“It’s a very astute observation, but it doesn’t take in history [Nintendo popularizing video gaming]. The most successful console is still the PS2 and it’s still going strong. I think that’s the console that really broke the barrier from video games being just for video gamers into more of a mass market on a global basis. Nintendo’s obviously done a great job in following that mass acceptance.” – Sony Computer Entertainment boss Kazuo “Kaz” Hirai
While I do believe that the PlayStation 2 helped to make a dent in the casual gaming market, I feel as though Nintendo has fully broke the barrier. For me, I feel that Nintendo has made a more conscious effort to bring more people into the gaming world and there seems to have been more buzz about the Wii amongst the casual crowd.
Today Capcom announced that Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles would be available exclusively for Nintendo Wii, November 17, 2009 for $49.99 in North America. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles features an intense horror experience with arcade style zombie shooting gameplay that one or two players can enjoy simultaneously.
A few weeks ago, we gave you a heads up on the limited edition “Let Your Darkside Out” T-shirt, which transforms you into a zombie when lifted over your head, available at Comic-Con. For anyone who wasn’t at Comic-Con that wants to get the shirt – which doubles as a Halloween costume – there are a few ways you can get one.
Capcom has already provided a list of characters that were nixed from Tatsunoko vs. Capcom. However, there are two additional well-known names that never made it into the final game: Phoenix Wright and Franziska von Karma. Tatsunoko vs. Capcom producer Ryota Niitsuma was asked why the Phoenix Wright series is underrepresented in the title in the latest issue of NGamer and revealed that there were intentions to include Phoenix Wright and Franziska von Karma. However, the development team ran into a few limitations regarding Wright’s fighting moves.
As part of a No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle t-shirt design contest, Ubisoft has given North American gamers a more specific date as to when the game will be releasing. We’re still waiting for an exact date, but Ubisoft stated in a press release that the title is on schedule to come out in January 2010.
“No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle continues the tale of punk anti-hero Travis Touchdown, the Japanese anime Otaku, and pro wrestling-obsessed assassin. Travis finds himself at the bottom of the UAA (United Assassins Association) rankings and must wage war to exact revenge and become the No. 1 assassin once again. The follow-up to the popular No More Heroes will offer fans infectious, fun gameplay that allows you to wield not just one, but two swords and face multiple bosses simultaneously in bigger-than-ever boss battles. No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle is scheduled to release January 2010 exclusively for the Nintendo Wii system. For more details, please visit: www.nomoreheroesgame.com.”
For those interested, details regarding the No More Heroes 2 contest can be found here.
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles will be releasing in Europe on November 27th, and consumers will also be able to purchase the Nintendo Zapper bundle pack (see above).
Screenshots/art in order from bottom to top: Professor Layton and the Devil’s Flute, Inazuma Eleven 2, Sloane and McHale’s Mysteries, Akira Tago’s Atama no Taisou 3rd Collection Mystery Kingdom Puzzle Solving Fairy Tails, Atama no Taisou 4th Collection Time Machine Puzzle Solving Adventure
Burlingame, Calif., August 25, 2009 – Natsume Inc., a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, announced today that Harvest Moon: Frantic Farming has officially shipped to retail. Harvest Moon: Frantic Farming is rated E for everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), and is available for $29.99 at video game retailers everywhere. Set in the world of last year’s DS hit Harvest Moon: Island of Happiness, Harvest Moon: Frantic Farming continues the tale of the island and its residents.
“We are excited to bring this all-new, totally unique puzzle game to the Nintendo DS,” said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO at Natsume. “We know that players will enjoy the wide variety of gameplay modes, playable characters, and fun unlockables that we have planted in this all-new adventure!”
In the latest edition of Famitsu, the first details and images were revealed for a brand new Sakura game. The title will be called Sakura Note and will be releasing for the DS. There isn’t any gameplay information to speak of yet, but the story involves a boy saving a girl and sakura tree by adventuring and interacting with ghosts and demons. There’s also a partial staff list available, which you can check out below.
Music – Nobou Uematsu (vocal songs from FFXII and Lost Odyssey)
Scenario – Kazushige Nojima (scenario writer of FFVIII and Glory of Heracles DS)
Visuals – Hideo Minaba (art director of FFIX and ASH)
Game Design – Akira Ueda (director of Contact)
