N64 Magazine Issue 47

Introduction

Issue 47 came from Spaceworld (Nintendo's annual game show), as Mark got a chance to go to Japan - and what a special Space World it was, with the reveal of both the Gamecube and the Game Boy Advance. They took a look at all the specs of both consoles, including the controller for Gamecube and the link-up between the two consoles. Unfortunately at this time it was only a tech-demo of the Gamecube in action (including the sadly missed Zelda tech-demo and Mario 128), but there were over 30 GBA games revealed, including full previews of Mario Kart, Kuru Kuru Kururuin and Wai Wai Racing (later Konami Crazy Racing in the West). They also got the opportunity to ask questions to some of the Nintendo big-wigs at the show, talking about the new consoles, release dates and the developers they had on board amongst other topics.

With all the attention on the new consoles, there wasn't much space for upcoming N64 games, however the brand new Sin and Punishment and Pokemon Stadium Gold & Silver were showcased, plus there were the first details on the original Animal Forest (later Animal Crossing when it was ported to the Gamecube).

There were several eagerly anticipated games reviewed this issue, including Mario Tennis, scoring 91%, F1 Racing Championship (scoring 72%) and the Japanese version of Mario Story (later Paper Mario), which scored an excellent 85%. On Game Boy there were three games reviewed and three five star awards - Pokemon Pinball, Harvest Moon 2 and Legend of the River King 2.

The second part of Pokemon Snap was the big guide in this issue, as they covered the remaining levels, and the final show-down with you know who. They also had general tips for Mario Party 2, covering the basics and showing general tips for the boards. In the back of the mag feature Martin looked at some of Nintendo’s innovations over the years and how they helped shape the console gaming industry.

The remains of the Nintendo World magazine were also incorporated into this issue, with the main change being the incorporation of Geraint Evans, who joined as Staff Writer. Pokemon Club was also incorporated with in the News section, and Ask Professor Oak was included in the tips section of Planet Game Boy. Although these were only minor sections of the magazine, Geraint would have a massive influence on the direction of the magazine, sticking around well into the NGamer days.