Gaming History You Should Know – The Nokia N-Gage June 6, 2021
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It’s Sunday! Welcome back to another Gaming History You Should Know, where we highlight some of the best independently produced content focused on the history of gaming. Nowadays, it’s common to play a high quality game on your portable phone, but 17 years ago that just wasn’t possible. Today, we’re going to highlight one of gaming’s biggest missteps of all time, where a major company just jumped too early and it eventually cost them everything.
Let me set the scene for you guys. It was E3 2003. I was an 18-year old kid attending his first E3. While I was there to preview the PC games, I was exposed to everything the show had to offer (and it was GLORIOUS!). In 2003, when it came to handheld gaming, Nintendo was sitting on the top of the mountain with Game Boy Advance partially due to the incredible success of games like Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Cell phones were starting to take off, with almost everyone that year having a personal one small enough to fit in their pocket. One of the biggest cell phone makers at the time was a company called NOKIA, which enjoyed a enormous market share due to their simple yet well-made handsets.
In 2003, a common cell phone was small, would last about a day on a single charge, could make calls and send simple text messages, and be a calculator. That was about it. If you wanted to play games on the go, you needed either a laptop or a GBA, and that would mean carrying another thing in your pocket along with your wallet and phone. At E3 2003, NOKIA announced they would change all that, and announced they were making a cell phone that could play games, and it would be called the N-Gage.
When the N-Gage eventually released it was a total flop. In fact, to say it flopped would be an understatement of the year, it flopped HARD! The price dropped almost immediately, and a hardware revision rushed to market, but it was all for naught. The handheld didn’t sell, and gamers went on to buy the Nintendo DS and the Sony PSP instead. What happened?
Derek Alexander, host of the YouTube Channel Stop Skeletons From Fighting, has just produced what I would consider the definitive history of the N-Gage. If you ever wanted to see what would happen when a company does it WRONG, you need to watch this.
If you asked me, I don’t believe NOKIA ever really recovered from the N-Gage failure. The company went on to make a few more bad business decisions like partnering with MS to make nothing but Windows Phones at a time only iPhone and Android phones were selling, and that was that.
Wing Commander Movie Free on YouTube June 3, 2021
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I have to admit, despite my ramblings about it in the past, I have a bit of a soft spot for 1999’s Wing Commander. It was the first game-based feature film that was actually directed by the game’s creator with special effects done by the game studio founded by the same creator. Most critics argued its leads were miscast, but I was willing to give the film the benefit of the doubt.
Now, it looks like YouTube has gotten the rights to show the film with advertisements. Given this film never had a decent DVD release, I never picked it up on the format back on the day. Now, we all have a great way to rewatch it.
Nintendo Announces Treehouse June 2021 Stream June 3, 2021
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E3 2021 is all digital this year and Nintendo has announced they will be doing a major broadcast to celebrate. The Nintendo Direct event will begin June 15th, 2021 at 12PM Eastern (9AM Pacific). It is expected to be followed by a Treehouse Live preview, where live gameplay from the upcoming games will be presented.
Ive heard musings a Pokémon Presents broadcast will also be made to complement the Treehouse event but I haven’t seen official confirmation of that. If it happens we will make a separate announcement about it.
I’m going to need to start creating a list of all the E3 events that come up. In fact I think I will once I have Sony’s announcement times confirmed.
A Closer Look at Handheld Consoles Preview June 3, 2021
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Oh look, what have we got here? Twitch is getting ready to show off his collection of various portable gaming consoles from multiple regions. What rare handhelds are in his collection? Stay tuned.
June 2021 Square Enix Presents Announced June 3, 2021
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Just in time for E3 2021! Square Enix has revealed the date and time for their next Square Enix Presents! The event is expected to reveal new content from Life is Strange: True Colors and Marvel’s Avengers.
The event will begin June 13th, 2021 at 3:15PM Eastern Time (12:15PM Pacific).
2021’s First Haul Video June 2, 2021
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Stores are reopening and restrictions have been lifting. That means Maniac can get back to something he loves doing, shopping for deals and other rare stuff. This time, he’s joined by his buddy Twitch, who did some shopping of his own. Let’s take a look at their haul!
Tell Me Why Free this Month On PC and Xbox Live June 1, 2021
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One of the games that really grabbed me when it was last previewed was Tell Me Why by DONTNOD. This game may seem familiar to fans of Life is Strange, but it focuses on new characters with their own supernatural problems.
Earlier today, Microsoft announced they’ll be offering all chapters of the game for free right now on PC and Xbox Live Marketplace. I have NO idea how long this game will be offered free so you may want to try to download it right now. If the reports online are correct, some regions are having trouble getting it free on STEAM right now, but that might be a bug. Alternatively, PC users CAN get it free on Windows Store.
Tell Me Why is out now for the PC and Xbox One.
Japan Travel Tips – Ramen June 1, 2021
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It’s Tuesday, and that means a new list of Japan Travel Tips, where I share with you some of the best independently produced travelogs about the country. We have already shared with you tips on how and what to eat while in the nation, but we intentionally left out one of the most recognizable foods in Japan, Ramen. Grab a bib and get ready to slurp!
Every region in Japan will have its own take on the popular food. First off, I’m going to highlight the work of Abroad in Japan, who produced this incredible video on the city known as Japan’s Ramen Capital, Fukuoka! Not only does he take a look at the food, but also some of the coolest sights to see in the city. Fukuoka is known for its creamy Pork bone broth, which is a staple of their noodle soup. Honestly, my words cannot do it justice, you’ll have to see it for yourself.
If you like different ingredients in your Ramen, don’t worry there are different options all over the country. Next up I have to highlight the work of Only in Japan. Seriously, this guy’s channel has been an invaluable reference for this series. Only in Japan has taken a closer look at some of the kind of Ramen you’d find in back alleys and side streets. Here’s a look at a place famous for their Ramen Alley, Sapporo.
Not enough Only in Japan for you guys? If that hasn’t made your stomach growl, in this next video he takes a look at the Ramen in Kyoto.
If you want to see more, he’s also taken closer looks at the Ramen in Hokkaido and Fukuoka.
I’m sure you’re wondering, “What if I want something SPICY, can I get that in Japan?” Yes, you totally can! I want to highlight the work of Mark Weins, who has a love for traveling for food and all things spicy. Watch his expression trying out Devil Level Ramen while at an outdoor market.
Finally I wanted to share some real fire with you all. Apparently, the Devil Level is not the hottest Ramen you can get in Japan, there is a Ramen shop that will actually use real fire. The YouTube channel Twosome Travellers actually got to try it. I’m not kidding, you have to see it to believe it.
Things to Know:
- Ramen is popular and Ramen Shops can be small. Expect a line, especially during lunch hour. Also a good idea to pay and leave as soon as you finish your bowl.
- Menus will likely be in Japanese. If you don’t speak the language you can either point at a picture of what you want or use a translator app on your smartphone.
- Always try the broth first with the provided spoon.
- Slurping is allowed and encouraged especially if it is good.
- Super Spicy Ramen could cost extra.
- Do not ask for your Ramen to go.
- Dispose of your leftovers in the designated bins.
That about wraps up our tour of some of the best Ramen options from all over Japan. Next week, we’re going to take a pause with our discussion of food and instead talk about some of the most unique museums you could visit in Japan.
Why Doesn’t Disney Parks Incorporate Kingdom Hearts into a Fireworks Show? May 31, 2021
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Across the US, Disney’s Theme Parks are finally reopening. Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim, California are back open for business. With some of the best theme park rides on the planet ranging from Space Mountain to Expedition Everest, this is a much anticipated announcement.
Now that the parks are opening at close to full capacity within the next few weeks, and Walt Disney World has announced they will be celebrating their 50th anniversary.
Is it just me or is the music that Disney’s been using to produce their recent commercials just not doing it for you like it should? It might be because I’m a gamer. While I do not visit Disney’s parks regularly, I fondly remember visiting them on special occasions as I grew up during the 90s and I do plan to go back and visit again within the next year or two. I may not be the most well-versed on the history of the park (people like Tony Goldmark hold that distinction) but I was lucky enough to ride rides like Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout and even Disney World’s Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror all within a matter of weeks of their opening.
Since 2002, Disney has had a relationship with the guys over at Square Enix, who have incorporated their Final Fantasy characters alongside Disney’s incredible catalog of films and shorts to create the beloved Kingdom Hearts franchise, and as a gamer you can be sure I’ve played many of these games. Square Enix’s contribution to Disney’s ongoing legacy, and the fact it is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary, should not be dismissed. Let me set the stage for you, starting with the opening of the very first game.
When I think of Disney, I think of how they’re depicted in the Kingdom Hearts games. The games were able to weave all of Disney’s most popular films and characters into one coherent continuity with characters that acted exactly as someone already familiar with Disney would expect them to act. In a way, Disney’s parks function on a similar principle. All the rides, shows and attractions can be fit into each park’s themed land, and guests can visit each land during their stay at the park.
I will admit to subconsciously referring to Mickey Mouse as “Your Majesty”, to recognizing the final battle in the animated film Mulan…because I actually FOUGHT in it. Then I asked myself, why DOESN’T Disney promote the Kingdom Hearts games in any of their theme parks? They’ve had no problem bringing franchises from Lucasfilm, Marvel and Pixar in to tremendous success, Kingdom Hearts would be a logical next step! The game’s art style is timeless, and new games are still being produced. Heck, that game franchise is still alive with its most recent release being Kingdom Hearts III.
I honestly would be satisfied with a Kingdom Hearts nighttime firework tribute show. There’s honestly no need to overwhelm the parks with Kingdom Hearts versions of each characters, but why not make a stage or night show? It would make for a perfect update to the Fantasmic stunt show! Just use the Fantasmic arena as a stage, Mickey could come out dressed in his King Mickey outfit, wield his keyblade, and team up alongside Donald, Sora and Goofy against the Heartless or the Nobodies. Or, if you’re against losing Fantasmic, you could show a tribute video to the games on something like World of Color’s projection fountain. Square Enix’s cutscenes are so well produced and edited the Disney Park staff would barely have to do anything. Just put the video below up on the giant water fountain screen at California Adventure and not a single patron of the park would bat an eye. Well…except for the gamers who wouldn’t be able to stop crying.
But while there is no question that Disney owns their IP, and merely licensed their characters to Square Enix for Kingdom Hearts, it is a little unclear if Disney has the ability to use Kingdom Hearts characters in their theme parks. It has been attempted, but only for very very limited special events. Disney Parks expert Disney Dan actually did a video about the very few times these events happened, and I recommend checking it out.
I know I must not be alone. After twenty years and millions in sales, there have to be tons of other people who’s primary exposure to Disney was through Kingdom Hearts. What Kingdom Hearts themed content would you want to see Disney bring into their parks and where should it go? Post a comment below! Here’s hoping they could sell some sea salt ice cream.
Kingdom Hearts games are currently avaliable on multiple platforms including the PS4.
Gaming History You Should Know – Sega’s Genesis Modem May 30, 2021
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It’s Sunday, welcome back to a new Gaming History You Should Know, where we highlight some of the best and most important independently produced gaming documentaries from across the web. As a PC user back in the mid-90s, I was strongly aware of the fact that I could use my PC to play games with people all over the world. Since high-speed internet utilities did not exist for residential consumers at that time, the only way I could get on the internet was with a telephone modem. For those of you who don’t know what that is, a modem would hook into a telephone land-line, and similar to how a FAX machine functions, and (depending on the configuration) transmits data either between two computers or one computer and their ISP. It was very slow, with even tiny downloads that would take hours, and very prone to disconnection but at the time it was the only way to play games online against people all over the world.
During the 16-Bit Gaming Wars, there were several attempts by console makers and their third-party hardware manufacturers to bring an online multiplayer experience to their game consoles. This was an interesting choice as game consoles typically supported two-to-four player gaming (depending on whoever else was on the couch with you at the time), and because of that online gaming was less of a priority. However, there were attempts. Today we are going to see the story of one of those attempts.
Enter Norman Caruso, better known as the Gaming Historian, with a documentary about the first attempt Sega made to bring a modem to their game console, the Genesis. If you had any interest in Japan’s gaming history, you need to give this video a watch!
As a person who lived in North America at the time, I vaguely remembered multiple attempts by Sega to incorporate a modem into their consoles over the years. The most successful of which was probably the modem that shipped with the Sega Dreamcast.
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