Independent developer Curve Studios today announced Explodemon!, the developer’s first self-published original title for digital download.
Explodemon! is a 2.5D platform action game influenced by classic Japanese games from the golden era of the SNES. The game is based around Explodemon, an exploding hero that uses his explosive ability to combat enemies, propel himself through the air, destroy anything in his path and solve puzzles using the game’s solid physics system. Explodemon! is packaged up as a loving parody of badly translated action games and everything that they embody.
The game came into being after Curve’s Design Director, Jonathan Biddle, decided to try making his own games. “I’d been a games designer for many years, but had always wanted the ability to prototype ideas myself. I decided to learn Game Maker and started making a platform game about an exploding man. After a working silently away for a few months in my spare time, I let a few people at Curve play Explodemon! and it became obvious that I’d managed to create something very fun.”
Capcom announced last month the Resident Evil Classics line, a series of old RE games that will take advantage of the Wii remote. Specific games that the company announced include Resident Evil and Resident Evil Zero. However, a rumor has appeared in the latest edition of Spanish magazine Hobby Consolas regarding additional Resident Evil titles that could be on the way to Wii. The magazine mentions Resident Evil 2, 3, and Code Veronica, but perhaps it’s possible that Hobby Consolas simply had a misunderstanding of which titles are being remade.
“The game will go on sale at the end of 2009 and will coincide with the reissuing of the Wii classic renditions (Resident Evil 2, 3, and Code Veronica) that will have the same technical section and control system specifically adapted for Nintendo’s console.” – Rough translation
Thanks to Jake for the news tip.
Pro Yakyuu Famista DS 2009 (DS) – 13,000 units (20%)
Winning Post World (PS3) – 7,000 units (55%)
Winning Post World (PS2) – 5,000 units (50%)
Winning Post World (Wii) – 1,000 units (25%)
11eyes CrossOver (360) – LE 6,000 units (70%)
11eyes CrossOver (360) – SE 2,000 (60%)
Tinker Bell (DS) – 500 (10%)
– Wii + DS versions being developed separately
– More focus on single-player for DS version but can play with 3 others with download play
– Adventure Tours present in DS version – take on quests, face off against bosses
– Festival mode on Wii – go through entire Olympic Games
– SEGA doesn’t want people to think it’s a mini-game package
– Controls are easy to pick up
– All events playable from the start with the exception of a few fantasy Dream Events
– Don’t have to play with Wii Balance Board
– Unclear how many events will take advantage of balance board
– All characters from first game return, some new faces
– Game keeps track of records locally
– SEGA not ready to discuss online leaderboards
– Looks good visually
– No Wii MotionPlus – SEGA thought gamers might not own the device
– Controls + interface simple for DS version
– Can execute more advanced techniques
Formats: Nintendo Wii
Release date: Autumn 2009
Developer: GenkiOverview
Spectrobes: Origins brings the successful series to Wii™ with a new story that reveals secrets from the past through flashbacks of significant events. Spectrobes: Origins has detailed three-dimensional graphics on the television and all new gameplay features. Players will use the unique Wii controls to explore vast worlds, excavate three-dimensional fossils, battle in real time and unravel an engaging story while discovering the key to preventing a galactic threat.Key Features
• New in-depth story that reveals secrets from the past
• Innovative design with never seen before 3-D excavation system
• Large-scale, real-time boss battles that require both speed and strategy
Though the first Beyond Good & Evil title saw a GameCube release, the sequel’s status on the Wii is unknown. Rumors have circulated that Beyond Good & Evil 2 would make it to the system, but nothing has been confirmed outright. However, there is some encouraging news. Michel Ancel, speaking about which platforms the game could release on, wasn’t ready to rule out a Wii version.
“We are not sure [which platforms the game will release for]. We are on a next-gen format but we can’t say if it will be one or two. [Technical aspirations don’t] eliminate adaptations or particular versions [about Wii].”
There’s also another interesting tidbit from Mr. Ancel concerning inspiration for the original game.
“There were a lot of inspirations: the Miyazaki universe, my own inspirations, politics and the media; the theme of September 11 – the CNN show with army messages and the fear climate. And it was a mix from other universes. It’s different from Zelda and other titles like that; very good games but they are out of time. [Beyond Good & Evil] was issued of the actuality.”
Nintendo Wii
North America:
1. Wii Music (Nintendo)
2. Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo)
3. Wii Fit (Nintendo),
4. My Fitness Coach (Ubisoft)
5. Wii Play (Nintendo)
Japan:
1. Wii Fit (Nintendo)
2. Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo)
3. Wii de Asobu: Pikmin 2 (Nintendo)
4. Machi e Ikouyo: Doubutsu no Mori (Nintendo)
5. Taiko no Tatsujin Wii (Namco)
UK:
1. Wii Fit (Nintendo)
2. My Fitness Coach (Ubisoft)
3. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Sega)
4. Wii Play (Nintendo)
5. Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party (Ubisoft)
Nintendo DS
North America:
1. Professor Layton and the Curious Village (Nintendo)
2. Kirby Super Star Ultra (Nintendo)
3. Pokemon Platinum (Nintendo)
4. Mario Kart DS (Nintendo)
5. New Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo)
Japan:
1. Pro Yakyuu Famista DS 2009 (Namco)
2. Mario & Luigi RPG 3 (Nintendo)
3. Rittai Picross (Nintendo)
4. Gakken Hangul Sanmai DS (Gakken)
5. Elminage DS Remix: Yami no Fuo to Kamigami no Yubiwa (Starfish SD)
UK:
1. Professor Layton and the Curious Village (Nintendo)
2. Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force (Disney)
3. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (Rockstar)
4. 42 All-Time Classics (Nintendo)
5. Junior Brain Trainer DS (Avanquest)
Discover the Caverns in the WiiTM version and then travel to the Forest on the Nintendo DSTM
Leicester, April 3rd – After exploring the lush Grasslands of Planet Roo, Wii™ players plunge into the dark and creepy Caverns. The beautiful butterflies have been replaced by nimble bats that also share the same fondness for stealing Meteor shapes, so keep an eye out for them.
Roo-cuz tells players about new meteor shapes that fall at faster rates, and teaches them how to drill through obstacles that stop meteors from reaching their destination. The distance between platforms has shrunk for some levels, so players should be careful to align the rapidly descending meteors and have their nets ready to catch stray meteors as well.
