Monday, June 30, 2008

WiiWare/Virtual Console Releases 6/30/08

Today Nintendo releases their third game on the WiiWare service, though I don't know how many people have actually heard of it. And the NEOGEO receives a gem in Fatal Fury today(though is it really worth it right now??)...
My comments in red.

Magnetica™ Twist (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points): The classic puzzle game Magnetica is now available on WiiWare , putting its own unique "twist" on the puzzle-game experience. You're surrounded by marbles, marching slowly but surely down a track. Use a launcher (piloted by a Mii™ of your choice) to shoot marbles with matching colors and wipe them out before they reach the end of the track. Control couldn't be simpler, as all you need to do is twist the Wii Remote™ controller to aim and press the A button to shoot. And the game play remains as addictive and deep as you've come to expect in Nintendo's puzzle games, with five varied play modes, advanced mechanics such as the ability to lob marbles, and a never-ending supply of combos. This definitely isn't your typical game of marbles.
Nintendo's third WiiWare game, no big names like Mario or Pokemon here though, just simple Mii puzzling. Thing is, you can play games that are very similar on the internet for free(also a good way to demo the game and see if the genre is for you), and I don't know what this could add to make it worth $10, I suppose the game will have a lot of levels, and the free versions don't have any multiplayer. So if you are in need of a puzzle game, or love this genre and want to play it with friends then Magnetica is probably for you, otherwise...stay away.
Status-Not Purchasing

FATAL FURY 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen-Animated Blood, Violence, 900 Wii Points): Released in 1992 by SNK, FATAL FURY 2 is the second installment in the renowned fighting-game series. In addition to Terry, Andy and Joe, who appeared in the original game, another five distinctive fighters gather from around the world to compete for the championship title. Also newly added are stage-specific hazards and the ability to perform desperation attacks when a character's strength is low. These particularly deadly techniques create the chance for a come-from-behind victory achieved with a single strike. Moreover, the innovative two-line battle, which proved popular in the previous version, also has been radically enhanced. Pressing the weak-attack and strong-attack buttons simultaneously enables players to move their fighters to another line themselves, or to launch an attack that pushes opponents back to another line. This game mechanic, unique to this title in the series, allows the player to take advantage of the depth of the screen and create even more exciting bouts. Can you prove yourself the king of fighters again?
Now this is a good game, a really good game. Thing about this one though, is that a $20 compilation of this, and a few other games is coming out later this year.
So unless you know that this is the only game in the compilation you want, or you just absolutely have to have it today. I suggest waiting for the compilation later this year.

Status-Not Purchasing(Yet)

The first Final Fantasy Chrystal Chronicles Downloadable Content will be released today(the first since the game was released). I have heard that they only thing they are adding today are new costumes, but others have said we are getting some form of shrines or buildings. Just have to wait and see I guess.

These games will be releases Monday June 30, 2008 at 9:00 PCT.

Enjoy!

Friday, June 27, 2008

Arc Rise Fantasia Announced For Wii

A new RPG, Megaman 9 and Castlevania all on the same day...man this is awesome.


There are very few RPGs on the Wii, and very few coming. Hopefully this will change after other developers see Arc Rise Fantasia, because it looks stellar.

The developement team consists of these men:
Producer (MMV): Hideyuki Mizutani
Development Producer (Image Epoch): Ryoei Mikage
Director (Image Epoch): Hiroyuki Kanemaru
Scenario: Takumi Miyajima
Composition/Music Director: Yasunori Mitsuda
Main Character Original Design: Kenichi Yoshida (I hear he is Eureka 7 guy?)
Roguresu Design: Shin Nagasawa

Other then that the games info is sparse, we know it is a traditional RPG, the character party size will be 3 and there will be a meter for the entire parties attacks.
There are also a bunch of scans/pictures of the game. I'll post the pictures first.

Sorry for the small size!

Now the scans, they are to big to post so here are links.

Other then some slightly jagged textures, the game looks good. The cinematic cutscenes look spectacular and the characters look cool. That castle in the first picture has me intrigued as well.

Hopefully this makes it to the states.

Wii Gets Castlevania:Judgement

Nintendo Power has got some really good news nowadays...shocking really for a magazine to actually have new info before it is leaked to the internet. Great job over there.



Anyways, you heard correctly, the Wii is getting a Castlevania game of it's own, only problem is(at least for everyone else, I like the idea) its a fighting game.
No 2d side scrolling, no adventuring at all, just a fighting game.

Nintendo Power has some little snippets of info, including some of the playable characters.

  • Characters Confirmed as of now: Dracula, Simon, Alucard, Shanoa, and Maria Renard
  • The game will feature classic Castelvania tunes, remixed and original
  • Characters movement controlled with the Nunchuk, and attacks with the Wiimote(no waggle please!)
  • Maria is unlocked via the Wii-DS connection(turns out that menu screen was right)
  • WFC will be used
  • Takeshi Obata (Death Note guy) will be doing the character models

Everyone seems to hate this game already, but I really don't see the problem. Graphics/developers/premise is good, and if they can manage the controls we will have a good fighting game on our hands.

Don't hate it just yet!

Thanks to Gonintendo for the picture!

Nintendo Power 20th Anniversary Secret

Nintendo Power has another secret game, that they will be revealing in their next issue(20th Anniversary Issue).

First off, the riddle that came from the recent magazine, read it and think of the first game that comes to mind.

"We're kicking off the next 20 years of Nintendo Power with more big reveals, including a top-secret cover story fit for a king. Its got a lot of heart. Just kidding. Its Mother 3. Just kidding. Please look forward to it." -Nintendo Power

My guess would be Kingdom Hearts 3 or Little Kings Story(doubtful though).
I chose Kingdom Hearts because of...
"Its got a lot of heart."
"fit for a king"
"its Mother 3"

The 3 might be a stretch, but I really doubt they would joke about Mother 3 without having a purpose for it, the king could stand for Kingdom or for Mickey(king) and the heart should be self-explanitory.

What are your guesses? Kingdom Hearts 3? Little Kings Story? Me overthinking?
Stay tuned.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Megaman 9 Revealed For WiiWare

I wish these companies would hold their announcements for E3, makes E3 that much better.

Anyway, today Capcom has announced that they are reviving the real Megaman games(not the new stuff they have been making), so Megaman 9 will be coming to WiiWare sometime this year.
We get one little image from Nintendo Power, the game has gone back to the classic NES roots, which should allow them to make the game however they want(and they shouldn't have any trouble with framerates and other graphic issues).

Along with that we get a ton of little snippets about the game, including the robot masters.
ROBOT MASTERS:
Magma Man
Galaxy Man
Jewel Man
Concrete Man
Hornet Man
Plug Man
Tornado Man
Splash Woman(that's new...)
A few other little snippets include:

  • 8-bit style was chosen to please fans (I am pleased!)
  • Dr. Wily returns
  • They hope to surpass the quality of MM2 (I hope...)
  • Rush returns
  • Difficulty will be on par with the NES games
  • Development handled by Inti Creates

It all sounds good, and considering we will be getting it for a budget price(highest on WiiWare right now is $15) we have something really good to look forward to later this year.

Great job Capcom, great job.

Monday, June 23, 2008

WiiWare Releases 6/23/08

We get one game this week, but it looks to be a great one, and for a good price.
My comments in red.

Gyrostarr(High Voltage Software, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Fantasy Violence, 700 Wii Points): Gyrostarr challenges you and up to three additional players to pilot your ships through a series of twisting, turning technoplasma tracks while battling a variety of deadly alien foes at ever-increasing speeds. While fighting and maneuvering, you must collect enough energy to activate the ancient warpgate at the end of each track. Succeed, and you can journey to the next, even deadlier track. Fail, and the gate will slam shut, destroying your ship. Enhance your ship with weapon pickups, coordinate attacks with your friends to fire powerful combined blasts and use your grapple to snag energy and pickups in the midst of combat. Control your ship with the Wii Remote™ controller, Nunchuk™ controller or Classic Controller™, or use the "paired" control system that allows two players to use a connected Wii Remote and Nunchuk or Classic Controller at the same time. Offering 50 levels of intense action, powerful pickups, high-speed bonus levels and mayhem for up to four players, Gyrostarr is a killer arcade challenge.
I love these types of games, and 4 player action is a great feature. The part about collecting energy sounds slightly annoying when all you really want to do is blow things up, but I'm sure it will be incorporated well.
Status-Purchasing

The Virtual Console will also recieve a good game today in Alex Kidd In Miracle World(yay!).
It also recieves Burning Fight, which I have heard is a horrible value for what you get.


These games will be released Monday June 23 at 9:00 PCT.
Enjoy!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Poll Closed: Results

Results for the poll "Which Console Has The Best Exclusives This Year?"

PS3-14
Wii-68(Winner)
Xbox360-21
PC-2
DS-4
PSP-0(Ouch!)

Im surprised that only two people voted for the PC(myself and one other guy). Wii was definetly my second choice though.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Wii System Update 3.3 Released

Nintendo is busy today! First the data features for the Nintendo Channel and a quick Dr. Mario RX update, and now the Wii gets Update 3.3.

Update 3.3 doesn't seem to do much, it allows you to place Miis in your Mii Parade(Miis that you made), this is a good storage solution for those that have filled up the Mii Plaza and don't want to delete the Miis forever. Now they can march around for the rest of their days!

I am also recieving reports that this update sets up something that will(in another update or two) render Freeloader and Trucha useless.
If you use either of those products(or any other homebrew) then I suggest that you wait a few more days before you update, at least until we know that it is safe.

Update 7:51- Twilight Hack is dead.
Update 8:35- Homebrew Channel is safe for now, it works after the update.

Nintendo Channel Update: Data Galore!

The Nintendo Channel recieves some love from Nintendo today, as they have released an update for the channel, allowing you to view the compiled lists of data(reccommend a title if you wish to contribute to this).
Here is a step-by-step process on how to view the data, and how to submit it...

How To Submit Data To Nintendo Channel:
This has always been there, but now that we know it actually gets used its a good idea to fill it out when you have some spare time.

  1. Log on to Wii and choose the Nintendo Channel.
  2. Wait for the channel to load and hit "To The Video List"
  3. Then hit "Find Titles For You" on the top of this screen.
  4. This should bring you to a 5 category menu. Choose the 4th option.
  5. Choose the title you wish to submit data for. A lot of titles don't appear on here for whatever reason, I noticed that everything from Nintendo is on here, along with a select few third party titles.
  6. After choosing the title you want to submit for continue on answering questions(there's about 5 in all), after thats done you can submit the data and carry on, the data will be added into the "Data Pool" and will affect the results on the games page.

How To Find The Data:

To find data from everyone who has submitted for a game head back to that drop down menu with the 5 categories.

  1. Hit either the 2nd or 3rd option. I will be using the 3rd option today.
  2. Type in the name of the title you want to find, or a part of the title. I will be searching Super Smash Bros.
  3. Find the title you want.
  4. Once on the games page scroll down until you see "What People Are Saying", it should be a small area with 3 pie charts and a "Filter Results" button. Look through the pie charts and check out what other people have been saying about the game. Did you match what the majority said? You can then filter the results between what men and women said.
  5. Scoll down just a little more to see some fun information, "Time Spent Playing/Times Played". This is a fun little area that compiles all the hours that people have played a game and how many times they have played it. For SSBB it's over 25 1/2 million hours of playtime...thats a lot! With almost 10 million times played.
    Below those two are the averages per person, another interesting tidbit.

So there you have it, the Nintendo Channel is now a data collection box, and the results are a fun little way to see what other people are playing and if a game would be good for you. Nice job with this Nintendo.

New The Conduit Screenshots

Some new screenshots from the recently announced Wii FPS "The Conduit". Even though the developers track record is weak this game "looks" really good, I still need to see more gameplay before I go all ga-ga over it.

Screens:

New Little Kings Story Screenshots

Some new screenshots showing off Little Kings Story have emerged, the gameplay looks the same and the graphics don't look like they have taken a very big leap since we last saw them, but overall it looks like just as much fun as it did.

Screens:

WiiWare/Virtual Console Releases 6/16/08

We get two new games on WiiWare this week, but I can't vouch for the quality of them.
My comments in red.

Block Breaker Deluxe™(Gameloft, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Suggestive Themes, 800 Wii Points): Prepare for the frenzy of the coolest block-breaker game ever.Block Breaker Deluxeis a reinvention of the cIassic arcade brick-breaker game with a trendy graphical styIe fun atmosphere and an exclusive multiplayer mode. Lively characters and amazing graphics provide distinctive settings of the jet-set nightlife, including a cool bar, dance club, casino and more. Special bricks, multiple bonuses, secret weapons, paddle size options and ball-speed variations make this fascinating game even more challenging. TheBlock Breaker Deluxerage has arrived.
I have never heard of this game, but it looks incredibly boring. I'm going to have to pass until I get some reviews.
Status- Not Purchasing
Cocoto Fishing Master(Neko Entertainment, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 700 Wii Points): Welcome to the adventures of Cocoto, Fishing Master. Get ready for a completely new experience on Wii. Play the role of Cocoto and travel the world to find five millennial fish. Only they can stop the magic cauldron from overflowing with lava and prevent the world from being destroyed. Thanks toCocoto Fishing Masterfor Wii, fishing has never been such fun. Use the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™ controllers like a real fishing rod to catch more than 30 different fish. Discover five enchanted lakes in five different worlds from Cocoto's universe. Confront gigantic bosses to collect each fragment of the statuette that will allow you to wake the great god Geo from his slumber. Meet Cocoto's friends, sell your fish to Baggy and buy new fishing equipment from Neuro's shop.
Fishing games tend to annoy me, and this will be no different. A good game if you are looking for a cheap fishing game and don't want to shell out the extra cash for a Wii game.
Status- Not Purchasing

And the VC will see one release this week, but it's a real good one.

SAMURAI SHODOWN(NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen-Animated Blood, Crude Humor, Violence, 900 Wii Points): This first entry in the extremely popular and revolutionary fighting-game series was released in 1993. Choose from 12 swordsmen with highly individualistic characteristics and fight furiously, ultimately confronting the evil Amakusa Shiro Tokisada. Each character wields his or her own specific weapon, but you must be careful not to lose it during the heat of battle. Some of the fighters also bring an animal companion into the fray, offering a unique aspect to the quick-paced action. Another significant feature of the game is the anger gauge, which indicates the level of anger felt by each of the combatants as they suffer repeated injuries. If the anger reaches its maximum level, the attacking ability of the character increases, leading to even more intense confrontations. Through it all, the refined camera system smoothly zooms in and out of the playing field, presenting the frenzy of the battle while showcasing the lively background (watch as the referee scores hits). Awaken the samurai spirit within and get ready for a new kind of fight.
One of the best 2D fighters I have ever played, easily worth $20 for me.
Status- Definetly Purchasing

So we get an ok week this week, these games will be released on Monday June 16 at 9:00 PCT.
Enjoy!

Monday, June 9, 2008

WiiWare Releases 6/09/08

Today we get just one WiiWare release, Pokemon Ranch. This will be Nintendos second offering on the WiiWare service, but will it be anywhere near as good as Dr. Mario RX? Let's see.
My comments in red.

My Pokémon Ranch (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points): The Pokémon phenomenon debuts on WiiWare with My Pokémon Ranch, a game that lets you watch as Pokémon and Miis interact with each other for the first time. Enjoy the relaxing ranch life by viewing your ranch and its Pokémon, taking pictures and sending those pictures to your friends via the Wii Message Board. The more Pokémon and Miis you bring to your ranch, the more fun it becomes. My Pokémon Ranch can be linked with the Nintendo DS Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl Game Cards to deposit the Pokémon you’ve caught in these games in your ranch. You can deposit a maximum of 1,000 Pokémon from up to eight different game cards. Make your ranch livelier by playing with your friends and family.
This game looks fun, but it also looks like a horrible value for what you get. The best thing about it is that you can get a rare Pokemon if you do enough. And for those that breed Pokemon it is just like a smaller Pokemon Box(and cheaper). It could be fun for the people who like the cute factor of it, it looks really cute, and seeing your Pokemon play with each other will be fun.
But is all that really worth $10? I'm not sure myself, but if you want any of the features I just listed(and you have Pokemon Diamond and Pearl) then I think you will enjoy yourself with Pokemon Ranch.
Status- Undecided

The Virtual Console will also see two imports this week(though sadly, neither has Fire Emblem in the name), these games are.
Dig Dug, made by Namco for the arcade game. This will cost 600 Wii Points.
The other game is Bio Miracle Bokutte Upo made by Konami for the Famicon Disk System, it was later ported to the regualar Famicon. This is the disk version.

These games will be released on Monday June 9 at 9:00 PCT. They will be available for download from the Wii Shop Channel.

Enjoy!

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Tenchu IV: First Screens

First screenshots of Tenchu IV for the Wii. We get a couple of pictures of the main characters, some stealth gameplay screens and some screens of him fighting a guard. Looks good so far if you ask me.

Screens:

More Rune Factory Screenshots

A few more screenshots have popped up, along with a Rune Factory: Frontier website(though it's all in Japanese, and pretty barren, at the moment).

Flying whales with cities on their backs? Awesome.
Screens:
Looks good so far, characters look interesting, graphics look nice and the city is pretty. Hopefully this turns out as good as it looks.

Poll Closed: Results

The poll has closed, and thanks to everyone who voted in it, and helped to decide the favorite controller of the Frog Chat community.

Here are the results:

  • Wiimote- 6(Winner)
  • Sixaxis- 0 (Ouch)
  • Xbox 360 Controller- 3
  • Keyboard And Mouse- 2
  • Other- 0

Wiimote wins, but not nearly as convincingly as before. Will the next poll allow one of the other consoles to win? Stay tuned to find out.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Rune Factory: Frontier First Screens

Rune Factory/Harvest Moon fans have something to look forward to now, as a Rune Factory for Wii has recieved its first screenshots.
Apparently, the game was already announced, but this is new info for me, as I just learned about this game a few hours ago. And while I have never played a Rune Factory game I must say, this looks really cool, I hope it turns out nicely.








Tenchu 4 Announced For Wii!

Bit of good news here, Tenchu 4 is coming exclusively to the Wii, and guess who will be developing it? That's right, the original developers, Acquire, are returning for Tenchu 4(they weren't around for Tenchu Z, and look what happened).

Details for the game are sparse at the moment, but a video has popped up over at Gametrailers, and some screens have appeared in various places, but so far the game looks really good, and having Acquire back should help.
Ubisoft is set to publish this game. I suggest everyone keep an eye on this, it could turn out stellar.

Trailer- http://www.gametrailers.com/player/34901.html

Monday, June 2, 2008

WiiWare Releases 6/02/08

Today we get another two games on WiiWare, one is a sequel to a very good game from way back. And the other is a remake of an old PC game.

My comments in red.
Protöthea (UbiSoft, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Protöthea is a top-down scrolling shooter game with free movement that puts players in complete control of a last-generation spaceship. The mission is to destroy the asteroid called Maqno 01 and finish with the plans of The Core. UbiSoft’s Protöthea introduces new concepts to a beloved, classic game style while mixing genres and utilizing the full capabilities of the Wii console, from graphics to controls. Players of all ages and experience levels will enjoy taking command of their ship, blasting through four different worlds in 10 challenging missions. Use your weapons arsenal and the special bonus items to help you accomplish your mission, and don’t forget to slow down time and take an edge over the enemy.
It seems like a decent game, but for a simple remake $10 looks to be pushing it. And with Gyrostarr coming out any day now I don't know what the draw for this will be in just a few short weeks. But if you are starved for a top-down shooter then I suppose you can shell out the money for this. I don't think I willl.
Status- Not Purchasing

Toki Tori (Two Tribes, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Toki Tori is his name, and collecting eggs is his game. In this puzzle/platform game, players use a variety of items such as the Telewarp, InstantRock and Slug Sucker. Clever use and combination of these items are needed to solve all the game’s levels, of which there are more than 70. Levels range from easy to brain-teasingly hard, resulting in dozens of hours of puzzle play time. Toki Tori makes the most of what Wii has to offer. It uses the Wii Remote for a unique control scheme, which offers players a new and more relaxing play style. A second player can help you out by drawing hints while you are playing. The game even uses the Wii Message Board in a unique way.
Toki Tori, that little guy brings back some memories. I didn't play the games a ton, but I did log enough time to relize that I enjoy them. With more then 70 levels the game should last you long enough to warrant the $10 purchase. I also want to see how they use the Wiimote, and the message board. Looks to be a well made game, with some nice little features.
Status- Purchasing

These games will be released at 9:00 PCT on Monday June 08, 2008.
Enjoy!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Wario Land: Shake Details Emerge

A scan shows us a first glimpse of the game, and luckily it's a platformer in 2D like the older Wario Land games.

The Wario Land series has been a stellar one, each of the four games were worth owning at the time of their release.
I would expect this game to release late in 2008 for the United States, as Japan is slated to get this game in just a few weeks.






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