEW SCORE HIGHLIGHTS OF ’97 (scores out of 10):
Daikatana (PC): 8 “John Romero’s new studio has delivered a very good first game. We just wonder what it would look like on Quake II’s engine.”
Elric the Necromancer (PC): 9 “Psygnosis has summoned a great RPG and Elric has summoned a 9 out of 10”
Eternal Champions: The Final Chapter (EVO): 8 “Eternal Champions has had its best entry yet. We hope it’s not the final chapter.”
The Fallen (M2): 9.5 “The M2’s big exclusive lives up to the hype for the most part. It is a new and revolutionary experience.”
Fallout (PC): 9 “Fallout brings one of the most unique, humorous, and atmospheric experiences to date.”
GoldenEye 007 (UNES): 10 “An amazing experience from start to finish, but the real fun is in the multiplayer.”
Hellfire (PC): 8.5 “Sierra’s answer to Diablo is great, but the similarity in almost everything makes it feel like a clone of Diablo and makes us just want to play the original game.”
King’s Quest VIII (PC): 7 “Sierra brings us yet another entry in the King’s Quest series, it is an enjoyable experience, but falls victim to the same thing that other titles have fallen to this year: feeling outdated.”
The Legend of Zelda: Magic Medallions (UNES): 8.5 “The Legend of Zelda has been turned into a first-person experience and while the game has a wonky camera and the combat feels a little odd, there is nothing else like it in terms of open-world exploration.”
Prey (PC/MAC): 8 “An original title from the developers behind Rise of the Triad that delivers another great shooter for publishers GT Interactive and 3D Realms.”
Quiver (PC): 9 “An impressive debut from Microsoft’s Valve Software. The story and campaign are near perfect, but we wonder if it is such a good idea that it has been released so closely to Quake II.”
Star Fox 3 (UNES): 9 “The third entry in the franchise is arguably the best.”
Streets of Rage 4 (EVO): 8 “Streets of Rage goes 3D and while some moments made me rage, it is a great 3D debut.”
Ultima IX: Tribunal (PC): 9 “Though the engine isn't as great as a lot of modern games, it doesn’t get in the way of enjoying the story and characters of Ultima IX.”
Yoshi’s World (UNES): 9 “Yoshi’s World brings us more of everything we enjoyed in Super Mario 3D Adventure, except for levels. Expect to complete the game rather quickly.”
New gaming magazine, GameForce has taken the lead in sales and the attention of gamers everywhere. The new magazine has gained attention on their story about the Chair-Fight between Sega’s Tom Kalinske and Nintendo’s Howard Lincoln. They are also praised for their trustworthy reviews and their exclusive sneak peeks. The newest issue features Ryu Hayabusa in his 3D debut with Ninja Gaiden: Crimson from Final Fantasy publisher Square.
GAMEFORCE REVIEW SCORE HIGHLIGHTS OF ’97 (scores out of 10):
Daikatana (PC): 8 “John Romero’s new studio has delivered a very good first game. We just wonder what it would look like on Quake II’s engine.”
Elric the Necromancer (PC): 9 “Psygnosis has summoned a great RPG and Elric has summoned a 9 out of 10”
Eternal Champions: The Final Chapter (EVO): 8 “Eternal Champions has had its best entry yet. We hope it’s not the final chapter.”
The Fallen (M2): 9.5 “The M2’s big exclusive lives up to the hype for the most part. It is a new and revolutionary experience.”
Fallout (PC): 9 “Fallout brings one of the most unique, humorous, and atmospheric experiences to date.”
GoldenEye 007 (UNES): 10 “An amazing experience from start to finish, but the real fun is in the multiplayer.”
Hellfire (PC): 8.5 “Sierra’s answer to Diablo is great, but the similarity in almost everything makes it feel like a clone of Diablo and makes us just want to play the original game.”
King’s Quest VIII (PC): 7 “Sierra brings us yet another entry in the King’s Quest series, it is an enjoyable experience, but falls victim to the same thing that other titles have fallen to this year: feeling outdated.”
The Legend of Zelda: Magic Medallions (UNES): 8.5 “The Legend of Zelda has been turned into a first-person experience and while the game has a wonky camera and the combat feels a little odd, there is nothing else like it in terms of open-world exploration.”
Prey (PC/MAC): 8 “An original title from the developers behind Rise of the Triad that delivers another great shooter for publishers GT Interactive and 3D Realms.”
Quiver (PC): 9 “An impressive debut from Microsoft’s Valve Software. The story and campaign are near perfect, but we wonder if it is such a good idea that it has been released so closely to Quake II.”
Star Fox 3 (UNES): 9 “The third entry in the franchise is arguably the best.”
Streets of Rage 4 (EVO): 8 “Streets of Rage goes 3D and while some moments made me rage, it is a great 3D debut.”
Ultima IX: Tribunal (PC): 9 “Though the engine isn't as great as a lot of modern games, it doesn’t get in the way of enjoying the story and characters of Ultima IX.”
Yoshi’s World (UNES): 9 “Yoshi’s World brings us more of everything we enjoyed in Super Mario 3D Adventure, except for levels. Expect to complete the game rather quickly.”
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GAMEFORCE MAGAZINE TOPS THE CHARTS
New gaming magazine, GameForce has taken the lead in sales and the attention of gamers everywhere. The new magazine has gained attention on their story about the Chair-Fight between Sega’s Tom Kalinske and Nintendo’s Howard Lincoln. They are also praised for their trustworthy reviews and their exclusive sneak peeks. The newest issue features Ryu Hayabusa in his 3D debut with Ninja Gaiden: Crimson from Final Fantasy publisher Square.
Nice for that magazine(the best way to express idea in videogame world, that was a real magazine in OTL?) and their features were simple pretty interesting, specially doing a face-off between those two industry titans.
That Concept Render was amazing, so the game would be like Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword? prerendered all except charcthers? that will allow pretty beatiful graphics for the time. So the game is remplazing Brave Fencer Mushahi? that would be interesting for Tetsuya Nomura Carrer.
That is what i call a dodge bullet, will duke nukem have the same luck ITTL?
Just Like OTL, nice for rare, can see 3 extra millon sales pretty easily here
QUOTE=Confortius;8929288]
The Legend of Zelda: Magic Medallions (UNES): 8.5 “The Legend of Zelda has been turned into a first-person experience and while the game has a wonky camera and the combat feels a little odd, there is nothing else like it in terms of open-world exploration.”
[/QUOTE]
WHAT THAT HELL HAPPENED? in theory Zelda should be the same? heck some people make the game first person and even if wonku is pretty amazing? umm again lack of better images not allow comparation, will wonder how will affect future title, we can easily have other before 2000, heck a third can be even possible.
Other Dodge Bullet, seems maybe Duke Nukem will have better luck here.
When 2 was released? the cancelled SNES one? seems nice, the most starfox the better.
Interesting, hope not suffer perfomance issues, if they can overthink like Yazuka, the franchise can be pretty good in 3d(i love beat em up but GTA killed those)
[/QUOTE] Pretty Nice, seems Mario 64 lite and would be pretty enjoyable
I'm still warry about zelda but most seems pretty nice, excellent update confortius, as always
I made up GameForce in order to have something to express more opinionated posts, features and reviews for, especially in a timeline that will become more and more different from OTL. I figured I would use it to give an idea of approximately how good or bad certain alternate games are and also give previews to build up hype and reviews to help readers feel like there is a conclusion to games being released.
Yes, Nomura is working Ninja Gaiden: Crimson. His career will be a little different this time. He is still going to work on a certain RPG directed by Yoshinori Kitase, but it will not be exactly the same as in OTL. His career will deviate quite a bit from there however.
Duke Nukem's mighty foot will keep on kicking.
The game in first person messed with the experience a bit. It also had a little less development time than in OTL so some things weren't quite the same. It is praised for it's exploration, but the combat doesn't feel as satisfying so it took a toll on the gameplay. Don't worry, Zelda has a chance to be redeemed in the future. I did put one image for Zelda on the E3 1997 post. I will gladly update the GameForce posts with images if you would like though.
Yeah, Star Fox 2 was released on SNES. Nintendo retained their partnership with Argonaut which is why they got to work on UNES titles such as Yoshi's World and co-development on Star Fox 3.
The game had a great 3D debut and the franchise will continue in 3D. Also, speaking of GTA, I have some things in mind. Something that involves conflict between Nintendo and DMA Design.
Thanks for the feedback. It is always appreciated and it helps me to continue to craft a more detailed and compelling timeline.
Umm nice, that was pretty onspot(specially how was his love for action games), maybe here entering FF early and adding better action elements? that would be pretty nice.
Hey What will Happened to Tetsuya Takahashi, Xenoblade creator? did square will screw him and make xenogears as uncomplete as OTL, maybe jumping ship early to nintendo and make Xenoblade early(and the abobination called xenosaga would be neve rmade)
GOOD...GOOD, hope more news, at least being a little niche but not OTL fiasco
Yeah, the extra year in the oven would have help a lot, and yeah put images if you've enough, those always help us with the context of the timeline and show 'changes'. Well hope Majora is like OTL, even if First person, i still loved that game a lot.
Nice to hear that, hope that allow those surive more or nintendo globbed talents and IP if the go down, to allow more star fox and super-fx emulation. and other game for my SNES library.
Yeah because Nintendo will not aproved a game when you killed cops and prostitues for fun, but again if we learn about yoshiaki koizumi of zelda and mario fame: Following Ocarina of Time, Koizumi was designing a "cops and robbers"-style game that had the player catch a criminal over the course of a week in-game, or roughly equivalent to an hour in real time. However, he was pulled off the project and asked to help develop the sequel to Ocarina of Time. That Concept can work too and would interesting a cop and robbers sandbox that only robbers.
Excellent for Sega WOW/overworks, hope they still keep alive, maybe Shemue will have better luck ITTL?
Thanks, your timeline is amazing and based a concept few explore, well thande tried but cease, as his eternal uncomplete works, nice keep going buddy
1998
ID SOFTWARE HIRES MODDERS BEHIND “TEAM FORTRESS”
A team of developers who built the Team Fortress mod for Quake have been hired to do a standalone sequel for id Software.
GT INTERACTIVE FULLY ACQUIRES 3D REALMS
In a major deal, GT Interactive has fully acquired recent partner 3D Realms, also known as Apogee Software. GT now owns all assets associated with Apogee and 3D Realms.
RPG MEGA-MERGER
Atlus and Falcom have merged into a single company called Atlus Falcom Co.
THE MIGHT AND MAGIC OF ELECTRONIC ARTS
Electronic Arts has acquired New World Computing along with its popular ‘Might and Magic’ intellectual property.
NINTENDO COMPLETES RAREWARE ACQUISITION
Nintendo has partnered with developer for a while and they have made a complete acquisition of the company, making it part of the Nintendo family. Rareware is releasing Banjo-Kazooie this year.
INFOGRAMES APPOINTS NEW CEO
Yves Guillemot has been appointed as the new CEO of Infogrames by the board. He formerly headed Ubisoft, a game publisher acquired by Atari in 1996, now part of Apple. Guillemot has been a long time investor of Infogrames and has now been appointed has Chief executive officer.
ID SOFTWARE HIRES MODDERS BEHIND “TEAM FORTRESS”
A team of developers who built the Team Fortress mod for Quake have been hired to do a standalone sequel for id Software.
GT INTERACTIVE FULLY ACQUIRES 3D REALMS
In a major deal, GT Interactive has fully acquired recent partner 3D Realms, also known as Apogee Software. GT now owns all assets associated with Apogee and 3D Realms.
RPG MEGA-MERGER
Atlus and Falcom have merged into a single company called Atlus Falcom Co.
THE MIGHT AND MAGIC OF ELECTRONIC ARTS
Electronic Arts has acquired New World Computing along with its popular ‘Might and Magic’ intellectual property.
NINTENDO COMPLETES RAREWARE ACQUISITION
Nintendo has partnered with developer for a while and they have made a complete acquisition of the company, making it part of the Nintendo family. Rareware is releasing Banjo-Kazooie this year.
INFOGRAMES APPOINTS NEW CEO
Yves Guillemot has been appointed as the new CEO of Infogrames by the board. He formerly headed Ubisoft, a game publisher acquired by Atari in 1996, now part of Apple. Guillemot has been a long time investor of Infogrames and has now been appointed has Chief executive officer.
Umm so Valve now being part of MS so now Team Fortress 2 will be more 'gritty' that otl cartoony? well that is now butterflies work, that one will be interesting.
Hope the Can keep brussar in order and Duke Nukem being released as 2001 as maximum(maybe using either source or ID tech 2.5 as engine) and not allow other development hell
This is a megaton, should be called as that, both companies will benefit a lot, Atlus having falcom legendaries IP and talent and developmen teams and Falcom having Atlus USA as localizator(Europeans cry and whinne but here in the america in Atlus we trust), hope more Y's Remake and original games in the west.
EA are never good news, i wish the best for New World Computing....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3ALwKeSEYs
The best news of the year, hope Dinosaur Planet come in Ultra and maybe Rare 5 for gamecube/dolphin are not cancelled.
[/QUOTE] So guillemont still have work? well nice for him, hope he don't bankrupt infogrames,
Excellent news roundup, those hype us, hope next update soon buddy
Xenogears will have more development time because Square isn't just focused on Final Fantasy, but they focus on building multiple brands in this timeline.
Also, I updated the GameForce Reviews with pictures.
Hope that goes well for him but anyway i always thing the whole thing was a 'concolaction prize' because xenogears script was not approved as Final Fantasy VIII(yeah i read the interviews but if you read betwene line takashis ideas are 50% of the plot of VII already and when VIII and gears started development show geasr was always a beta project) thus giving that chance but well if that works better for him, a better pushed gears can do wonders for both but if not if you wanto to make that open world game goes to nintendo.
Nice pictures, can imagine how wonky would be that combat in zelda(specially without Z targetting)
E3 1998
3DO
3DO held the first conference of E3 again in 1998, where they showed a whole bunch of new games coming to the 3DO and M2. They started with a 3DO price drop announcement, the original 3DO console would now retail for $99 U.S. dollars and the M2 console for $299, while the M2 add-on remained the same price.
After this announcement, they moved on to the games, first presenting GT Interactive’s Thrill Kill running on the 3DO. Thrill Kill was advertised as a “Mortal Kombat killer” by those who saw it and while Mortal Kombat never got killed, Thrill Kill did give it a run for its money.
Thrill Kill
3DO then showed a new IP for their original console called Akuji the Heartless from Crystal Dynamics before moving on to mostly focus on the M2. Though most M2 games could be played on 3DO as well, they did not show these versions because the M2 versions were noticeably better. They showed a new trailer for Konami’s Metal Gear Solid, announcing that it would launch in September. Konami then showed Silent Hill, a new horror adventure title coming next year. 3DO also revealed new games in their partnership with Universal Interactive with Spyro the Dragon from Insomniac Games and Crash Bandicoot 3 from Naughty Dog.
Silent Hill from Konami
3DO Studios showed a new trailer for World Championship Racing and revealed Killing Time 2 for the M2. 3DO also revealed the M2 exclusive BattleTanx and a first-person RPG adventure game called Power Crystal.
Power Crystal
Next was another new IP from Crystal Dynamics called Shifter. A game featuring a fallen angel trying to find his way back by shifting between the material and spectral worlds. They also revealed Gex 3. Both games would launch in 1999. There was a game for this year though, that game was Legacy of Kain II-a sequel to 3DO’s hit 1996 title, developed by Silicon Knights.
Shifter, a new IP from Crystal Dynamics
NINTENDO
Nintendo started with a montage of first-party games on Ultra Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy Color due in 1998, including Metroid: Harvest, Kid Icarus III, and Mario Party.
Next, they talked about their success with third-parties. LucasArts showed Star Wars Rogue Squadron and Acclaim Entertainment showed Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, Cruisn’ World, and Iggy’s Wrecking Balls.
Star Wars Rogue Squadron
Nintendo also announced that they would be dropping the prices of the UNES and Game Boy Color to $199 and $99 respectively.
Nintendo brought long-time partner Square to the stage. Square started by showing the recently released Parasite EVE and Ninja Gaiden: Crimson. They then revealed a new RPG called Guardian Force, which follows a mercenary group named SeeD and features a battle system based on summon-able monsters called "Guardian Forces".
After the reveal of Guardian Force, Square showed another original title called Xenogears and a brand new entry in the Super Mario RPG series, tentatively titled Super Mario RPG 2.
Last, but not least, Square left the stage with a trailer for Chrono Trigger II.
Continuing the RPG announcements, Nintendo made two huge announcements. They announced that they would be publishing Dragon Quest VII in western regions due for release early next year. They also announced Mother 3, in development by HAL Laboratory with no release date.
Finally, Nintendo revealed new first-party titles for the next year, including Pokemon Stadium 2 and Jet Force Gemini. They also revealed that the anticipated Conker’s Quest: Twelve Tales would be coming to the UNES next year and a Game Boy Color game called Conker’s Pocket Tales would also be released. In addition to Jet Force Gemini and Conker, Nintendo ended the show by revealing another title from developer Rareware, Donkey Kong Country 3D
Donkey Kong Country 3D
SEGA
Sega switched things up by showing Tomb Raider III first to keep from becoming too predictable and it looked fantastic like the other two entries in the franchise, but it wasn’t the only title from Core Design. After showing Tomb Raider III, Sega and Core revealed a brand new entry in the Shinobi franchise, Shinobi: Shadow of Darkness.
Shinobi: Shadow of Darkness
Virtua Fighter creator and Virtua Studios head was at the event to reveal his new title, Shenmue. Shenmue was an adventure title featuring voice-acted dialogue, open environments, chases, and fighting sequences. The game was visually impressive and featured a deep weather system. While on stage Suzuki mentioned that Shenmue would not be ready until next year, but that he had something for people to play this year. A trailer for Virtua Fighter 3 played.
Shenmue
Next, Sega was getting ready to reveal a “brand new platform”. They discussed the success of the Sega Game Gear and were ready to unveil the future of Game Gear. Sega of America’s President, Steve Race pulled out the new handheld, the Game Gear Touch.
Game Gear Touch was a 16-bit handheld system with a touch screen interface and it now featured three face buttons as well as two shoulder buttons and a d-pad and was approximately the same size as the Game Gear X. Steve Race made the touch screen a focal point, explaining how it would revolutionize portable gaming. Shining Force: Legions was revealed for the Game Gear Touch, entire battles could be completed on the touch screen. An enhanced game based on the hit Tamagotchi was also revealed as well as a demo showing Sonic & Knuckles running on the device. Game Gear Touch would be available in 1999.
Game Gear Touch
Sega continued the show by revealing a brand new Sonic the Hedgehog title for the Evolution called Sonic Adventure, it was one of the best looking games seen to date and was coming for the holiday season.
Sonic Adventure
Chairman Tom Kalinske came out to the stage and wanted to outline their third-party plan, named Sega All-Star Partners. Kalinske started with GT Interactive, talking about how the only console that their shooters such as Quake II, Hexen II, and Prey could be played on. Kalinske continued by announcing that not only shooters will be coming to the Evolution, but that Thrill Kill would also be coming. Sega’s partnership with Capcom was highlighted as well, with the recent Resident Evil 2, which launched exclusively on Evolution. Capcom then showed a trailer for Mega Man Legends. Kalinske also announced that they were now partnering with Psygnosis to bring franchises such as Colony Wars and Twisted Metal to the Evolution, along with the recent hit game, The Fallen.
In another surprise, they brought Naughty Dog founders to the stage to announce that Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped would also be coming to the Evolution.
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
The last game shown was a brand new stealth-action title published by Sega called Syphon Filter, followed by an announcement that the Evolution would now sell for $199.
Syphon Filter
3DO
3DO held the first conference of E3 again in 1998, where they showed a whole bunch of new games coming to the 3DO and M2. They started with a 3DO price drop announcement, the original 3DO console would now retail for $99 U.S. dollars and the M2 console for $299, while the M2 add-on remained the same price.
After this announcement, they moved on to the games, first presenting GT Interactive’s Thrill Kill running on the 3DO. Thrill Kill was advertised as a “Mortal Kombat killer” by those who saw it and while Mortal Kombat never got killed, Thrill Kill did give it a run for its money.
Thrill Kill
3DO then showed a new IP for their original console called Akuji the Heartless from Crystal Dynamics before moving on to mostly focus on the M2. Though most M2 games could be played on 3DO as well, they did not show these versions because the M2 versions were noticeably better. They showed a new trailer for Konami’s Metal Gear Solid, announcing that it would launch in September. Konami then showed Silent Hill, a new horror adventure title coming next year. 3DO also revealed new games in their partnership with Universal Interactive with Spyro the Dragon from Insomniac Games and Crash Bandicoot 3 from Naughty Dog.
Silent Hill from Konami
3DO Studios showed a new trailer for World Championship Racing and revealed Killing Time 2 for the M2. 3DO also revealed the M2 exclusive BattleTanx and a first-person RPG adventure game called Power Crystal.
Power Crystal
Next was another new IP from Crystal Dynamics called Shifter. A game featuring a fallen angel trying to find his way back by shifting between the material and spectral worlds. They also revealed Gex 3. Both games would launch in 1999. There was a game for this year though, that game was Legacy of Kain II-a sequel to 3DO’s hit 1996 title, developed by Silicon Knights.
Shifter, a new IP from Crystal Dynamics
NINTENDO
Nintendo started with a montage of first-party games on Ultra Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy Color due in 1998, including Metroid: Harvest, Kid Icarus III, and Mario Party.
Next, they talked about their success with third-parties. LucasArts showed Star Wars Rogue Squadron and Acclaim Entertainment showed Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, Cruisn’ World, and Iggy’s Wrecking Balls.
Star Wars Rogue Squadron
Nintendo also announced that they would be dropping the prices of the UNES and Game Boy Color to $199 and $99 respectively.
Nintendo brought long-time partner Square to the stage. Square started by showing the recently released Parasite EVE and Ninja Gaiden: Crimson. They then revealed a new RPG called Guardian Force, which follows a mercenary group named SeeD and features a battle system based on summon-able monsters called "Guardian Forces".
After the reveal of Guardian Force, Square showed another original title called Xenogears and a brand new entry in the Super Mario RPG series, tentatively titled Super Mario RPG 2.
Last, but not least, Square left the stage with a trailer for Chrono Trigger II.
Continuing the RPG announcements, Nintendo made two huge announcements. They announced that they would be publishing Dragon Quest VII in western regions due for release early next year. They also announced Mother 3, in development by HAL Laboratory with no release date.
Finally, Nintendo revealed new first-party titles for the next year, including Pokemon Stadium 2 and Jet Force Gemini. They also revealed that the anticipated Conker’s Quest: Twelve Tales would be coming to the UNES next year and a Game Boy Color game called Conker’s Pocket Tales would also be released. In addition to Jet Force Gemini and Conker, Nintendo ended the show by revealing another title from developer Rareware, Donkey Kong Country 3D
Donkey Kong Country 3D
SEGA
Sega switched things up by showing Tomb Raider III first to keep from becoming too predictable and it looked fantastic like the other two entries in the franchise, but it wasn’t the only title from Core Design. After showing Tomb Raider III, Sega and Core revealed a brand new entry in the Shinobi franchise, Shinobi: Shadow of Darkness.
Shinobi: Shadow of Darkness
Virtua Fighter creator and Virtua Studios head was at the event to reveal his new title, Shenmue. Shenmue was an adventure title featuring voice-acted dialogue, open environments, chases, and fighting sequences. The game was visually impressive and featured a deep weather system. While on stage Suzuki mentioned that Shenmue would not be ready until next year, but that he had something for people to play this year. A trailer for Virtua Fighter 3 played.
Shenmue
Next, Sega was getting ready to reveal a “brand new platform”. They discussed the success of the Sega Game Gear and were ready to unveil the future of Game Gear. Sega of America’s President, Steve Race pulled out the new handheld, the Game Gear Touch.
Game Gear Touch was a 16-bit handheld system with a touch screen interface and it now featured three face buttons as well as two shoulder buttons and a d-pad and was approximately the same size as the Game Gear X. Steve Race made the touch screen a focal point, explaining how it would revolutionize portable gaming. Shining Force: Legions was revealed for the Game Gear Touch, entire battles could be completed on the touch screen. An enhanced game based on the hit Tamagotchi was also revealed as well as a demo showing Sonic & Knuckles running on the device. Game Gear Touch would be available in 1999.
Game Gear Touch
Sega continued the show by revealing a brand new Sonic the Hedgehog title for the Evolution called Sonic Adventure, it was one of the best looking games seen to date and was coming for the holiday season.
Sonic Adventure
Chairman Tom Kalinske came out to the stage and wanted to outline their third-party plan, named Sega All-Star Partners. Kalinske started with GT Interactive, talking about how the only console that their shooters such as Quake II, Hexen II, and Prey could be played on. Kalinske continued by announcing that not only shooters will be coming to the Evolution, but that Thrill Kill would also be coming. Sega’s partnership with Capcom was highlighted as well, with the recent Resident Evil 2, which launched exclusively on Evolution. Capcom then showed a trailer for Mega Man Legends. Kalinske also announced that they were now partnering with Psygnosis to bring franchises such as Colony Wars and Twisted Metal to the Evolution, along with the recent hit game, The Fallen.
In another surprise, they brought Naughty Dog founders to the stage to announce that Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped would also be coming to the Evolution.
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped
The last game shown was a brand new stealth-action title published by Sega called Syphon Filter, followed by an announcement that the Evolution would now sell for $199.
Syphon Filter
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I hope Gran Turismo and Legend of Dragon aren't butterflied away.
This is great news. Maybe we'll get Killer Instinct 3 much earlier than we did in OTL.
So under Guillemot, Infogrames will eventually own the Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and the Tom Clancy game IPs like Ubisoft does in OTL?
Next, Sega was getting ready to reveal a “brand new platform”. They discussed the success of the Sega Game Gear and were ready to unveil the future of Game Gear. Sega of America’s President, Steve Race pulled out the new handheld, the Game Gear Touch.
Game Gear Touch was a 16-bit handheld system with a touch screen interface and it now featured three face buttons as well as two shoulder buttons and a d-pad and was approximately the same size as the Game Gear X. Steve Race made the touch screen a focal point, explaining how it would revolutionize portable gaming. Shining Force: Legions was revealed for the Game Gear Touch, entire battles could be completed on the touch screen. An enhanced game based on the hit Tamagotchi was also revealed as well as a demo showing Sonic & Knuckles running on the device. Game Gear Touch would be available in 1999.
Game Gear Touch
It's nice to hear that the new Game Gear is 16-bit, but I have one question: Will it use MiniCDs or will it still be cartridge-based? I hope it's MiniCD-based because I've always dreamed of a 16-bit MiniCD-based handheld that never happened in OTL.
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