Among all of the peripherals that have been released for the Wii, the “Vitality Sensor” is arguably the most obscure one we’ve seen yet. A device that measures your pulse? How could that be fun for serious video gamers? Aside from making sure you’re still alive, the possibilities seem pretty slim. Despite this sarcastic skepticism though, it’d be hard deny that there are options for the device. On one hand, it has significant potential for specific types of titles, but on the other hand, the most likely path Nintendo will take with the device will be one very similar to the Wii Balance Board: A couple of decent casual titles will be made, and then the company will leave it up to third parties to support a gadget that they created. If Nintendo wants the Wii Vitality Sensor to be anything more than a device to attract sleepless moms, they’re going to have to do something to attract core gamers.
The Game: Eternal Darkness 2
Genre: Survival Horror
Use of the Vitality Sensor: Staying calm
The Premise: Now, I’ve never had the privilege of playing Eternal Darkness, but I’ve read more than enough about the game to know exactly why it’s as loved as it is. It uses fourth-wall shattering techniques to affect the player beyond the confines of the screen, and for that it was considered one of the most revolutionary games to hit the survival horror genre since the original Resident Evil. Combining what the game already had in place with the ability to read your pulse, and the game could, in theory, force you to keep calm or risk punishment. For instance, imagine that as your pulse increased, the screen would distort, causing you to lose focus and suffer the loss of the ability to see your enemies before they seek you out. This would add a whole new level to the game, and intensify the experience that was already so highly praised in the original.
For the most part, Mickey Mouse’s role in video games has been limited to the Kingdom Hearts series. A few months ago though, leaked concept art and details were released for Warren Spector’s “Epic Mickey,” which will supposedly focus on old/forgotten characters that wish to take revenge against Mickey. And in next month’s Game Informer, the game may finally see a proper announcement.
In the October 2009 issue of the magazine, Game Informer provided the following teaser:
Something epic is brewing
Next month, Game Informer unleashes a storm of epic proportions with its new design and website relaunch, and the star of the show is someone you just might know…
On the second page of the teaser, there’s a picture of Mickey’s head…Just without the face. I’d say there’s a good chance that the cover story for next month’s G.I. is Epic Mickey, especially considering that there seems to be emphasis on the word “epic.”
Thanks to kepo for the news tip!
This information comes from the latest Nintendo Power…
– Control young Na’vi named Nok
– Nok finds a machine that fell from the sky, causes the wildlife to go crazy
– More exploration/puzzle-solving than the Wii version
– Top down perspective
– Touch screen controls: Move with stylus, drag stylus across an enemy to attack, tap to interact with objects like switches
– Top screen shows map
– Collect lost totems to add entries to your Pandropedia (provides info for Avatar universe)
– Some totems will offer upgrades but you’ll need essence to unlock them
– Tools can be used (ex: vine whip to swing from branches, sling for switches that cannot be easily accessed)
– Exclusive sidequest available when played on the DSi, involves taking photos of objects of a certain color – learn part of the Warrior’s Song, unlock new character model
101-in-1 Party Megamix (Wii) – E10+
Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop (DS) – E
Island of Dr. Frankenstein (Wii) – E
Need for Speed Nitro (DS) – E10+
Phantasy Star Zero (DS) – E10+
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (Wii) – M
Diner Dash: Flo on the Go (DS) – E
Atelier Annie: Alchemists of Sera Island (DS) – E10+
Junior Brain Trainer (DS) – E
Junior Classic Games (DS) – E
THE SECRET SATURDAYS: Beasts of the 5th Sun (Wii/DS) – E10+
Personal Fitness for Men (DS) – E
Personal Fitness for Women (DS) – E
Planet 51 The Game (Wii) – E
Pub Darts (Wii) – E
EA Sports Active More Workouts (Wii) – E
Bit.Trip Void (Wii) – E
FIFA Soccer 2009 (Wii) – E
Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 (DS) – E
Doc Louis’s Punch-Out!! (Wii) – E10+
C.O.P. The Recruit (DS) – T
CityBuilder (Wii) – E
Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain (DS) – T
Medieval Games (Wii) – E10+
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Arcade Attack (Wii) – E10+
WiiWare:
Minna de Tobikome! Penguin Diving Fu-pa-ru-pa (Agenda, 500pts)
F.O.R.T.U.N.E: Hoshi no furisosokgu Oka [Fortune: Star-shower Hill] (Cybird, 1000pts)
Animal Life: Doubutsu Furiai seikatsu [Animal Life: Animal Considerate Lifestyle] (Hudson, 500pts + DLC)
DSiWare
DSiWare 200:
G.G Series: Z-One (Genterprise)
G.G Series: Wonderland (Genterprise)
DSiWare 500:
Asoberu Ehon: Mind Ten [Play Picturebook: Mind Ten] (Nintendo)
Saigyou Ginsei: Igo [Strongest Silver-star: Go] (Silver Star Japan)
Scans from the latest edition of Famitsu…
Update: Info straight from a local Toys R Us indicates that the game must be purchased before 5PM in order to obtain the promotion, and gift cards do not start working until 6 hours after they are received.
Toys R Us
Tuesday only – Free $15 gift card when you purchase Scribblenauts
