Revolution graphics barely better than GameCube’s

The January 2006 issue of EGM features some more ammunition in the ongoing console flame war with reports that early Nintendo Revolution graphics are “barely better than those on GameCube.”

From the Rumor Mill [all bolded text is Q’s]: “Visually impaired

The Q hates being the bearer of bad news, but it comes with the territory (at least that’s what the rumormonger handbook says). During a recent powwow with a few well-known gamemakers, some discussed their hands-on time with early Revolution development kits. OK, here it goes: According to those fellas, the graphics that Nintendo’s next-gen system can produce are barely better than those on GameCube. Hey, sounds a lot like Xbox-Xbox 360.”

That last line is a good reminder that we saw similar visual issues with 360 games early in development as well, and quite a few of those titles turned out decently in the end (for launch titles). Of course, if you’re working with graphics hardware only 2-3 times more powerful than the GameCube’s, don’t expect a miracle in the graphics capabilities, especially with alpha or beta SDKs. The Revolution may get hyped to kingdom come, but there’s a reason why screenshots aren’t being released to the public until next year. Temper your launch expectations, and we should all rest a little easier… till E3 rolls around, that is.

This crappy EGM article got pretty thoroughly ripped apart on joystiq.com. Here's the gist. Only two days ago, reports came out that the Rev's Broadway processor was finished.

http://www.joystiq.com/entry/1234000680069991/

This means the developers are only getting the Rev's silicon right about now. So whatever those EGM retards saw, it wasn't running on Revolution hardware. And it certainly wasn't developed on Rev hardware, so their report is pure crap.

So why do the graphics at this point look GameCube level? Because the Rev devkits to this point are basically GameCube devkits with perhaps some functions for the new controller. Remember, the GameCube is fully compatible with the Rev, so using the Cube kits for the early development of Rev titles makes perfect sense. Developers will add the spit and polish as they get the actual Rev devkits.

Personally, I think this idiotic EGM report is great for Nintendo. It lowers expectations, so people are going to be awed when they see that Rev launch titles look as good or better than XB360 launch titles. It'll turn the existing paradigm on it's ear, and that's exactly what Nintendo wants to do: shatter current misconceptions and re-write the script for the future of gaming.

Nintendo's in great shape. When it comes to online play, maybe they were late to the party, but they're in the process of making an entrance that puts the current participants to shame. With Nintendo making online play both wireless and free, it's Microsoft who's in trouble. The XBox Live model they spent years building is getting bulldozed as we speak.

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Originally Posted by Hevyduty

This crappy EGM article got pretty thoroughly ripped apart on joystiq.com. Here's the gist. Only two days ago, reports came out that the Rev's Broadway processor was finished.

http://www.joystiq.com/entry/1234000680069991/

This means the developers are only getting the Rev's silicon right about now. So whatever those EGM retards saw, it wasn't running on Revolution hardware. And it certainly wasn't developed on Rev hardware, so their report is pure crap.

So why do the graphics at this point look GameCube level? Because the Rev devkits to this point are basically GameCube devkits with perhaps some functions for the new controller. Remember, the GameCube is fully compatible with the Rev, so using the Cube kits for the early development of Rev titles makes perfect sense. Developers will add the spit and polish as they get the actual Rev devkits.

Personally, I think this idiotic EGM report is great for Nintendo. It lowers expectations, so people are going to be awed when they see that Rev launch titles look as good or better than XB360 launch titles. It'll turn the existing paradigm on it's ear, and that's exactly what Nintendo wants to do: shatter current misconceptions and re-write the script for the future of gaming.

Nintendo's in great shape. When it comes to online play, maybe they were late to the party, but they're in the process of making an entrance that puts the current participants to shame. With Nintendo making online play both wireless and free, it's Microsoft who's in trouble. The XBox Live model they spent years building is getting bulldozed as we speak.

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brilliant post ;)

I have not read EGM for about 10 years and after picking up an issue recently I was shocked to see such substandard editorial. This was at one point the gaming bible but is now nothing but childish drivel. Oh well we still have edge in top form, truly the most articulate, unbiased and ultimately correct magazine for gaming in current circulation.