What's The Chance Of F-zero Being Online Compatible?

[D-realJos]

Yeah, you heard me. Online Compatible! No chance?

... ok, how about now?
click to enlarge

Hehe, actually, this isn't what you think. Read on, I think you're agree that "it" would be a nice addition for Nintendo and Sega should consider(and I got the feeling the have already).

We all know by now that Sega and Nintendo will be working closely together to ensure that both the Triforce and GameCube version of F-zero makes for an enjoyable experience. They've even gone the extra mile to include features that allow them to work together.

[color=sky blue]"How are [Triforce] and GameCube linked?[/color]

Nagoshi: "Data communication will be available. We now call this style 'Home and Away'." Interviewed by IGN
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Prior to that intereview, reporting on the announcement, IGN said:

"GCN owners will then, using a Memory Card 59, be able to trade data and saves between the two versions."


The idea of trading data between the console and arcade systems, leads me to believe that either Nintendo or Sega -- at the very least -- MUST HAVE questioned the possibility of taking that feature online with GameCube. Specifically, being able to upload scores, and ghost data, etc; which is bound to add more value to the game.

With the adapters already out, Sega having existing servers, tools, and experience with more complex online requirements, this would be theoretically easy to implement. Not only that, but server requirements to for us to upload/download/share these extremely small files would be minimal enough to offer such online features for free.

-- Players would be able to upload their scores/times for single player mode or championship, where they'll fall in a certain rank
-- Of course, with newer faster scores, your rank will drop

-- With ghost data, just search for the track you wish to race, check the times you wish to challenge, then download the player's ghost.
-- Beat it(if you can), then upload your new, faster time.


That is all that's necessary. Simple, fast, nothing elaborate. Don't even need a chat room. Maybe if you're on your computer, you can check rankings on a "sister site"(for safety reasons... hackers), then, brag/talk about it on message boards.
Great for replay value. Challenge ghost data from around the world!


Of course, don't get me wrong. This pales in comparison to full-blown online play!

So in conclusion, while I envision full online play to be unlike(although, you never know), I think that being able to upload scores and ghost data is something simple, likely, and interesting enough for us to keep our fingers crossed. For some reason, I believe Sega must have considered this already, although, let's not get our hopes up.


Do you think this is something Nintendo would opt for? (I personally think it is)
Perhaps Sega, who has shown more interest in online gaming(so far), would take initiative?

Any thoughts?