I have ordered from them successfully before, I pre-ordered Big Brain Accademy - Wii Degree from them, and it arrived a day or so from release (could have actually been on release, I am not sure)
It's a game about a single, middle-aged, cosplaying otaku who lives in his own fantasy-land and wastes all his hard-earned money in a futile attempt to make that fantasy world come alive.
It's being marketed to single cosplaying otaku who obsess about virtual fantasy-lands.
Tingle is basically a parody of the extreme Nintendo/Zelda fanboys. And they (we) are the ones who will be buying it. Slyly insulting your target demographic is definitely a postmodern approach to videogame marketing.
The only way the game's concept could be funnier would be if it was called "Tingle: Fuck you fanboy nerds, you are all effeminate freaks".
Interview with the people behind this madness from the Nintendo Europe Insider section of the website:
Nintendo of Europe: Many interesting characters appeared in the Zelda games over the years. What was the particular attraction in picking Tingle out of the bunch to star in his own game?
Kensuke Tanabe: "A little while before we started this project, I was talking with my boss at that time, saying; 'Nintendo will need to consider promoting new characters other than Mario and Link.'
"We were looking for a character that had a totally different flavour from Mario and Link and who would have a strong impact, and we came to the conclusion, 'What about Tingle?'
"He is not a cool guy at all, and he is not a character whom everybody likes. However, at least I can say he is a person who cannot be ignored.
"I believed there was a chance his public image could be changed from unfavourable to favourable depending on what kind of game we made, so I took a risk and chose him, despite knowing he was not liked by the people - especially in the U.S."
NoE: The character Wario is like the anti-Mario. Do you think Tingle is the anti-Link, or would you describe him in a different way?
KT: "I think Tingle is a character that is not specially made with Link in mind, but that was created in a very relaxed manner by a character designer at EAD (the Entertainment Analysis & Development Department at Nintendo Co., Ltd,. Ed.), who was also in charge of character design of F-Zero and Star Fox.
"The concept of the character is 'a middle-aged guy who dreams of becoming a fairy.' In this project, we wanted to make this character with ridiculous characteristics look ever more unique. Therefore in my opinion, Tingle should not be compared with Link or thought of as being anti-Link or pro-Link. Of course, there aren’t any problems at all if you regard him as an anti-Link character."
NoE: Can you tell us something about the birth of this game? Did you set out to make a Tingle game and develop the gameplay concept from there, or did it go in a different way?
KT: "I think I have answered this question in the previous answers, however, I would like to reiterate the points. Firstly, we chose to use Tingle in the game. Next we asked Vanpool, who started to work with Nintendo at that time, to develop this game because I thought the company fitted well with the character. Then, we talked with Vanpool’s creators about the game concepts. When we came to the conclusion that every problem in the game could be solved with money, the potential we saw in the Tingle game world suddenly broadened.
"For example, the main character never grows; he pays mercenary soldiers to defend him. In the game, the information you will be able to obtain depends on how much money you spend and you will have to negotiate all the time. This is the idea that we came up with in the first place."
NoE: Tingle will do anything to earn Rupees. What is the key to successful negotiations in the game?
Mari Shirakawa: "The key is not to become too greedy! However, I would also recommend the thrill you will feel when you avidly negotiate in order to earn one more Rupee. Although it is not clearly mentioned, there are some hidden hints In the game - in the dialogues for example - that suggest standard market prices of goods. When you look at the faces of the characters you are bartering with, their expressions will sometimes help you decide on your approach. If you look for these pointers, I think you will be able to make money more efficiently."
NoE: How does the game use the DS-specific features?
MS: "You will use the +Control Pad to move your character, but you use the stylus for other controls. We have made many places in the game that you can interact with via the Touch Screen, so you should try to interact with various things you find. There are some areas of the gameplay where your interaction will have no connection with the main storyline and I think you may also find it fun to look for these places.
"You can also touch the Touch Screen to help Tingle during battle. I think this is more exciting than expected, and will make you feel as though you are actually joining in the battle.
"In terms of utilising the dual screens, the calculator that appears during the negotiations is a good example. We wanted players to look at the characters’ faces, so the upper screen shows half of the characters’ faces in close-up, while the lower screen only shows the calculator. I believe that seeing the half-face helps to enhance players’ bartering."
NoE: There are many differences between Tingle’s adventure and those of Link in the Legend of Zelda, but there are also some similarities. Can you mention some things that Zelda fans will recognize in Tingle’s adventure?
MS: "As Kensuke Tanabe has also mentioned, this title has a different starting point than the Legend of Zelda series. Also, we did not want to make the game something only Zelda fans can enjoy. So Zelda fans will find many differences.
"In fact, I myself have not played the Zelda series a lot, and I sometimes felt lonely when I was the only one who could not participate in the lively conversation about the Zelda games during our development meetings! We did not want players to have that feeling, so we incorporated things from Zelda games to the extent that Zelda fans can smile, and someone who doesn't know the Zelda series will also enjoy them.
"If you are a Zelda fan, I think you may find the sound effects and geographic names in the game familiar. Besides that though, you will find items with unique names with unique explanations, and there are lots of interesting things to discover. So I think if you look carefully at these details and thoroughly play the game you will have a better understanding of the different world of Freshly-Picked: Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland."
NoE: How do you see the future for Tingle? Will we see him again in Zelda games or will he be doing his own thing from now?
KT: "I heard from EAD that they decided not to use Tingle after Wind Waker because Tingle was unpopular, especially in the US. As a matter of fact, he did not actually appear in Twilight Princess. You may want to ask Mr. Aonuma about the future plan!
"As for our team, SPD3 (Software Planning & Development Department, Production Group No.3), we have just started on our making-Tingle-a-main-character-project. In the works we produce, he will continue to move in his own direction."
NoE: Have you spoken to Mr. Sakurai (developer of Super Smash Bros. Brawl) about Tingle appearing in Super Smash Bros. Brawl?
MS: "We have talked only within our team about how It would be great if Tingle appeared in Smash Bros. However, we have never brought a proposal to Mr.Sakurai regarding this. I just hope he appears as a character some time in the future. Although he would be a very weak character to play as!"
NoE: Do you have plans for a Wii game featuring Tingle, and if so, what kind of game would that be?
MS: "We hope to spread this unique character around, more and more all over the world. Unfortunately, however, there isn’t any concrete plan at this point in time. Meanwhile, I am actually curious about what impression European players will have of ths title and what kind of sequel they will expect."
NoE: If you had to summarize the appeal of this game into one sentence, what would it be?
KT: "It has the appearance of something covered with colourful peel, which may make it look unlike a Nintendo game, however, what lies inside will tell you that it is surely a Nintendo game."
MS: "I would say this is a game that gives you a glimpse of your hidden aspects! Because the theme of the game is money, it's close to ordinary reality and I think your nature will spontaneously come out. Please enjoy your journey as you look for yourself!"
NoE: Thank you very much for your time!
More Tingle projects planned! And whilst they firmly believe America hates Tingle they are intrigued to see how Europe will take to him.
KT: "I heard from EAD that they decided not to use Tingle after Wind Waker because Tingle was unpopular, especially in the US. As a matter of fact, he did not actually appear in Twilight Princess. You may want to ask Mr. Aonuma about the future plan!
JimothyNot in front of the foxhe's with the owlRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
It's exciting that they plan on Tingle becoming his own series, moving in his own direction. Sort of like Yoshi, I guess.
It's sad that it sounds like he won't be playable in Brawl, at least they don't know anything about it. Since he already has two games all his own, I really was expecting him to be playable.
At the very least he should be an assist. I can't imagine he won't be in the game at all.
I love Tingle, he's a character designed to piss "fans" off.
It's so post modern that you could put it in the tate modern and piss of the daily mail.
I love it.
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
That doesn't sound very postmodern.
It's a game about a single, middle-aged, cosplaying otaku who lives in his own fantasy-land and wastes all his hard-earned money in a futile attempt to make that fantasy world come alive.
It's being marketed to single cosplaying otaku who obsess about virtual fantasy-lands.
Tingle is basically a parody of the extreme Nintendo/Zelda fanboys. And they (we) are the ones who will be buying it. Slyly insulting your target demographic is definitely a postmodern approach to videogame marketing.
The only way the game's concept could be funnier would be if it was called "Tingle: Fuck you fanboy nerds, you are all effeminate freaks".
That was the joke. I was amused by Lave II's intense fan-delight for such a concept.
Aside: Rockstar Games' Manhunt took a similarly aggressive "here you go, fans" approach and came across as utterly patronizing.
I hope Nintendo has pulled it off more gracefully.
Tingle is a 35-year-old cosplayer who is obsessed with Link, and his father is embarrassed of him. He's an otaku stereotype. Nintendo is making fun of its own rabid fanbase.
Quoted for truth. Zelda fans' distaste for Tingle is wonderfully ironic.
Evander and such.
Ever seen me cosplay?
No.
Ever seen me make fun of otakus and cosplayers?
If not, you've been under a rock.
I hate the folks that Tingle is mocking, but I do enjoy a good Zelda game. When I am playing said Zelda game, I want to be able to relax, and not be reminded of all the annoying idiots out there.
I love Tingle, he's a character designed to piss "fans" off.
It's so post modern that you could put it in the tate modern and piss of the daily mail.
I love it.
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
That doesn't sound very postmodern.
It's a game about a single, middle-aged, cosplaying otaku who lives in his own fantasy-land and wastes all his hard-earned money in a futile attempt to make that fantasy world come alive.
It's being marketed to single cosplaying otaku who obsess about virtual fantasy-lands.
Tingle is basically a parody of the extreme Nintendo/Zelda fanboys. And they (we) are the ones who will be buying it. Slyly insulting your target demographic is definitely a postmodern approach to videogame marketing.
The only way the game's concept could be funnier would be if it was called "Tingle: Fuck you fanboy nerds, you are all effeminate freaks".
That was the joke. I was amused by Lave II's intense fan-delight for such a concept.
Aside: Rockstar Games' Manhunt took a similarly aggressive "here you go, fans" approach and came across as utterly patronizing.
I hope Nintendo has pulled it off more gracefully.
We'll I'm post modern too.
Also - I'm so getting this, this weekend! It's a quest
That quote about everything in the game being solved by money? That perfectly describes the tone of this game. It's the darkest, blackest, most cynical game about human nature I've ever seen from Nintendo.
It's not a pro- or inti-link, it's an anti-animalcrossing.
Saving is annoying, and I miss a running button, but it's very personable and simple without being boring. It definatly has a very strong and witty identity. The combat and the money system is very clever especially.
Not a must have game though. But if you like games that reviewers would call 'quirky' and a few genuinly interesting things in both gameplay and especially context then certainly have a look.
Me, I'm buying after having played it for a bit.
The game made me think of Contact. And of Monkey Island, but that's very hard to put into words.
I'm loving this so far. It's no GOTY but it's an excellent adventure/exploration/puzzler. Plus the fantastic whacky style it has really makes for a charming experience. The rupee mechanic works well to give it a defining theme.
Tingle is a 35-year-old cosplayer who is obsessed with Link, and his father is embarrassed of him. He's an otaku stereotype. Nintendo is making fun of its own rabid fanbase.
Quoted for truth. Zelda fans' distaste for Tingle is wonderfully ironic.
Evander and such.
Ever seen me cosplay?
No.
Ever seen me make fun of otakus and cosplayers?
If not, you've been under a rock.
I hate the folks that Tingle is mocking, but I do enjoy a good Zelda game. When I am playing said Zelda game, I want to be able to relax, and not be reminded of all the annoying idiots out there.
The worst thing about this game is having ZERO idea how much to give people, so you end up constantly overpaying, because they keep the money anyway when you underpay.
Absolutely baffled on the second area (Sunshine Shore). Can anyone give me a gentle nudge to progress?
Is it the goon on the stone? He seems to be something that will come later. Do I need a specific bodyguard? Should I be trying to get to that fourth (upper left) quadrant? Does the star have anything to do with anything?
edit: Solved. It's a Tingle game! If all else fails, throw money at the problem.
I sense I am nearing the end of this crazy adventure and think I may have just touched down on the last continent. Will give detailed breakdown of how awesome the game is when I have finished fully but for now know that the answer can be summed up as SO AWESOME.
Good god, does this mean the game is actually selling well?! Awesomesauce if so. How does one find out these things? People always seem to be quoting video games sales numbers in internet fanboy arguments.
Good god, does this mean the game is actually selling well?! Awesomesauce if so. How does one find out these things? People always seem to be quoting video games sales numbers in internet fanboy arguments.
I haven't found it yet to buy, and as I'm moving house I don't want to get it delivered just yet so cant get it delivered.
Good god, does this mean the game is actually selling well?! Awesomesauce if so. How does one find out these things? People always seem to be quoting video games sales numbers in internet fanboy arguments.
I think it might just be the retailers that ship to the USA have sold out, not to sure.
take it that not many people played this in the end?
I'm playing through it at the moment and it's a really funny game.
Maybe because it's so random in places, I'm enjoying it more than Phantom Hourglass which felt like 'more of the same'. Time will tell as I'm only part way through this so far.
Hmmmm.... checked the site, and they'll ship anywhere in the world for 6 funny little L-shaped thingies, making the total for U.S. people 16 pounds, or 32 ameribucks.
Posts
Don't really know what else to say beyond that..
It's a game about a single, middle-aged, cosplaying otaku who lives in his own fantasy-land and wastes all his hard-earned money in a futile attempt to make that fantasy world come alive.
It's being marketed to single cosplaying otaku who obsess about virtual fantasy-lands.
Tingle is basically a parody of the extreme Nintendo/Zelda fanboys. And they (we) are the ones who will be buying it. Slyly insulting your target demographic is definitely a postmodern approach to videogame marketing.
The only way the game's concept could be funnier would be if it was called "Tingle: Fuck you fanboy nerds, you are all effeminate freaks".
More Tingle projects planned! And whilst they firmly believe America hates Tingle they are intrigued to see how Europe will take to him.
...Anything? :winky:
It's sad that it sounds like he won't be playable in Brawl, at least they don't know anything about it. Since he already has two games all his own, I really was expecting him to be playable.
At the very least he should be an assist. I can't imagine he won't be in the game at all.
That was the joke. I was amused by Lave II's intense fan-delight for such a concept.
Aside: Rockstar Games' Manhunt took a similarly aggressive "here you go, fans" approach and came across as utterly patronizing.
I hope Nintendo has pulled it off more gracefully.
Really like that Link too.
Ever seen me cosplay?
No.
Ever seen me make fun of otakus and cosplayers?
If not, you've been under a rock.
I hate the folks that Tingle is mocking, but I do enjoy a good Zelda game. When I am playing said Zelda game, I want to be able to relax, and not be reminded of all the annoying idiots out there.
I think that's fair.
We'll I'm post modern too.
Also - I'm so getting this, this weekend! It's a quest
2009 is a year of Updates - one every Monday. Hopefully. xx
Probably all the crotch thrusting.
It's not a pro- or inti-link, it's an anti-animalcrossing.
Saving is annoying, and I miss a running button, but it's very personable and simple without being boring. It definatly has a very strong and witty identity. The combat and the money system is very clever especially.
Not a must have game though. But if you like games that reviewers would call 'quirky' and a few genuinly interesting things in both gameplay and especially context then certainly have a look.
Me, I'm buying after having played it for a bit.
The game made me think of Contact. And of Monkey Island, but that's very hard to put into words.
US release or no?
Who cares? English release means I can play it, no matter where it is. EU is good enough.
So I just grind lots of fireworks to make up for it. :P
Strikes a nerve?
Mainly because of this picture:
Tingle's Punch-Out?
It's only one boss fight so far, though.
And for the record, I, for one, am still digging this.
I sense I am nearing the end of this crazy adventure and think I may have just touched down on the last continent. Will give detailed breakdown of how awesome the game is when I have finished fully but for now know that the answer can be summed up as SO AWESOME.
Stupid weak-ass dollar.
yeah, that was the cheapest I could find taking into account price + shipping.
I actually can't seem to find any retailers that will ship to the USA with any tingle in stock at all now though
Hey, that's less than the price most PAL gamers pay for DS games all the time.
If you walk into an EB's in Australia, DS games are AU$70. That's US$62.
US$53 is considered cheap in PAL-land.
Agreed. RRP for DS games is £30 here (although shopping around makes most new releases £25)
£26.49 is/was a good price.
I haven't found it yet to buy, and as I'm moving house I don't want to get it delivered just yet so cant get it delivered.
Its frustrating.
2009 is a year of Updates - one every Monday. Hopefully. xx
I think it might just be the retailers that ship to the USA have sold out, not to sure.
I'm playing through it at the moment and it's a really funny game.
Maybe because it's so random in places, I'm enjoying it more than Phantom Hourglass which felt like 'more of the same'. Time will tell as I'm only part way through this so far.
I want to know more PA people on Twitter.
If she doesn't play it I will
xbox GT: Big Will C H
Hmmmm.... checked the site, and they'll ship anywhere in the world for 6 funny little L-shaped thingies, making the total for U.S. people 16 pounds, or 32 ameribucks.
Worth it?