During the week of June 16, Pokemon Art Academy launched in Japan. While it only moved 31,080 copies, the game sold through 70.11 percent of its initial shipment.
Pokemon Art Academy actually could have sold even more if not for a recent Nintendo promotion. The title was made free (starting this month and lasting through the end of July) as part of Nintendo’s Recommended Monthly Software Campaign. You also have to consider that overall sales slowed during the week due to it being the week before payday.
If you pre-order Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley at GameStop, you’ll be provided with a special bonus. The retailer is giving out a plush dog when the game launches. This offer is valid both in-store and online.
Japan saw its slowest week in 2014 thus far in terms of game sales. According to Media Create, total software sales dipped below 380,000 units. Previously, the third week of May was Japan’s slowest.
There weren’t many games that sold particular well last week. Pro Evolution Soccer 2014: Challenge of the Blue Samurai experienced a slight uptick – likely due to the FIFA World Cup – but that’s about it.
Magic Pockets, the developer of today’s newly-announced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game for 3DS, is working on an unannounced Wii U title. That’s according to a listing on the studio’s website.
No word on what Magic Pockets is working on for Wii U at this time. There is a strong possibility that the project in question is for Activision, and it could always be a licensed game.
This isn’t a completely brand new Super Smash Bros. for 3DS trailer, but it appears to be a new arrangement. There are a few new gameplay scenes/snippets in there – like the brief Steel Diver bit.
Thanks to Jan for the tip.
Shovel Knight designer/director Sean Velasco and pixel artist Nick Wozniak recently spoke with Hardcore Gamer and gave some lengthy insight into what the studio has planned next for the game. Additionally, Yacht Club discussed the possibility of sequels – again touching on ideas like a 16 bit version or N64-styled game with 3D visuals – as well as interest in pursuing original titles as well.
You can find Velasco and Wozniak’s comments below and the full interview here.
Squids Odyssey is one of the first titles to make use of a “cross-buy” feature on Nintendo platforms. However, there are some limitations.
For one thing, the promotion is for Europe only. The Game Bakers has additionally confirmed that this is a one-way street for now – you need to buy the 3DS version before you can download the Wii U title for free, and it doesn’t seem to work the other way around.
“Indeed this is something new for Nintendo, they call it conditional sales. They asked us if we’d be interested in this kind of operation and we said yes. I believe Squids Odyssey is one of the first titles or the first title to support this.”
“Unfortunately, it’s only 3DS -> WiiU for the moment, even though I know they would like to see this work the other way round (and we’d like it too!).”
The Game Bakers did ask Nintendo of America about the cross-buy option as well. Sadly though, they were informed that it’s not currently possible.
“Yes we did ask, we really like this promotion and wished to make it happen for all gamers, but NOA could not support this kind of promotion.”
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