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sonicblue

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HAL: Quietly Making Games

GameCube fans have been waiting since November 22nd, 2001 for the next installment in the Super Smash Brothers series. In the 3+ years since then HAL Laboratory has kept relatively quiet about the games that they are making.

So quiet infact that I'd bet only a few of you here could name all of the games they have worked on or are working on since then off the top of your head. And I bet most of you haven't even played any of them! No shame, I haven't either.

I don't know if any of you remember this, but way back around the time Kirby Air Ride came out it was reported that HAL's Super Smash director and Kirby creator, Masahiro Sakurai, would be leaving the company. Later reports came in that said Satoru Iwata, current Nintendo president and former HAL president, was trying to negotiate with Sakurai to try and get him to stay. Unfortunately I can't say that I know what happened after that.

This report came on the heels of a previous announcement that said HAL would be getting a big boost to their staff and becoming a much larger developer. The news of Sakurai's departure, however, cast a shadow of doubt on HAL's future, and most importantly for the fans, their Melee sequel.

Over three years after the release of Super Smash Bros. Melee, however, HAL has managed to release three Kirby games. All without even a tenth of the hype that SSB:M had recieved in 2001. Did anyone pay attention? Did anyone realize that the developer who gave gamers the best reason to own a Nintendo GameCube was still making games? And consistently for that matter!

Looking ahead HAL has yet three more games in development, but not a one of them is Super Smash 3. Disappointing? Yes. But the important thing to realize here is that this quiet developer is still alive and kicking despite being out of the spotlight since the GameCube launched all those years ago.

Perhaps they'll deliver on to us another blockbuster hit in 2006 with the launch of the Nintendo Revolution? Looking back at how long it took them to make Melee it definitely isn't out of the question even though they're working on three game simultaneously already. All we can do is sit back and hope for the best. In the meantime how about you go out and pick up a Kirby game? I'm sure they'd appreciate it.

HAL developed games since Super Smash Brothers: Melee.

GBA Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land - December 2, 2002

[sthumb]http://pocketmedia.ign.com/pocket/image/kirby_092302_13.jpg[/sthumb] [sthumb]http://pocketmedia.ign.com/pocket/image/kirby_092302_19.jpg[/sthumb]

GCN Kirby Air Ride - October 13, 2003

[sthumb]http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/a_g_5_1070903_kaaabydesu.jpg[/sthumb] [sthumb]http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/c_g_09070903_kaaabydesu.jpg[/sthumb]

GBA Kirby & The Amazing Mirror - October 18, 2004

[sthumb]http://pocketmedia.ign.com/pocket/image/article/555/555488/kirby-the-amazing-mirror-20041007112258096.jpg[/sthumb] [sthumb]http://pocketmedia.ign.com/pocket/image/article/542/542497/kirby-the-amazing-mirror-20040826013811588.jpg[/sthumb]

GCN Kirby Adventure - TBA

[sthumb]http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/article/568/568694/kirby-adventure-gcn-20041123072710093.jpg[/sthumb] [sthumb]http://cubemedia.ign.com/cube/image/article/568/568694/kirby-adventure-gcn-20041123072709468.jpg[/sthumb]

NDS Touch! Kirby's Magic Paintbrush - TBA

NDS Jump Superstars - TBA (Rumored)

Batist

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they the one making Jump Superstars?

Awesome!

maybe for a launch Revolution game, they could be making a

Super Smash Brothers Melee 3 Featuring JUMP
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Cody

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can't say i'm a fan of their games

sonicblue

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MajinbuuX105
they the one making Jump Superstars?

Awesome!

Woops! I'm sorry, that's only what I heard. I haven't seen a confirmation anywhere yet. I'll mark that down as a rumored.

Batist

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Well, IGN has it listed developed by Nintendo. so i don't know either.

but i loved this quote

"Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto provided a few comments to the magazine to celebrate the birth of this new title. "We're currently developing a revolutionary piece of software for the DS, a system that allows for unique play experiences unlike anything before," said the master. "Please, look forward to the completely new form of entertainment that will result from this collaboration with Jump.""

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BuzzJive

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I did like Kirby Air Ride a lot. It had 3 very different game modes and lots of extra unlockables. The top down stuff was my favorite. If it supported 8 players over LAN instead of just 4, I'd own it (I rented it instead).

I didn't realize Jump Superstars was being made by them. I imagine that will go over pretty well until the next Smash Brothers arrives (I don't care for Smash Brothers at all - just so you know).

You should find some good previews or reviews (from n-philes if available) to link those games from. I'd like to know more about Touch! KMP and I'm so lazy that a nice link would make my life a much better place.

zig

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Wow, HAL sucks. I mean, I knew that before.. but I didn't realize how much until now. Thanks sb!

Deacon

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Wow I thought this was about a new Smash Bros game not about HAL making only Kirby games.

Did they make Pokemon Snap? That game was fantastic.

danytoca

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I'm looking forward to the GC Kirby Adventure!
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Xiu Xiu

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I loved those GBA Kirby games.

Rocksteady

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Well Kirby's Air Ride was amazing in my eyes, City Trial was downright fantastic. If it had a better single player mode it would get greater props, but what it did have was fun multiplayer, and that's what matters in a game like that.

kinopio

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I own and like Kirby's Air Ride, and I have yet to even touch the multiplayer part of the game. Hope to try it ASAP though.
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Rocksteady

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Eh, single player is pretty much multiplayer just with computer players, who are just cheap and annoying.

Ragnar Danneskjöld

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They better get their asses working on SSB Revolution.
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Darkdolphin

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Nice post. Personally, I'm not a fan of the Kirby series, so I'd rather see a new SSB (like everyone else) or something new.

Advance

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zig
Wow, HAL sucks. I mean, I knew that before.. but I didn't realize how much until now. Thanks sb!

Seriously.
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KIRBY, KIRBY, KIRBY!!

Ninjazn

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They should stop working on Kirby already. I want to see another Smash Bros, or something entirely different.
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kinopio

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Rocksteady
Eh, single player is pretty much multiplayer just with computer players, who are just cheap and annoying.

But unlocking stuff was fun.

I can't wait for that new Gamecube Kirby game, I hope it's a (more of less traditional) platformer.
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Pojo

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I also enjoyed Kirby Air Ride, a great deal even. The criticism was unfair. I also own every Kirby GBA game, and love 'em to death. I don't even need to comment on SSB:M, which is quite possibly the best game of all time.
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KJ-01

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I'm glad there hasn't been another SSB for GC. I would rather it be a one-game-per-console franchise.

Daknight

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Well reason Hal hasn't work on that many games is cause like Inteligent system they had problems with making 3D games and that is why it takes them long to make games for Gamecube. Reason they only had ONE release for N64 (happening to be a Kirby game O_o). Now all I care is they work on reviving the 3d version of Mother 3/Earthbound 2 (which sadly right now seem to be turning into 2D for the GBA...I was so looking foward to Mother 3 for the N64/64DD ;_; )

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MajinbuuX105
they could be making a

Super Smash Brothers Melee 3 Featuring JUMP

Sorry but that is stupid. I don't want no f*cking JUMP characters in my SSB. That is like having liver in your cereal.
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kinopio

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Daknight
[..] Reason they only had ONE release for N64 (happening to be a Kirby game O_o).

Someone somehow forgot about Super Smash Bros.
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Daknight

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yeah, well two games my bad, but still it takes them awhile to make a game in 3D, was quite awhile from SSB to SSBM wasn't it? and is been awhile since they make any other SSB title after? maybe with the new people the hired they will be able to make games faster? And to so nothing is used, they do make beautiful 3D, just that they have/had (seeing as they are making quite a number of games right now) overcoming 3D....now where is my Lolo?!?!? ;_; it was the only game that I could play with my Mom *sigh* seeing as she is the number one fan of Lolo (finish ALL three in about 3 days O_O)

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Cinder
Sorry but that is stupid. I don't want no f*cking JUMP characters in my SSB. That is like having liver in your cereal.

no, i think the stupid one is you bud.
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sonicblue

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Daknight
yeah, well two games my bad, but still it takes them awhile to make a game in 3D..

And a Japan only fishing game, Sim City 64, Pokemon Snap and Pokemon Stadium.

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MajinbuuX105
no, i think the stupid one is you bud.

How do you figure? Why the f*ck would Hal put non-nintendo characters in a game about nintendo characters fighting? It would be stupid, only a french person obsessed with a crap anime (Gundam if you couldn't figure it out) would think it is a great idea.
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kinopio

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^Stop exaggerating, a lot of people (not me) daydream about that fabled Sega-Nintendo Smash crossover.
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kinopio
^Stop exaggerating, a lot of people (not me) daydream about that fabled Sega-Nintendo Smash crossover.

Sega characters is one thing, Sega and Nintendo were once rivals and are now friends, but there is no reason to have Jump characters in the game. What does DBZ or Naruto have to do with Nintendo? Plus most Nintendo fans know who Sonic is, but I am sure a lot of people don't know who Naruto is.
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Well I could name a few reason, one to gain more Japaness market and probaly USA market, tought I am not sure I tought Atari had the right for Dragon Ball Z over here, don't know how it will work for Nintendo to bring the Jump game over hear. Tought I don't think the SSB brand should have character of other series that isn't Nintendo (well maybe character of other VIDEOGAMES) but I don't think it will hurt making a similar game with character of anime and name it something else, which it what seems this Jump game will be. If it sells damn well (which I am quite sure it will no matter if you hate anime more people like it than you think) it was a damn brilliant idea then. But still want a SSB with nintendo characters, don't see why both can't be done and if you don't like idea, well you are out of luck cause it'll probaly happen, I can see a sequel of the Jump game been done not so long after this is release.

kinopio

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Cinder
What does DBZ or Naruto have to do with Nintendo?

Well, aren't they developing Jump Superstars?

I agree with you it makes no sense and I certainly don't want it to happen, but you got to get through your head that everything is possible in this industry, especially with the increasing number of Nintendo IP crossovers we've been seeing recently.
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Cinder
Sega characters is one thing, Sega and Nintendo were once rivals and are now friends, but there is no reason to have Jump characters in the game. What does DBZ or Naruto have to do with Nintendo? Plus most Nintendo fans know who Sonic is, but I am sure a lot of people don't know who Naruto is.

maybe nobody in your area know what Naruto is, but in Japan, Naruto is hot stuff. you can look at all the naruto games sells in japan. mediocre games that are selling each over 500,000 is not nothing. that and in France Naruto is getting big for example. Naruto brings star power. so does DBZ and One Piece. I don't see what the difference would be between Sega and Jump. I guarentee you Sonic is less popular then Naruto world wide.

that and it makes more sence then having mario is NBA Streets. and that's happening.
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Cinder

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The game is called Super Smash Bros. as in characters Nintendo made. I know people who are anime junkies and I know that they would agree with me. I know about Naruto and one piece, doesn't mean that they should be in a Nintendo game about Nintendo characters fighting. It doesn't matter if you think it is a good idea because it will never happen.

And kinopio not everything is possible in this industry. It is not possible to make an SNES run Half Life 2, it is not possible to make Pit Fighter an amazing game. Yes almost anything can happen but it doesn't mean it is a good idea. Certain things don't mix, and shouldn't. And just because Nintendo is now whoring out it's characters to other games doesn't mean it is good. Mario in DDR are NBA street won't make me buy the games. Link in soul calibur was fine because he fit in the game good and each system had a special character. I see no reason to have Jump characters in SSB. It is a dumb idea by buu (like most of his ideas, damn french), and it won't happen.
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woa, i had no idea "brothers" was a nintendo trademark

****ing idiot.
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sonicblue

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Cinder
The game is called Super Smash Bros. as in characters Nintendo made. I know people who are anime junkies and I know that they would agree with me. I know about Naruto and one piece, doesn't mean that they should be in a Nintendo game about Nintendo characters fighting. It doesn't matter if you think it is a good idea because it will never happen.

Rename it Super Smash Allstars.

There. It's possible.

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MajinbuuX105
woa, i had no idea "brothers" was a nintendo trademark

****ing idiot.

Your the f*cking idiot, you don't seem to get the point that SSB is about NIN-F*CKING-TENDO characters fighting not JUMP and Nintendo characters fighting. It is NOT going to happen so get over it stupid ass POS.
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Daknight
Well reason Hal hasn't work on that many games is cause like Inteligent system they had problems with making 3D games and that is why it takes them long to make games for Gamecube.

What the hell are you smoking? You either know how to make a game in 3D or you don't. If Hal didn't have people who knew how to then they would put out an ad for people who did. They do know how so your little theory is wrong.
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sonicblue

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He didn't say that they didn't know how to make 3D games. He said that "they had problem with making 3D games." Not very well explained but it means that HAL isn't incredibly talented with 3D graphics. Now I don't believe that that's a reason why it takes them so long to make GameCube games, in fact, they've done a fine job of making and releasing GameCube games.

And calm down. You don't have to bite our heads off. Frown

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Cinder
Your the f*cking idiot, you don't seem to get the point that SSB is about NIN-F*CKING-TENDO characters fighting not JUMP and Nintendo characters fighting. It is NOT going to happen so get over it stupid ass POS.

Listen Genius

Soul Calibure, Dance Dance Revolution, and NBA Streets aren't about NIN-F*CKING-TENDO characters either. They seem to be there too.

And i seem to remember that you were alright with the idea with

SE-F*CKING-GA characters!

same **** friend
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Cinder

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I am only cool with the idea of Sonic being in SSB. Sonic at least has something to do with Nintendo in the fact that he was Marios direct rival. Goku has nothing to do with Mario or any other Nintendo character. Plus I could care less about bitchassed anime characters. I f*cking hate anime and I don't want SSB tainted with dumbass Naruto. I don't need to see a school girl shove her underwear in mario's face so some crazy anime freak can get off on it.
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Batist

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it's ironic then that a bunch of Nintendo characters stars in Anime now isn't it?

I mean, pokemon, mario, zelda, kirby all have there own anime shows Wink

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Doesn't mean they are any good. I am not a fan of anime. I don't watch any of the Nintendo based animes. I like Pokemon for a while but it got dumb to me. I realized that I don't like anime. I have seen Naruto and One Piece and they sucked to me, along with pretty much every other anime I have seen. Even if I did like anime I still think that SSB should stay Nintendo characters only. Although I think Sonic would be ok I really would rather he not be in it. SSB is just Nintendo, nothing else. I don't know why you keep going on with this, there wil not be any Jump characters in SSB so get over it. For all we know there may never be another SSB.
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MajinbuuX105
I mean, pokemon, mario, zelda, kirby all have there own anime shows

Other than Pokemon, they're cartoons, not anime, and even than you'd be pushing it.

Batist

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I bet you don't even know the definition of what's anime and what's not if your going to say something like that.

smartass.
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MajinbuuX105

I bet you don't even know the definition of what's anime and what's not if your going to say something like that.

smartass.

I'm sorry. I forgot. You have your own anime board all to yourself, of course you know more about anime than me.

Have you ever watched them even? Seriously? Zelda? Freakin' Zelda? It sucks so bad. Link shoots out pink bolts from his sword. It just screams bad 80's cartoon. Kirby is on the FoxBox, lined up with shows like Sonic X, and Mucha Lucha. It's aimed for kids between the ages of 6-8.

And most of all, none of the things you made have what differentiates anime from cartoons. Story, style, substance.

Batist

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Anime doesn't mean it's not for kids for peet sakes, just because it's bad doesn't mean it's not anime.

Sonic X is made by Tokyo Movie Shinsha (also behind Lupin III, Doraemon, Case Closed, among others)

Kirby is made by CBC (also colabarations from Nintendo, and HAL and some other one), also behind SunaBouzu and 2X2=Shinobuden.

The fact of the matter, if a cartoon is created in Japan, then it's anime. Even if it's bad. even if it airs on the FoxBox too.

Anime, in other words, is Japanimation.
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Imp

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MajinbuuX105
Sonic X is made by Tokyo Movie Shinsha (also behind Lupin III, Doraemon, Case Closed, among others)

Kirby is made by CBC (also colabarations from Nintendo, and HAL and some other one), also behind SunaBouzu and 2X2=Shinobuden.

It doesn't really matter what they made in the past does it? We're discussing what they're making now, and it isn't anime in any way. It's all about the art style, and yes, they all do go for the cheaper, more easy to produce cartoon look.

MajinbuuX105
The fact of the matter, if a cartoon is created in Japan, then it's anime. Even if it's bad. even if it airs on the FoxBox too.

Anime is a specific artform. Just like Manga is it's own specific artform. They're both "cartoons"(as you so crudely put). They are both hand drawn, straight from the bowels of Japan. They both, have a more unique look than anything in America, because no matter how crappy anime is, it's always artisitic, something cartoons are most surely not.

Batist

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so disney movies are anime?

i mean, it's very artisitc and beautiful. and have a unique look.
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kinopio

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One would think having an Anime forum would spare us this kind of sterile discussion here, and at the same time ruining the awesome thread sonicblue made.

In other words, please get back on topic.
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