Tag Archives: Nintendo of America

Transformers Prime – The Game: Today’s Lesson in Multi-Platform Visuals (Nintendo Version)…

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Ack! It’s a stupidly busy day for me (I’m buried in a few too many games this week), but here’s a quickie post about Transformers Prime – The Game, set to hit the Wii U (and Wii, 3DS and DS) on November 18th. I find it interesting that the visual style skews a bit younger than High Moon’s War for Cybertron and Fall of Cybertron, and it seems a few internet idiots are mistaking this for Nintendo’s new console not having enough power to render a more” realistic” looking game. The Wii U can indeed handle higher texture and model detail just fine. Go peek at more screens and HD movies of the launch lineup to confirm this. I’d gather that as the game was probably started on the Wii, the Wii U version is more likely than not using the same assets and will run in HD where the Wii version won’t.  Thus endeth the lesson – now go play some games!

 

Nintendo’s eShop To Kick Into High Gear Soon…

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For better or worse, Nintendo is finally going whole hog (hopefully, say digital fans demanding the best) on this eShop thing. A quarter says it’s up and running when the Wii U launches next month. It had better be live, given the drubbing the company got when the 3DS launched with an incomplete shop function that left some gamers and journalist types wondering what the heck was going on. I’m betting they’ve learned that hard lesson, as the Wii U is going to need to be on point plus tax with no flaws in the ointment.

3DS XL TV Spots: Nintendo Still Doesn’t Feel My Pain, But They’ll Get My Money…

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I actually love the new 3DS XL because I’m old as the hills and need something I can actually see, so yep, I’ll be getting one of these in a bit. My problem is the same as the one many who still play Game Boy Advance or other older Game Boy games have had since the DSi XL launched a while back. We STILL need to keep an older model small screen DS around (or have a dedicated GBA SP) when we want to play something that has yet to go up in the eShop. Yes, I still have my Game Boy Player attached to my GameCube, but you certainly can’t take that setup on the train.

Granted, the chances of seeing some of the more obscure GBA games I have here pop up as legal downloads are slim to none (and I refuse to be a pirate, arrr!), but hey, I’m in the minority at the end of the day. Compared to the masses who don’t give a hoot because they’re not interested in game history, treat it as easily disposable and move onto new things at a rapid pace, I’m an absolute dinosaur to Nintendo.  Hell, I still say some of us old farts NEED to keep all types of gaming alive for as long as we can…

 

Wii U Launch/Launch Window List: 23 Games on Day 1, Many More To Come…

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OK, here you go: the full list of Wii U launch and launch window games. This is definitely Nintendo’s largest number of first and third party titles for a new home console and as you can see, nearly every popular genre is covered. Retailers here that were taking pre-orders have stopped and from what I saw at at least one site, are now taking orders for January shipments. So, if you were on the fence last week, you’re under that fence now. This holiday season will be an interesting one for sure as Nintendo hits the ground running on November 18 and hopes to keep that momentum going into 2013. I’ll let you know in a bit which ones I’m wanting to add to the library here…

November 18
Call of Duty: Black Ops II – Activision
Skylanders Giants – Activision
Transformers Prime – Activision
Wipeout 3 – Activision
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two – Disney Interactive Studios
FIFA Soccer 13 – Electronic Arts
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Wii U Edition – Namco Bandai Games America
New Super Mario Bros. U – Nintendo
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge – Nintendo
Nintendo Land – Nintendo
Sing Party – Nintendo
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed – Sega
Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper – Tecmo Koei
Darksiders II – THQ
Assassin’s Creed III – Ubisoft
ESPN Sports Connection – Ubisoft
Just Dance 4 – Ubisoft
Rabbids Land – Ubisoft
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013 – Ubisoft
ZombiU – Ubisoft
Scribblenauts Unlimited – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Game Party Champions – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

November
Chasing Aurora – Broken Rules
Cloudberry Kingdom – Pwnee Studios
Madden NFL 13 – Electronic Arts
Trine 2: Director’s Cut – FrozenByte
Mighty Switch Force HD – WayForward
Tank! Tank! Tank! – Namco Bandai Games America
Nano Assault Neo – Shin’en
Little Inferno – Tomorrow Corporation
Toki Tori 2 – Two Tribes

January
Runner2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien – Gaijin Games

Launch Window Releases (Before April 2013)
Funky Barn – 505 Games
NBA 2K13 – 2K Sports
007 Legends – Activision
Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2013 – Activision
Rapala Pro Bass Fishing – Activision
Rise of the Guardians: The Video Game – D3 Publisher
Ben 10 Omniverse – D3 Publisher
Family Party: 30 Great Games: Obstacle Arcade – D3 Publisher
Mass Effect 3 – Electronic Arts
Game & Wario – Nintendo
Lego City: Undercover – Nintendo
Pikmin 3 – Nintendo
Wii Fit U – Nintendo
The Wonderful 101 – Nintendo
Aliens: Colonial Marines – Sega
Jeopardy! – THQ
Wheel of Fortune – THQ
Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth – Ubisoft
Rayman Legends – Ubisoft

Source: Gamesindustry.biz

Kirby at 20: Still Round, Pink and Making Us All Smile…

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I’d say I identify with Kirby more than I do with Mario and his crew just because he’s such an outsider that manages to be the life of the party every time. Yeah, yeah, Mario gets to rescue Peach, beat up on Bowser and wonder why his lazy brother Luigi gets his own games from time to time. Kirby has pretty much stayed the same for two decades, Cute, strong and always smiling through even the worst of times. Happy Birthday, Buddy!

 

 

Oh yeah, never call Kirby fat or anything like that. He hates that a lot. Especially when he’s called crap like “big-boned, as he has none inside him (or so I hear). FYI, the last person who called him a “chubster” got inhaled and spat out a mile away with their tongue tied up in a double knot. Kirby might be cool and fun, but don’t get on his nerves.

 

 

And yes, you should buy him a present or else. Kirby loves presents. Or just buy his game instead, as he knows when that happens because Reggie gives him some spending money. Kirby likes spending money, too.

The Last Story: Great Game, But That Deluxe Packaging Is A Pain

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So, the copy of The Last Story I recently ordered finally arrived today and while I’m pleased as punch about this (the game is running in the background as I type this post), whomever designed the outer sleeve for the otherwise wonderful game packaging needs a spanking or something. The “book” design of the slipcase that protects the game and lovely art book gets an “A” overall, but after than, it’s a bit goofy.

I understand that yes, the “book” should open like a book, but that outer cover protective flap thing? Er, what the what are gamers supposed to DO with it once they open the package? It’s not going to fit inside the box, the two front flaps on the blasted thing stick up like gull-wing doors on a DeLorean and storing it like a book on a bookshelf is a bit of a lame idea (especially if you don’t have a proper bookshelf or like me, your bookshelf is packed to the gills with other games). Hmmm… maybe I should design a case for the case? Eh, not enough time, nor enough patience to fiddle with constructing something like that. Oh well – off to see if this Story is as great as it looks. I like Mistwalker’s games, so I intend to be suitably impressed when it’s necessary.  Back in a bit…

Control Issues: Where The Wii U Could Really Slip Up At Launch…

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No, I’m not talking about how well the new GamePad works or anything similar. I’m talking about the fact that Nintendo (of America, at least) isn’t releasing that innovative new controller as a standalone purchase on the same day as their new console. Wait, what? Yes, indeed… and I think this is some sort of wacky first for a new console launch.

Of course, a bit of official spin cycle counterpoint makes it all better, right?  Well, in my opinion… not really.  On the very different (but related) subject of why there weren’t dual controller games at the NYC press event and aren’t going to be additional GamePads on store shelves at launch, Nintendo of America President and CEO Reggie Fils-Amie noted in a great GamesIndustry.biz interview published yesterday:

 

” The reason you don’t see games with two GamePads [at this event] is the technical ability to make two GamePads work was delivered to publishers after they started this current round of development. So you’ll see those two GamePad experiences at a later date; when those games are coming, that’s when we’ll make a separate GamePad available.

 

Look at it this way: when we’re preparing for launch, I need to make consoles and I need to make GamePads, and I need to put them together in a box to sell at retail. And if I’m using my inventory assembling GamePads that don’t support any games in the marketplace, all I’m doing is reducing my available inventory to sell on launch day.”

 

Really? Argh. You had me at hello, Reggie (yep, I’ve already pre-ordered a Wii U). But then you hit me on the head and tried to toss me in the trunk after taking my wallet. Ouch. That’s not how it’s supposed to work with a new console – particularly one that’s so important and innovative…

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Nintendo Wii U Preview Event: About An Hour of Playing With Power

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In case you missed it earlier, here you go, the press event in its entirety. Pull up a seat, put on that gamer grin and check out all the new software and services coming your way through the Wii U. There’s a lot of stuff left unanswered on a few fronts, but I’m betting even the nayest of the naysayers will be silenced as all is revealed over time. The only thing that concerns me is I understand that new touch screen GamePad won’t be sold separately. This means that Nintendo is eating a LOT of that cost for the console and yes, you’d better be REALLY careful with that new controller….

Update! Wii U Launch/Launch Window Release List

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Amusingly enough, no sooner than I post that Wii U article below, I get an email with a complete launch/launch window listing. For those not swimming in gaming lingo, the term “launch window” is a rather broad one that includes games on the way within a few months of a console’s release. In this case, the Wii U launch window is defined as the period beginning Nov. 18, 2012, and ending March 31, 2013. Also note that this list doesn’t include a few titles shows as just in development (Bayonetta, for example).

Got it? Good! Now onto the GAMES!  Er, List! Games list that is. As in, it’s below the jump.

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Wii U on the Way. November 18 Is the Day.

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Let’s keep it simple: The Wii U is coming. North American launch date: November 18 (Europe, you’re up November 30). Two different models: $299 for a Basic white system: a console with 8GB of memory, one GamePad, AC adapter, sensor bar, and HDMI Cable. $349 nets you a black console with all of the above, but 32GB of memory, a copy of Nintendo Land and to push digital a bit more, a promotion that allows buyers of the more expensive system access to a rebate system for purchases made online. Guess which one I’m recommending. Bet on black, kids. YES, the console is indeed backward compatible with current Wii titles (but forget about GameCube functionality, something missing since the Wii was streamlined into its current incarnation). WIll the console support standard RCA jacks for those who still aren’t set up for HD? Probably, but I’d imagine you’d want to poke around Nintendo’s site to double check (use the first link above, of course)

There’s also TVii, a function I personally will never use, but one Nintendo is targeting at those millions of more connected users and consumers who love watching their favorite shows in a more social manner (I call it “Distracted Viewing” but hey, people seem to love doing this, sooo…):

Anyway, there will be a raft of games on the way from the launch onward, notably some amazing exclusives as well as titles Nintendo-only fans will be thrilled to see- but those (well, SOME of them) are below the jump…

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