World Wide Gaming

Posted in Wii, Virtual Console by James Temperton on March 6th, 2007 at 17:41

Every N64 lover in the world wants to see GoldenEye 007 on the Wii Virtual Console, but could it ever happen? If there is a God it should happen, but is it actually possible?
An update on Rares Q&A page on their website has shown that seeing N64 classic GoldenEye on the Virtual Console is still possible. This is what Rare had to say in response to the question sent in to them regarding Rare franchises on the VC:
This is where we finally edge into territory that could see Scribes neutron bombed from management level. The only Rare-developed title on Virtual Console right now is the original Donkey Kong Country, and unofficially theres a strong likelihood that its sequels will follow. But the Donkey Kong series of games is a Nintendo-owned franchise starring an established Nintendo character, whereas something like Banjo isnt (and even Diddy Kong Racing is less clear-cut), so its nowhere near as easy to call. Especially when you also consider the existence of Xbox Live Arcade. So right now, the best answer we can offer (for either download service) is its possible. I like your sausage casserole mix, by the way.

Ignoring the Rare humour, the response does raise a tantalising possibility and one that fans of the series will cling on to until someone, somewhere denies that it will ever happen. Elsewhere in the same Q&A entry Rare stated that getting GoldenEye on the VC was difficult and presented a number of problems. The issue with GoldenEye 007 from the N64 is that it is in a bit of a mess as far as rights are concerned. EA currently run the franchise but it was run by Nintendo and Rare back in the day, since then the rights have changed and Rare are now part of the Microsoft Games Studio. This, is where the problems arise. Who owns it? Who should get the royalties? Nobody is quite sure it would seem.

Were desperate for something to happen on this front, but were just not sure if it ever will. Legal tussles can prove problematic to say the least. Regardless, well keep our collective ear to the ground and bring you any updates.

Source: http://www.nintendic.com/news/357