Deadly Creatures dev: Back to mini-games if game doesn’t sell
Posted on 16 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii | 0 comments
A Deadly Creatures staff member has given hardcore gamers an extra incentive to pick up the game when it releases. Unfortunately, if the game doesn’t sell well, then it’s back to creating mini-games. Said Jordan Itkowitz, lead developer of Deadly Creatures:
“It was pretty easy, actually [convincing Ubisoft of Deadly Creatures idea], because of the fact that we pitched it on the Wii — that was the magic word. [THQ] was really interested in doing something for the Wii because they didn’t have a whole lot on the roster for that. They were really supportive of the concept the whole time. I mean, it is kind of an experiment though, because everybody — from fans to the press to gamers — have been saying they want more core stuff on the Wii, and they’re tired of the mini-game compilations. So the response to [the game] so far has been really good. I hope people vote with their dollars in February so we can make some more. Otherwise, it’s back to mini-games.”
I’m pretty much stating the obvious here, but purchasing Deadly Creatures is pretty important. I’m not saying that you should buy it granted the reviews and impressions are less than positive, though over the past few months, the game has been shaping up well.
Ubisoft announces Grey’s Anatomy video game
Posted on 16 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in DS, News, Wii | 2 Comments
LONDON, UK – January 7, 2009 – Today Ubisoft announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with ABC Studios to develop a video game based on the acclaimed television drama series “Grey’s Anatomy.” Designed for the Wii™, the Nintendo DS™ and PC Grey’s Anatomy: The Video Game is scheduled for release early 2009.
“Ubisoft is thrilled to be collaborating with ABC Studios to turn this phenomenal television series into an interactive experience,” said Christian Salomon, vice president of worldwide licensing at Ubisoft. “In Grey’s Anatomy: The Video Game, fans will have a chance to take on the roles of all of their favorite doctors in an all-new original storyline. As each doctor, players will make important personal and professional decisions, explore the direct relationships with each other, and perform the delicate surgeries the series is known for, all through fun and engaging game play.”
MySims Party and MySims Racing for the Wii and Nintendo DS Set to Release in 2009
Posted on 16 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in DS, News, Wii | 0 comments
REDWOOD CITY, CA — January 7, 2009 —Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced the next two titles to be released within the MySims™ Franchise. MySims™ Party and MySims™ Racing, available for the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™, will release in 2009.
“When we created the MySims world, we believed that the MySims characters could be part of a variety of different gaming experiences. We are thrilled to bring MySims Party and MySims Racing to fans and new players alike.” said Tim LeTourneau, Executive in Charge of Production for MySims. “We’ve had great success with MySims, with both the original game and this autumn’s MySims Kingdom. Players have really connected with the characters and now we are giving them two completely new and exciting experiences. We believe that MySims Party and MySims Racing, are great ways to couple the creativity and humor players love about the franchise with great multi-player arcade gameplay.”
Famitsu review scores
Posted on 16 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in DS, News, Wii | 0 comments
Devil Summoner DS – 9888
Castlevania Wii – 6666
Naruto PS3 – 9998
Reggie not a hardcore gamer or a casual gamer, Nintendo listens to fans, more
Posted on 16 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in DS, General Nintendo, News, Wii | 0 comments
Reggie Fils-Aime must be on a high right now. Things couldn’t be any better at Nintendo and the man is still kicking ass and taking names while working as the President of Nintendo of America. Reggie certainly has a huge influence on the company, so one might be wondering what type of gamer he is. Well, he says he’s not a hardcore or casual gamer.
“The labeling of “core” and “casual” implies one is better than the other and just builds more divisions between people. I’m a game player. We’re all game players. If I had to classify myself into a category, I’d say I’m a competitive game player. I’m going to do my best to knock your kart off the track in Mario Kart DS, crush you at tennis in Wii Sports, head more soccer balls than you in Wii Fit, pay off my mortgage before you do in Animal Crossing: City Folk and out-strategize you in Advance Wars: Days of Ruin.”
Reggie also commented on a few other interesting issues, specifically if Nintendo listens to its fans and if the company is interested in creating new IPs:
“We listen to our fans all the time. Nintendo fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and believe me, they make their opinions heard. We’re not claiming our way of doing things is better or worse than anyone else – it’s just different. We’re on record for each of the items you cite, so I won’t rehash all that here. But I will say that we listen very closely to what people have to say, both pro and con, and keep those feelings in mind as we plan ahead. For example, as you know, we recently launched Club Nintendo here in North America to reward our fans for their loyalty. I know everyone here always envied Japan and Europe fans for the cool Nintendo items they had, and now we’re getting some of our own.
We’re always developing new games and experiences and part of that includes looking at whether it makes sense to create new franchises and new characters. Some gamers want completely new games, while others want another Mario or Zelda game the minute they finish playing the one that just came out. Striking that balance keeps us all very busy! Nintendo makes games for everyone, so you’ll find everything from E-rated to M-rated titles.”
Mushroom Men explains the lack of hardcore Wii games
Posted on 16 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii | 0 comments
“When initially released, [Nintendo] seemed as if they were purposely going after a more casual market. Once publishers (and developers) realized the hysteria that followed, a lot of shovel wear was thrown at the system that would turn any proper hardcore gamer off. But the system is capable of doing some tremendous things, and there is definitely enough of gamers out there who are eager for some real games. For an indie developer, it is actually a great platform to introduce a new IP. We hope that Nintendo supports more third-party developers so quality content can be added to their console.” – Mushroom Men lead developer
Over the next few months, I believe we’ll begin to see more and more hardcore Wii games. The Conduit, MadWorld, Deadly Creatures, and more are all on the way – and I don’t think it’ll stop there.
Japanese software/hardware sales (12/22 – 12/28)
Posted on 16 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in DS, News, Wii | 0 comments
01. [PS3] White Knight Chronicles (SCE) – 207,000 / NEW
02. [PSP] Dissidia Final Fantasy (Square Enix) – 176,000 / 665,000
03. [WII] Animal Crossing: City Folk (Nintendo) – 144,000 / 876,000
04. [NDS] Kirby Super Star Ultra (Nintendo) – 141,000 / 920,000
05. [NDS] Wagamama Fashion: Girls Mode (Nintendo) – 105,000 / 547,000
06. [NDS] Rhythm Heaven (Nintendo) – 84,500 / 1,445,000
07. [NDS] Phantasy Star Zero (Sega) – 84,000 / NEW
08. [NDS] Pokemon Platinum (Pokemon) – 79,000 / 2,231,000
09. [WII] Wii Fit (Nintendo) – 71,000 / 3,051,000
10. [WII] Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo) – 70,000 / 2,066,000
DSi – 188,697
Wii – 134,958
PSP – 118,765
DS – 56,453
PlayStation 3 – 45,989
Xbox 360 – 13,011
PlayStation 2 – 10,404
Man beaten with baseball bat, has video game drum kit stolen
Posted on 16 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii | 0 comments
Two men were arrested on Thursday on $50,000 cash bail after being connected to a case in which a man was beaten with baseball bats, threatened with swords, and stolen of video game property.
17-year-old Thomas Joy has been charged with three counts of felony stemming from the robbery. Michael Bullis, 18, faces a felony for burglary. More charges are expected to be on the way.
Joy allegedly hit the victim with a baseball bat that resulted in noticeable cuts to his mouth. He additionally kicked the man in both the face and torso numerous times “under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.”
Though that’s certainly a disgusting act in itself, the victim’s children were also involved. The man had grabbed his 8-year-old son and begged Joy and Bullis to spare him in front of his children and allow him to live.
It is now being reported that Joy and Bullis used a samurai sword and a Gurkha sword in the crime. Originally, police believed that knives were the real weapons involved.
Joy did not resist arrest but his partner in crime, Bullis, was chased by police for ten minutes before the police arrested him. Joy blamed the whole incident on being drunk. “I do crazy things when I’m drunk,” he said.
He really must have been drunk, and perhaps his buddy too. The pair only made off with a drum kit for a video game. It’s a bit surprising they didn’t attempt to take a few more video game products while they were at it.
