On Tuesday morning, Nintendo began what was probably the worst E3 press conference in the history of the show. What began as a simple showing of their latest hardware quickly became an embarrassment for all parties involved. And the lack of any hardcore games at the show led to the realization that Nintendo is starting to care less and less about their hardcore fanbase.
The press conference started out relatively normal, although the introduction of Cammie Dunaway as Nintendo's new Marketing Director was anything but pleasant. Her nasal voice and odd skiing story were painful to listen to, and immediately turned viewers attention elsewhere.
The first game shown was a new snowboarding game that takes advantage of the Wii Balance Board, proving my theory that the Balance board is only good for WiiFit and ski games. Profesional snowboarder Sean White was there to show off the game, which uses his namesake. We watched in horror as his character plummeted helplessly down the slope, and as White tried desperately to show some control over his character. Then Cammie took a turn, showing just how bad the controls of the game really are.
And that set the tone of the entire conference. After bragging about how much money they have made, Nintendo revealed Animal Crossing: City Folk. While it was good to finally hear some news about this long awaited sequel, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed by how similar this game is to the other games in the series. Sure, the new City is a nice touch, but I for one would much rather see something ambitious on Nintendo's end.
We also got word of WiiSpeak, Nintendo's new online voice chat service. The microphone is said to be a "community microphone" that sits on top of the Sensor Bar, allowing multiple people in the same room to talk at once. As much as I have hoped to see voice chat on the Wii, Nintendo is far behind in online gaming and they still have a long way to go before they are anywhere close to Xbox Live or PSN.
And then there's the atrocity that is WiiMusic. Miyamoto calls WiiMusic "more than a video game" but I disagree. Pressing buttons on the Wii Remote and "pretending that you are playing an instrument" is the single worst concept of a game that I have ever heard. Why even bother with this game when you can simply hold a paper towel tube in front of your face and get the same experience? The demo of this game did nothing to change my mind, either. Their terrible interpretation of the Mario theme made me cringe, and M. Night Shyamalan's abysmal drum solo made me lose any interest I had left in the game.
Oh, and Cammie quickly mentioned a GTA for the DS. When Cammie spends a mere 10 seconds on the best revelation of their conference, you know that there is something wrong with the way things are planned out.
Overall it was a bad year for gamers at this E3, but Nintendo fans definitely have the least to look forward to. However, Animal Crossing will still be the same amount of fun as previous versions, and at the very least we still have The Conduit to keep out attention. In retrospect, I wish Cammie would have injured more than just her wrist on her ski vacation.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
No First-Party Releases for the Wii in June
Nintendo has always been about the first-party licenses. Since the release of the Nintendo Wii in November 2006, there has been at least one Nintendo-published title released each month. This is probably due to the embarrassing third party support on the Nintendo Gamecube, where there was basically no support from any company other than Nintendo. But this month Nintendo is not releasing any games, and is hoping to bank on third party games.
This shouldn't be a problem from the DS. There have been plenty of outstanding third party games released on the handheld, and June shouldn't disappoint. Guitar Hero: On Tour is looking to be a huge seller on the DS, and the system will no doubt still sell like hotcakes.
But the Wii may be in a bit of trouble. Let's face it: Third party support on the Wii hasn't been very great. I was looking at a list of best selling DS games the other day, and there is only one game in the top 10 that was not published by Nintendo. And that game still has Mario in it (Mario and Sonic at the Olympics). It's almost pitiful, if you think about it.
But Nintendo is banking on success of games like Rock Band, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, and LEGO Indiana Jones. While it's true that all three are looking to sell well, it is still in question whether or not they will sell enough to make up for the lack of a Nintendo game.
Nintendo has released enough noteworthy games for awhile, with big names such as Brawl, Mario Kart Wii, and Wii Fitness still on everyone's minds. However, it's still a bit odd that Nintendo changed their marketing strategy so suddenly. I'm assuming it is because the Wii and DS are selling so well, and they don't really need to have huge titles every month. Which is good in a sense, because Nintendo deserves a break. But if this month does not go well, you can be sure that they will never go another month without releasing a first-party title.
This shouldn't be a problem from the DS. There have been plenty of outstanding third party games released on the handheld, and June shouldn't disappoint. Guitar Hero: On Tour is looking to be a huge seller on the DS, and the system will no doubt still sell like hotcakes.
But the Wii may be in a bit of trouble. Let's face it: Third party support on the Wii hasn't been very great. I was looking at a list of best selling DS games the other day, and there is only one game in the top 10 that was not published by Nintendo. And that game still has Mario in it (Mario and Sonic at the Olympics). It's almost pitiful, if you think about it.
But Nintendo is banking on success of games like Rock Band, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, and LEGO Indiana Jones. While it's true that all three are looking to sell well, it is still in question whether or not they will sell enough to make up for the lack of a Nintendo game.
Nintendo has released enough noteworthy games for awhile, with big names such as Brawl, Mario Kart Wii, and Wii Fitness still on everyone's minds. However, it's still a bit odd that Nintendo changed their marketing strategy so suddenly. I'm assuming it is because the Wii and DS are selling so well, and they don't really need to have huge titles every month. Which is good in a sense, because Nintendo deserves a break. But if this month does not go well, you can be sure that they will never go another month without releasing a first-party title.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Favorite RPGs of All Time
Before I begin, let me tell you that I haven't always been a fan of RPGs.
I guess it started way back in 2003, when my family acquired a Playstation 2. I immediately ran out and bought Final Fantasy X, basing my opinions of the game solely off of the awesome graphics that I saw in the commercial. I bought the game so quick after obtaining the PS2 that I did even have a memory card. This led to me replaying the first part of the game twenty times. What made it even worse were the incredibly long cutscenes, taking 30 minutes before I could even move.
But even after that agonizing wait, I still found the game to be incredibly enjoyable, and it is still one of my favorite games of all time. Every time I pop it in I fall in love with the characters as they search for Sin, and I am in constant awe of the gorgeous graphics throughout.
But on to the real topic of this entry. Today I will be talking about my top 5 favorite RPGs of all time. This is a response to this list, where he lists his top 5 games without any kind of nostalgia. What he means by that is, he won't list games that are not good by today's standards. Ironically, the first game on his list was Super Mario RPG. The game is incredible, don't get me wrong, but it seems he's made an exception to the "nostalgia" rule, or else he played the game very recently.
In order for my list to be as honest as possible, my list will include my favorite RPGs from any time, whether it be pure nostalgia or not. It wouldn't be right if I had to only choose games that I've played very recently, because those may not be my favorites. So anyway, here is the list:
5. Quest 64
Way back when I owned a Nintendo 64, I rented a game called Quest 64. I was enthralled by the young boy's epic quest to save the king, and I adored the unique battle system with the attack circle. It was turn-based, but with a twist, and I loved it.
4. Super Mario RPG
Well what do you know? The game I criticized the other list for made it on mine. It's obvious that the game is incredible, with one of the most entertaining storylines I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It's laugh out loud funny at some points, and it's unlike most RPGs in that aspect. Not to mention the battle system is very unique.
3. Kingdom Hearts
I've always found Rikku to be the creepiest character of any video game. Not because he's evil, but because he is actually a girl in Final Fantasy X, and I keep imagining him in her skimpy outfit. That being said, I can't say enough about how incredible the combat was in this game. It was so intuitive, and simply fun to play. It is a masterpiece in every facet.
2. The World Ends With You
This is easily my favorite handheld RPG that has ever been made. Featuring a style unlike any other game, and a unique combat system that utilizes both screens, the game is just fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed watching each character develop throughout the game, and I never got bored of the battling. Not only is it the best DS game, but it's one of the best games overall.
1. Final Fantasy X
Like I said, this was my first game that I knew was an RPG when I played through. And I still consider it the best RPG that I've ever played. Everything about the game was so polished, from the incredible orchestrated soundtrack to the awe inspiring cutscenes. I've played through the game three times and I still want to replay it. That shows how incredible a game really is.
So, there you have it. You probably disagree with my choices, and if I'm being honest my choices were pretty limited, as I've only recently became a RPG fan. But, all of these games hold a place in my heart, and they are my favorite RPGs of all time.
I guess it started way back in 2003, when my family acquired a Playstation 2. I immediately ran out and bought Final Fantasy X, basing my opinions of the game solely off of the awesome graphics that I saw in the commercial. I bought the game so quick after obtaining the PS2 that I did even have a memory card. This led to me replaying the first part of the game twenty times. What made it even worse were the incredibly long cutscenes, taking 30 minutes before I could even move.
But even after that agonizing wait, I still found the game to be incredibly enjoyable, and it is still one of my favorite games of all time. Every time I pop it in I fall in love with the characters as they search for Sin, and I am in constant awe of the gorgeous graphics throughout.
But on to the real topic of this entry. Today I will be talking about my top 5 favorite RPGs of all time. This is a response to this list, where he lists his top 5 games without any kind of nostalgia. What he means by that is, he won't list games that are not good by today's standards. Ironically, the first game on his list was Super Mario RPG. The game is incredible, don't get me wrong, but it seems he's made an exception to the "nostalgia" rule, or else he played the game very recently.
In order for my list to be as honest as possible, my list will include my favorite RPGs from any time, whether it be pure nostalgia or not. It wouldn't be right if I had to only choose games that I've played very recently, because those may not be my favorites. So anyway, here is the list:
5. Quest 64
Way back when I owned a Nintendo 64, I rented a game called Quest 64. I was enthralled by the young boy's epic quest to save the king, and I adored the unique battle system with the attack circle. It was turn-based, but with a twist, and I loved it.
4. Super Mario RPG
Well what do you know? The game I criticized the other list for made it on mine. It's obvious that the game is incredible, with one of the most entertaining storylines I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It's laugh out loud funny at some points, and it's unlike most RPGs in that aspect. Not to mention the battle system is very unique.
3. Kingdom Hearts
I've always found Rikku to be the creepiest character of any video game. Not because he's evil, but because he is actually a girl in Final Fantasy X, and I keep imagining him in her skimpy outfit. That being said, I can't say enough about how incredible the combat was in this game. It was so intuitive, and simply fun to play. It is a masterpiece in every facet.
2. The World Ends With You
This is easily my favorite handheld RPG that has ever been made. Featuring a style unlike any other game, and a unique combat system that utilizes both screens, the game is just fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed watching each character develop throughout the game, and I never got bored of the battling. Not only is it the best DS game, but it's one of the best games overall.
1. Final Fantasy X
Like I said, this was my first game that I knew was an RPG when I played through. And I still consider it the best RPG that I've ever played. Everything about the game was so polished, from the incredible orchestrated soundtrack to the awe inspiring cutscenes. I've played through the game three times and I still want to replay it. That shows how incredible a game really is.
So, there you have it. You probably disagree with my choices, and if I'm being honest my choices were pretty limited, as I've only recently became a RPG fan. But, all of these games hold a place in my heart, and they are my favorite RPGs of all time.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
A hot Summer for the Nintendo DS
Over three years ago, Nintendo released the Nintendo DS, an innovative handheld system utilizing two screens, as well as a touch-based interface. The system was immediately a hit, catering to children, diehard Nintendo fans, and casual adult gamers. Nintendo obviously struck gold.
Three years later, the system is selling as quick as ever, and there seems to be no indications of sales slowing. In fact, Nintendo sold more DS in 2007 than any other year! It just shows that a system can succeed on seemingly basic technology, as long as it has great games to continually draw in consumers. And this summer's lineup is sure to excite.
2008 started off strong with titles such as Advance Wars: Days of Ruin, Professor Layton, Apollo Justice, and The World Ends With You. Each of these games are prime examples of games that can sell a system, as each are incredibly deep and fun to play.
But even those titles aren't as exciting as the upcoming releases this summer. And, unsurprisingly, most of the anticipated summer titles are coming from Square Enix, who seems to have taken an extreme liking to the Nintendo DS.
In June we will be treated to Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2. The game is once again set in Ivalice, the same location of the previous game. Along with the jobs found in the original, there are more jobs at your disposal, such as the Yojimbo, Raptor, and Bastard (yes, that is in fact a job). The game is set to release on June 24.
July will host a couple of standout titles as well. The second DS version of Trauma Center, Trauma Center: Under The Knife 2, is set to release on July 1. On July 22, an updated version of Final Fantasy IV will be released. Along with upgraded 3D graphics, the game will feature touch based controls and a few new features.
And in September we will get our hands on two RPGs that aren't Final Fantasy. The first is the Sonic the Hedgehog RPG in the works by Bioware, the people behind Jade Empire and KOTOR. The second is Dragon Quest IX, the latest entry in the Dragon Quest series. Although the series usually takes its roots on the Playstation 2 or other consoles, this iteration will be released solely on the Nintendo DS.
So there you have it. 5 titles that are sure to be nothing short of sensational. It's going to be a great summer for the DS.
Three years later, the system is selling as quick as ever, and there seems to be no indications of sales slowing. In fact, Nintendo sold more DS in 2007 than any other year! It just shows that a system can succeed on seemingly basic technology, as long as it has great games to continually draw in consumers. And this summer's lineup is sure to excite.
2008 started off strong with titles such as Advance Wars: Days of Ruin, Professor Layton, Apollo Justice, and The World Ends With You. Each of these games are prime examples of games that can sell a system, as each are incredibly deep and fun to play.
But even those titles aren't as exciting as the upcoming releases this summer. And, unsurprisingly, most of the anticipated summer titles are coming from Square Enix, who seems to have taken an extreme liking to the Nintendo DS.
In June we will be treated to Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2. The game is once again set in Ivalice, the same location of the previous game. Along with the jobs found in the original, there are more jobs at your disposal, such as the Yojimbo, Raptor, and Bastard (yes, that is in fact a job). The game is set to release on June 24.
July will host a couple of standout titles as well. The second DS version of Trauma Center, Trauma Center: Under The Knife 2, is set to release on July 1. On July 22, an updated version of Final Fantasy IV will be released. Along with upgraded 3D graphics, the game will feature touch based controls and a few new features.
And in September we will get our hands on two RPGs that aren't Final Fantasy. The first is the Sonic the Hedgehog RPG in the works by Bioware, the people behind Jade Empire and KOTOR. The second is Dragon Quest IX, the latest entry in the Dragon Quest series. Although the series usually takes its roots on the Playstation 2 or other consoles, this iteration will be released solely on the Nintendo DS.
So there you have it. 5 titles that are sure to be nothing short of sensational. It's going to be a great summer for the DS.
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