Nintendo Network Revealed For 3DS and Wii U: No Microtransactions Planned

Posted on January 27, 2012 by geelw

Nintendo had a pretty rough fiscal 2011, but this year, the company is determined to be a monster in the games world once again. In his lengthy financial briefing, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata discussed numerous topics that ranged from worldwide sales figures to the possibility of the 3DS going up in price at some point, to the introduction of the new and improved Nintendo Network. Iwata takes a guided shot directly at casual games that use micro-transactions to generate revenue in the report and makes what I think are some truly valid points that I hope gain traction in an industry where profit keeps stepping all over common sense.

Even if you’re not a Nintendo fan, the report is ABSOLUTELY worth a read and discussion, as it shows the company is focused on not only being more in step with the current digital era, it’s also focusing on how to bring more of its user base aboard while still keeping a retail presence that matters. Anyway, go grab a cuppa and have a seat, as the entire briefing is five pages long, packed with informative charts, graphs and some great info about the company’s past, present and future titles plus plans for this year and beyond.

DiRT Showdown Update: “Nevada 8-Ball” Gameplay Trailer Shows Off The Bash & Crash

Posted on January 27, 2012 by geelw

Funny. Just as I was restoring the post with the announcement trailer to Codemasters’ upcoming hybrid racer, I see that a new trailer has been posted, so here you go. This new (and extremely impressive) in-progress demolition derby footage reminds me a bit of Monster Games VASTLY underrated PlayStation 2 and Xbox title, Test Drive: Eve of Destruction. Granted, the amazing EGO-engine wasn’t around back then and that game didn’t have any actual drivers nor some of today’s top US rally racers doing donuts and taking risky driving to all new heights (pun intended). Anyway, I predict this one will be the biggest DiRT to date. One suggestion, though – PLEASE offer the option to turn OFF any and all video upload prompts when offline! They were a big pain in DiRT 3 for solo players (like me) who were trying to concentrate on winning a stretch of tough races and didn’t need the constant prodding for a feature we had no plans to use.

Luc Besson’s LOCKOUT: Sega (Circa 2000) Would Surely Be Proud…

Posted on January 27, 2012 by geelw

That’s a compliment by the way. No matter if they’re good, bad or somewhere in between, Besson’s films are always interesting to watch thanks to some excellent action scenes and fun casting choices. The plot to this upcoming sci-fi action film 9Which Besson wrote and produced) reminds me of a cross between John Carpenter’s Escape from New York, Besson’s own District B13 and Sega’s arcade hit, Dynamite Deka. That said, I don’t expect any sort of licensed video game tie-in at all. Granted, if this flick was made a decade or so ago, I’d bet we’d be seeing a game version pop up on the Dreamcast or PS2, Xbox and GameCube as a story-based beat ’em up/action game with the usual collection elements added for good measure. As the film is set for an April 20, 2012 release, don’t expect anything playable to pop up unless it’s some social or mobile/tablet game cobbled together quickly as a cash-in.

Armored Core V Walkthrough: From Keeps It Familiar (& Doesn’t Breed Contempt)

Posted on January 27, 2012 by geelw

Nice new visuals aside (go, From!), there’s just something supremely “old school” about this Armored Core V gameplay footage that made me think a bit of all the fun I had with the original game and its sequels back on the PlayStation. Granted, AC V’s more multiplayer-centric approach will make this latest entry a big draw for those who like their mechs going at it in team-based combat. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there’s enough of a single player campaign included for those of us who want to dive in and not have to deal with folks who make you want to throw a shoe (and a controller) at your TV…

Minor Update, Plus Some Advice For Nintendo…

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Still plugging away on the old post reformatting/restoration project, so bear with me for a bit if you decide to poke around the older stuff on the blog. My advice to Nintendo, who reported some major losses and expects more this year leading up to the Wii U launch: ASK your consumers what they want. Don’t just DO stuff and expect them all to jump aboard. That may help a bit, as believe it or not, new tech aside, some people just hate too many surprises or huge changes. Granted, it stinks to be a total stick in the mud diehard, but those are the folks you need to guide into your brave new world…

Capcom Reveals Surprising Exclusive Characters For PS3/Vita Street Fighter X Tekken

Posted on January 27, 2012 by geelw

Capcom has a really great sense of humor, that’s for sure… but I’ll bet real money a lot of Mega Man fans’ heads are exploding big time. The blue bomber is indeed a playable character in the upcoming Street Fighter X Tekken, but it’s the Bad Box Art version instead of the more familiar MM. Color me supremely tickled at this. Also amusing, seeing Sony’s Toro and Kuro (characters from a series of cute games never released in the US) and Pac-Man (!), who’s probably the biggest surprise of them all. Then again, now that I think about it, Klonoa should have been in the game as well as Tomba just to show some classic PlayStation love. Oh well, there’s always DLC or some sort of updated version down the road. Or heck, Tekken X Street Fighter, Namco’s companion piece to SF X T that’s still in development…

L’Arc-en-Ciel Celebrates 20th Anniversary With World Tour

Posted on January 27, 2012 by geelw

OK, I’ll admit it, I’m not much of a fan, but I know people who love these guys to death and beyond. Besides, I’m not one to disparage anybody’s musical tastes, so here you go. Plus, some big press release news for you below the jump! Amusingly enough, I have the chance to send some interview questions to the band, but I can’t think of anything to offer other than big congratulations on being around for so long.