@Objection_Blaster That's all speculation at this point. It is interesting though how little is known about this retail game considering development is nearly complete. Especially with Nintendo's involvement.
@Chicken Brutus My money's on a topless Sudoku game. Over-the-top sexiness and an offensive soundtrack by U2.
@shinesprite Well, he does like his game shows, and he is known for his murderous temper.
For some reason, I really hope this game turns out better than it appeared to be when Daz and James had a go at the London event. Maybe because one of my all-time favourite games is Black Dahlia on the PC.
@warioswoods Logistically, all you'd have to do is turn the 3DS around for 3D video chat. Is that the most convenient way of doing things? No. Is it possible? Yes.
EDIT: @theblackdragon On second thoughts, yeah, it would be the dumbest thing. You'd be able to film yourself but without the ability to see the person you're having the conversation with, it'd be worse than using a regular phone. [sighs]
@shinesprite It's not clear whether the North American version will get an update or not, but we have emailed SoftEgg Enterprises so stay tuned to Nintendo Life.
@edhe We're certainly spoilt for choice. I wonder if we will see anymore retail music creation applications. As this is such a niche market, it probably makes sense for studios to keep the development costs down to a minimum and release them via download services. Still, this is excellent news for people interested in this sort of thing.
According to the speedrunners, this run is 24:17 seconds faster than the previous run. In the comment section on the TASVideos page, they declare:
This submission is the biggest improvement to any previous 0 star run. The majority of the improvements are found in the Bowser in the Fire Sea and Spiral Stairs to Bowser in the Sky sections. In our opinion, this 0 Star run is different from all of the others. We strongly recommend watching the previous movie(s) before this one, to really notice all of the differences.
Given that the development of 3DS games could cost as much as Wii games and triple that of current DS games, we'll probably see a lot of DS-standard games and therefore games that will barely stretch the limits of the 1GB cartridges. Then again, if anti-piracy measures are as good as they make it out to be, developers (especially the smaller ones) could see a much bigger return on their titles, thus more inclined to make bigger and intricate games.
As far as EA-specific sales performances go, they are definitely guilty of churning out some awful games and franchises that have anual releases that perhaps don't always measure up. However, they have released some decent games that probably weren't big-sellers but maybe should have been considering the size of the Wii userbase. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking The Godfather: Backhand Edition, Boom Blox Bash Party, and Dead Space: Extraction.
Third-parties in general? Nintendo definitely needs to step it up, because not every studio can reach their full potential on their own. It worries me that Nintendo might follow the same path with the upcoming 3DS. It's not going to be good enough to just say "Oh look, we have so-and-so bringing this-and-that to the 3DS for the hardcore/mature demographic..." because if people outside of the target market aren't in the loop, it's not going to matter. I say more coverage on third-party games within the Nintendo Channel, Nintendo website, and financial/networking assistance for marketing.
So much is pinned to the release of the 3DS because it marks a much-needed change in the way Nintendo approaches the industry, especially the online side of things. It needs to stop treading on eggshells and realise it's nearly 2011.
Another price-cut isn't out of the equation. What Nintendo will probably carry on doing is coming up with bundle packs, and if that is the case, then it needs to bundle more third-party games with the console and not just Mario titles. Failing that, we might see a slight price-cut during the Easter period to coincide with the launch of the 3DS.
@antster1983 I don't remember any other episode of Nevermind the Buzzcocks that made me want to scream and turn the TV off. Even Bill Oddie's appearance wasn't as annoying, partly because of that fantastic montage during the end credits.
I have mixed feelings about Nintendo using these two morons as part of their advertising campaign. Aren't people more likely to talk about how much they dislike them as opposed to the game itself?
@Kingbuilder Yeah, it's a shame that a game that requires a peripheral will naturally cost more but the DJ Hero series is definitely worth it. I've seen an offer somewhere that throws in the first game for free if you buy the DJ Hero 2 game/turntable bundle. Shop around, you'll usually find a good offer somewhere.
@Machu So a football game is no good because the pressing of buttons requires no actual footy skills from the player? A side-scrolling shooter is no good because the player isn't a pilot?
@Mickeymac I only pointed those qualities out because they make RPGs work, I'm not saying they're things that will necessarily make this a better game. Also, I'm sure Capcom is perfectly capable of crafting a narrative compelling enough to make gamers want to carry on playing. Let's not forget that 5/10 is an average score.
@Shiryu I just find it's the same ideas being recycled over and over again, and the combat is so mindless. I'm not sure all hack & slash fans will like this, and people sitting on the fence will definitely find this a turn off. Have fun with it, though.
@Shiryu Care to elaborate on the variety? Also, the fact that the game runs smoothly isn't in doubt, it's the actual game itself that's a let-down.
@JesusSaves Because decent RPGs have compelling narratives to engage players. Enemies usually have to be treated as puzzles in order to overcome and if other areas of the game involve puzzles, then that's another layer for gamers to enjoy too. Repetition isn't necessarily a bad quality but in this case, it is.
@zoipi I'm glad you enjoy the game, and I'm sure there are others that will, but the repetition displayed in this game is far too simplistic and it's not rewarding enough.
Let's not forget, the 3DS is essentially outputting two images (one for each eye) which is obviously using a fair amount of resources. Judging from the early Resident Evil trailers, imagine what can be achieved if a game had no fancy 3D visuals.
@Avenger22: They share similar traits. If you're looking for something like a Blitz game, personally, I wouldn't recommend getting this. Think of FIFA 11 as a Jack of all trades, master of none.
The problem I have with these annual sports titles is if the developer happens to create the definitive title in year X, what is there left to do for the following year? And the year after that?
I get the impression that EA Sports is trying to prevent the whole "get it on the PS3/360, it's much better" mentality by making something that's different, rather than doing the best it can with what resources the Wii has. Problem is, "different" in this case is basically a watered down offering of the FIFA Street series.
@pixelman To be fair, the NBA Jam that comes with NBA Elite 11 isn't the full game. Although it does have some form of online, there are only three game modes and no Remix Modes.
If I had to pick between a 'demo' which I only get by purchasing a game I don't want, or a game I'd love to play with my friends without online, I know which I'd go for.
Comments 147
Re: Launching This Spring is Nintendo's Secretive Title, Pandora's Tower
@Ret
Don't forget, it's a secret map too!
Re: Launching This Spring is Nintendo's Secretive Title, Pandora's Tower
@Objection_Blaster
That's all speculation at this point. It is interesting though how little is known about this retail game considering development is nearly complete. Especially with Nintendo's involvement.
@Chicken Brutus
My money's on a topless Sudoku game. Over-the-top sexiness and an offensive soundtrack by U2.
Re: Launching This Spring is Nintendo's Secretive Title, Pandora's Tower
Link fixed now. Thanks guys.
Re: First Impressions: Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
This should be good as long as the price tag isn't too high. The online cooperative should add quite a bit of replay value too.
Re: James Noir's Hollywood Crimes Mixes Murder With Game Shows
@shinesprite
Well, he does like his game shows, and he is known for his murderous temper.
For some reason, I really hope this game turns out better than it appeared to be when Daz and James had a go at the London event. Maybe because one of my all-time favourite games is Black Dahlia on the PC.
Re: Nintendo Confirms 3DS Will Be Region-Locked
@BellGoRiiing
You're thinking of Japan as the only region you would import from. What about Europe/Australia?
Re: Nintendo Confirms 3DS Will Be Region-Locked
@BellGoRiiing
Imported games aren't necessarily in foreign languages, though.
@LEGEND MARIOID
DS cartridges should work fine.
Re: Iwata Hints at 3D Video Recording with Future 3DS Updates
@warioswoods
Logistically, all you'd have to do is turn the 3DS around for 3D video chat. Is that the most convenient way of doing things? No. Is it possible? Yes.
EDIT: @theblackdragon
On second thoughts, yeah, it would be the dumbest thing. You'd be able to film yourself but without the ability to see the person you're having the conversation with, it'd be worse than using a regular phone. [sighs]
Re: Improved Rhythm Core Alpha Hitting PAL Regions Next Week
@shinesprite
It's not clear whether the North American version will get an update or not, but we have emailed SoftEgg Enterprises so stay tuned to Nintendo Life.
Re: Improved Rhythm Core Alpha Hitting PAL Regions Next Week
@edhe
We're certainly spoilt for choice. I wonder if we will see anymore retail music creation applications. As this is such a niche market, it probably makes sense for studios to keep the development costs down to a minimum and release them via download services. Still, this is excellent news for people interested in this sort of thing.
Re: Rumour: 3DS will be Region-Locked According to Nintendo
@Arcanum
Yes, because they are from the same region. The major world markets are Japan, North America, and Europe.
Let's not forget, however likely we think this will be true or not, Nintendo has not clarified whether the 3DS will indeed be region-locked or not.
Re: Enter The Masters Tournament in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12
@Atlantis1982
Yeah, I need to start playing PGA Tour 10 again. Time to shake off the dust and get my arse kicked online.
Re: Super Mario 64 is a 5-Minute Adventure With the Right Tools
According to the speedrunners, this run is 24:17 seconds faster than the previous run. In the comment section on the TASVideos page, they declare:
Re: Super Mario 64 is a 5-Minute Adventure With the Right Tools
@James Newton
Coins are for losers. All the cool kids collect rupees.
Re: Guilty Gear Spin-Off Known as Towel Slappin' Pro-Jumper in North America
@soccer686
ESRB has rated it "Everyone 10+"
@JumpMad
It's a character from Guilty Gear 2: Overture
Re: 3DS Game Cards Could Reach a Mighty 8GB
Given that the development of 3DS games could cost as much as Wii games and triple that of current DS games, we'll probably see a lot of DS-standard games and therefore games that will barely stretch the limits of the 1GB cartridges. Then again, if anti-piracy measures are as good as they make it out to be, developers (especially the smaller ones) could see a much bigger return on their titles, thus more inclined to make bigger and intricate games.
Re: EA: Nintendo Needs to Drop Wii Price, Help Third Parties
As far as EA-specific sales performances go, they are definitely guilty of churning out some awful games and franchises that have anual releases that perhaps don't always measure up. However, they have released some decent games that probably weren't big-sellers but maybe should have been considering the size of the Wii userbase. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking The Godfather: Backhand Edition, Boom Blox Bash Party, and Dead Space: Extraction.
Third-parties in general? Nintendo definitely needs to step it up, because not every studio can reach their full potential on their own. It worries me that Nintendo might follow the same path with the upcoming 3DS. It's not going to be good enough to just say "Oh look, we have so-and-so bringing this-and-that to the 3DS for the hardcore/mature demographic..." because if people outside of the target market aren't in the loop, it's not going to matter. I say more coverage on third-party games within the Nintendo Channel, Nintendo website, and financial/networking assistance for marketing.
So much is pinned to the release of the 3DS because it marks a much-needed change in the way Nintendo approaches the industry, especially the online side of things. It needs to stop treading on eggshells and realise it's nearly 2011.
Another price-cut isn't out of the equation. What Nintendo will probably carry on doing is coming up with bundle packs, and if that is the case, then it needs to bundle more third-party games with the console and not just Mario titles. Failing that, we might see a slight price-cut during the Easter period to coincide with the launch of the 3DS.
Re: lilt line Dubsteps to WiiWare on December 13th
Dubstep and a price tag of 500 points? I'm in.
Re: This Jedward Dragon Quest Promotion is Getting Too Much
@antster1983
I don't remember any other episode of Nevermind the Buzzcocks that made me want to scream and turn the TV off. Even Bill Oddie's appearance wasn't as annoying, partly because of that fantastic montage during the end credits.
I have mixed feelings about Nintendo using these two morons as part of their advertising campaign. Aren't people more likely to talk about how much they dislike them as opposed to the game itself?
Re: Madden NFL Football at 3DS Launch is Part of EA's Gameplan
@LuWiiGi
Yeah, the annual releases are a bit mad.
Re: Madden NFL Football at 3DS Launch is Part of EA's Gameplan
@LuWiiGi
Nothing wrong with a bit of sport on the 3DS. Don't you want to smell the leather?
Re: Review: DJ Hero 2 (Wii)
@Kingbuilder
Yeah, it's a shame that a game that requires a peripheral will naturally cost more but the DJ Hero series is definitely worth it. I've seen an offer somewhere that throws in the first game for free if you buy the DJ Hero 2 game/turntable bundle. Shop around, you'll usually find a good offer somewhere.
@Machu
So a football game is no good because the pressing of buttons requires no actual footy skills from the player? A side-scrolling shooter is no good because the player isn't a pilot?
@Nintendoftw
A minimal amount. For a complete list of tracks for both DJ Hero and DJ Hero 2, visit here:
http://www.djhero.com/en-us/music/catalog
Samples can also be listened to.
Re: Nintendo & Capcom Team Up to Spook European Gamers With Ghost Trick
@lz2010 That partnership was with Square-Enix.
Re: Nintendo Declares the Best Sin and Punishment Player Ever
@theblackdragon It's some kind of hi-tech terminology.
Re: Review: Sengoku BASARA Samurai Heroes (Wii)
@Shiryu Every genre repeats an element or two. No game is that unique. Well, glad you're having fun with it anyways.
Re: Review: Sengoku BASARA Samurai Heroes (Wii)
@Mickeymac I only pointed those qualities out because they make RPGs work, I'm not saying they're things that will necessarily make this a better game. Also, I'm sure Capcom is perfectly capable of crafting a narrative compelling enough to make gamers want to carry on playing. Let's not forget that 5/10 is an average score.
Re: Review: Sengoku BASARA Samurai Heroes (Wii)
@Shiryu I just find it's the same ideas being recycled over and over again, and the combat is so mindless. I'm not sure all hack & slash fans will like this, and people sitting on the fence will definitely find this a turn off. Have fun with it, though.
Re: Review: Sengoku BASARA Samurai Heroes (Wii)
@Shiryu Care to elaborate on the variety? Also, the fact that the game runs smoothly isn't in doubt, it's the actual game itself that's a let-down.
@JesusSaves Because decent RPGs have compelling narratives to engage players. Enemies usually have to be treated as puzzles in order to overcome and if other areas of the game involve puzzles, then that's another layer for gamers to enjoy too. Repetition isn't necessarily a bad quality but in this case, it is.
@zoipi I'm glad you enjoy the game, and I'm sure there are others that will, but the repetition displayed in this game is far too simplistic and it's not rewarding enough.
Re: THQ Shows Its Support by Bringing Multiple Titles to the 3DS
I'd like to see a UFC title. It doesn't even have to have fancy 3D effects, just solid controls, decent AI, and online play will do me.
Re: Level-5's Time Travelers to Materialise on the 3DS
Time Travelers trailer shot from the Level-5 Vision 2010 press conference:
[youtube:Lp49Dt6UeGQ]
Let the countdown commence.
Re: Unconventional Camera Work will Capture the Action in Last Story
@WiiLovePeace: That's the first half of the article. The second half was yesterday.
Re: Don't Expect Any 3DS Titles From Epic Games Anytime Soon
Let's not forget, the 3DS is essentially outputting two images (one for each eye) which is obviously using a fair amount of resources. Judging from the early Resident Evil trailers, imagine what can be achieved if a game had no fancy 3D visuals.
Re: Review: FIFA 11 (Wii)
@Avenger22:
They share similar traits. If you're looking for something like a Blitz game, personally, I wouldn't recommend getting this. Think of FIFA 11 as a Jack of all trades, master of none.
Re: Review: FIFA 11 (Wii)
The problem I have with these annual sports titles is if the developer happens to create the definitive title in year X, what is there left to do for the following year? And the year after that?
I get the impression that EA Sports is trying to prevent the whole "get it on the PS3/360, it's much better" mentality by making something that's different, rather than doing the best it can with what resources the Wii has. Problem is, "different" in this case is basically a watered down offering of the FIFA Street series.
Re: Prepare for Celebrity Overload in Nintendo's Christmas Campaign
Bloody hell...
Re: Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem Launches Next Month
@James Newton Ha! Oh deary me.
Re: Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem Launches Next Month
Counting the DSiWare version, technically it's the forth.
Re: Review: Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem (GameCube)
Such an original and engaging game. Must play this again soon.
Re: A Thumping December Euro Release for Donkey Kong Country Returns
Just watched the E3 trailer again, got to love that jazzy theme tune.
Re: Netflix Now Available in Canada
@LoopyLuigi
Yeah, a company offering consumers choice. How dare they.
Re: New Trailer for NBA Jam Remix Modes is Nothing But Net
@pixelman
To be fair, the NBA Jam that comes with NBA Elite 11 isn't the full game. Although it does have some form of online, there are only three game modes and no Remix Modes.
http://espn.go.com/espn/thelife/videogames/blog/_/name/thegamer/id/5433064/nba-elite-11-include-free-downloadable-version-nba-jam?readmore=fullstory
If I had to pick between a 'demo' which I only get by purchasing a game I don't want, or a game I'd love to play with my friends without online, I know which I'd go for.
Re: Monsteca Corral Competition Winners
It took me ages to come up with those usernames.
Re: Gaijin's Alex Neuse Plays Silly Beggars About 3DS Development
It must be a nightmare asking Alex Neuse for directions.
Re: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories Nets a Best Audio Award
@Dragoon
The Milthon Awards focus on European developers, therefore games like Super Mario Galaxy 2 are not eligible.
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/08/european_developers_get_their_games_nominated_for_milthon_awards
EDIT: Well done to Climax Studios!
Re: Activision Announces Six More DJs to Feature in DJ Hero 2
The Scratch Pervert routines are hard as nails but I cannot wait for their mash-up of The Prodigy and Orbital.
Re: Lost in Shadow Documentary Sheds Light on the Game's Creation
@LaytonAprentice
This is the first part of four.
Re: European DSi XL Palette Gets Three More Splashes of Colour
If I had to pick, it'll be the green one.
Re: European DSi XL Palette Gets Three More Splashes of Colour
They do look like Lego bricks to be honest. I much prefer the darker shades. Still, I'm sure they'll appeal to a lot of gamers.
Re: Wii Party Could be One of Nintendo's Top Earners
Sorry, my mistake. 125,000 is the estimated number of copies it sold in its sixth week; ending 15th August.
Edit: Article ammended now.
Re: DJ Hero 2 Pumping Out of Your Speakers From 22nd October
Some big tunes there. Can't wait to see what the producers have come up with. The freestyle elements sound interesting too.
Edit: Listen to samples of mash-ups in DJ Hero 2 by checking out the videos on the official setlist page.