NiGHTS as Flag Man

http://sonicstadium....ights-is-in-asr

also for anyone not clear on the terms of our bet, here is the video recorded on november 18/19th:


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Ok. It leaked. The bloody cameo leaked and now there's another sh!t storm i've got to swim through e_e

First and foremost, i knew about this cameo. The same people who told me NiGHTS was not in ASR period came back and said NiGHTS has turned up as the Flagman. It's why at various places i posted *waves a flag* in some of my comments. The Dont Forget NiGHTS facebook group had a news post by me where i state 'for future reference - *waves a flag*. I knew about this.

When did this cameo come in to place? Being honest, i'm not too sure. What i do know is nothing involving NiGHTS was present in ASR and then during this campaign he turned up. The game was very far along in development so NiGHTS as flagman could not have been planned from the start and was introduced during end of production.

Did we cause the cameo? Yes, i believe we did.

Why is NiGHTS the flagman and not DLC (which is what we've been asking for)?
My only guess is this is a 'plan B' perhaps. DLC is an expensive thing, perhaps SEGA were not seeing enough support for NiGHTS and therefore someone somewhere figured that should DLC not happen at least give these fans something. So, i think the cameo is a way of SUMO and/or SEGA showing us they heard us and didn't want to disregard us entirely but DLC might not be possible.

Does that mean DLC is not going to happen? No, it doesn't mean that. Ryuko (Kori) said exactly what i was thinking when i first found out about the cameo. NiGHTS now has a character model. The way i see it, some of the work for a DLC has now been done. Should we continue to show support for DLC then NiGHTS has already some of the work made for him.

In closing, i feared fans would take this the wrong way and it seems with some of you i was right in thinking thus.
So i'm making this topic to calm you down, show you the positives of this news and how we move forward from here in regards to DLC.

And once again, the fact that this campaign had some direct influence into NiGHTS being in the game is something you should appreciate because never before has this fanbase been listened to. Never.

DiGi said pretty much everything that you need to know, but I'd like to just add that NiGHTS as the flag man (or sexy flag waving babe as Kori put it lol) makes me really happy. Sure it's not DLC, but you know what? If anything this has proven that maybe SEGA and SUMO do listen to us. This should give us the fire to make sure NiGHTS has demand for DLC even more. A lot of you guys out there have the belief that big companies don't listen to us little guys, especialy after what happened with JoD and us the first time around... but think about this for a second.

NiGHTS was -NOT- in and then after this community shoved their support for NiGHTS he was put into the game as Flagman. Doesn't that make you bloody proud? I know it makes me proud. Whether or not we directly caused this is only something SEGA can confirm, so I keep my faith that somehow we did. You should too.

If NiGHTS' model has been made there's an even bigger chance DLC for him could happen. All the guff about it 'ruining the chances of DLC' are utter rubbish. It doesn't take much to do a character swap does it? Plus as a few people have stated, there ARE 2 NiGHTS in both NiD and JoD So eitherway I'm sure they could fix that.

Guys this is the biggest proof that fighting for what you believe in can sometimes work.

I have this horrible urge to draw sexyflagbabe!NiGHTS now >v>

I'm happy :3 I think we just saved NiGHTS...

I think this is fantastic news, and anyone who thinks differently isn't seeing it from the right angle.

Think about it, there was absolutely no NiGHTS is ASR. We made some noise, and even though we wanted (and still want) DLC, we changed something. And it's not as small as you think. We asked for SEGA and the fans to not forget NiGHTS. Theres not a chance of that now. NiGHTS is going to be in everyones faces in every single race. Right there at the start. Every time you start up the game, you'll see him and know that it was us that put him there.

And this doesn't destroy our chances of DLC. People are worried that it looks sloppy to have him as a racer and as the flagman ? What, you think that more than one person can't choose Sonic in a single race?

Be thankfull eh?

Exactly DLC could have a character patch swap thing to either remove the flagman altogether or change it to another character! (maybe a nightopian? XD) looks like a pretty big flag though lol (amusing images).

"How can NiGHTS ever be DLC now that he's a flagman?" was one of the very same questions i was asking when i found out. The thought of NiGHTS never being playable because he's now waving a flag ran through my mind too.

But look at it this way. DLC can change the in came content. NiGHTS' position as Flag Man becomes a selectable playable charcter if DLC is downloaded and the flagman can get replaced by a Pian or something should NiGHTS ever be selected. It's not that difficult to have NiGHTS come down from being a flagman and race alongside everyone.

NiGHTS now has a character model. He doesn't have a vehicle, doesn't have any all-star move animations or anything like that but he now has a character model. It's a start because when we began this campaign we had nothing.
If we continue to show support for DLC at least we now have something solid to ask DLC of.

Understand?

Aaaand just because I'm getting this general 'vibe' online right now, just to make something VERY clear:

We started this campaign to get NiGHTS playable DLC because we knew he wasn't playable. We didn't start it because of NiGHTS as a non playable flagman. That's something new that must have happened recently. When we said NiGHTS wasn't 'playable' we meant he wasn't even in the game at all cameo or otherwise before this new addition. This seems like a reponse from SEGA to our campaign.

Therefore something changed that must have been damn big because companies rarely put stuff like that in at the last minute. It takes a lot of time to make a character model, animate it, put it into the game etc etc. I know how long it takes Kichigai to make a NiGHTS model and it's no walk in the park.

Therefore i am very thankful for this.

I just want to give my two cents on this turn of events, and I will copy/paste this exact message over on the Sega boards for the topic:

NiGHTS being the flagman is bittersweet. While it is absolutely apparent that someone somewhere along the way took notice of our campaign and didn't forget NiGHTS, I feel as if this wouldn't have been an issue in the first place had the higher-ups in Sega Corporate had their heads turned the wrong way.

I want to make it ABSOLUTELY CLEAR that I am appreciative of what has transpired and that, even if NiGHTS ended up not being in the game, than this is the next-best thing we could have hoped for. I trust in DiGi's knowledge of NiGHTS not being present at all in this kind of capacity before we started asking for NiGHTS being playable in the game, at the very least as DLC. While DLC is still up in the air, I'm thankful to any and all involved in the decision and work needed to add NiGHTS as the flagman to the game. So thank you, whomever in SUMO/Sega is responsible for this positive turn of events. You've given our favorite character a function even if it was the best situation, and it looks like you did it out of love and respect for the character.

To quote a song: If you can't be with the one you love, then love the one you're with.

I know lots of NiGHTS fans are disappointed that he isn't playable, but remember that it was us raising the flags about NiGHTS's participation in the first-place that ended up giving him the ability to wave the flag for us in the game. Maybe if we had known or started earlier, things could have been a little more different, but we already did make a difference now. I'm sure the course of events for NiGHTS's involvement in future games has changed because of what we've done here. So think of it as glass being half full instead of glass half empty.

And no matter what, be respectful of the people who took the time and energy to do something for the fans, no matter in what capacity. Fans sometimes forget that it's people's livelihoods that bank on their work for these games, and doing things like this for the fans is NOT something explicitly required in any game contract. There is no way any game studio is ever required to "make a game with love and dedication to the characters and the fans". It's good for them to, in both a business and reputational sense, but things like this show just how much they listen and try to please all parties. If you want to focus your disappointment about NiGHTS not being playable, you should look at one place: look at the Sega folks who contracted this game to be made and didn't put NiGHTS in the roster. On a side-note, you should also tell yourself to be more vocal in your desires from games online, in places where people who make those decisions will look. There is no harm in maturely stating what you want from a game, and it's good for the game makers to be constantly reminded what their fans and buyers want. Regardless, be thankful for this fanservice, and instead of complaining too much right about what we DIDN'T get, be glad for what we did so far.

I wave my flag with NiGHTS. And the entirety of DiGi's unburned NiGHTS collection.

Dude you gonna make a grown woman cry XD

In regards to people saying NiGHTS has been in it from the start as the Flagman should really watch some of the trailers they've released for the game. There was plenty of opportunity for NiGHTS to have been spotted. Furthermore, nobody at any point who played the game at any gaming event ever saw NiGHTS as the Flagman. What does this mean? NiGHTS was added recently. Simples.

We played the demo at SoS and we would have been the first to shout about NiGHTS *lol*

In my mental images of the game, NiGHTS has been the flag-man-babe for a quite while. (Was I having... Sega Visions!?? *rimshot*) Pretty cool stuff to learn that it was actually us who caused that to happen!
GO FAN POWAH!

I demand fanart of NiGHTS launching the pole at Big .... XD Poor Big. He's become an innocent bystander in a turf war.

Finally, something along the lines of success in this movement. While seeing Nights as DLC would be the ultimate win, at least there is some form of compromise being made. We raised a large enough stink to get something done! -does a happy dance- I don't mind seeing him every round as the flagman. The awesomeness will not die! <3

It's why at various places i posted *waves a flag* in some of my comments. The Dont Forget NiGHTS facebook group had a news post by me where i state 'for future reference - *waves a flag*.

Why you cheeky...

I knew it! And remember this post?

Wait! Guys! I just got back from watching Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey Jr., and I think my deductive skills have been stimulated!

DiGi stated that NiGHTS won't be appearing in the game in any form. Not even a cameo appearance. This was changed from the original thought that NiGHTS could be a cameo, but DiGi still wouldn't have to burn his stuff because of the rule of the bet.

If NiGHTS is not in the game at all, wouldn't it make sense to make the character DLC to prevent a paradox? What I mean is, you can't have NiGHTS as a playable character while he's flying around on a stage as a cameo! It wouldn't make sense. So what if NiGHTS has been planned to be DLC all along? Don't forget the $$$ Sega craves, and all of the fans who emailed the hell out of their servers! I wouldn't be surprised if NiGHTS was removed from being a cameo because of that fact.

What's your take on this "deductive reasoning"?


inb4itdoesn'tmakealickofsense

I had it jumbled up but you coudn't say anything, which is understandable. Boy, I'm good when I'm drunk.

I told that nice chap over at TSS that in a gesture of good will I'd burn a pair of my own socks with him, just to show no hard feelings and give people something to look at smoldering. XD

Everyone likes fire afterall, I wouldn't have let DiGi make the bet if i knew my stuff was at risk *twirly moustache*. Sometimes you gotta do stupid things to get people talking.

Being honest, when i made that bet i was not too sure if there would be a cameo or not. I 100% knew NiGHTS wasn't playable but i wanted to pick my words carefully so that should a cameo occur at least i wouldn't have to burn my stuff. That's partly why i was so insistent on explaining the bet was "NiGHTS being playable" ...which he still isn't. Even with this cameo.

Then when i did hear that a cameo had been put in i thanked my lucky stars that i had been making the bet as 'playable' and not 'in the game at all'. You'd see a lot of purple smoke right about now otherwise, lol.

Lol i remember when we made that video I got an email from my uncle telling me to 'fight the power' and if we lost the bet to use DIGITAL EDITING to PRETEND to burn our stuff XD;;; loooooool. I'd do that but how would I be able to explain the sudden 'restocking' of identicle merch when the merch section open on the website? *lmao* Silly.

^LOL, your uncle is awesome.


By the way, S0L dropped us a hint regarding the downloadable Ryo thing:

Seems my usual trusty band of reporters didn't put my quote on SSMB here

"Don't panic - you don't have to download Ryo - or do you? Maybe there is more than one Ryo "

There - and that's all you're getting for now

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S0L
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Anyone want to take a stab at it?

I think it's something else Shenmue related that's as DLC. Seeing as how much positive response Ryo got, maybe SEGA see an opportunity for other Shenmue related items as DLC? Just a thought, though. I don't know anything, i'm just speculating here.

o_O i only just heard about the whole Ryo thing a few minutes ago on TSS. Weirdness. No clue what that's all about.

o_O i only just heard about the whole Ryo thing a few minutes ago on TSS. Weirdness. No clue what that's all about.

Copy/pasta'd:

Maybe they managed to get Nozomi to ride on the back of Ryo as an alternate skin perhaps? I don't know; maybe just extremely wishful thinking there.....

People have pointed out that Ryo doesn't have alternate clothing in either of his games (except taking off his jacket). Maybe we're getting his Saturn look?\



Or, for an extreme fangasm experience, Game actually made a typo and meant to put Ryu and SEGA and Capcom came to an agreement to allow our favorite Street Fighter face off, err, I mean, race off against the Virtua Fighter guys!

Shenmue started off as a Virtua Fighter spin-off staring Akira. Maybe it means Akira will have to be DLC?

EVIL PLOT: if DiGi/TRiPPY were to somehow 'lose the bet', I would fly to England and get them both as drunk as possible... Then steal all the merch and get on a plane when they're passed out. :P (I'm sure I'm not the only one who would attempt such a dastardly schemes!)

I would fly to England and get them both as drunk as possible...

That wouldn't be too hard actually, though i should say that when drunk my fanhood increases by about 1000EXP. Chances of you making alive outta England, very very slim.

NiGHTS is getting quite a few jokes about the whole 'pole' thing, lol. Pole dancing NiGHTS! XD

SEE! IT'S TRUE! Bayonetta and NiGHTS have yet another thing in common - poles! XD

Gonna see if i can get a little bit of 'promotional' fan art drawn up, lol.

You sly dawg XD

Aaaand just because I'm getting this general 'vibe' online right now, just to make something VERY clear:

We started this campaign to get NiGHTS playable DLC because we knew he wasn't playable. We didn't start it because of NiGHTS as a non playable flagman. That's something new that must have happened recently. When we said NiGHTS wasn't 'playable' we meant he wasn't even in the game at all cameo or otherwise before this new addition. This seems like a reponse from SEGA to our campaign.

Therefore something changed that must have been damn big because companies rarely put stuff like that in at the last minute. It takes a lot of time to make a character model, animate it, put it into the game etc etc. I know how long it takes Kichigai to make a NiGHTS model and it's no walk in the park.

Therefore i am very thankful for this.

Yeah 3D modelling can be time consuming. I studied Computer Games Art in university and I am pretty sure one of out lecturers (who had plenty of industry experience)...said to create like the base model for a character usually takes two working days...don't think that includes mapping/texturing though.

NiGHTS: the only purple jester who can destroy your worst nightmare and be a sexy flagman at the same time

SexyFlagBabe!NiGHTS has been sketched.

I never knew it was possible to feel dirty AND amused all at once. |3

I was hoping the character model meant good news for Wii owners, but it never hit me just how much more this means! I'd thought that playing flag-bearer was planned from square one, but we actually influenced it??

*blasts "No Limits" on her iPod and boogies down*

Lookit us go!! I love this fandom. <3

*falls over*

Better than nothing, at least this way he's kinda there a lot, but he really should be a playable. Ah well. Hm. Don't suppose he could be 'made playable' somehow.. Otherwise I'm sure curious to know if this really only did happen due to the campaign or what..

There ain't a thing to be mad about. This is excellent news. This week just keeps getting better. A new Needlemouse challenge, Bayonetta finally gets patched, I beat Ace Combat 5 after six years, and now NiGHTS is finally in ASR. It's below what we wanted but I'll appreciate it all the same. Now we get to see the flying jester every time a race starts.

Late to the party.

My fellow mods/admins have already summed up my thoughts pretty well. This is a good thing. NiGHTS was completely absent, we raised our voices and for once someone actually listened. I'd say that's pretty cool. If we keep pushing for DLC who knows what could happen?

And for those people who ask "How can NiGHTS be playable now that he's the flagman?", let me remind you continuity means jack squat in fanservice titles like this one. For example, in Marvel Ultimate Alliance people could download a character pack that gave them access to Doctor Doom, meaning people could actually have Doom in their party during the final boss battle with Doom. There is no reason NiGHTS can't be a flagman and a racer and really who's going to complain...well, other than Tristan.

I'm sorry for getting a little mad. I thought that NiGHTS had been planned as a flagman all along, so when I saw that video and pictures my reason went out the window, and all I could think was "Well, there you have it! It confirms that they aren't planning on having NiGHTS be a playable character and have instead demoted him to flag-waver." Now that I know that cameo wasn't there to start with, it sheds it in a whole different light. T-T *tears of joy* They DO care about us, after all!

Ok, now thinking of what else to do to get him as DLC, too.

I thought that NiGHTS had been planned as a flagman all along

Yeah don't worry, i wanted to clear that one up for you guys because from that point of view i can imagine myself being a bit miffed if i was in another fans position.

The fact that they added NiGHTS in is nothing short of amazing. And if it was due to our campaign you've got yourselves to thank for NiGHTS waving that flag. Like Jof said when you start up a race you can say you helped save NiGHTS :-)

And I'd like to add that NiGHTS has been given a very important job in the game, and you will see him at the beginning and end of every race track.

Yeah lol! It'll be like NiGHTSPAM. I hope the people who were against this campaign and NiGHTS in general get a fantastic front seat view of our lovely Maren waving that flag. Zoho, they'll be hard pressed to go forgetting NiGHTS again.

OMNIPOTENT NiGHTS

this is perfect that NiGHTS in all stars racing we should be dancing happily

*dance dance

Oh snap, NiGHTS becomes playable via DLC and the new flagman is... Selph! Mwahahaha.

XD that would be the funniest/best thing ever with sparklers on top.

I think after this campaign is over the next one will be for NiGHTS on XBLA.... and THEN we (somehow) convince Iizuka to actually tell us what Selph looked like. I mean he told us he was a proper boss... maybe we can confuse him enough to elaborate XD Or maybe that'll take another 5 years! I'm willing to wait.

This is kinda awesome....i guess? O_o

I think after this campaign is over the next one will be for NiGHTS on XBLA.... and THEN we (somehow) convince Iizuka to actually tell us what Selph looked like. I mean he told us he was a proper boss... maybe we can confuse him enough to elaborate XD Or maybe that'll take another 5 years! I'm willing to wait.

Don't forget Wii VC, too, and the PS3 online/download feature (I forget what it's called). And while we're at it, why not NDS and PSP? Or am I getting too ambitious?