Xeodrifter developer states unhealthy market as reason for new game not being on Nintendo platforms
Posted on 8 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in 3DS, News, Wii U | 25 Comments
Jools Watsham, co-founder of Renegade Kid and new mobile studio Atooi, recently wrote an article on Gamasutra discussing his decision to partake in the mobile gaming space, promoting his new game Totes the Goat, and why that game didn’t make it onto Nintendo platforms like previous titles he’s worked on.
He goes into great detail on what it’s like working in the environment, but the most notable is his description on why Nintendo didn’t make the cut for his new IP this time around:
“For many years I have been 100% dedicated to developing games for Nintendo handhelds. Sure, some of our games have also been ported to other platforms. But, they were all originally made for Nintendo platforms. Part of the reason for this when we started Renegade Kid was that it was a logistically sensible thing to do, considering my experience with the SNES and N64 prior to the release of the Nintendo DS. The other portion of my reasoning was my love for Nintendo, and my love for Nintendo handhelds. I love them, you see!”
“What has changed? Well, my love for Nintendo hasn’t changed. But, the market isn’t quite as healthy as it once was for us. I think it began with the launch of Moon Chronicles for the 3DS in May 2014, and was cemented with the release of Xeodrifter for the 3DS in December 2014. Naturally, everyone has their own opinion regarding creative works, so I accept that not everyone will agree with mine. From my perspective, Moon Chronicles and Xeodrifter are both great quality games that were released into a healthy market – a combination for success, right?”
“Neither game has sold very well, unfortunately. This is not based on my perception of what I think is a good number of units to sell. It is based on the revenue needed to fund a team of four with reasonable salaries and no office space overhead – basic return on investment (ROI). Sure, there are 100 reasons why these games may have not sold more, but the inescapable reality is that the tremendous effort required to create those games versus the reward did not add up in the end. It wasn’t for lack of trying on our part. It wasn’t for lack of support from Nintendo, either. It just didn’t work out.”
There are tons of fans for Xeodrifter, Moon Chronicles, and the newly released remake of Dementium: The Ward on 3DS, so it’s interesting to see that the sales just weren’t up to par to warrant another title coming to 3DS and/or Wii U this time around, given the marketing and word-of-mouth involved within the gaming space regarding Renegade Kid IP.
The installed base is undoubtedly much larger on mobile with virtually everyone having a phone with them, but with its oversaturation of banal titles, games like Totes the Goat and plenty of others that would benefit being on a dedicated gaming system with tangible buttons ultimately get buried until someone stumbles upon it through an ad in yet another unrelated disposable app.
More: Atooi, Moon Chronicles, Mutant Mudds, Renegade Kid, Xeodrifter
New Hyrule Warriors Legends trailer shows Linkle in action
Posted on 8 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in 3DS, Videos | 6 Comments
Koei Tecmo has just released a new trailer showing off Linkle in the upcoming Hyrule Warriors Legends for 3DS. In the trailer below, you’ll see how she utilizes her weapons on the battlefield and a look at what some of her specials look like.
Hyrule Warriors Legends releases in Japan on January 21st, with North America and Europe to follow on March 25th, 2016.
New Genei Ibun Roku #FE introduction and character trailers
Posted on 8 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in News, Videos, Wii U | 3 Comments
ATLUS and Nintendo have released brand new trailers showing off some more Genei Ibun Roku #FE footage and a new character! The introduction video below highlights a ton of gameplay and gives a more detailed look at the world in which it takes place with tons of cutscenes included. The second much shorter trailer introduces Yashiro Tsurugi and gives a bit of background on him. Check out the videos below!
INTRODUCTION TRAILER:
CHARACTER TRAILER:
Genei Ibun Roku #FE releases in Japan on December 26th, with a western release slated for 2016.
More: Atlus, Genei Ibun Roku #FE, Japan
Yo-kai Watch series reaches 10 million units sold
Posted on 8 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in 3DS, News | 9 Comments
Level-5 has just announced that their popular RPG series, Yokai Watch, has surpassed 10 million units sold worldwide.
The number includes all Yokai Watch related titles, including Busters, Yo-Kai Watch 1 and 2 in Japan as well as the original’s release in the west. This is a huge milestone for the Japanese hit, and we hope to see more success from it in the future.
In Japan, expect to see the Yo-Kai Watch edition of Just Dance releasing on December 5th which comes with a whopping ten songs, with its second animated movie coming out on December 19th, followed by the third installment in the main series coming to 3DS in summer of 2016.
You can check out our review for the North American release of Yo-Kai Watch here
More: Level-5, Yokai Watch
[Review] Xenoblade Chronicles X
Posted on 8 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in Reviews, Wii U | 49 Comments
System: Wii U
Release date: December 4, 2015
Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher Nintendo
As a JRPG fanatic that’s been craving a first-party AAA open-world experience on the Wii U since its initial launch in 2012, I’m happy to say that the wait is finally over as we’ve been graced with Monolith Soft’s ambitious Xenoblade Chronicles X, the spiritual successor to Wii’s equally ambitious and captivating Xenoblade Chronicles which was recently brought over to the New Nintendo 3DS in an updated fashion. Xenoblade Chronicles X puts players in a rich, vibrant world filled with a myriad of monsters, locations, and a deep story that tells the tale of civilization starting over, but bringing all these great things together in a cohesive way doesn’t go without fault.
More: highlight, Monolith Soft, top, Xenoblade Chronicles X
New Hyrule Warriors Legends character trailer shows off Toon Link
Posted on 8 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in 3DS, Videos | 4 Comments
Last week we got a peek at the King of Hyrule in the upcoming Hyrule Warriors Legends for 3DS, the handheld version of the Wii U hack-and-slash. Today, we get a look at a new character not seen in the Wii U version – Toon Link! Take a look at the brand new trailer below by Koei Tecmo and see how Toon Link defeats his foes on the battlefield:
[Review] Stella Glow
Posted on 8 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in 3DS, Reviews | 7 Comments
System: 3DS
Release date: November 17, 2015
Developer: Imageepoch
Publisher Atlus
Author: Dennis
Imageepoch’s unfortunate demise doesn’t go without a stellar track record with games like 7th Dragon, Fate/Extra, and the Luminous Arc series that have all delivered unprecedented RPG experiences across a variety of platforms since their founding in 2005. The studio’s final game, Stella Glow, is a title that they can proudly leave with as the developers embark on future endeavors. Stella Glow is a beautifully animated and vibrant world that is as fun as it is nice to look at.
More: Atlus, highlight, Imageepoch, Stella Glow, top
Hyrule Warriors Legends character trailer for King of Hyrule
Posted on 8 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in 3DS, News, Videos | 10 Comments
The King of Hyrule is headed to Hyrule Warriors Legends, the 3DS version of Hyrule Warriors, and with that comes an awesome character trailer showing off what he’ll look like in battle! Check out the trailer below:
DeNA outlines future plans with Nintendo in earnings briefing
Posted on 8 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in General Nintendo, News | 9 Comments
DeNA is currently undergoing their earnings briefing for the quarter, and Wall Street Journalist Takashi Mochizuki has given information and screenshots on DeNA’s outlook with their partnership with Nintendo, which makes mention of the recently announced Miitomo and beyond.
Following Miitomo, their social networking service which has a heavy Tomodachi Life aesthetic, two games are planned for release sometime in 2016, with a total of five out by the end of their fiscal year ending March 2017.
Here are some notable points from the handouts regarding the outlook with DeNA’s partnership with Nintendo:
- Both Miitomo and My Nintendo will be launched globally in 8 languages in 100 countries; launching simultaneously to build a foundation to ensure enjoyment of jointly-developed games over the long term
- Miitomo delayed to ensure quality and most optimal launch
- IP will be strategically selected when releasing, including the consideration of major Nintendo franchises
- Goal is to make multiple hit titles until the collaboration becomes profitable on its own
- As previously mentioned during its reveal, Miitomo will be free-to-play with optional in-game purchases; monetization methods will be carefully decided based on user expectation and gameplay – same approach will be provided in future titles
We’ll be sure to update you with more information if anything else Nintendo related is mentioned throughout DeNA’s earnings briefing
Update:
it sounds like at least one more Nintendo smartphone game, in addition to Miitomo, is free to play, according to DeNA chief.
— Takashi Mochizuki (@mochi_wsj) November 11, 2015
New Monster Hunter X trailers, collaborations revealed
Posted on 8 years ago by Dennis Gagliardotto(@LyonHart_) in 3DS, News, Videos | 3 Comments
Capcom just revealed via their YouTube channel brand new Monster Hunter X trailers and collaborations, preparing for the release of the game in Japan on November 28th.
The first of many trailers uploaded by Capcom shows the opening cinematic for Monster Hunter X, and it’s gorgeous:
Next up is the main trailer showing off Monster Hunter X’s gameplay:
Yet another Legend of Zelda collaboration will be making its way over to Monster Hunter X with the Felyne’s getting a Wind Waker makeover. It’s a little creepy, but also hilarious seeing Link channel his inner feline:
In addition to the Legend of Zelda collaboration, Macross Delta will also be making its way to Monster Hunter X and give the Felynes an awesome mech-like makeover:
