With the video game industry's biggest trade show, The Electronic Entertainment Expo, just a week away, the rumor mill is abuzz. After dominating game console sales for approximately 3 & 1/2 years, Nintendo's "little white box that could" will be directly challenged by Microsoft and Sony's own motion control devices. Adding further fuel to the fire, Steve Jobs' recent proclamation that the iPone is a gaming device, doesn't enhance things for Nintendo's popular, but aging DS portable. We're left to ask, will Zelda and the rumored glasses-free 3-D portable be enough to keep their strangle hold on the console race?
After 2 consecutive years of lackluster presentations including 2008's "Wii Music" debacle, Nintendo may come out swinging. The recent May release of "Super Mario Galaxy 2" marks the rare third appearance of a main Mario entry in a single console's lifespan. This hasn't happened since the days of the NES, so I suspect Nintendo has a few tricks up their sleeve. Furthermore, the company has only used an hour for previous E3 presentations so the move to 2 hours hints to something big. A far-fetched prediction would be a new hi-def console, but with the Wii still making money hand over fist, its unlikely. Instead, expect the 2nd half of the year to be loaded with huge titles from popular franchises including Zelda, possibly a Star Fox reboot, or even a new Donkey Kong game. We may see new peripherals or better yet, a practical use for The Vitality Sensor. Maybe an operating system overhaul that streamlines shopping and a better integrated online experience. The latter is wishful thinking, but with Apple in their cross hairs, you never know.
On the portable front, it's completely feasible that the 3DS, the codename for the DS successor, could steal the show. The system promises 3D visuals without the need for glasses, and if anything, the blockbuster "Avatar" has proven that people love their 3D. Although not much is known, popular website IGN has stated that anonymous developers claim the system is as powerful as the PS3 and 360. It will be interesting to see if this holds true considering Nintendo's choices with the Wii's tech.
At any rate, we will find out the future and possible fates of all three companies in just a few days. Nintendo will be streaming their entire presentation online at e3.nintendo.com. It begins at 9 AM Pacific time on Tuesday, June 15th. I'll be closely watching. Hopefully, you will too.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Great Times....
So I called it!!! With Nintendo revealing that both Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M will be releasing this Spring/Summer, Zelda will definitely be coming this holiday season. I can't see anything else realistically happening.
More importantly, 2010 is proving to be an incredible year for Wii owners. We start January with Tatsunoko and NMH2. Although February doesn't have any high profile titles, March sees the release of Red Steel 2, followed by Monster Hunter Tri in April, Galaxy 2 in May, and Metroid in June!!! WHOA!!! That's pretty serious considering March is filled with great WiiWare releases like Mega Man 10 and Max and the Magic Marker.
Great times indeed. I'm excited to see what the 2nd have of the year have to offer
More importantly, 2010 is proving to be an incredible year for Wii owners. We start January with Tatsunoko and NMH2. Although February doesn't have any high profile titles, March sees the release of Red Steel 2, followed by Monster Hunter Tri in April, Galaxy 2 in May, and Metroid in June!!! WHOA!!! That's pretty serious considering March is filled with great WiiWare releases like Mega Man 10 and Max and the Magic Marker.
Great times indeed. I'm excited to see what the 2nd have of the year have to offer
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Getting Into Their Stride...
This week has been a huge week with the release of 2 top tier titles dropping on the same day for the Wii. We had Tatsunoko vs Capcom and NMH2, which both have Metacritic scores of 86 and 89 respectively. It finally seems that some developers have found their comfort zone where they are not only utilizing the Wii's capabilities, but are also putting out quality content. It's only taken 3 & 1/2 years, but here's why this may be Wii's best year yet.
1. It's the year of the sequel
Ok '08 brought us Smash, Mario Kart Wii, and Wii Fit, but other than those heavy hitters from the Big N, there wasn't much else. Sure de Blob and Boom Blox were fantastic and there were a few other gems, but it felt empty from the 3rd party side overall. 2009 was much better with games like Mad World, Punch Out, EA's motion plus efforts, and even the Nintendo's own NSMB, but it still felt blah blah blah. The games releasing this year benefit because developers simply have better knowledge of the hardware for their sequels. If all the glowing reviews are correct, No More Heroes 2 is a more polished, focused, and prettier experience than the first. The same will probably be said for Red Steel 2 as well as Super Mario Galaxy 2, which would collectively represent 3 of the console's more notable exclusives. If Travis Touchdown's 2nd run in Santa Destroy is an early indictation of what's to come, we're in for a fantastic year.
2. They're finally coming out
There are only a few Wii games that have had significant development cycles and they'll finally hit store shelves including the aforementioned Red Steel sequel, Montser Hunter, and a few others. Thank goodness. It's great to see Tatsunoko make it to the West with improvements. It's promising to think Warren Spector wants to outdo Nintendo with Epic Mickey. It's amazing to see quality WiiWare games finally come out at a partially decent rate with some heavy hitters like Cave Story still around the corner. Not to mention, there must be some surprises we're unaware of. (I personally think Capcom is going to unveil a Wii version of Lost Planet running on the RE4 engine, but that's my guess) It's a good time to be a Wii owner.
3. Could it be true
Ok, it may not happen, but maybe we're in some weird Twilight Zone episode where 2010 will see the pillars of Nintendo iconography come together and cause one huge Nintendorgasm. That's right...the megaton. Could Zelda, Metroid, and Mario all be released in the same year? Maybe not, but we'll almost positively get 2 out of the 3which is still epic. Even if the odds are against us, with solid releases early in the year, some highly anticipated titles mid year, and the promise of some popular N franchises, we'll be great.
Here's to hoping I'm right, and that NBA Jam Wii becomes a system seller for old school players. I've always thought that Nintendo should have used the VC as a serious selling point and marketed it more heavily in TV campaigns. We're all suckers for nostalgia, and I'm sure they could have sold more units off the service alone. However, that's a post for another day. Either way, I'm happy developers better understand the "arcade" approach to Wii and are finally providing quality product consistently. I can't remember the last time I was conflicted between 2 great Wii titles because they came out around the same time.
1. It's the year of the sequel
Ok '08 brought us Smash, Mario Kart Wii, and Wii Fit, but other than those heavy hitters from the Big N, there wasn't much else. Sure de Blob and Boom Blox were fantastic and there were a few other gems, but it felt empty from the 3rd party side overall. 2009 was much better with games like Mad World, Punch Out, EA's motion plus efforts, and even the Nintendo's own NSMB, but it still felt blah blah blah. The games releasing this year benefit because developers simply have better knowledge of the hardware for their sequels. If all the glowing reviews are correct, No More Heroes 2 is a more polished, focused, and prettier experience than the first. The same will probably be said for Red Steel 2 as well as Super Mario Galaxy 2, which would collectively represent 3 of the console's more notable exclusives. If Travis Touchdown's 2nd run in Santa Destroy is an early indictation of what's to come, we're in for a fantastic year.
2. They're finally coming out
There are only a few Wii games that have had significant development cycles and they'll finally hit store shelves including the aforementioned Red Steel sequel, Montser Hunter, and a few others. Thank goodness. It's great to see Tatsunoko make it to the West with improvements. It's promising to think Warren Spector wants to outdo Nintendo with Epic Mickey. It's amazing to see quality WiiWare games finally come out at a partially decent rate with some heavy hitters like Cave Story still around the corner. Not to mention, there must be some surprises we're unaware of. (I personally think Capcom is going to unveil a Wii version of Lost Planet running on the RE4 engine, but that's my guess) It's a good time to be a Wii owner.
3. Could it be true
Ok, it may not happen, but maybe we're in some weird Twilight Zone episode where 2010 will see the pillars of Nintendo iconography come together and cause one huge Nintendorgasm. That's right...the megaton. Could Zelda, Metroid, and Mario all be released in the same year? Maybe not, but we'll almost positively get 2 out of the 3which is still epic. Even if the odds are against us, with solid releases early in the year, some highly anticipated titles mid year, and the promise of some popular N franchises, we'll be great.
Here's to hoping I'm right, and that NBA Jam Wii becomes a system seller for old school players. I've always thought that Nintendo should have used the VC as a serious selling point and marketed it more heavily in TV campaigns. We're all suckers for nostalgia, and I'm sure they could have sold more units off the service alone. However, that's a post for another day. Either way, I'm happy developers better understand the "arcade" approach to Wii and are finally providing quality product consistently. I can't remember the last time I was conflicted between 2 great Wii titles because they came out around the same time.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Random Wii Thoughts.......
-it's been a long time since I posted anything
-2009 was a good year for Wii, but 2010 has me really excited
-I still haven't purchased Dead Space, Muramasa, or King's Story: EPIC FAIL!!!
-I will get Tatsunoko and NMH2 very soon though
-I haven't been this excited about 2 games in a long time
-Rubik's Galaxy Rush for WiiWare is an incredible puzzle game especially at $6
-I've been impressed by WiiWare lately, and can't wait for Max and the Magic Marker
-I still haven't beaten the Conduit; I rarely played it honestly
-I was briefly addicted to Grand Slam Tennis
-I feel like developers have finally gotten what works on Wii; not mini games, but arcade style games
-I canNOT wait for NBA Jam Wii...EA don't disappoint
-it's about time we get a decent basketball game
-I purchased Final Fight 3 on VC and was disappointed, but what did I expect ..
-I also purchased SF Alpha 2 and was impressed despite the loading
-does anyone still purchase strategy guides since we can find everything online
-I actually purchased the Twilight Princess Hardcover strategy guide b/c I thought it was cool
I don't have anything else game related to say...
-2009 was a good year for Wii, but 2010 has me really excited
-I still haven't purchased Dead Space, Muramasa, or King's Story: EPIC FAIL!!!
-I will get Tatsunoko and NMH2 very soon though
-I haven't been this excited about 2 games in a long time
-Rubik's Galaxy Rush for WiiWare is an incredible puzzle game especially at $6
-I've been impressed by WiiWare lately, and can't wait for Max and the Magic Marker
-I still haven't beaten the Conduit; I rarely played it honestly
-I was briefly addicted to Grand Slam Tennis
-I feel like developers have finally gotten what works on Wii; not mini games, but arcade style games
-I canNOT wait for NBA Jam Wii...EA don't disappoint
-it's about time we get a decent basketball game
-I purchased Final Fight 3 on VC and was disappointed, but what did I expect ..
-I also purchased SF Alpha 2 and was impressed despite the loading
-does anyone still purchase strategy guides since we can find everything online
-I actually purchased the Twilight Princess Hardcover strategy guide b/c I thought it was cool
I don't have anything else game related to say...
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Have I ever been slacking..........
time to get back on my A-game. It's been a while, but I have reviews of old games, vids on new ones, and just my general insights coming. So please stay tunes. BTW, Grand Slam Tennis is awesome.
Friday, May 29, 2009
It Is Time To Get More Excited...NMH2!!!!
From the trailer, you see new animations for Travis including something that looks like the "pro hop" (from NBA Live 05), new baddies to kill, new environments that include a cemetery, a prison, & what seems to be a college campus, and FINALLY dual wielding weapons. WOW!!!!!!!!!! This makes me very happy
Thursday, May 28, 2009
I Must Admit, I'm Excited For Dead Space Now
Just look at the Walkthrough posted by IGN....it looks really promising
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
WOW!!!!! I'm Excited
I know the Conduit isn't out yet, but I've been following all the coverage the game has been getting since IGN spilled the beans. In certain respects, the game looks amazing, but the environments have always looked a little too geometric and bland for my taste. Either way, I'll support the game because its something new, and it looks promising. I will say though that IGN recently revealed High Voltage's 2 new Wii titles, Gladiator A.D & The Grinder, and they look amazing.
Okay, so this compounded by Famitsu's new No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle scans, which I saw via GoNintendo, leaves me having a Nintedorgasm!!! Really at this point, if The Big N does anything even remotely noteworthy at E3, I'll fall to my knees, bow, and pay homage.
I really get the feeling that this and next year are the years when 3rd parties get their acts together and deliver great content. I'm already excited for Grad Slam Tennis, and I hope Wii Motion Plus delivers on Nintendo's original promise of immersion. Long story short, I feel really good. There are literally too many good games to get, and we're only 1/2 way into the year.
Oh, I forgot Tatsunoko is being localized.....GREAT TIMES Nintendo fans...GREAT TIMES!!
Okay, so this compounded by Famitsu's new No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle scans, which I saw via GoNintendo, leaves me having a Nintedorgasm!!! Really at this point, if The Big N does anything even remotely noteworthy at E3, I'll fall to my knees, bow, and pay homage.
I really get the feeling that this and next year are the years when 3rd parties get their acts together and deliver great content. I'm already excited for Grad Slam Tennis, and I hope Wii Motion Plus delivers on Nintendo's original promise of immersion. Long story short, I feel really good. There are literally too many good games to get, and we're only 1/2 way into the year.
Oh, I forgot Tatsunoko is being localized.....GREAT TIMES Nintendo fans...GREAT TIMES!!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
What If Nintendo...
It just dawned upon me that we've already seen the release of Pikmin, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat with "New Play Controls". We definitely know the Prime series is on its way, but what if the big N decided to make fanboys around the world happy? What if they released... now wait for the megaton, Legend of Zelda: Windwaker NPC, but with motion plus compatibility?
I know for many it wouldn't be that huge of a deal because it would be a simple re-release, but with the inclusion of motion plus, it could be a glimpse into the future of the Zelda franchise. I kinda, but vaguely remember hearing many years ago that they excluded a few dungeons in the game. What if they included those? Wouldn't the promise of 1:1 sword fighting and new dungeons be enough to drive fanboys nuts? Of course it would. Wouldn't it be fantastic for Nintendo to even pack in Wii Motion Plus if they decided to re-release the game because it could really serve as a demo for the tech in the same way they used Metroid Prime to show off the Wii remote? Even better, they could put it out during the holiday season alongside the DS's "Spirit Tracks" title, and market them side by side. Just imagine, 2 Zelda games, 2 different platforms, 1 holiday season. Nintendorgasmic!!! LOL
I know this is all just wishful thinking because Nintendo rarely does what would seem logical at times, but its good to hope. With E3 around the corner, you never know what surprises are coming our way, but I do know that Nintendo will try to appease the "core" after last year's lackluster showing. Anyway, just my thoughts...
I know for many it wouldn't be that huge of a deal because it would be a simple re-release, but with the inclusion of motion plus, it could be a glimpse into the future of the Zelda franchise. I kinda, but vaguely remember hearing many years ago that they excluded a few dungeons in the game. What if they included those? Wouldn't the promise of 1:1 sword fighting and new dungeons be enough to drive fanboys nuts? Of course it would. Wouldn't it be fantastic for Nintendo to even pack in Wii Motion Plus if they decided to re-release the game because it could really serve as a demo for the tech in the same way they used Metroid Prime to show off the Wii remote? Even better, they could put it out during the holiday season alongside the DS's "Spirit Tracks" title, and market them side by side. Just imagine, 2 Zelda games, 2 different platforms, 1 holiday season. Nintendorgasmic!!! LOL
I know this is all just wishful thinking because Nintendo rarely does what would seem logical at times, but its good to hope. With E3 around the corner, you never know what surprises are coming our way, but I do know that Nintendo will try to appease the "core" after last year's lackluster showing. Anyway, just my thoughts...
Friday, May 8, 2009
Epic Fail Vol. 2
.......and the prestigious award goes to none other than Namco Bandai. Why, you may ask? To put it simply, the same company that Nintendo once outsourced to produce a 1st party title (Starfox Assault back on the GCN) has once again slapped us in the face. Not only did they blatantly diss us when they chose to not bring Soulcalibur 3 to the Cube, despite its predecessor selling most on the big N's last gen console, but they are giving the PSP a full fledged fighting game in Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny. How utterly disrespectful. We got Soulcalibur Legends, which based on Metacritic's score, was a critical failure. According to VGChatz, it was also a commercial failure. Problem is, they shouldn't have given us a spin off, but our own fighting game. The Wii was already on its way to being market leader, but this is how they treat us.
Okay, here's my other fear; they'll probably decide to port the PSP game over to Wii. Thing is, its very likely to happen, because many companies do it already. If this does happen, I'll be really upset.
In conclusion...here's a big, humongous, gigantic, gargantuan, middle finger you to the house that Pac Man built, Namco Bandai, for treating Nintendo owners like garbage. I genuinely hope you appreciate being the 2nd recipient of the coveted Epic Fail Award.
Okay, here's my other fear; they'll probably decide to port the PSP game over to Wii. Thing is, its very likely to happen, because many companies do it already. If this does happen, I'll be really upset.
In conclusion...here's a big, humongous, gigantic, gargantuan, middle finger you to the house that Pac Man built, Namco Bandai, for treating Nintendo owners like garbage. I genuinely hope you appreciate being the 2nd recipient of the coveted Epic Fail Award.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Slightly Disappoineted/Moderately Excited
We knew it was coming, but I wish we would have gotten a full game running on the RE4 Wii edition. It is too much to ask to have a game from the main series' cannon on the Wii? Really? Is it? Here's to hoping they give us one before the Wii's life cycle is over. Umbrella Chronicles was cool, but it definitely wasn't my favorite light gun game. Either way...VOILA!!! The new Resident Evil trailer
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
ExciteBOTS Debut Trailer
I loved Excite Truck, but not quite sure how I feel about this one just yet. I'm pretty sure it will be good, but certain things like the soccer ball and bowling pins throw me off a bit. Hopefully it'll be just for mini-games
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
New Guitar Hero
... and I can't wait. I never had the opportunity to play the 1st installment of the series, and it wasn't until earlier this week that I played Guitar Hero 2. So now there's a compilation featuring the best songs from the previous games which can be played by a band. Sometimes it doesn't pay to be a Nintendo loyalist, but at least we have the #1 selling console, so we'll never be neglected again. As long as "My Name Is Jonas", "When We Were Young" and "Miss Murder" make the track list, I'll be happy.
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