‘EA Playground’ Exclusive to Wii, DS
May 2, 2007
Electronic Arts’ EA Playground, a sports game compendium with playground style games that’s already being compared to Nintendo pack-in title Wii Sports, will be for Wii and Nintendo DS users only.
In an interview with IGN, Electronic Arts revealed the tentatively-titled EA Playground. According to executive producer Dave McCarthy, the game “is all about capturing the sheer fun of being a kid.” EA Playground will employ only the Wii Remote for gameplay. “On Wii, there’s a mix of games that cover frantic actions mapped to gestures (e.g. throwing and dodging in Dodge Ball) and others that take advantage of navigating the entire world (e.g. RC Car Racing),” McCarthy said. Whether the Wii and DS versions of EA Playground will connect is unknown.
EA Playground, which has not yet officially announced by Electronic Arts, is being developed by EA Canada, which handled Madden NFL 2007 on Wii. Games already pictured for the Wii version include tetherball and racing remote control cars, although the preview also mentions a dodge ball simulation. The Nintendo DS version will include several unique games, such as bug hunt, which uses the touch screen, and spit balls, which uses the microphone.
All of the games feature a multiplayer mode, with simple cartoon style graphics somewhat reminiscent of Wii Sports. It is presumed the game will not use Mii avatars, with the initial screenshots picturing a different stylized look for characters. In the single-player campaign, players will choose a character and compete to become the best in the schoolyard. Players will also maintain a sticker book filled by playing various games, completing special dare challenges, and exploring areas of the playground world.
EA Playground is the latest in Wii exclusives from EA, joining SSX Blur, MySims and Boogie. EA’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and The Godfather: Blackhand Edition also make extensive use of the Wii’s unique interface.
Iwata Discusses “Abnormal” Wii Shortage
April 27, 2007
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, following details of Nintendo’s record breaking full year financial results yesterday, has labeled worldwide shortages of the Wii console as “abnormal” and promised to increase deliveries by May next month.
“We must do our best to fix this abnormal lack of stock. We have not been able to properly foresee demand,” Iwata was quoted in an Associated Press report.
Iwata did not confirm Wii’s current monthly production capacity, nor did he give any indication of how much Wii production is set to increase. It has been so tough to get one’s hand on a Wii console since its fall launch that some are accusing Nintendo of purposefully withholding stock to stimulate consumer interest. Iwata did, however, reveal that new Nintendo DS consoles, which are also difficult to obtain in certain markets (e.g. Japan) are being manufactured at a rate of 2.5 million units a month, the highest ever for a Nintendo console. Whatever that means.
Nintendo revealed yesterday that the company’s net profit for the financial year (ended March 31) had risen by 77% to ¥174.3 billion ($1.47bn), with sales up by 90% to ¥966.5 billion ($8.10bn). A total of 5.84 Wii consoles had been sold by the same date – roughly meeting the company’s target of six million.
Piranha Releases Wii Gun
April 25, 2007
Third-party games peripheral manufacturer Piranha Accessories has launched the first gun accessory for Wii.
The first gun expansion controller shown for Wii was Nintendo’s own (pictured below) which looked more like a shotgun, and Nintendo has said nothing about it since. Piranha Accessories, however, isn’t holding back for Nintendo and released its own gun expansion. The W14 Gun works in a similar way to Nintendo’s zapper; just clip the Wii Remote into the front of it so that the Remote’s sensor is aimed at the screen.
As of right now, there are no price or availability details on Piranha’s site, but the gun is said to be available now for $19.99 (around £14) - if you manage to get your hands on one. The W14 Wii gun from Piranha is already being talked about as a cool new option for Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles.
The W14 Wii gun (pioctured below) features a rubber coating for a better grip, a realistic design, a real trigger, a Wii Nunchuck and Remote in one, safe and strong hold for the Remote, and Plug & Play accessibility.
Guitar Hero II, Wii: Rare Commodities for U.S. Reatilers
April 24, 2007
AG Edwards analyst Bill Kreher has revealed that Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360 is now sold out in 99 out of 100 GameStop stores surveyed.
In Kreher’s April 10th survey, 89 out of 100 GameStop stores were sold out of Guitar Hero II for Microsoft’s Xbox 360, but the new survey shows a continued case of “demand outstripping supply with only 1 of 100 GameStops having GH II in stock (1 unit) and again no extra guitar (X-Plorer) controllers.”
“Roughly half of the stores without copies available expect a shipment to arrive at some point during this week. We believe Activision is currently seeking ways to increase production and fulfill consumer demand,” Kreher noted in his commentary to clients.
Of Guitar Hero II publisher, Kreher also re-iterated, “We continue to believe ATVI is poised for market share gains in first half fiscal ‘08 based on momentum from Guitar Hero and solid prospects for movie-supported franchises including Spiderman and Shrek.”
Kreher’s queries on whether next-gen hardware was available at each of the 100 GameStop stores revealed results tying in with recent anecdotal information: “Our questions on hardware availability continue to reflect high demand for the Wii. Of the stores we contacted, none had a Nintendo Wii available. Our survey also found PS3s and Xbox 360s in all 100 stores.”
Kreher has also said that, according to his retail checks, the retail Wii drought isn’t expected to end any time soon: “We were told by 5 GameStops that they expected to receive orders this week.” The stock problems couldn’t be narrowed specifically to either high demand or short supply, he explained. “Most of the outlets we talked to explained that they go extremely fast once they are received — people even follow the delivery trucks to the stores.”
“Most of the sales associates did not have a clue when the next shipment would be in, explaining that sometimes when the packages get off the trucks they are surprised to find Wiis inside. We have heard from numerous stores that sometimes they will receive 10 units, then the next shipment only 2 units. It is very volatile and unpredictable.”
Capcom Reveals New Titles
April 16, 2007
As part of its Gamer’s Day event, Capcom revealed a number of new titles for multiple devices.
Capcom dabbled in PC gaming but never made a strong commitment to PC games, so releasing Lost Planet for PC is cool. Lost Planet will feature DirectX 10 and Shader Model 3.0 support as well, making one of the best looking console games one of the best looking PC games ever made. Lost Planet is a good sign that we will be seeing more Capcom titles coming to PCs in the near future. Also coming to PC (and PSN and Xbox Live) is Talisman, Games Workshop’s hybrid board and RPG.
For many, Wii is making out the best with the new Capcom titles. Lets’s start with Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles. Using the Wii Remote as your boomstick, players will gun down zombies and other monstrosities. Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition might be the best Resident Evil of all time! It includes everything from the previous versions, utilizing the Wii Remote to point and blow apart the armies of the undead. Also coming to Wii is Project Treasure Island Z, a series of puzzles and mini-games centered around the antics of a pirate in training, Zack, and his magical monkey, Wiki. Younger gamers will be entertained.
Newly announced titles for Nintendo’s handheld DS system include the third chapter in Capcom’s cult Phoenix Wright legal adventures, with Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations. Set for release in September 2007, Trials and Tribulations will continue the tradition of the first two chapters of the series, with a new “mysterious hard-boiled” prosecutor named Godot, and a return of the second game’s “pysche-lock” interrogation tool. Also coming to Nintendo DS, in October, is the latest in the decades-long running Mega Man franchise, Mega Man ZX Advent, which includes a new “biometal” system that allows players to change into different forms and utilizes the DS touchscreen to switch between ‘Biometal’ and map navigation screens. Not a bad way to celebrate 20 years of Mega Man, I’d say.
Capcom also revealed that it was working with Cartoon Network to deliver a game based on the Adult Swim original cartoon Harvey Birdman to both the PSP and PS2 by developer High Voltage (Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude), though no further details were yet revealed.
As for PS2, Capcom has announced that the company as acquired PlayStation rights to the motor sport MotoGP, and will be publishing its first PlayStation 2 game based on the sport this year, tentatively titled MotoGP 07.
Capcom also revealed a number of digitally distributed titles coming throughout the year for PC, Xbox Live, and the PlayStation network. Foremost amongst these is the return of Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix coming to all three digital platforms this fall, including newly redrawn 1080p HD graphics from the backgrounds and blocks, handled by developer Backbone and all new character portraits, done by Udon Entertainment (the company responsible for the official US Street Fighter series of comics). The game will also see “improved game balance,” and, most importantly, online play — a feature fans of the cult puzzler have been asking for since it first appeared. The game will also be including the X, Y, and Z-’ism’ modes from the Dreamcast’s “For Matching Service” version.
Also coming are two more original titles, with WizKids’ Rocketmen: Axis of Evil arriving on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network as an arcade shooter as up to four players battle cooperatively through multiple levels in a struggle to ‘free the Solar System.’
Final Wii Web Browser Released
April 12, 2007
Nintendo officials have announced that the final version of the Wii Internet Channel - with a customized Opera Web browser version - is now available for free download, complete with a number of new features and improvements over the earlier beta version.
The final version of the Internet Channel is available for free download from today, until June 20, 2007, after which it will cost 500 Wii Points ($5). Once downloaded, the Internet Channel is free for the lifetime of the system.
The full version of the Internet Channel features a manual zoom, in addition to the automatic mode available in the previous version. Text clarity is also improved at all zoom levels, along with improved scrolling, collapsible toolbars, new on-screen cursors and buttons to instantly type common phrases such as “www” and “.com.”
The Internet Channel now also features a built-in search function on the Start page, as well as an built-in function that allows users to query terms without having to go to a search engine. In addition to a general performance upgrade - increasing performance and start-up times - the toolbar can now be hidden while browsing.
The browser also comes with pre-loaded bookmarks, including one for the Astaro Wii Content Filtering Portal, a parental control system specifically created for the Wii which will be available beginning May 7th.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer Wii owners an improved, simple and safe internet service through the Opera Browser. The new version of the Internet Channel will allow the whole family to experience the Internet from the comfort of their couch in a safe and secure environment,” said Laurent Fischer, marketing director of Nintendo Europe.
‘WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw’ Confirmed by THQ For Multiple Platforms
April 2, 2007
Officials from THQ and toy maker Jakks Pacific have confirmed that WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008, the latest in the company’s long running pro wrestling franchise, is currently in development for multiple platforms.
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 is being created for the Wii, Nintendo DS, PS3, Xbox 360, PS2, PSP, and wireless devices. The game is expected to ship across all platforms simultaneously this fall.
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2007, currently available for the Xbox 360, PS2, and PSP, was originally planned to debut also on the PS3 as well, but the game was later pushed back to “late 2007.” This latest announcement would seem to confirm 2007’s cancellation for Sony’s console, making 2008 the series’ first appearance on the PS3.
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 will build upon the best selling wrestling franchise with a number of new features, headlined by superstar fighting styles. The game will include eight different fighting styles and a new struggle submission system, as well as updated rosters, more environmental hotspots, and a combined season and general manager mode experience.
“We are extremely pleased with the success of the SmackDown! vs. Raw franchise and its continued growth to a widespread audience, particularly in our European markets,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. “With the addition of fresh, innovative game play on the Wii, the tremendous capabilities of the PlayStation 3 system and unique handheld experiences for Nintendo DS and wireless devices, gamers can now truly live the life of a WWE Superstar and choose from numerous ways to play.”
Mario and Sonic Hit the Olympics
March 28, 2007
Nintendo and Sega icons Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog will reportedly appear in a new game to be developed by Sega Japan that is based around the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games will be released this Christmas on Wii and Nintendo DS, and will be published by Sega in the West and Nintendo in Japan, according to an official joint statement by the two companies.
The game uses an official International Sports Multimedia (ISM) license, the interactive entertainment software licensee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). ISM has previously overseen the video game adaptations of the recent Olympics and Winter Olympics games, starting with the Sydney 2000 Games.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games will feature various Olympic events including the 100m sprint, swimming, and table tennis. The game will feature both Mario and Sonic, as well as secondary characters from both franchises including Luigi, Knuckles, Yoshi, and Tails.
“Mario and Sonic have been respectful rivals since the early days of video games,” said Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto. “In fact, for a long time they have been discussing the possibility of one day competing against each other. Now that they have been given the perfect opportunity to meet at the Olympic Games, we may finally learn who is actually faster, Mario or Sonic?”
Wii Announces New “Party Package” Game and Internet Channel Delay
March 23, 2007
Boogie is a new Wii exclusive plans to karaoke, dance, and rhythm-based games to provide what developer EA calls “the ultimate videogame party package.”
The game will be headed by EA Montreal, and the development team hopes to fully utilize the special qualities of the Wii controller to provide a unique gaming experience.
Boogie plans to incorporate singing and dancing modes, as well as a mode in which players can create their own music videos. Not much else is known about the title so far, but EA promises that users will be able to choose from a roster of wild, customizable characters with a zany alien motif.
“We’re creating something new and different for gamers of all ages to enjoy; the complete party package where gamers can dance as well as sing,” said Alain Tascan, VP and General Manager of EA Montreal. “Nintendo’s Wii is an amazing console that really gives us a platform to be creative and to re-think traditional game development.”
EA hopes to release Boogie worldwide before the end of the 2007 calendar year.
According to a press release today from Opera Software, the release date for the final version of the Wii’s internet browser, or the Internet Channel, has been delayed from late March (which is now) to an undetermined date in April.
A beta version of the browser is currently available free of charge, but the final version will be downloadable for the price of 500 Wii Points. A DS version of the browser will become available in the American market on June 4th of this year.
Nintendo: Phantom Hourglass Playable Online
March 16, 2007
Nintendo confirmed last week that the upcoming DS Zelda game Phantom Hourglass would be playable over the internet through the Nintenedo Wi-Fi Connection. It’s reported to be released initially in Japan and is undergoing the “fine-tuning and polishing stages” of development as per Nintendo’s Eiji Aonuma, one of the designers working on the project.
This was announced at the Game Developers Conference last week where the multiplayer was displayed again. Aonuma also explained that “the first thing I have to do without taking any breaks at all is get into the office and see that it gets done.”
Phantom Hourglass’s multiplayer gameplay on the Wi-Fi will consist of one-on-one combat where the player manuevers Link through a maze as the Stalker’s three Darknuts are attempting to halt his progress. Power ups such as Pegsuas boots and a shield to use to deflect one attack by the Stalker are available to Link. The Stalker itself will also have access to the boots in addition to a tornado to obstruct Link’s path and a power up to increase offensive power.
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