The latest Iwata Asks has been published on Nintendo’s website, this time allowing third-party developers for 3DS software to share their thoughts about the system. Akihiro Hino was featured in the latest column, and the Level-5 CEO brought an interesting piece along for the interview. According to Hino, he had a “battle” with Nintendo of Europe over the packaging for Professor Layton and the Curious Village. While Hino was hoping to highlight story elements, Nintendo’s boxart focused on the game’s logo.
Hino: That’s right. One other thing that made an impression on me was the European package. The packages for the Professor Layton series sold in Europe are different, different from the packages for all the other areas. The design was proposed by NOE, and is logo-centric. To be honest, I was against it at first, and we argued. Professor Layton and the Curious Village was sold as a fusion of puzzles and the story, so I told them I wanted the package to show the story, the way the Japanese package does. But NOE stuck to their guns and wouldn’t budge.
Iwata: If I remember right, the American package is similar to the Japanese package. But Europe challenged you, even though you, the creator, had turned down the idea.
Hino: They sure did. Nothing like that had ever happened in my dealings with Nintendo before, so I hadn’t expected it. But NOE was recommending that package because they’d determined that Europeans would accept it. Ultimately, then, we moved forward using the package they’d proposed; that said, it was hard to understand that decision, at least through my senses, so I really was taught a lesson this time. Thinking about it now, that package really was very good.
Iwata: I think that package and the advertising that was created locally were structured so that they popped the game right into the hearts of potential customers of the Professor Layton series. It’s probably because they were sure of that that they were so stubborn in their request, even when they knew that the person who’d created it was against it. So I think it was a really good thing that we worked together on the Professor Layton series and produced the result we did.
Hino: Yes. So, ever since then, whenever NOE proposes something new, my answer is always an immediate, “Yes, do, please!” (laughs)
Iwata: Even if it isn’t what you want, you’ll hear them out, you mean. (laughs)
This information comes from Makoto Iwai, Bandai Label President…
“Solartorobo for the DS in Japan? I don’t think we have a plan to bring that title here, but we are always in talks with CyberConnect2 for future projects.”
Although I wasn’t expecting Solatorobo to be brought to North America, it’s a shame that it’s so unlikely. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised, though… look at how much effort its taken to bring Tales of Graces F overseas, and that’s with a considerably large fan base!
Kraków, February 9th 2011
Teyon, a Polish video games developer and publisher, announced today that their latest pet-caring title is going to be released on the European Nintendo DSiWare™ service. Take care of your new friends starting from February 11th when 101 Dolphin Pets appears in the service with a 500 Nintendo DSi Points™ price tag.
Choose from over 101 baby dolphins or simply adopt them all! Discover their personalities as you feed, clean and care for your new pets. Bring out your pet’s talents by training your dolphin in a variety of fun and wacky activities. Enter your dolphin into pet shows and earn money to buy exciting upgrades including toys, food, clothes, accessories and more! The more tricks you teach and the more games you play, the more fun you’ll have! You’ll never be bored with so many new best friends to pamper, play with and love!
– Developers can decide on whether or not to include MP3 functionality
– 3DS is technically capable of using MP3 playback to have custom soundtracks
– StreetPass usage: First enable it in the system, and then on the game itself
– Disable StreetPass entirely with parental controls
– No limit on SD cards
– No simultaneous, multiple-point input touch scree
– Play the system when its charging, even in the cradle
– Camera resolution: 640×480
– Supports WPA and WPA2 Wi-Fi security settings
– Can’t use Play Coins on the eShop
– You’ll see your friends listed by their nick name, not friend code
File this one under “Didn’t see that coming.”
Apparently, Activision is done with Guitar Hero. Not temporarily, not resigning to just DLC– literally, they disbanded its business unit and have no games planned this year or into the future.
This comes at a bit of a shock to me, but their explanation is a sound one:
“[Activision will] invest its capital and resources in the significant opportunities afforded by online gaming worldwide and will reduce its exposure to low-margin and low-potential businesses.”
So yea. Guitar Hero stopped being enough of a moneymaker for them. Sorry, fans of the series!
9 February 2011 – Nintendo today announces that Wii has generated strong sales in 2010, outselling any other home console on the market. With total Wii sales of 5.44 million systems in Europe for calendar year 2010, the European installed base for Wii now stands at over 26 million. These European Wii owners will be enjoying a strong line-up of game releases in the first three months of this year with games ranging from Kirby’s Epic Yarn to Mario Sports Mix.
The cute and adorable Kirby returns after almost a decade in a remarkably stitched together world of fabric and thread in Kirby’s Epic Yarn on 25 February and the recently released Mario Sports Mix sees Mario return in an action-packed sports frenzy for all your friends and family.
Sales of Nintendo DS consoles also reached new heights in 2010, selling 6.69 million units; in the calendar year 2010, more than any other home or handheld console. Nintendo DS owners can look forward to the upcoming Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version, which launches across Europe on 4 March. Enjoy new Legendary Pokémon™, new heroes, a surprising new region, plus new ways for you to have fun and communicate locally as well as through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. Both games also launch as part of a limited edition bundle which comes with a Nintendo DSi console and Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version.
I have a feeling there’s some sort of mistake here… Or, something somewhat strange going ono! The 3DS is, of course, launching in March 27th in North America, not March 25th. And, generally, third-party games release on Tuesdays (except for system launches). I don’t know why PES 2011 would come out two days earlier than the 3DS, but we’ll see what happens. Perhaps I’m over-analyzing things!
KONAMI today revealed that Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D (PES 2011 3D) will be released alongside the Nintendo 3DS on March 25th across North America, and is a truly immersive soccer title for the new format. The new game retains the Pro Evolution Soccer series’ acclaimed level of control and realism, but the 3D imaging capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS enhance the experience by giving real depth to its many searching passes, long crosses, and interplay of passes.
PES 2011 3D puts you at the heart of every pass, through-ball and shot, with its unique ‘Player’ camera shadowing the user’s every movement, right in the middle of the unfolding match. Thus, players can see their teammates making runs in the channels and moving into space, meaning PES 2011 3D makes the player an integral part of a successful team. Using the 3D capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS, the camera views also allow the user to visually ascertain how far away a teammate is, which allows for more instinctive long passes and dynamic movement.
– Cameos: Idolmaster’s Haruka, Chihaya and Maki, God Eater’s Shio, Tekken’s Heihachi
– A jet from Ace Combat may be in the game
– More cameos from Taiko Drum Master, Soul Calibur, Xenosaga and Mr. Driller
– Namco Bandai recreating the special forms and gestures of players
– Real bats and gloves recreated as well
– Dream Pennant mode set up like a board game
– Different events in the mode
– Play matches as well based on where you land on the board
– Spaces on the board for training your players and shopping for player cards
