Unity-based “Forgotten Memories: Sixth Sense” could be Wii U-bound. The game’s developer has been working on the survival-horror project for several years, but is now looking to release it on Nintendo’s console as well as iOS and the PlayStation Vita. Given Nintendo’s open policy towards indies these days, there’s a good chance that we’ll be seeing this one on the eShop one day.
During a session at the Game Developers Conference earlier today, Miiverse producer Kiyoshi Mizuki revealed that Nintendo will make the social network available on smartphones and web browsers in April or May – likely the latter. The previously-promised 3DS support will arrive sometime in the future.
Initially, it will only be possible to get involved with basic Miiverse functions on smartphones and web browsers such as comment posting and image drawing. Viewing as well as participating in communities will be implemented, too.
It’s unclear when exactly Miiverse will launch on the 3DS. When it does release, some existing games and apps will be incompatible with the service.
So what’s next? At the moment, Nintendo is seeking requests and input from different developers in terms of updates to the Miiverse API.
The Wii U has gained yet another indie project: Citizens of Earth. Eden Industries will be releasing its game on the eShop next year.
Here’s everything we know about the game thus far:
– Play as the Vice President of the World
– No special powers
– Recruit townspeople to fight for you
– World design inspired by Earthbound/Mother 2
– Can explore the city
– When you bring characters like the town baker (who heals players with tasty treats) into battle they get better at their town jobs too
– Baker will sell you rare healing items when he gets stronger
– Each character has a world ability and battle abilities
– The Barista that works at Moonbucks can scald enemies with boiling hot coffee in battle and sells pick me up power ups at the coffee shop
– Can recruit over 50 characters
– Unique enemies such as a Honey Bear and Toupee Eagle
– Honey Bear: honey filled bear shaped like a bottle of honey
– Will run into a Rastafarian Samurai
– Citizens of Earth puts enemies on the map and you can command your followers to strike mobs first to start combat
– Players have three followers in battle and fight with a turn-based system
– Online versus mode included
– Can bright a team of characters and fight with a friend
Believe it or not, Citizens of Earth has a set release date despite being more than a year away. Eden Industries hopes to have the game ready for May 14, 2014.
The newly revealed Nintendo Web Framework allows for some very interesting features. By using the technology, developers can easily create and port HTML as well as Javascript applications for Wii U. One piece of functionality included in the editing tools lets developers send a build directly to Nintendo by simply hitting a button. Even better, it’s possible to convert iOS to Javascript and CSS with an Intel tool, which can, in turn, land on Wii U.
Just to be clear: Nintendo Web Framework isn’t just about apps. Actually, Nintendo has a simple platformer demo at its GDC booth this year – see the photo above.
Rock Band and Dance Central developer Harmonix has three new games in the works. Venture capital firm The Foundry Group has invested in the company, and new quotes from managing director Brad Feld – a new addition to the Harmonix board – teased the studio’s upcoming projects in a few quotes.
“Last fall, Alex Rigopulos and his partner Eran Egozy showed me the three new games they were working on. Each addressed a different HCI (Human Computer Interface) paradigm. Each was stunningly envisioned. And each was magic, even in its rough form. Earlier this year I saw each game again, in a more advanced form. And I was completely and totally blown away – literally bouncing in my seat as I saw them demoed.”
Feld didn’t give any sort of hint as to when Harmonix will be making announcements. Feld’s words do, however, suggest that the company is implementing new kinds of player-game interaction.
Zero Escape director Kotaro Uchikoshi has provided one small nugget about the series’ next entry. Fans can expect it to take place between 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors and Virtue’s Last Reward. No further information was provided, but it’s encouraging to hear that the new Zero Escape is moving along.
A new streaming provider has arrived in Nintendo TVii. Starting today, Wii U users in North America can take advantage of added Netflix support. You can use Nintend TVii to more easily find interesting movies and then watch content through the dedicated app.
Netflix has arrived on Nintendo TVii! What will you watch first?
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 27, 2013