Monday, March 30, 2009

Wii-kly Update 03/30/2009

WiiWare

Bonsai Barber (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points): The village residents are hungry for the latest in foliage fashion, and it's up to you, the new barber, to fix them up. Use the tools of your trade: scissors, clippers, spray can, and more in this humorous, first-of-its-kind "first-person-groomer" game. Bonsai Barber features a colorful cast of 12 intriguing customers, including a temperamental shallot starlet (don't call her an onion), an oddball strawberry boffin, a cactus cowboy, a daredevil carrot, and a suave banana with top-secret clearance. Each day, five customers arrive to test your stylistic skill. If the customer requests a specific style, you'll plow that furrow, or you can rely on your expertise to pick from more than 30 popular fashions. Or, why not turn over a new leaf? Be creative and see how they react. They're a demanding bunch, so if you miss an appointment, you'll hear about it-on your Wii Message Board. If you do a good job, you may receive a gift or even a postcard from an exotic destination as your happy customers travel to distant lands and show off their exquisite coifs.

Virtual Console

Super Punch-Out!! (Super NES™, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Featuring the tight game play and humor the series is known for, this sequel to the NES™ classic sees Little Mac return to the ring with the World Video Boxing Association belt once again at stake. Slug your way through the grueling, sweat-pounding matches of the Minor, Major and World Circuits as you face off against some of Little Mac's greatest rivals, such as Bear Hugger, Bald Bull and Super Macho Man. With a cast of new challengers waiting, do you have what it takes to identify their unique patterns and exploit their weaknesses? Go to your corner and come out fighting, but remember what Doc Louis would say: "It's not about brawling-it's about finesse!"

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Nintendo announces Wii Storage solution, DSi News, and a new Zelda for DS

NINTENDO PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES WII STORAGE SOLUTION, NEW ZELDA GAME AND 50 MILLION GLOBAL WII SHIPMENT

Keynote Details Nintendo DSi News on Eve of Launch

SAN FRANCISCO, March 25, 2009 – Nintendo President Satoru Iwata today revealed surprises for consumers and an expanded palette of video game development opportunities for the industry during his keynote address at the Game Developers Conference. Iwata announced a new storage solution for Nintendo's Wii™ home console and showed video highlights of a new Nintendo DS™ game from The Legend of Zelda™ franchise.

Video game developers now have expanded opportunities given that worldwide shipments for the Wii system surpassed 50 million units and worldwide shipments for the Nintendo DS franchise are at more than 100 million units. Iwata said, "It is in the power of game developers to invent things that gamers have never seen – or even imagined – before."

Nintendo also noted several key initiatives that are on the way for consumers, some of which are available at the Nintendo GDC booth.

Nintendo DSi

• The new portable Nintendo DSi system goes on sale in the United States on April 5. For the first six months after launch, consumers who buy the system and connect to the Nintendo DSi Shop will automatically receive 1,000 Nintendo DSi Points, which can be redeemed for downloadable Nintendo DSiWare™ games and applications through the Nintendo DSi Shop. In order to receive the free Nintendo DSi Points, consumers must access the Nintendo DSi Shop by Oct. 5, 2009, and the Nintendo DSi Points can be redeemed at any time after that (wireless broadband access required).

• Similar to how the WiiWare™ service works in the Wii Shop Channel, the Nintendo DSi Shop will feature a variety of downloadable Nintendo DSiWare™ games and applications. These games and applications will be available at four different price categories: free, 200 points, 500 points, and 800+ points. Consumers can purchase Nintendo DSi Points in the Nintendo DSi Shop with a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo Points Card™ at retail locations for redemption in the Nintendo DSi Shop. All points from one Nintendo Points Card will need to be redeemed at the Nintendo DSi Shop. Nintendo Points Card will start to become available at select retail locations beginning Apr. 5.

• Iwata gave conference attendees a glimpse into some of the upcoming Nintendo DSiWare games and applications such as Moving Memo (name not final) and WarioWare™: Snapped!. Moving Memo (name not final) lets users create animated digital flipbooks of their own design, while WarioWare™: Snapped! uses Nintendo DSi Camera functionality for a fresh gaming experience.

• On the show floor, conference attendees are able to experience some of the Nintendo DSiWare games and applications that will be available soon. Bird & Beans™ and Art Style™: Aquia™ are fun mini games that will be perfect to play on-the-go.

Nintendo DS & Nintendo DSi Software

• The new The Legend of Zelda™: Spirit Tracks game that Iwata announced will utilize the intuitive touch control of Phantom Hourglass in an all new adventure that will please longtime Zelda™ fans while keeping the game accessible to all DS owners. The concept behind this Zelda game includes utilizing a steam locomotive to travel around the world, switching Phantom and Link to explore the dungeons, and solving puzzles using new items.

Wii

• As the library of downloadable WiiWare and Virtual Console™ games continues to grow, Wii owners have asked Nintendo to provide easy, expanded storage space. Starting today, Wii owners will be able to save downloaded WiiWare, Virtual Console video games, and Channels directly to High Capacity SD cards, in addition to SD memory cards. To play games that have been saved to SD cards, consumers will be able to select and launch them from an SD Menu icon on the Wii Menu. (Note that when launching games or channels from an SD card, an equivalent amount of internal Wii memory is required. To clear space from the internal memory, users can transfer games or channels from the Wii Menu to the SD card). This feature is included in the latest version of the Wii System Menu Update, which owners will receive immediately after performing a system update today.

• Gamers will be glad to have that additional storage space, as the Virtual Console will expand to include the arcade versions of classic third-party games like STARFORCE by Tecmo Ltd., and Mappy, Gaplus and Tower of Druaga by Namco Bandai Games Inc. starting today.

• Upcoming games Punch-Out!!™ and Excitebots™: Trick Racing are available to play at Nintendo's booth. Excitebots: Trick Racing, a new and refreshing take on the classic Excitebike™ series from the arcade and NES™ days, is slated to launch on April 20, while a new game in the classic Punch-Out!! series will be on store shelves on May 18.

WiiWare

• To highlight new development opportunities for independent developers, Iwata unveiled a game for the WiiWare downloadable game service called Rock N' Roll Climber™, which uses the Wii Balance Board™ accessory to help users simulate the experience of rock climbing. The game is being developed by Vitei.

Nintendo GDC 2009

New Zelda game for DS announced. It's Wind Waker style. "The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks"
You can watch the video on Nintendo Channel (Source: Nintendo)

Wii Firmware update 4.0 allows playing of VC, WiiWare games from SD card. Also allows the use of higher capacity SD cards, as well as SDHC cards. Virtual Console Arcade console added that allows you to download & play classic arcade games on the Wii (4-6 games put up on the Wii Shop Channel right now) (Source: Nintendo)

Level 5 is bringing the other Professor Layton games to the western world. They are currently working on the 2nd game. (Source: GoNintendo)

Nintendo will be giving away 1000 Nintendo Points to each owned of a DSi system, when they connect to the DSiWare store before October 5th, 2009. (Source: GoNintendo)

3 DSiWare games & possibly 1 app at launch: Wario Ware Snapped, Code 10, Pyoro, and the app Moving Memo Pad (but possibly later as it was in Japanese (Source: Kotaku)

Nintendo planning DSi cards that will enable the use of the features of the DSi such as the camera. (Source: Kotaku)
I knew something good was going to come out of this conference. Who would've thought another Zelda game for the DS would be announced? Phantom Hourglass was announced at the Game Developer's Conference in 2007. I am so happy now, thank you Nintendo for giving me a storage solution!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

I got Pokémon Platinum


I just got home from work and picking up Platinum. The figurine is really cool and made of high quality material; it's not just a cheap trinket like most preorder bonuses are.

I guess I'm going to pick Chimchar as my starter this time, since I used Piplup in Diamond, and Turtwig in Pearl =D

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

I got Bit. Trip Beat


Well I decided to download this interesting techno game that mixes Pong with Rhythm. Basicall you have to hold the Wii Remote sideways (ala Mario Kart Wii), but you have to turn the remote forward or backward to move the paddle. When you successfully knock back the block, it plays a sound effect. When you get a string of them going you start playing a song.

It's a really interesting concept for a game. I did okay, but eventually I ended up failing. I think I blame it on me being so tired right now. So I'm sure I will be able to master it someday. I definitely recommend it to those who are looking for a good downloadable game for their Wii!

Beat Disaster: Day of Crisis

Well I just finished Disaster: Day of Crisis. I know it seems like I did it very fast, but I've been playing it everyday since I got it. It's just such a good game! Nintendo of America is very foolish for not bringing this game over. The hardcore will love it, and I think the casuals would even give it a chance due to it's [mostly] easy control scheme.



I love the atmosphere, it is totally what you would expect in a disaster type film. I mean I actually started dreaming about the game. I went through Hurricane Ike back in September last year, and the winds in the game were like the winds in real life. It was very scary and stuff, but we got lucky we didn't live in Galveston.

Anyway, I definitely do recommend Disaster: Day of Crisis for importing. If you need help with setting up the homebrew, just give me a buzz and I'll be there eagerly. I just don't get why Nintendo sent this game out to not do well, when it really is an awesome game!

I hope for a sequel ^.^

Monday, March 16, 2009

Wii-kly Update 03/16/2009

WiiWare

BIT.TRIP BEAT (Aksys Games, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): BIT.TRIP BEAT is a rhythm game that brings retro action into the present, letting you use the motion-sensing Wii Remote™ controller to bounce beats. Retro visuals, classic game play, four-player multiplayer and an 8-bit soundtrack will get you in the zone and rock your world. The challenges are mighty, but if you can stay cool as the difficulty increases, you'll discover the beginnings of the BIT.TRIP saga.

Virtual Console

Summer Games II™ (Commodore 64, 1-8 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): A thousand athletes. A hundred countries. Billions watching around the world as you enter the stadium, marching confidently among your nation's strongest, fastest and boldest young men and women. Your gaze sweeps the crowd as you realize the scope of your achievement. You are about to compete against the world's best athletes in a 3,000-year-old competition. This is the pinnacle of athletic achievement: the Summer Games. Summer Games II challenges your competitive skills with a series of athletic contests for one to eight players. Experience the excitement and realism of eight different events: cycling, equestrian, fencing, high jump, javelin, kayaking, rowing and triple jump. Practice each event to sharpen your skills, then choose from the 18 countries you can represent in the competition.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

I got New Play Control! Pikmin


Well I went to Best Buy intending to only purchase another anime series, since I just finished watching S-cry-ed. But then I decided to look at the gaming section and said "what the hell" and picked up New Play Control! Pikmin. Then I saw they had some Nyko Battery charger replacements, so I picked that up to. One of my batteries I think is busted because everytime I charge it, and then try to use it, the Wiimotes never turn on.

Yes, I realize alot of people are calling me stupid considering I just got Disaster: Day of Crisis & MadWorld, that I'm getting Pokémon Platinum in a week, and Rhythm Heaven and a DSi system in 3 weeks. But I'm almost finished with Disaster: Day of Crisis, so no worries hopefully!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles Trailer


I think the game will be cool for a rail shooter. I liked Umbrella Chronicles, but I was hoping Capcom would make a standard playing Resident Evil game for Wii. While Wiimakes are following Nintendo's New Play Control line, I was really hoping for Resident Evil 5 announcement for Wii since I only own Nintendo systems.

Resident Evil series returns to Wii

SAN MATEO, Calif. – March 12, 2009 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced its plans for a big comeback of its multi-million-selling franchise, Resident Evil® to the Wii™ video game system this year. Resident Evil®: The Darkside Chronicles, the sequel to the highly successful Wii title Resident Evil®: The Umbrella Chronicles, is in development exclusively for the Wii and is set to hit North American retailers this winter. Capcom also introduced its plans for a new Resident Evil “Classics” line, which will bring the critically acclaimed Nintendo GameCube™ classics, Resident Evil® and Resident Evil® Zero exclusively to the Wii, allowing a whole new audience to experience the world of Resident Evil.

“We are very excited to be bringing the sequel to Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles to the Wii as it’s the perfect fit for the platform,” said Mona Hamilton, vice president, marketing, Capcom Entertainment. “We are always looking for new ways to give Capcom fans a chance to experience our games. Umbrella Chronicles was a huge success for us, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles includes a more in-depth co-op experience, and we are excited to bring this exclusive content to the Wii audience.”

Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles‘s story is based on Resident Evil 2 and includes the popular characters, Leon S Kenney and Claire Redfield. Its on-rails style gameplay and active camera will create a more immersive “Chronicles” survival experience. As in the last installment, this is a first-person game with extreme shooting gameplay and interactive pathways. Filling in many of the missing pieces of storyline that were not covered in the original “Umbrella Chronicles”, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles will give hardcore fans the chance to re-live some of the most classic moments of the Resident Evil franchise, while allowing new players to take advantage of the intense action-horror experience only possible on the Wii.

Gamers can choose to take on their enemies with the help of an A.I.-controlled character or enlist the help of a friend to fight via two-player co-op. Adding new dimension and strategy to the arcade-style gameplay in the “Chronicles” experience, the new Evade system will utilize the Wii Remote for a more intense experience when fighting enemies.

Capcom’s new Resident Evil “Classics” line will allow the new audience who has embraced the Wii to experience some of the greatest games in the Resident Evil franchise for the value price of $29.99. Both set to launch this year, the remake of Resident Evil and Resident Evil Zero have been refitted to support the Wii Remote, giving the Wii audience easy access to the rich characters and in-depth storylines of the series and the chance to experience both games on a new platform.

More information on Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles and the Resident Evil “Classics” Line will be revealed in the coming months. For the first details, images of the games and key characters, visit the official Capcom press site at http://press.capcom.com

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

I got MadWorld!

Had my mom pick up MadWorld for me today while I was at work. I preordered it so had $5 on it, and had a $25 gift card from the U.talk.back website, so essentially the game only cost me $29.11 :D

I haven't played it yet but I'm gonna go do that now. Yay, my "Clover Studio" has finally returned to making games. Okami & Viewtiful Joe are great series, but can't wait to see what else the former Clover studio is bringing us!!!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Sands of Destruction US Debut Trailer


This doesn't show off the gameplay, just the CGI story sequences, but the game still looks cool. Too bad it won't be out until this fall!

Excitebots: Trick Racing First Trailer


Well it looks pretty awesome to me, I'm gonna pick it up day one for sure, with another Wii Wheel so I can have two :D

I got Disaster: Day of Crisis (PAL)

Last week I decided to import a European copy of Disaster: Day of Crisis for the Wii. It only cost me $49.20, and I got it from Game.co.uk. It took less than a week for it to arrive, so they are an awesome site!

I came to the conclusion that the game Disaster: Day of Crisis is probably never going to come to the US for several reasons, which I state below:

-With all of the natural disasters that have been occuring in the US lately, I think Nintendo of America is worried that people will shun them.

-The game bombed in Japan, Europe, and Australia (despite getting a good review from Famitsu)

-It is already March, and games we didn't even know about have been announced with release dates, but no mention of Disaster: Day of Crisis. (Ex. Excitebots & Starfy)

Anyway, here is the European version of Disaster: Day of Crisis pictured below:

Even if the game does come out later on, that's Nintendo's loss for taking too long to release it in the US.