Wiiva la Revolution!! {News Topic}

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Αν δεν πείτε το κακό σας το λόγο, θα σας πάει στραβά η μέρα.

 

Από όλες αυτές τις ειδήσεις που πόσταρε ο Kostacurtas, αυτό κρατήσατε εσείς?

 

Για ρίξτε μιά ματιά στο Conduit και μετά ξανασυζητάμε τα περι επεξεργαστικής ισχύς του Wii.

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New Nintendo game at today's Nintendo private conference?

 

In a few hours, Nintendo could unveil a new game during a private conference at E3 2008. We are very optimistic on this one, because this kind of conference often hides great announcements at Nintendo. This was the case two years ago with the same roundtable for Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii which was unveiled (one of my best moments at E3). We are covering this event, so we should have the answer soon.

 

 

 

Joystiq E3 eyes-on: MadWorld

 

Upon walking into the tiny room Sega had Platinum Games crammed into in their closed-door section of the E3 floor, we thought that Bayonetta would be the only title on-hand. Then, our wildest dreams came true and we were graced with what is sure to be a day one purchase for us: Wii title MadWorld.

 

We're not kidding. You'll want to buy this game...

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E3 2008: Miyamoto Makes Pikmin 3 Official

 

 

For Nintendo fans, this E3 has finally taken a turn for the better.

 

During their press roundtable held minutes ago, Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that a brand new Pikmin title is indeed in development. Nothing visual was shown on the project, nor was a description given.

 

Still, at least we know Nintendo is hard at work on revisiting the franchise.

 

 

 

E3 2008: The Conduit to Support 16-Player Online Multiplayer, Using WiiSpeak

 

During today's E3 showing, we came across a bit of info that's sure to get Wii owners excited.

 

High Voltage, developer behind The Conduit for the Wii, has revealed that the game will include an online multiplayer mode.

 

Even more, the team currently has a build that supports up to 16 players at once. They also revealed functionality with WiiSpeak, Nintendo's new communication peripheral unveiled at yesterday's press conference.

 

 

 

E3 2008: Wii Music Using Licensed Songs, DLC Not Planned

 

During the Nintendo E3 developer roundtable this evening, Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that Wii Music would consist of 50 songs, featuring a library of public domain tracks, as well as licensed music. Unfortunately, Nintendo isn't thinking about the inclusion of downloadable content. Instead of focusing on a continuously updated musical library, Nintendo is focusing on using WiiConnnect 24 to share music videos.

 

 

 

E3 2008: Miyamoto Mentions Punch-Out!! During Interview

 

But at the end of this interview, Miyamoto discusses the Wii remote and the new Wii MotionPlus, and an interesting tidbit passes through his lips:

 

"The Wii remote itself is good at detecting larger movements, whereas the Wii MotionPlus is better at detecting more subtle movements. And so, by combining the two of those, the feeling is that it just opens up the pallette of what can be done, in terms of motion control. And so that means there's a lot of possibility in terms of something, like a very accurate version of Punch-Out!! that goes beyond what Wii Sports Boxing can do, or even other ideas..."

 

 

 

E3 2008: Tales of Symphonia Preview

Bear fighting action.

 

There sure are a ton of casual games for the Wii here at E3 2008. Luckily for me I was able to search out the Bandai Namco peeps and they had quite a few games that are decidedly more geared towards dedicated gamers. One of the most anticipated of those is Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. I got a preview of it to learn more about the latest game in the Tales franchise...

 

 

 

E3 2008: Hands-on Samba de Amigo

The maraca-mad monkey is back. (And you'll want two Wii Remotes to be able to handle him.)

 

Opinion seems split on Samba de Amigo Wii. On one side of things, gamers who experienced the original edition of the game years ago on the Dreamcast are gleeful that the series has returned – Sega's final hardware platform inspired instant nostalgia in its fans, even only a handful of years after its exit from the marketplace. On the other side of things, gamers who never owned or played the Dreamcast seem confused at what all the fuss is about. This is an era where Guitar Hero and Rock Band reign, with their plastic guitars and drumkits making a maraca-focused music design seem outdated and quaint. And while picking up and playing Samba de Amigo on Wii likely won't change the minds of those who find themselves in the Hero/Band modern music camp, it's certainly shaping up to be exactly the kind of rebirth that those in that nostalgic first group are hoping for...

 

 

 

E3 2008: NHL 2K9 First Look

Does the first licensed Wii hockey game score?

 

By the time you'll be able to buy NHL 2K9 for the Wii in September, nearly two years will have elapsed since the console's launch without a licensed hockey game being produced for it. That seems like an eternity in the modern marketplace, but isn't particularly surprising when looking back at history -- for example, the first licensed NHL game for the Nintendo 64, NHL '99, was released on October 1, 1998, over two years after the console's September 1996 release date. For hockey fans on the Wii who want to play as their NHL heroes, NHL 2K9 will be the only game in town; the question we've got two months to figure out, of course, is whether that game is worth shelling out the cash for. We got our first look at the game on Wednesday during 2K Sports' presentation, which showed off a full period of gameplay between the Red Wings and the Penguins...

 

 

 

E3 2008: Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers Preview

Yes, all of those words belong together.

 

In our dreams, cowgirls wear bikinis and fight zombies with twin katana blades. Then we wake up, and the world becomes boring again. Luckily, there are Japanese videogame developers...

 

 

 

E3 2008: Gradius Rebirth Announced

The Vic Viper is fueling up to fly again, this time on WiiWare.

 

It's only been a matter of hours since the end of Konami's E3 Media Briefing on Wednesday afternoon, and already the company has made a new announcement that wasn't mentioned at all at the conference – Gradius is coming back. The side-scrolling shooter series is being reborn with a new installment made for WiiWare, appropriately titled Gradius Rebirth...

 

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Next Wiimotes may integrate MotionPlus

 

Nintendo's Eguchi has revealed that future iterations of the Wii remote could have MotionPlus technology built-in.

 

As revealed at E3 earlier this week, the new Motion Plus add-on currently exists only as an extra peripheral that slots into the bottom of the regular Wii remote. However, that could change in the future.

 

"As to looking at whether or not it will be an attachment or built in - we're always looking at how hardware should evolve and where we should take it," Eguchi said, speaking at an E3 developer roundtable.

 

Apparently Nintendo can't decide if MotionPlus should be integral to Wii remotes, or if "it might be good to keep it as an attachment we only use for certain software".

 

"Unfortunately I don't have a definite direction to give you today, but it's something we'll be looking at."

 

Earlier in the Q&A session, Eguchi dismissed suggestions the Wii MotionPlus add-on is designed to do what the Wii remote was supposed to do in the first place. Responding to a question from an IGN journalist, he said, "Of course, you always want more, and as we were working on the title we thought it would be nice to have more than what we had.

 

"But we're not dissatisfied with [the original Wii Sports] at all. We're very happy with what we did." He added that he's confident the original Wii Sports offers a "very good experience" for players.

 

In the future, Eguchi observed, MotionPlus could be used in more complex sports games. It would be possible to track the movement of a tennis racket head, for example, so you could pull off top spins or slice. "But we have to ask ourselves, is that easy to play? Is that something we want to do just because it's realistic?"

 

Nintendo is keen not to "alienate" players, continued Eguchi, and wants to "appeal to wide audiences" as well as serious gamers. That means offering "a low difficulty hurdle at the beginning, then finding ways to add depth to the game and keep everyone happy".

 

He concluded, "People who are really good at gaming can of course move on and challenge themselves to do these things that are built into the game, or to try things out on their own." As the saying goes (or rather is literally translated), "We want a gaming experience where 'the more you bite, the more flavour you get'."

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June 2008 NPD

 

PlayStation 3 405.5k

PSP 337.4k

Playstation 2 188.8k

Xbox 360 219.8k

Wii 666.7k

Nintendo DS 783k

 

 

 

01. PS3 METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUN OF THE PATRIOTS KONAMI 774.6K (Does not include bundles with PS3 hardware)

02. NDS GUITAR HERO ON TOUR ACTIVISION 422.3K

03. 360 NINJA GAIDEN II MICROSOFT 372.7K

04. WII FIT W/BALANCE BOARD NINTENDO OF AMERICA 372.7K

05. WII PLAY W/ REMOTE NINTENDO OF AMERICA 359.1K

06. 360 BATTLEFIELD: BAD COMPANY ELECTRONIC ARTS 346.8K

07. WII MARIO KART W/WHEEL NINTENDO OF AMERICA 322.4K

08. WII LEGO INDIANA JONES: THE ORIGINAL ADVENTURE LUCASARTS 294.5K

09. NDS LEGO INDIANA JONES: THE ORIGINAL ADVENTURE LUCASARTS 267.8K

10. PS2 LEGO INDIANA JONES: THE ORIGINAL ADVENTURE LUCASARTS 260.3K

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NPD: Wii Overtakes 360 in US

 

According to NPD Industry Analyst Anita Frazier, "The Wii has taken the lead in total sales of current generation console hardware at 10.9 million units sold at retail life-to-date in the U.S."

 

The Wii sold 666.7K units in June 2008, the NPD stats for the month reveal, compared to 405.5K for the PS3 and 219.8K for the Xbox 360. The Nintendo DS sold 783K units for the month, while the PSP mustered sales of 337.4K.

 

"Platform-exclusive content usually fuels hardware system purchases, and PS3 sales certainly reflect the impact of Metal Gear Solid 4,” said Frazier. “PS3 unit sales were the highest of any month outside of that recorded during previous November/December holiday timeframes."

 

Regarding software, dollar sales for video games in 2008 came in at $1.69 billion, compared to June 2007's $1.1 billion; a 53% increase. $615.1 million of this came from hardware sales, while $872.6 million came from software and $202 million from accessories. These represent year-on-year increases of 54%, 61%, and 25% respectively.

 

The top ten software titles for the month were led unsurprisingly by Metal Gear Solid 4, which moved 774.6K unbundled units. Guitar Hero: On Tour took the number two spot with 422.3K, while LEGO Indiana Jones SKUs took the 8, 9, and 10 spots.

 

Said Frazier, "As expected, Metal Gear Solid 4 realized significant retail sales and drove PS3 hardware acquisition. While the attached media report does not include units bundled with hardware, if included MGS4 sold-through nearly 1 million units."

 

She added "Wii Play continues to achieve an attach rate of over 50% to every new Wii hardware system sale. I can't think of another game that has ever had that kind of performance after 16 months at retail." Regarding the strong performance of the PS2 SKU of Indiana Jones, she remarked that, “As Iron Man did last month, mass-friendly titles are a perfect fit for the still healthy PS2 platform.”

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Miyamoto: E3 isnʼt the right place to showcase core games

 

Speaking to MSNBC, Nintendo front man Shigeru Miyamoto has said that the firm doesnʼt see E3 as a showcased venue for core games any more.

 

“For a very long time, E3 was an event where — and certainly Nintendo included — catered specifically to the core gamer. Now we look at more ... an opportunity for us to introduce new concepts and new types of play that we intend to bring to the broader audience, particularly because of the media that gathers at E3 now,” he said.

 

“So, while attending an E3 event like this, they might be given the impression that Nintendo is no longer focusing on the games that appeal to the core gamer, in fact weʼre still working on many of those titles, but itʼs just not the type of event where weʼll be showcasing that any more.”

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Gamespot: Wii MotionPlus - Hands-On

 

Game enthusiasts were eagerly anticipating an announcement for a new motion-control device at E3 this year, but they didn't expect it to come from Nintendo. After all, the company already has a motion-sensing controller in its Wii Remote. Nintendo announced its new Wii MotionPlus accessory in conjunction with a brand-new Wii Sports game, Wii Sports Resort. The MotionPlus add-on plugs in to the bottom of the Wii Remote and works with the remote's sensors to make controls even more precise...

 

 

 

 

E3 2008: Hands-on The Conduit

A fantastic looking first-person shooter with great controls to match.

 

IGN Wii readers are no strangers to The Conduit, a Wii-exclusive first-person shooter developed by High Voltage Software. We unveiled the ambitious project many months ago and we've been posting regular (and usually exclusive) updates on it ever since. But at E3 2008 this week, we finally had the chance to go hands-on with the shooter to find out if it's really all that High Voltage has been promising. And now that we've gripped the Wii remote in our hands, run through a world drown in uncommon (for Wii) graphical effects and gunned down alien vermin with customized precision, we can state without any hesitation that it most certainly is the real deal. Put it on your radar right now because it is exactly the caliber of Wii effort you've been waiting for...

 

 

 

E3 2008: Hands-on MySims Kingdom

Plays and looks like MySims before it, but there are some advantages.

 

EA showed off a playable version of MySims Kingdom at E3 2008 and we were there to give it a try. Now, we're not strangers to the franchise. We played through and reviewed the original MySims, after all. So going in, we knew what we wanted to see in the game. Namely, a robust online community feature and more WIi remote interactivity in the world. Sadly, the former has not made it over to the franchise yet. Perhaps next year. But there is more Wii remote interactivity to speak of, and we will...

 

 

 

E3 2008: Hands-on Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party

We get our hands, feet and backside on Ubisoft's latest Wii party game.

 

Ubisoft has, with the development of Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party, brought a welcomed first to Nintendo fans. Of course, we're referring to backside calibration. Yes, in order to play one of the 49 different mini-games featured in the title, you must plant your rump on the Wii Balance Board and "stop squirming" so that title might accurately measure your -- ahem, posture. According to reps on-hand, the TV Party utilizes the Wiibo for 30 percent of its mini-games, which means you will be on your feet for a third of your gameplay sessions...

 

 

 

E3 2008: Hands-on Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility

We hands-on with the very early Wii game.

 

Harvest Moon games aren't exactly E3 friendly, as you've got a few minutes max with each game, but nevertheless, we did have a chance to go hands-on with the first Harvest Moon Wii game, in Tree of Tranquility. There isn't much to say thus far -- aside from mentioning that the game is basic, but might pull together before release -- but we've played through it, and are here to report...

 

 

 

E3 2008: Hands-on Monster Lab

Build the perfect creature and then pit him against friends online.

 

Monster Lab from developer Backbone Entertainment is a really unique game designed to take advantage of Wii. There's much more to it than initially meets the eye, as we discovered at E3 2008. We had for months thought o the title purely as a brawler, but in actuality it's also got some adventuring and some character construction elements. Indeed, because the battles are all turn-based, it really isn't much of a brawler at all...

 

 

 

E3 2008: Ultimate Band Hands-on

More like bands-on.

 

E3 2008 isn't over yet and we've still got previews rolling in from the Los Angeles showfloor. Music games are the hottest thing ever now, apparently, and it seems like every publisher has their own take on the genre. Disney stepped into the ring with the announcement of Ultimate Band for the Wii and DS and we got a chance to go check it out here and see just how ultimate this game is...

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Dead Rising - First Screens

 

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What's New in Wii Dead Rising

Capcom explains what sets the Wii release apart.

 

We heard Wednesday that Dead Rising, one of the more memorable sandbox games on the Xbox 360, is coming to the Wii, but now we've got further details on the game translated directly from the Famitsu article that made the revelation. The new port, called Dead Rising: Zombie Sacrifice in Japan, will feature all manner of new features and expanded gameplay -- and as producer and director Minoru Nakai discussed with Weekly Famitsu magazine this week, it's all part of an effort to make the notoriously difficult game more appealing to the casual user base...

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Sonic & The Black Knight

New Wii Exclusive Game

 

Sonic is going to be all over the gaming world over the next few months. Sonic Unleashed and Sonic Chronicles have both been announced by SEGA and now yet another Sonic title will be hitting the Wii. An ambiguous description of the game gives an idea of what to expect: “The Blue Blur swings cold steel in his new Wii-exclusive adventure.” More as it develops.

 

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Sonic And The Black Knight Announcement

 

SEGA of Europe Ltd. and SEGA of America, Inc. today announced Sonic and the Black Knight, an all-new Wii-exclusive adventure. Part of the storybook series of games that began with Sonic and the Secret Rings, this new title brings Sonic into the world of Arthurian legend and offers the worlds most infamous blue hedgehog the chance to become a knight. Using the unique Wii control system, this exciting game will take advantage of both the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk to offer an interactive experience that any Sonic fans will love.

 

Created by Sonic Team in Japan, this innovative game takes Sonic into a medieval world and arms him with a sword to aid in his effort to save the day. Sonic and the Black Knight will provide Sonic fans with an irresistible cast of characters and teach them all what it takes to be a true hero and the ultimate knight. With a series of missions taking place in stunning Arthurian-inspired locations, Sonic and the Black Knight promises to offer a fast-paced adventure that gamers of all ages will enjoy.

 

“After the success of Sonic and the Secret Rings weʼre delighted to announce a second title in the Storybook Series,” said Gary Knight, European Marketing Director, SEGA Europe, “Following Sonic on his way to knighthood will excite players of all ages.”

 

Sonic and the Black Knight, exclusively for the Wii, will be out in Spring 2009.

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Peter Moore: Wii to Win Console War with Over 50% Market Share

 

It's a lot easier to talk about the console wars when you're not running the business behind one anymore. EA Sports' Peter Moore sees Wii taking the crown.

 

While Sony's Kaz Hirai told the Financial Times that he thinks the PS3 can sell 150 million units during its lifespan, former Xbox man and current EA Sports label president Peter Moore gave the Times a different picture of what he expects the market to look like several years down the road. Moore, like many others in the industry, has predicted a relatively easy victory for Nintendo.

 

"It looks to me as if the Wii is going to have at least half the installed base of the overall industry and the Xbox 360 and PS3 are going to fight over the balance, based on the run-rates we're seeing," he said.

 

The Wii recently took over the top spot in the U.S. with nearly 11 million consoles sold. On a monthly basis, the Wii has easily been outselling the PS3 and Xbox 360 during each NPD reporting period. In June, even with the PS3's MGS 4 fueled surge, the Wii still outsold the PS3 by about 260,000 units and the Wii outsold the Xbox 360 by a three-to-one margin.

 

Nintendo's console truly has shown no signs of slowing down. Whether or not Moore's prediction of 50 percent proves to be accurate, Nintendo has already won in terms of mainstream mindshare and profitability.