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| Capcom Obtains All Platform Rights For MotoGP Videogames
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| Monday, March 31, 2008 |
Capcom Obtains All Platform Rights For MotoGP Videogames
Posted by: MSulka on Mar 30, 2008 - 01:50 PM
Capcom®, a leading developer and publisher of videogames today confirmed that it has secured exclusive worldwide rights to publish official videogames and create peripherals based on the World’s premier motorcycling championship, MotoGP™ across all hardware platforms.
This agreement will run for five years and supersedes the existing rights granted to publish titles on the PlayStation platforms which saw last year’s successful release of MotoGP 07 for the PlayStation® 2 entertainment system.
As part of this new agreement Capcom intends to initially publish titles based on the 2008 MotoGP season for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Sony Computer Entertainment’s PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™), the Wii™ video game system from Nintendo, PC platform and the PlayStation® 2 entertainment system - plus versions for mobile handsets.
MotoGP is the world’s premier motorcycling championship consisting of 18 Grands Prix hosted around the globe. It features the world’s top motorcycle manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Ducati, Kawasaki, KTM and Aprilia, who provide machinery for the world’s best riders, including reigning World Champion Casey Stoner, Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden and Dani Pedrosa.
The 2008 grid also includes Japan’s Shinya Nakano, plus newcomers for the new season, such as 250cc World Champion Jorge Lorenzo and last year’s World Superbike Champion, James Toseland, from the UK.
Commenting on the announcement Mark Beaumont, executive vice president, officer and head of Capcom consumer software publishing in the Americas and Europe said: "We are really excited to have signed this long term agreement with Dorna Sports, which for the first time grants one publisher worldwide multi-platform rights to the adrenaline fuelled world of MotoGP. We feel this move to a single publisher will greatly benefit our ability to develop titles that deliver greater authenticity and excitement to the consumer."
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, the exclusive holder of all commercial and TV rights to MotoGP commented: "Capcom has already shown its ability to deliver a title that captures the essence of MotoGP and we look forward to working with them over the next five years."
Source: PaddockTalkLabels: Aprilia, Capcom, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, MotoGP, Nintendo, Suzuki, Wii, Yamaha |
posted by Perimbean @ Monday, March 31, 2008
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| Wii shortage may finally be near an end
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Wii shortage may finally be near an end
03:03 PM CDT on Saturday, March 29, 2008
By VICTOR GODINEZ / Staff writer vgodinez"AT"dallasnews.com
OK, one last stab at explaining the Wii shortage.
I was talking to a game-industry analyst this week about how retailer GameStop (which is based in Grapevine) will fare if there is a recession or economic slowdown.
During the course of the interview, the analyst, Michael Pachter at Wedbush Morgan, said the real culprit for the Wii shortage in the U.S. is the weak dollar.
I know this is getting rather dense for a game column, but bear with me.
With a weak dollar, foreign companies that sell their goods in the U.S. for dollars and then convert those dollars to their native currencies get a smaller profit than if they sell their products in countries with strong currencies of their own (such as Europe with the euro). In other words, Nintendo makes a bigger profit on Wiis sold in Europe than on Wiis sold in the U.S.
So Nintendo, Mr. Pachter said, has been behaving perfectly rationally by sending excess Wii consoles to Europe to satisfy the more profitable consumers there.
But now that demand in Europe is subsiding to normal levels, those surplus consoles will be redirected to American gamers, Mr. Pachter said, and the Wii should finally become more plentiful in the States later this year.
That jibes with the time frame GameStop laid out for when it expects the Wii to become easier to find in the U.S.
Mr. Pachter's assessment makes a lot of sense to me, and it explains why Nintendo has been so reluctant to account for the Wii shortage. No one wants to hear that they're second-class customers, but that's exactly what we American gamers are right now.
Of course, all things being equal, Nintendo would probably have preferred to be able to supply both Europe and the U.S. simultaneously. But the company might be betting that the dollar will be stronger by the time European demand for the Wii subsides, and that may well happen.
Regardless, if you can't find a Wii this weekend at Wal-Mart, you can blame the French (and Germans, Italians and all the rest).
Women and the Wii
Speaking of Nintendo's console, retailer Best Buy is hosting a series of getting-to-know-Wii events for moms at stores around the country this Sunday, including at the Best Buy at 3333 Preston Road in Frisco, north of Highway 121, from 1 to 4 p.m.
The idea is to get women comfortable playing on the Wii with their children as a new way to spend quality time with the tots.
Well, really, the idea is to get moms to buy their kids a Wii (if they can find one), but that probably sounded a bit too crass for a press release.
From Best Buy: "The in-store demonstrations, set in a female-friendly space where they can relax and play, will discuss important gaming trends as well as give attendees the opportunity to learn about the future of family gaming. In addition, there will be an hourly drawing for great prizes."
Source: GuideLiveLabels: Nintendo, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Monday, March 31, 2008
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| Make your PSP waterproof with Aquatalk
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Make your PSP waterproof with Aquatalk
Posted Mar 23rd 2008 5:00PM by Majed Athab
Ever had an urge to play your PSP while in the shower or taking a bath? Yeah, us too, but we all know it's probably not a safe idea having electronic devices so close to the water. There is one solution though, and that would be a bag series called Aquatalk.
While Aquatalk looks like a slightly upgraded ziplock baggy, it's supposed to keep your PSP waterproof. It should do so because it's covered in four layers of protective coating and has a secure anti-leak zipper seal. At 740 yen a bag (roughly seven dollars and a chunk of change), it better deliver. The bag is good for both fat and slim PSPs.
It's a pretty cool concept being able to get some gaming done while making one's self clean in the bath. We might actually give this one a try ... well, only if someone wants to lend us their PSP for an experiment. One warning though, we probably wouldn't recommend this for scuba diving; you wouldn't want to get distracted playing Loco Roco when a shark comes to bite your head off.
Source: Gaming TodayLabels: psp, Sony |
| posted by Perimbean @ Monday, March 31, 2008
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| PSP slim modded for dual analog sticks
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PSP slim modded for dual analog sticks
Posted Mar 30th 2008
10:38PM by Ryan Block
Been longing for a second analog stick on your PSP? Modder LordNico's got you covered with the Razor X (seriously, where do these guys come up with their names?), a user-installable analog stick that appears to mimic the functions of your standard four button pad. (In other words, getting the games to take advantage of the controls is another matter entirely.) Apparently details of the mod will be released soon enough for those brave enough to consider relocating their power switch to the start button -- yikes.
Source: EngadgetLabels: PSP slim, Sony |
| posted by Perimbean @ Monday, March 31, 2008
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| PS3 continues to outsell Xbox 360 in the UK
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PS3 continues to outsell Xbox 360 in the UK
By James Orry - 28/03/2008 - 3:23pm GMT
Week-on-week and year-on-year sales ahead of Xbox 360.
According to sales data from ChartTrack provided to MCV, the PlayStation 3 has been consistently outselling the Xbox 360 in the UK. It's a close run thing though, with ChartTrack director Dorian Bloch informing MCV that the two platforms are "neck and neck at the moment".
"PS3 has been outselling Xbox 360 for some time, but last week they were pretty close. In terms of sales so far this year, PS3 is ahead," added Bloch.
The Easter weekend provided a boost in sales across all formats, with sales of the Xbox 360 up 78% and the PS3 up 73%. Bloch expects the release of GT5 Prologue and the GT5 Prologue hardware bundle to bring about a "further rise on PS3".
There was also a considerable rise in sales for other platforms: Wii up 37%, Nintendo DS up 32% and PSP up 10%.
Bloch notes that the Easter sales surge isn't over yet though, with the coming school holidays and a strong release line-up for March 28 likely to result in a further spike.
Source: VideoGamerLabels: DS, Microsoft, Nintendo, PlayStation 3, PS3, psp, Sony, Wii, xbox 360 |
| posted by Perimbean @ Monday, March 31, 2008
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| Nintendo's Virtual Console – 200 Games Old!
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Nintendo's Virtual Console – 200 Games Old!
Commodore 64 games join the mix
28 Mar 2008
They grow up so fast! This week sees the 200th title to hit Nintendo's Virtual Console service for the Wii. To show off the service's new found maturity, Nintendo is hitting us up with a spot of old-school gaming in the form of the first of the Commodore 64 titles we were promised back in February.
First up, we've got Uridium. It's a sci-fi shooter that sees the solar system invaded by 15 Super-Dreadnoughts. Your job is to fend the blighters off, defending each of 15 planets from enemy fighters. Originally developed in 1986 by pioneer games programmer Andrew Braybrook, who also worked on the likes of Paradroid 90 and Gribbly's Day Out, Uridium will set you back 500 Wii Points.
Next in line we have International Karate. The game... doesn't need much explanation really, does it? Jet around the world, fight people, earn a black belt. Do it in two-player mode, if you like. Like Uridium, it was released in 1986 and will also set you back 500 Wii Points.
Bringing things a little closer to the modern day, we have Cruis’n USA, originally released into homes for the N64 in 1998. The game started life in the arcades and takes players around the USA, taking in locations such as LA, the arid deserts of Arizona and Washington DC. Cruis’n USA features a 14 stage cross-country solo challenge as well as split-screen two-player. It can be yours for 1,000 Wii Points.
Source: SpongLabels: Nintendo, Virtual Console, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Monday, March 31, 2008
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| Nintendo Wii, DS top Japan retail charts
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Nintendo Wii, DS top Japan retail charts
Published: March 28, 2008 8:56 AM PDT
by Marcus Lai
Nintendo Co.'s Wii console and Nintendo DS handheld topped Japan sales charts in the latest retail data from the region.
Media Create Co. on Fri. reported that the DS sold 65,055 units and Wii sold 62,404 units between Mar. 17 and Mar. 23.
The products ranked as the No. 1 and No. 2 hardware for the week, respectively.
The new Pokemon Ranger title for the DS ranked as the No. 1 selling software for the week, moving 241,663 units, while Hudson's Deca Sports title for the Wii sold 65,359 units in the same period.
Overall, Wii and DS dominated the top 10 software charts, ranking eight titles combined.
Wii this month ranked as the No. 2 video game system in Feb. U.S. sales, moving 432,000 units in the month.
Nintendo this week said that Super Smash Bros. Brawl sold 1.4 million copies in one week of availability in the U.S. The title debuted on Mar. 9.
Additionally, it will release the game title Mario Kart Wii to the Wii on Apr. 27 in the U.S.
Source: Labels: DS, Mario Kart, Nintendo, Super Smash Bros Brawl, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Monday, March 31, 2008
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| Ex-Microsoft man predicts PS3, Wii, Xbox to be last home consoles
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Ex-Microsoft man predicts PS3, Wii, Xbox to be last home consoles
BY DAVE PARRACK | MARCH 28, 2008
There we all are debating whose console is better, and engaging in “mine is bigger than yours” type arguments, but it seems it could all soon be a pointless argument. Some in the gaming industry are looking in to their crystal balls and predicting the end of home consoles after this current generation.
Sandy Duncan, the man who set up and ran the European Xbox business for Microsoft, and now CEO of his own games company, YoYo, recently gave an interview to That Video Game Blog, and was asked where he saw the industry in the next five to ten years.
His response may be a bit of a surprise to those people who like having that solid piece of hardware sitting under their television, as he predicts dedicated consoles, such as the PS3, Wii and Xbox 360 will die out in that short time period.
“The industry is fundamentally driven by technology. I think dedicated games devices i.e. consoles (and handhelds) will die [out] in the next 5 to 10 years. The business model is very risky and the costs associated with creating new hardware are incredibly high.”
“There is a definite ‘convergence’ of other devices such as set top boxes. There’s hardly any technology difference between some hard disc video recorders and a an Xbox 360 for example. In fact in 5 to 10 years I don’t think you’ll have any box at all under your TV, most of this stuff will be ‘virtualized’ as web services by your content provider.”
The man has a point. Microsoft itself, the company Duncan used to work for, has lost literally billions of dollars since entering the games industry with the original Xbox, and that trend is continuing to this day. Sony are in the same boat, with the Playstation 3 a bit of a loss leader, and being used more to get Blu-ray in to people’s homes than anything else.
Nintendo are making money from the incredible success of the Wii and DS, but whether lightning can strike twice there is open for debate. Which means we could see all thee console manufacturers decide to give up the traditional push to get a dedicated games console in to people’s homes, and it could happen sooner rather than later.
The convergence of technologies that Duncan talks about is already happening, and is sure to get even more widespread. Not only do we have the PS3 and Xbox 360 trying to more like entertainment hubs than games consoles, we have things like Web television growing in popularity on a daily basis.
After reading Duncan’s comments, I myself can see the day when instead of consoles, we’ll have a blend of entertainment hubs and streaming from the Web content doing away with the need for those trusty companions which we load with our favourite disc, cartridge or tape.
Source: BlorgeLabels: Blu-ray, DS, Microsoft, Nintendo, PlayStation 3, Sony, Wii, xbox 360 |
| posted by Perimbean @ Monday, March 31, 2008
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| Move Blu-ray Movies from PS3 to PSP -- Eventually
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Move Blu-ray Movies from PS3 to PSP -- Eventually
03/31/08
The PlayStation 3 has received its most recent firmware update, version 2.20, part of which includes the ability to transfer and watch Blu-ray movies from your PS3 to your PSP (PlayStation Portable). The only problem is, that ability is pointless as of this spring. However, Sony Pictures has confirmed that the firmware update paves the way for the functionality to be available later this year.
When this cross-platform Blu-ray playing becomes available, it will be important to keep two things in mind. First, the functionallity will likely include a PSP update. OK, that's easy enough. Second, though, moving a Blu-ray movie from PS3 to PSP may let you take your BD movies on the go, but it will also sacrifice the 1080p high-definition video and lossless/uncompressed audio, which you can only get on an HDTV and multichannel receiver.
Still, the portability factor will be huge for some folks, especially those who already use their PSP primarily for watching movies on the plane, subway or bus.
This functionality also underscores another intriguing development: Sony essentially indicating that it's letting go of the UMD format, at least for movies, and putting its eggs solely in the Blu-ray basket. After all, why provide content on two different media formats when you can provide it on one and have the same net result (being able to port it from PS3 to PSP and watch it on the go)?
Source: DailyGameLabels: Blu-ray, PlayStation 3, PS3, psp, Sony, UMD |
| posted by Perimbean @ Monday, March 31, 2008
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| Rumour: New Nintendo DS colours hitting Europe in May?
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| Sunday, March 30, 2008 |
Rumour: New Nintendo DS colours hitting Europe in May?
by Andrew Macarthy on March 30th, 2008 at 1:23
We don’t quite know why the introduction of any given console in a new colour often causes such a sudden hike in sales, and in the case of the DS, it’s not as if Nintendo needs to worry about about consumers turning their backs on it any time soon, but rumour has it that the handheld will be appearing on European shelves in three fresh colours in a matter of weeks.
Dutch gaming site NintendoOnly claims that a reliable source has divulged to them that Nintendo will introduce the Nintendo DS in green, red and ice blue, to Europe on May 01.
Nintendo has yet to confirm anything, but if the information does turn out to be the real deal, the portable’s creator will no doubt speak out with an official announcement soon.
Source: NintendicLabels: DS, Nintendo, Nintendo DS |
| posted by Perimbean @ Sunday, March 30, 2008
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| Grand Theft Auto 4's testers took 40 hours to finish single player mode
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| Saturday, March 29, 2008 |
Grand Theft Auto 4's testers took 40 hours to finish single player mode
Posted Mar 29, 2008 at 08:12PM by Abraham A
As you will recall, a Rockstar Games spokesperson gave us a rough estimate of about 100 hours in order to finish Grand Theft Auto 4. However, at that time, it wasn't confirmed whether that was just for the single-player campaign alone or not.
Now if it's still lingering at the back of your mind, Rockstar senior developer Jeronimo Barrerra has this to say about this source of itch: "It takes testers playing 4 hours a day, a good 2 weeks to get through the whole single-player game."
Doing the math, that's about forty hours of dedicated gaming for the single-player mode alone. We're not even talking about side quests yet. So the 100-hour game length remains a possibility. And mind you, forty hours is not a mere walk in the park. That's a lot of gameplay right there.
But really now, it's up to you if you're in for a Guinness speed-finish or a slow, Zen-like game experience. Now that the fourth trailer is up, it really is just a matter of time before Grand Theft Auto IV hits the shelves this April 29 for the Sony Playstation 3 and the Microsoft Xbox 360.
Source: QJLabels: Grand Theft Auto 4, Microsoft, PlayStation 3, Sony, xbox 360 |
| posted by Perimbean @ Saturday, March 29, 2008
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| Nintendo Wii controller and Apple iPhone to be used by the US military
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| Friday, March 28, 2008 |
Nintendo Wii controller and Apple iPhone to be used by the US military
BY DAVE PARRACK
MARCH 27, 2008
The Nintendo Wii and the Apple iPhone are two of the most popular gadgets on the market right now. But their uses go beyond mere entertainment, and the technology in both devices has now been adapted to be used by the US military.
According to New Scientist, two boffins, David Bruemmer and Douglas Few from the US Department of Energy centre in Idaho, have adopted the Wiimote controller for use in a military robot used to dispose of bombs.
While gamers use the Wii remote controller to play tennis and baseball without ever having to leave the comfort of their own homes, soldiers will now be able to use them to clear war zones of potentially lethal mines, and bombs set to detonate on impact.
The robot system, called the Packbot, is already used by the American military, and there are 500 or so in Iraq right now, but traditional remote controllers were found to take up too much of the operators attention.
The simplicity of the Wiimote allows operators to instinctively operate the robot, allowing them to better concentrate on the data being collected.
Meanwhile, the Apple iPhone is also being targeted for use in a military setting, with the two scientists looking to utilise the design to help communication in the field.
It’s thought the iPhone could even replace the Panasonic ToughBooks which soldiers currently use to communicate with each other, and receive messages from base.
I’m all for popular applications being used in a military setting, especially if they can save lives, but the iPhone isn’t exactly the most sturdy of products. Maybe a little bit of a redesign is in order before it reaches the heat of battle.
The Wii remote though should be a good fit, as it was designed to be used by kids as young as five. If highly trained military personnel can’t operate one successfully, then I think we may have a bigger problem on our hands.
Source: BlorgeLabels: Apple, iPhone, Nintendo, wiimote |
| posted by Perimbean @ Friday, March 28, 2008
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| Secret microphone discovered in Wii Remote?
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Secret microphone discovered in Wii Remote?
Posted in Wii, General, Hardware by Andrew Macarthy on Wednesday June 6 2007 3:43
If we recall correctly, there had always been rumours that the Wii Remote would house some kind of microphone. It was only until it was officially unveiled that we discovered that Nintendo had not included any such communication device. However, some clever clogs’ over at CNN Money think they might have dug out a little secret concerning a piece of the controller’s innards.
An investigation over at CNN Money in which a Wii Remote was dissected and studies found that the device might house the technology for voice communication already. After taking a screwdriver to the Remote, technicians found an audio translator chip, which “converts analogue data such as human speech into a digital data stream.”
The article did not reveal whether or not this means that the internal built-in speaker can be used as an input for sound, only concluding that “this feature is unused now, but will probably be employed in future games.”
The suggestions arrive in the light of current software development for the Nintendo Wii, including Disney’s High School Musical, which it is thought will make use of some sort of microphone peripheral.
Interesting, indeed. Nintendo has yet to comment on the findings.
Source: IC GamersLabels: Nintendo, wiimote |
| posted by Perimbean @ Friday, March 28, 2008
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| Wii board mixes excercise and gaming
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Wii board mixes excercise and gaming
The Wii Balance Board and Wii Fit software offer 40 exercises that focus on building "core" strength and balance through small, movements, usually shifting your bodyweight. (Handout)
By Mark Brooks | Special to amNew York
March 28, 2008
Nintendo's Nintendo's Wii already has gamers moving about, flailing their arms and interacting more physically with their games, and the latest device, the Balance Board, is another step, literally, in that direction.
The Wii has found a cultlike following in the gaming world and even appeals to non-hardcore gamers, children and families.
The Balance Board could be another way to target a new set: Working mothers and other groups who have little time to exercise, but could be motivated with a little fun. It's not the first game to sport activity-based play, Konami's (much faster paced) Dance Dance Revolution series has been doing it for years and who can forget Nintendo's early foray with the Power Pad, which had kids jumping and running back in the '80s.
The Balance Board looks like the platform used in step classes in gyms. It syncs with the Wii console to track your progress.
When first stepped on, Wii Fit software will test your weight, body mass index and balancing abilities (yes, you see your actual weight on-screen). It can assign fitness goals based on those measurements. Users can also set their own goals -- though, they'll be warned if they have chosen an unhealthy pace.
There are 40 exercises that tend to focus on building "core" strength and balance through small, movements, usually shifting your bodyweight. Categories include: strength training (arm and leg lifts, pushups); aerobics (Hula Hoop movements, rhythm boxing); yoga stretches and balance games.
The board can handle users up to 330 pounds, but it won't survive the pummeling from running or jumping.
After a few stretches, we tried the "Ski Slalom." By shifting our weight, we guided our hapless skier down a short downhill course while careening through a series of gates. It's extremely easy to play (almost mindless) yet the experience of using your entire body in-game takes a little getting used to. We'll get better with (much needed) practice. Still, it was incredibly accessible and quite fun.
The motion-based gameplay of the Wii is already being used by a number of hospitals for physical therapy. Now, assuming there's solid software support for the Balance Board, Nintendo just might score another (over a million sold in Japan) huge hit. After all better health is the ultimate power-up.
Source: am NewsLabels: Nintendo, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Friday, March 28, 2008
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| Xbox 360 Power Brick Only Covered by 90 Day Warranty?!
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Xbox 360 Power Brick Only Covered by 90 Day Warranty?!
By James Walker • March 26, 2008
As a longtime owner of an Xbox 360, I’ve seen mine crap out a few times. Three times because of the RRoD, and once because the disc tray snapped off (don’t ask). However, I had never experienced my Xbox 360 power brick crapping out. So you could imagine my surprise when I saw on NeoGAF how one unfortunate Xbox 360 owner (AlxRymnd914) came to learn that the Xbox 360 power brick (which, to my knowledge you cannot buy separately) only has a 90 day warranty.
So I get home from work one night and head over to my 360 to play some halo. I go turn it on and the green light flashes really quick and nothing happens. I figured out that whenever I did this, the orange light on the power brick turned to red instantly. The xbox wasn’t overheated or anything before that and it was in the open laying on the floor. It was also plugged directly into the wall outlet.
I brought my xbox on September 25, 2007 with Halo 3 and I have the new 20gb with HDMI. I called up microsoft a little while ago and the guy said that there is only a three month warranty on the powerbrick. So he says i have to pay $80 bucks to get a new one.
I find this really lame… My console has worked fine under the same setup for 6 months and it randomly does this so I have to pay more $$$? Did anyone else have a similar problem like this and find a way around the $80?
That is simply unacceptable. If it were an accessory, like a WiFi receiver (which, really, should have been built-in by now) or the HD-DVD drive (suckers), that’s one thing. But the power brick is not an accessory — you NEED IT TO RUN THE DAMN CONSOLE. It’s a required piece of hardware designed solely to supply the proper amount of electricity (or “harnessed lightning” to you older folks) to the machine. So why, Microsoft, why on Earth is the power brick not covered by a one-year warranty?
Source: BingeGamerLabels: HDMI, Microsoft, xbox 360 |
| posted by Perimbean @ Friday, March 28, 2008
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| Netflix surveys members on Microsoft Xbox
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Netflix surveys members on Microsoft Xbox
Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:46am EDT
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Online movie rental company Netflix Inc has surveyed its subscribers to gauge their interest in streaming movies to their televisions using Microsoft Corp's Xbox 360, a Netflix spokesman said on Monday.
Netflix spokesman Steve Swasey declined to say whether the survey indicated a soon-to-be announced partnership between the two companies, but said Netflix was interested in getting its movies to consumers' TVs "in as many ways as possible."
In January, Netflix announced a partnership with LG Electronics to produce a set-top box to stream movies to high definition televisions.
(Reporting by Gina Keating; Editing by Gary Hill)
Source: ReutersLabels: LG, Microsoft, Netflix, xbox 360 |
| posted by Perimbean @ Friday, March 28, 2008
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| Resident Evil 4: Classic Edition on the way?
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Resident Evil 4: Classic Edition on the way?
An alleged photo suggests so.
According to Resident Evil fan site, The Horror, there may be another port of Resident Evil 4 in the works, this time for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Allegedly, the site was sent a photo from a reader who works in the office of Capcom’s San Fransisco building. Apparently, this individual spied on an artist who was working on the boxart for the port, and managed to take the picture using his mobile phone. The site also mentions that the supposed 360 and PS3 port will have a new story-campaign for Hunk, in a similar manner to Ada’s Separate Ways scenario in the PlayStation 2, PC and Wii versions.
Given the Wii version of Resident Evil 4 exceeded Capcom’s initial sales expectations, the rumour isn’t too far fetched, particularly with a port of Resident Evil Zero also on the cards for Wii later this year (at least for Japan anyway). That said however, this could simply be an early April Fool’s joke. Either way, we’ll be sure to report back should Capcom make an official announcement.
Special thanks to forum member Shadow Wave for the heads up.
Source: PALGNLabels: Nintendo, PlayStation 3, xbox 360 |
| posted by Perimbean @ Friday, March 28, 2008
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| Rock Band Heading To Wii
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Rock Band Heading To Wii
Updated:08:34, Wednesday March 26, 2008
Electronic Arts has confirmed that Rock Band will be heading to Wii this June - in North America at least.
Rocking out
The game, which is yet to launch on any format outside of the US and Canada, will head to Nintendo's console on June 22, and features 63 tracks and an additional 5 songs exclusive to Wii, and will retail for $169.99 (£85.00).
"The Wii's success among casual and core gamers of all ages makes it an ideal match for the cross-generational appeal of the music featured in 'Rock Band'," says Bob Picunko, Vice President of Electronic Games and Interactive Products, MTV
"The social interaction and addictive nature of the Rock Band experience is a perfect fit for the Wii and will undoubtedly be fun for the entire family," says Steve Singer, licensing VP from Nintendo.
The news may be of some comfort to American Wii owners, but Europeans will still have to wait, with the release date of the game set for the rather vague Q1, 2008.
Source: Sky NewsLabels: Nintendo, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Friday, March 28, 2008
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| Koei Ships Warriors Orochi for PSP, Windows PC
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Koei Ships Warriors Orochi for PSP, Windows PC
03/26/08
Warriors Orochi, the first crossover of Koei's Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors franchises, is available today for PSP (PlayStation Portable) and Windows PC. Warriors Orochi for PSP is in stores, while the Windows PC version is available exclusively through digital download.
Warriors Orochi for PSP boasts the massive battlefields of the console versions, while previous games in the series for handheld platforms had combat taking place on battlefields divided into smaller "cells." The handheld release includes all 79 playable characters and features two-player co-op play via ad-hoc wireless.
Warriors Orochi for Windows-based PC features enhanced graphics that let players adjust the anti-aliasing, textures, dynamic shadows and lighting -- even the character count. PC gamers can also download KOEI's Warriors Orochi System Checker to see whether their PC meets the game's minimum requirements. The System Checker will also show players how the game will actually look on their PC and the frame rate at which it will be running.
Just FYI, the minimum system requirements are: Pentium 4 1.6GHz (Pentium 4 2.6GHz recommended), 256MB of RAM (512MB recommended), 4GB or more of free hard-drive space, and a video card with a 3D Accelerator with Hardware T&L and Pixel Shading supporting 64MB or more of VRAM, DirectX 9.0c+ (128MB or more of VRAM recommended).
Source: Daily GamesLabels: Koei, PlayStation Portable, psp |
| posted by Perimbean @ Friday, March 28, 2008
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| iPhone – The DS/PSP Killer?
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iPhone – The DS/PSP Killer?
Posted by: Matt Vella on March 25
The buzz over Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone as a potential gaming platform has yet to subside. Ever since the company unveiled its SDK in early March, showing off a couple of stellar prototype games in the process, developers have rushed to the platform. But the chatter has been just that, mostly excitement over the potential and little real analysis.
Now, blogger and tech writer Daniel Eran Dilger has posted a length inquiry into what the iPhone’s chance might actually be, not against other phones with gaming chops but dedicated handhelds from Nintendo (NTDOY) and Sony (SNE).
I’ve boiled down the technical comparison in the chart above, but Dilger’s analysis is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the subject. Whereas the tech specs are the blunt force argument, the minor details are even more revealing. He points out rather astutely that Apple has cagily laid the groundwork for distributing its iPhone applications – games included – with the iTunes games store for iPods. From Dilger’s introduction:
At first blush, one likely wouldn’t think of the iPhone as being in the same league as handheld gaming consoles. However, when Apple showcased a half dozen prototype apps at the SDK launch, fully half of them were games. Clearly, Apple isn’t going to be ignoring games on the iPhone.
Source: BusinessWeekLabels: Apple, DS, iPhone, iPod, iTunes, Nintendo, SDK, Sony |
| posted by Perimbean @ Friday, March 28, 2008
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| Sony/BMG Supports Unlimited Music, Says Profits Rose 15 Percent
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Sony/BMG Supports Unlimited Music, Says Profits Rose 15 Percent
By Eliot Van Buskirk March 26, 2008 | 9:35:49 AM
The idea of tying unlimited access to major label music to devices has been gathering more steam. For record labels, it represents a chance to grab a percentage of the money being made by device manufacturers to create machines mostly used to play music people didn't pay for.
As for manufacturers, unlimited music will let them offer something extra to their customers.
And, of course, cellphone carriers love the idea of retaining customers by storing their music collections.
Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, the head of Sony/BMG, became the latest major label executive to announce support for unlimited music devices earlier this week. The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung published an interview on Monday in which he said an unlimited music service could offer Sony/BMG downloads for six to eight euros per month ($9-$12).
Schmidt-Holtz also claimed the songs would play on the iPod. Either this is an indication of something new or he doesn't understand how subscription DRM works.
He said Sony/BMG is talking to a number of distributors -- most likely cellphone carriers, but possibly ISPs as well -- about tying unlimited downloads to their services.
Other nuggets from the interview (rough translation below):
- Sony/BMG is in talks with Nokia to join Total Music.
- Sony/BMG has 252 360-degree artist deals.
- He's not losing any sleep over label defections by Madonna and Radiohead.
- The unlimited music services he's talking about could roll out this year.
- Sony/BMG profits increased 15 percent last year.
Here's the Babelfish version of the article:
Sony BMG, the second largest music company of the world announces a new subscription offer and co-operation with mobile phone manufacturers. In the interview with the F.A.Z. speaks Rolf Schmidt Holtz, as he wants to stop so driving downhill of the music industry.
Mr. Schmidt Schmidt-Holtz, a whole generation of young humans wants to pay nothing more for your music. How is it to continue for disk companies such as Sony BMG?
Amazingly well it will continue for us. Because we by attractive digital offers and new business models will see medium-term again growth. And because we have fantastische artists - established like newcomers. Take only to Leona Lewis this year. Therefore are Sony BMG very well. We increased the profit in the past year by 15 per cent, although the music market shrank last year world-wide around approximately 10 per cent. To the topic *
How did this year begin?
For us very well. But the CD paragraph in the market falls at least just as strongly as in the past year. Growth in the digital business cannot adjust the losses with the CDs.
When does the music industry get again firm soil under the feet?
That is the hundredthousand dollar question. I expect that the industry still two to three years shrinks, then stabilized and afterwards again grows themselves.
How do you want to create that?
We have many ideas. For example a subscription offer in the digital music selling, on which we work at present. In the simplest and perhaps most attractive variant a kind would be inclusive the Musikflatrate for all MP3 Player iPod: For a monthly contribution the entire music world is open to you. With the Musikflatrate get you everything of us - from the fire-new Chart hit to Beethoven.
Subscription is called: If I do not further-pay no more, I can listen to also nothing more. Correctly?
If you do not extend the subscription, naturally also the music entrance becomes closed. It would be however even conceivable that the customers cannot partly evenly only listen to the music, but also some titles downloaden and thus possesses. They can develop themselves so a digital music collection.
How would much cost?
Six to eight euro in the month are realistic. That is half so much, as CD costs. And you consider: At the end of the yearly additionally 40 or 50 songs would belong to you. And counts itself for you? If there is sufficient prospective customer. Our market study shows that a large number of customers finds such an offer attractive.
Does the Musikflatrate come this year?
If everything runs smoothly, it can fold. We hold conversations.
Also with the other large music companies?
The offer becomes the more attractive, the music selection is the larger. I legend not that it would be uninteresting, if we make it alone. But it would not be reliably like that stretching.
Can you intersperse your Musikflatrate without the market leader Apple?
Apple is a very strong partner for us. We talk with Apple, as we with many other enterprises also talk.
Is Apples power too large?
The market share is enormous. On the other hand Apple developed a load-carrying digital business model for the music market, and of it we both profit.
They could boycott and on other selling partners set Apple?
That would not be present in our interest, and if we intended it, I would not say it to you.
Can you on the 99 cent, which Apple requires today for the Download of a song, live?
Compared with the margins in the CD business, our digital profit margin is good. But we cannot be lucky nevertheless with the today's prices. They reflect the value of the music not sufficiently. Our market study shows that the customers are ready to pay for the correct music more. And we will try to intersperse this.
How?
For example there is co-operation "Comes with Music", which locked universal Music with Nokia. Who buys a certain mobile phone, pays a unique surcharge and has thus unlimited entrance to the music. One pays thus for the music in the package with a mobile telephone. That is a large wachstumschance for the music industry. Sony BMG does not cooperate however at all with Nokia. Not yet. We have a total concept and to talk not only with Nokia, but with numerous mobile phone manufacturers and network carriers. They will hear very soon of us.
Also regarding Apples iPhone?
We talk with many offerers.
Which ideas have you still, in order to earn with music far moneys?
First of all: The CD market is not dead. It shrinks, but the people are still ready for example to pay for a Premium CD a Premiumpreis. In addition we lock ever more so-called 360-Grad-Vertraege with our musicians. That is, we participate also at their concert and Merchandisingeinnahmen. We want besides regionally to expand, particularly in India and China. In India for example the business with sound TRACKS is promising.
Are your artists really ready to divide their tour incomes with you?
Functioned better than original expects. We have today 252 this so-called 360-Grad-Vertraege with our artists. That I could not be dreamed before one and a half years, when we began thereby.
In addition nevertheless however only newcomers are ready, or?
Yes, but we make also with established artists new contracts, which include for instance the Merchandising. With "IL Divo" for example. We close each year more such contracts and make to it something money already. In two to three years we will make about a quarter of our business in this way - thus beyond the pure clay/tone carrier business.
Past year Topkuenstler such as Madonna and Radiohead began to bring their music out without disk company. Run away you thus not rather star?
Really prepares for me no sleepless nights. I am sure me that the large music companies - and we are world-wide the number two - are continued to use. An artist is a mark, and this to construct and maintain is not simple. The very most successful musicians, who tried it without major, failed and returned.
For example?
I do not call names. But I legend you: It needs hard work to make a newcomer the star and just as hard work, so that the new album of a superstar sells itself as well as its previous. Therefore 99 per cent the large star remains with us. Also to the Bertelsmann boss Hartmut Ostrowski applies.
Is the music fan?
Definitely. It was always inspired, if with Bertelsmann meetings Sony BMG artists arose.
Who will have interest in the future still to possess enterprises in a so difficult industry?
Enterprises, which believe in the music and its digital future.
And who does that?
At present Vivendi, Sony, Bertelsmann believe in it and obviously also financial investors. Bertelsmann is no longer very much interested in the music business. Otherwise they would have sold probably hardly the crisis-firm music publishing trade. The music publishing house of Bertelsmann was never part of Sony BMG; its sales does not concern us. We make money with clay/tone carriers, a music publishing house with author rights, thus for example with the percentages of profits of the music, which runs in the radio. There are however group advantages between publishing house and clay/tone carrier business. We would have gladly both together under our roof, because a broader and closer co-operation with our artists and producers makes possible for us. Our two owners Sony and Bertelsmann talk at present about it. We are optimistic that we in the publishing trade soon to become active to be able.
However on much smaller basis than with the earlier Bertelsmann publishing house, or?
Naturally, we must again develop the business.
It means, Sony is not inspired of the idea, because you could make their own publishing house ATV competition?
The rumor is wrong. In the opposite, Sony supports us. They are now 59 years old and oscillate between its residence Hamburg and the company center in New York.
How long do you want to still do yourselves?
For the moment my work makes large fun for me.
And which you make thereafter?
Their contract runs until March 2009. Legend I you today not yet, but it will remain interesting.
The discussion led Marcus Theurer.
Source: WiredLabels: Apple, BMG, DRM, iPhone, iPod, Nokia, Sony, Total Music |
| posted by Perimbean @ Friday, March 28, 2008
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| Burnout Paradise, PS3, and PSP Featured in Wyclef Jean Music Video
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| Wednesday, March 26, 2008 |
Burnout Paradise, PS3, and PSP Featured in Wyclef Jean Music Video
Posted by Jonathan on Tuesday, March 25th, 2008
A few days ago, Wyclef Jean debuted his newest music video which, strangely enough, takes place in the Burnout Paradise universe. The video features the song “Fast Car” off his newest album, Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant, and has Wyclef basically racing in the Burnout Paradise game. It combines some actual gameplay footage with shots of Wyclef in the car and a kid he’s playing against online, not to mention some gratuitous shots of a PS3 and PSP driving the action along.
“When you’re on tour, you have plenty of time, and every artist I know spends time on a tour bus with two things: PlayStation® and the recording studio,” Jean said. “The PlayStation brand and Burnout Paradise fit perfectly with my vision for the ‘Fast Car’ music video. ‘Fast Car’ is like life – the pace of life is moving so fast, where you can burn yourselves out at times. The concept was about taking a song with such meaning and combining it with technology, but still keeping the essence of what we’re talking about and getting kids to listen to that message. A game like Burnout Paradise helps us get the attention of youngsters.”
It’s kind of a cool video, but it really doesn’t seem to match the actual song except for the title. Maybe it’s the slower pacing of the song compared with the video, maybe it’s the somewhat awkward product placement, or maybe it’s the fact that the lyrics of the song seem to indicate the “fast car” is more of a metaphor for life and death (and Wyclef noted) than a setup for an action-packed story. Personally, I think he just wanted a new PS3. Oh well, at least his new album’s pretty good overall.
Source: Gaming TodayLabels: Burnout Paradise, PS3, psp, Sony |
| posted by Perimbean @ Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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| Sony upgrades PS3 to full Blu-ray 2.0
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Sony upgrades PS3 to full Blu-ray 2.0
Best Blu-ray experience and plenty more in new firmware
We've known about it since last week, and now it's finally here - Sony's firmware update for the PlayStation 3 arrived a few minutes ago to bring the full Blu-ray experience to the PS3.
As expected, BD-Live features on interactive Blu-ray movies will now work with the PS3 and the ability to resume playing a disk from where it was left off has been added.
No portable copy
The full hand of minor upgrades that we discussed last week are all present and correct, although there's no sign of the rumoured ability to copy Blu-ray films to a PSP.
We've tested the upgrade at our Tokyo office and can confirm that it works, so let us know if your mileage varies at all.
By J Mark Lytle
Source: Tech RadarLabels: BD-Live, Blu-ray, PS3, Sony |
| posted by Perimbean @ Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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| Why There Is No Blu-Ray For The Xbox 360
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Why There Is No Blu-Ray For The Xbox 360
Monday, March 24, 2008 - by Chad Weirick
Some say Microsoft chose poorly when they backed Toshiba's HD DVD standard, and that had Microsoft backed Blu-ray instead, there wouldn't have been much of a format war. There's another group, including Michael Bay, that thinks Microsoft intentionally chose a standard that they didn't think would win in an attempt to undermine consumer confidence in disc formats altogether. Why?
So they could build up their HD content on their digital distribution service:
"Microsoft has been expanding the HD video capabilities of both Vista Media Center and Xbox Live Marketplace. The Marketplace's HD content library is modest today, but the software giant clearly has plans to change that.
So, let's put everything together. Microsoft has a popular gaming console and an operating system that are HDi compatible. It also has a group of developers working on HDi applications, and a 360-accessible HD video library that could feasibly be outfitted with next-gen interactivity features. All that's left is the dog and pony show needed to convince content providers that HDi-enhanced content and Microsoft's video outlets are key to making HD video downloads a viable revenue stream."
If this works, Microsoft might stand a good chance of leaping ahaead of rival Apple.
Source: Hot HardwareLabels: Blu-ray, Microsoft, xbox 360, xbox live |
| posted by Perimbean @ Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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| New Sonic Game Revealed
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[PS3, Xbox 360] New Sonic Game Revealed
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 03.24.2008
Over at 1up, the guys and gals have come across some screenshots from an unannounced Sonic game (likely the recently trademarked Sonic Unleashed), From the look of the game, we can assume it will be for either the Xbox 360, PS3 or both as in the previous title.
From the trailer, you can also see that the game will likely be 2.5-D meaning, it will appear 3D but will have a 2D plane.
Source: 411 ManiaLabels: Microsoft, PS3, Sonic, Sony, xbox 360 |
| posted by Perimbean @ Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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| Sierra Online Bringing Lost Cities to Xbox 360
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Sierra Online Bringing Lost Cities to Xbox 360
03/24/08
Sierra Online today announced it is bringing the card game Lost Cities exclusively to Xbox Live Arcade.
The casual-gamer-friendly card game for Xbox 360 will be available this spring for 800 Microsoft points.
In Lost Cities, players draw from a pool of cards with the goal of amassing the most points and making prosperous expeditions through the various lost cities: the Himalayas, the Brazilian rain forest, the ever-shifting desert sands, ancient volcanoes and the mystifying depths of the Oceans.
Source: Daily GameLabels: Microsoft, Sierra Online, xbox live |
| posted by Perimbean @ Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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| Wii Virtual Console Update for March 24, 2008
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Wii Virtual Console Update for March 24, 2008
By Hector Cortez Mar 24, 2008, 23:03 GMT
This week we're treated to King's Knight for the NES and Powerball for the Sege Genesis.
Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:
KING'S KNIGHT (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): In the kingdom of Izander, the fair Princess Claire has been kidnapped by a dragon, and it is the mission of four brave fighters to save her. Through five stages, our heroes - a knight, a wizard, a monster and a thief - will take on the dragon's army in hopes of saving the princess from her imprisonment.
POWERBALL (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): Eight different teams representing various nations are vying to become the POWERBALL champions, and you control one of the eight. A hybrid of games like rugby and football, POWERBALL is played on a 100-yard field. Try to score by either carrying the ball into your opponent's end zone or kicking it into your opponent's net for points.
Source: m&cLabels: NES, Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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| Watch Blu-ray on Your PSP with Latest PS3 Update
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Watch Blu-ray on Your PSP with Latest PS3 Update
2:06 AM ON TUE MAR 25 2008
Despite no mention of the feature on the official Playstation Blog or press release, PC World is reporting that the Playstation 3's next update, firmware 2.20, will include support of Portable Copy.
Portable Copy will give Playstation 3 and Playstation Portable owners the ability to buy a Blu-Ray movie, insert it into their PS3 and download a standard res version to their PSP.
While this would be pretty exciting news the fact that Sony has yet to mention it will be on this latest firmware update leaves me a little dubious about the whole thing. We know it's coming, I'm just not sure it will be with this firmware.
I guess we'll know soon enough, when the firmware hits.
PS3 Firmware Update Enhances Blu-ray Capabilities [PC World]
UPDATE: Turns out the rumours were wrong. Portable Copy isn't coming with 2.2.
Source: KotakuLabels: Blu-ray, PS3, psp, Sony |
| posted by Perimbean @ Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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| PS3's Blu-ray Investigated by the US Government
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| Tuesday, March 25, 2008 |
PS3's Blu-ray Investigated by the US Government
[Ure "Vader" Paul] 12:52 pm EDT @ March 22nd, 2008
Hello, what do we have here... Gibson is not the only one out there "whining" about patent infringement. The US International Trade Commission announced this week that it's going to launch a patent infringement investigation of "certain short-wavelength light emitting diodes, laser diodes, and products containing same."
According to a report on Gspot, the Parties that were named in the investigation include Blu-ray creator Sony, 30 other top electronics manufactures, including Nokia, Samsung, Sharp, Toshiba, Pioneer and Hitachi.
Sony hasn't made any official comments on the investigation at this time.
Source: Labels: Blu-ray, Hitachi, Nokia, Pioneer, PS3, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba |
| posted by Perimbean @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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| PS3's Blu-ray Investigated by the US Government
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PS3's Blu-ray Investigated by the US Government
Hello, what do we have here... Gibson is not the only one out there "whining" about patent infringement. The US International Trade Commission announced this week that it's going to launch a patent infringement investigation of "certain short-wavelength light emitting diodes, laser diodes, and products containing same."
According to a report on Gspot, the Parties that were named in the investigation include Blu-ray creator Sony, 30 other top electronics manufactures, including Nokia, Samsung, Sharp, Toshiba, Pioneer and Hitachi.
Sony hasn't made any official comments on the investigation at this time.
Source: Labels: Blu-ray, No, PS3, Sony |
| posted by Perimbean @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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| Microsoft also compensates screwed 360 gamer
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Microsoft also compensates screwed 360 gamer
Two weeks back, 360 gamer Nathaniel received his promised gift from the nice Bungie folk, after having had his white console returned back to him from repair in one piece, however, minus all the drawings that once embellished it. Now, after two weeks of silence, Microsoft has also jumped in to show some much deserved love to the fortunate unlucky gamer.
In order to make up to Nathaniel for all the trouble and, no doubt, sorrow, the big M sent him another huge cardboard box full of eye-popping goodies:
- 1 Xbox 360 console (signed by original RT signers, new artwork by Luke McKay, signatures from Xbox 360 team, additional signatures from Bungie Staff)
- 1 Xbox 360 faceplate (signed by Bill Gates, among others)
- Devil May Cry 4
- Lost Odyssey
- Rainbow Six Vegas 2
- Gears of War
- Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom
- 2 ‘What’s Your Gamerscore?’ Bumperstickers
- Xbox 360 CD Wallet
- Signed picture of Bill Gates
Part of Nathaniel’s personal statement in response to the gifts reads:
“While my story has come to what I am sure the average reader will conclude is a satisfactory close, I do not personally view this as its ultimate end. Don’t get me wrong: My overall mood about the packages I have received from Bungie and Microsoft is nothing short of ecstatic, but compensation was never my focus. The only thing I have specifically asked of Microsoft and the Xbox 360 team for is this particular case to be examined so that some change(s), whether small or broad, can be made to the service process to prevent the occurrence of any similar scenario. This remains my only request. I’m not asking for details, but if my story is leading to changes that should benefit current and future Xbox 360 owners, I would really like to know.”
It’s nice of our 360 fellow to care so much about the community as a whole and just himself. Let’s hope Microsoft will take note of his intentions and change the customer and repair service for the better.
Source: XBOXICLabels: Microsoft, xbox 360 |
| posted by Perimbean @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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| Super Smash Bros. Brawl rakes in the cash
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Super Smash Bros. Brawl rakes in the cash
Mar 22, 2008 04:30 AM
MARC SALTZMAN
Last Saturday, the Star's video game critic Bret Dawson heralded Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. Brawl as one of the best games of the year so far.
If retail sales are indication, it might also be one of the best-selling.
The popular cartoon fighting game for the Nintendo Wii console has set a new record for Nintendo of America, selling a whopping 1.4 million copies in the U.S. in one week – including 874,000 copies its first day of release, March 9.
Similarly, Super Smash Bros. Brawl became the fastest-selling Wii game in Japan with more than 1 million copies sold in 11 days. Canadian numbers aren't available yet.
"Super Smash Bros. Brawl has made the leap from video game to cultural phenomenon," said Cammie Dunaway, spokesperson for Nintendo of America.
Next up from Nintendo is Mario Kart Wii (April 27), which ships with the Wii Wheel racing peripheral, and the Wii Fit (May 19) fitness suite, which includes the wireless Wii Balance Board.
Nintendo's Next Big Thing?
In related news, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has already hinted at big things to come for the holidays.
In an interview with GameTrailers TV this week, Fils-Aime confirmed a "big game" will be unveiled July at the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, adding it will be available for the Wii over the 2008 holidays.
The only clue given is that it'll appeal to both the casual crowd and hardcore players. Hmm, let's hope it's the next instalment in the beloved The Legend of Zelda franchise. Fils-Aime also revealed a new Wii music game in the works would likely be announced at E3.
the top 10 PC games
With all the news surrounding the console scene it's easy to ignore computer game fans. If you're itching to play a new PC game on your new laptop, here's a quick look at the top-selling computer games for the week ending March 1 (source: NPD Group):
1. The Sims 2: FreeTime (Electronic Arts)
2. Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Activision)
3. Sins of a Solar Empire (Stardock)
4. Frontlines: Fuel of War (THQ)
5. World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)
6. World of Warcraft: Battle Chest (Blizzard Entertainment)
7. The Sims 2 Deluxe (Electronic Arts)
8. World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (Blizzard Entertainment)
9. Lost: Via Domus (Ubisoft)
10. Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate (Activision)
Source: The StarLabels: Nintendo, Super Smash Bros Brawl, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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| Nintendo Wii E3 Announcement
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Nintendo Wii is full of new content and surprises for this year's E3 in July.
By: Jennifer Hong
Mar 17, 2008, 8:33 PM EDT
According to Nintendo's chief operations officer, Reggie Fils-Aime, the Wii maker will attempt to steal this year's E3 show in July.
"We're going to have great new content maximizing all of our key franchises, it's going to be a good second half," said Fils-Aime. The Wii console maker is laying out its lineup for the rest of the year at the show.
However, exact details on what products in key franchises would be were not disclosed, but he did mention that Nintendo has an ace up its sleeve to capture gamers' attention during this year's holiday rush.
"There's going to be a big game for the holidays that the gamers will want," he said. "All I can tell you is that what we announce during E3 is going to be fantastic. The gamers are going to be excited and the expanded audience is going to be excited."
Fils-Aime also mentioned the long-under-the-radar Wii Music Orchestra.
"We were just in Japan, we saw a range of different products, we saw a sneak peak as to how that's developing, it's looking great," he said. "So who knows, maybe that's one of the things we talk about at E3."
Historically, when Nintendo has something up their sleeve, the outcome never disappoints.
Source: Half Life SourceLabels: E3, Nintendo, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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| Wii Fit Release to be Turning Point of ongoing Wii Shortage?
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Wii Fit Release to be Turning Point of ongoing Wii Shortage?
Posted on Sat, 22 Mar 2008 13:00:00 CDT by Luigi Lugmayr
The Nintendo Wii is still a hard find in the United States. There seems to be no Wii supply problem elsewhere, just in the U.S.
Wired reports that a Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst said this week that Nintendo plans the largest marketing campaign in the companies history to promote Wii Fit. Along with the campaign Nintendo is supposed to increase the monthly Wii supply by 150,000 consoles.
The Wii Fit release is on May 19th. Comments made by Gamestop this week put a big question mark on the analyst statements. Gamestop sees the Wii supply shortage continues for at least another 6 months.
I hope Nintendo will get finally around to satisfy demand for the Wii in the States like it does for instance in Germany, where I can go right now to Amazon and order a Wii console for the normal price of 248,95 Euro.
Because of the weak Dollar, this Euro price is actually about what the marked up Wii consoles sell for on eBay and on Amazon.com 3rd party channels in the U.S.:~$390. I am actually not sure what I should think of that "coincident".
Nintendo is not benefiting from the mark-ups. The money stays in the channels with wholesalers.
Source: i4uLabels: Nintendo, Wii, Wii Fit |
| posted by Perimbean @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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| Wii System Update (3/21/08): Mysterious Update
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Wii System Update (3/21/08): Mysterious Update
Written by Alexis Morgenstern
Saturday, 22 March 2008
Another Wii System Update is available. There's no letter from Nintendo in the Wii inbox explaining what it is for and no noticeable changes on the surface. The Wii System version still says version "3.2U," but there is something new to download.
Go to "Wii Options" in the lower left of the Wii menu, select "Wii Settings" and then choose "Wii System Update" to download it. A fairly recent Wii system update was previously available on 3/20/08, which was in preparation for the WiiWare releases. What this update*, released on 3/21/08, does is not known.
*Note: This update comes after the 3/20/08 WiiWare update that was sent.
Source: GamingBitsLabels: Nintendo, Wii, WiiWare |
| posted by Perimbean @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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| Wii Duplicated Channel Remover 1.1 (Multiregion version)
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Wii Duplicated Channel Remover 1.1 (Multiregion version)
This application removes the duplicated channels installed after upgrading the Wii with a JAP or USA game.
Changelog:
QUOTE
- Added a countdown before the process starts.
- Fixed a bug in consoles with more than 256 titles.
How to use:
QUOTE
Just run the application with Twilight Hack or burning the ISO. Then wait until it finishes. After that the Wii will restart automatically.
Also, the application will modify some data so these channels won't be installed anymore.
IMPORTANT NOTE: USE THE SPECIFIC VERSION FOR YOUR WII!!
I don't take any responsability if your Wii gets damaged.
Source: GBAtempLabels: Nintendo, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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| Namco looking into Wii-arcade linking
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Namco looking into Wii-arcade linking
Posted Mar 22nd 2008 2:00PM by JC Fletcher
Namco Bandai seems to have come up with a solution to their problem of (possibly) Wii-fueled arcade downturn: involving the Wii in the arcade. According to a very sad Asahi Shimbun report about closing arcades, Namco is now planning games that will allow data to be shared between the cabinet and the Wii -- we assume by Wii Remote data transfer.
Home/arcade integration from Namco is not terribly surprising, since Tekken 5 actually has PlayStation 2 controller ports on the cabinet. No, the really interesting thing about this story is trying to figure out what Namco Bandai is going to design for play on both the Wii and in the arcade.
The news article is pretty interesting in other ways, as well: it goes into possible reasons for arcade business slowdown other than the Wii ... like the economy.
Source: Wii Fan BoyLabels: Namco Bandai, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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| Has the Nintendo Wii peaked?
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Has the Nintendo Wii peaked?
According to Game Daily, the Nintendo Wii may have hit its peak as far as system sales go.
Between the Wii and the DS Nintendo machines have been flying off the shelves, but has Nintendo reached its peak? That's the implication from KBC Securities Japan, which on Thursday downgraded Nintendo stock from a "Buy" rating to a "Hold" rating and cut its 12-month price estimate by 30 percent to 57,500 yen ($580), according to Bloomberg.com.
KBC analyst Hiroshi Kamide said Nintendo's sales in the U.S. and Europe had "amazing growth" this fiscal year, but are beginning to peak. "We believe that it is reasonable to expect a tougher trading environment," he noted.
Nintendo's stock had doubled in 2006 and 2007, but it's dropped 22 percent this year. KBC has reduced its outlook for Nintendo's net income next fiscal year by eight percent to 391.6 billion yen. The firm also chopped its DS shipments forecast by six percent and Wii software sales by five percent.
Nintendo has also been hurt by the American recession, as the Japanese yen has gotten much stronger against the weakening dollar. KBC said its new estimates are based on an exchange rate of 100 yen to the dollar, compared with a previous assumption of 105 yen. The stronger yen essentially decreases the value of overseas earnings, which is a problem for Nintendo since the company gets a majority of its revenue overseas.
Source: Tech UniverseLabels: Nintendo, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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| Sony is coming with box set that contains PSP cradle, D terminal AV cable
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| Monday, March 24, 2008 |
Sony is coming with box set that contains PSP cradle, D terminal AV cable
Published 03/22/2008
When the slimmer and lighter Sony PlayStation Portable was announced, one of the most notable features was TV-out.
This further solidified Sony's stance that the PSP was more than just a portable gaming machine; it's meant to be a full portable entertainment system. By connecting the PSP to your TV, you're almost getting a truly portable PlayStation 2.
But what is the best way to enjoy your PSP's "quality entertainment content" on your TV at home? Sony is finally coming to the rescue with a box set that contains both a PSP cradle and a D terminal AV cable. This cradle, which comes with a wireless remote, helps you ease the connection to your TV. This dock would be similar to the ones you'd find for an iPod or some other PMP.
There are two versions that will be available in Japan starting on April 24th. The cradle by itself will retail for 4800 Yen, whereas the one that comes bundled with cables sells for 6500 Yen.
Source: HT LoungeLabels: PlayStation 2, psp, Sony |
| posted by Perimbean @ Monday, March 24, 2008
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| Xbox 360 sales below 2,000 units in Japan
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Xbox 360 sales below 2,000 units in Japan
Published: March 21, 2008 8:42 AM PDT
by Marcus Lai
Sales for Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 fell well below 2,000 in the latest weekly retail tally.
Media Create Co. on Fri. reported that the Xbox 360 sold 1,744 units between Mar. 10 and Mar. 16. By comparison, the hardware sold 2,891 units the week prior.
Additionally, the Xbox 360 was unable to rank a software title in the top 50 game sales.
In the states, the Xbox 360 sold 254,600 units in Feb. sales according to NPD Group Inc. The figure was below Sony Corp.'s Playstation 3, which sold 280,800 units in the same period.
Microsoft in Feb. warned that the Xbox 360 was in short supply at U.S. retail and could hinder market share for the next two months.
The company said it hoped to correct the shortage problem sometime in Mar.
In addition, Microsoft this month debunked reports that it was in talks with Sony to provide a Blu-ray option for the Xbox 360.
Instead, it said it will concentrate on digital distribution via the Xbox Live online service.
Source: Punch JumpLabels: Blu-ray, Microsoft, Sony, xbox 360 |
| posted by Perimbean @ Monday, March 24, 2008
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| 'Interactive movie' service unveiled for PS3
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| Saturday, March 22, 2008 |
'Interactive movie' service unveiled for PS3
Friday, March 21 2008, 06:00 GMT
By David Gibbon, Gaming Reporter
Sony has confirmed the next PlayStation 3 firmware update will include "the ultimate interactive film experience" when it becomes available later this month.
Software version 2.20 will carry the new BD-Live functionality, offering a host of new features to those watching BD-Live-enabled Blu-ray movies on the console.
Downloadable content, such as bonus scenes, short trailers, subtitles, mobile phone ringtones, images and more will all be part of the new set-up.
As well as the interactive movie service, the update, which promises to enable both photo and music PS3 playlists to be transferred to a Portable PlayStation, will also offer interactive movie-based games to PS3 users, featuring both single and online multiplayer options.
Sony confirmed BD-Live movies will become available from next month.
Source: digital spyLabels: BD-Live, Blu-ray, PlayStation 3, Sony |
| posted by Perimbean @ Saturday, March 22, 2008
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| PS3 ORANGE BOX PATCHED
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PS3 ORANGE BOX PATCHED
Stability and menu fixes.
By Steve Watts, 03/20/2008
A couple of weeks ago when the PC and 360 versions of Team Fortress 2 were patched, we wondered aloud where the PlayStation 3 patch was. That was answered today as a new software update went up on the PlayStation Network to address PS3-specific issues of the game, similar to how the 360's patch tried to relieve the ailing lag problems.
Though there is a fix for the memory "to improve single player stability" in the Orange Box, most of the tweaks are for Team Fortress 2. Specifically addressed problems include a graphical glitch leaving an explosion effect after a rocket jump, player names not appearing on the stats screen, vote tallies disappearing between rounds, and some issues with the EA leaderboards and servers. It also fixed some minor crashing problems and an occasional issue with seeing the "Players Met" on the XMB.
All in all, nothing major was added, but these tweaks allow the game to run a bit smoother on the PS3. Now if we can just get some of that free DLC, that'd be the icing on the cake.
Source: 1UPLabels: PlayStation 3, PS3, Sony |
| posted by Perimbean @ Saturday, March 22, 2008
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| Next PS3 firmware one more reason to buy console as Blu-Ray player
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Next PS3 firmware one more reason to buy console as Blu-Ray player
Posted by Daniel Terdiman | 14 comments
Update: This story now reflects NPD data showing improved PlayStation 3 performance in the first two months of the year.
For many people, Sony's oft-maligned PlayStation 3 video game console had one no-doubt-about-it selling point: when it launched, it was by far the cheapest Blu-ray player on the market.
That's no longer true, what with plenty of low-cost players flooding the market now that Blu-ray has effectively vanquished HD DVD as the next-generation playback standard.
But with its announcement of a forthcoming PS3 firmware upgrade, Sony has once again given consumers a reason to buy the console for little more than its Blu-ray capabilities.
As Sony said, the new firmware will allow users to take advantage of something called BD-Live, and to dynamically download "additional content and special features" associated with movies on Blu-ray.
That means, Sony argued, that BD-Live "will keep your (Blu-ray) discs fresh with new content and in some cases exclusive content only accessible to owners of BD-Live enabled discs."
As an example, the company pointed to the planned April 8 Blu-ray release of two Sony films, The 6th Day and Walk Hard, both of which will have features accessible under BD-Live.
"With this update, the PlayStation 3 becomes the first Blu-ray player on the market with BD-Live functionality," Sony bragged.
Therefore, once again, consumers who want to be on the cutting edge of Blu-ray technology have one distinct place to go for it: the PS3.
Never mind that not once in the blog entry about the firmware upgrade on the official PlayStation blog does Sony use the words "video game." Never mind that in the mind of some in the video game community, the PS3 is the bastard child that has been outclassed most of the way since its launch--at least in sales--by Nintendo's Wii and Microsoft's Xbox 360. New data from the NPD Group does show that the PS3 outsold the Xbox in the first two months of 2008, though Microsoft attributes that to shortages of its console in that time frame.
If you're Sony, do you care? Not if you can get people to buy the machine--which, unlike the Wii and the Xbox is available everywhere with no delays at all and has been throughout the past many months--to take advantage of the newest Blu-ray features.
After all, they say, when faced with lemons, make lemonade.
Source: CNETLabels: Blu-ray, PS3, Sony |
| posted by Perimbean @ Saturday, March 22, 2008
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| Eight things you didn't know the Wii could do
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Eight things you didn't know the Wii could do
How to get the most out of Nintendo's console
Thursday at 14:17 GMT
Are you the proud owner of a Nintendo Wii? You might think that it’s not quite the multi-talented digital hub that the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are.
But, believe it or not, there’s much more to the Nintendo Wii than playing Wii Sports (and potentially injuring a family member with an over-exuberant tennis swing).
Here's our list of eight things you might not know your Wii could do.
1. Charge your iPod
At the back of your Wii there are two USB ports. Although Nintendo hasn’t really taken advantage of them yet (one game - Boogie - uses it to plug in a microphone), that doesn’t mean you can’t make use of them. Simply connect your iPod to its USB charging cable and plug it into one of the USB ports and hey presto, you can charge it up while you play Super Mario Galaxy.
2. Plug in a keyboard to type emails
If you got your Wii early, you’ll have had the chance to download the Opera web browser from the Wii Shop Channel for free. If not, it’ll now set you back 500 Wii Points. While the browser is a great addition, using the Wii Remote to type in URLs or write emails can be a bit time consuming. Usefully, those two USB ports can come into play again: simply plug in a USB keyboard and you can type away on Hotmail or Google Mail to your heart’s content.
3. Make video jigsaws
As you may already know, the Wii Photo Channel lets you take photos from a digital camera’s SD card and draw on them or turn them into jigsaws. However, if your digital camera can take short videos in the .avi format, then the Wii can also play back those. You can even make looping video jigsaws with them. Try solving a jigsaw where the image on all the pieces is constantly changing!
4. Watch YouTube videos
The Wii’s Opera browser has Flash built in. Unfortunately, it’s an out-of-date version of Flash (version 7, to be exact). This means that more recent Flash-based sites, such as the BBC’s iPlayer, won’t work on the Wii. One site that still works like a charm, however, is YouTube. So you can watch Chocolate Rain over and over again on your telly.
5. Stream music and video from a PC
Orb is a free service which allows you to stream your PC multimedia (video, music, podcasts and pictures) to any web-connected device. As luck would have it, this also includes the Wii. Install the software on your computer, set it all up and then log on to your personal Orb web page via the Wii’s Opera browser. From here you can stream all sorts of content – DivX files, MP3s, JPEGs, etc. Orb's technology automatically determines the best format, codec, bit rate, display capabilities and network bandwidth for the Wii.
6. Use the Wii remote to control iTunes
You may already know this, but the Wii Remote communicates wirelessly with the Wii using Bluetooth. Taking advantage of this fact, some clever tyke has created a program called BlueTunes, which works with any Bluetooth-enabled PC and lets you use your Wii Remote to control your PC’s media player. All you need to do is sync your Wii Remote to the PC using the program, and that’s it. You can now use your Wii Remote as a remote control for the likes of iTunes, Windows Media Player and Winamp.
7. Play Flash games online
One final Opera browser trick... Naturally, since the browser has Flash capabilities, this means you can play a lot of online Flash games. However, many of these won’t work since they require you to use a keyboard: only the mouse-based games will work. That’s where WiiCade comes into play. This site contains a large collection of the web’s best Flash games that are both mouse-only (and therefore work well with the Wii) and work with the older version of Flash that the Wii’s Opera browser uses.
8. Treat your mates to some retro gaming
You’re probably already aware that the Wii Shop Channel lets you access the Virtual Console service, which in turn lets you buy and download some of the best NES, SNES, N64, Mega Drive, TurboGrafx and Neo-Geo games in gaming history. Think of it as a sort of retro gaming iTunes.
However, you may not know that Nintendo recently added a 'Gift' option to the store, meaning that when you go to buy a game you can instead choose to send it to someone in your Wii Address Book (assuming you’ve already traded Friend Codes with them). What better way to say “Happy Birthday” to a friend than treating them to a free download of Super Mario Bros 3?
By Tech staff
Source: Tech RadarLabels: Flash, iPod, Nintendo, Wii, YouTube |
| posted by Perimbean @ Saturday, March 22, 2008
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| Nintendo Responds to Smash Bros. Brawl Online Woes
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| Wednesday, March 19, 2008 |
Nintendo Responds to Smash Bros. Brawl Online Woes
Nintendo says bandwidth issues have affected online performance for its blockbuster Super Smash Bros.
GamePro staff
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 9:30 AM PDT
Nintendo has blamed "pipeline strain" for lagging online Wii performance, while promising improvements. Despite this, Super Smash Bros. Brawl has become the fastest selling Nintendo game in history, the company said.
"As with the launch of any online-enabled game, especially one as popular as Super Smash Bros. Brawl, everyone wants to play at once," said a Nintendo spokesperson in an email to GamePro on Monday. "This puts a strain on the pipeline."
With regards to an immediate remedy for ongoing lag and outages of Play With Anyone matches, the representative said, "We have seen improvements in online play performance every day since launch." Those seeking additional troubleshooting support while Nintendo ramps up its network can be found at support.nintendo.com or by calling 1-800-255-3700.
In a separate statement released today, Nintendo of America announced that Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii has become the fastest selling Nintendo game in history, selling more than 1.4 million copies after just one week of availability. More than 874,000 units were sold on launch day alone (March 9), the company said.
Source: PC WorldLabels: Nintendo, Super Smash Bros Brawl, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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| Super Smash Bros. Brawl sets new sales record for Nintendo of America
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Super Smash Bros. Brawl sets new sales record for Nintendo of America
Leo Chan - Tuesday, March 18th, 2008 | 6:44PM (GMT)
Approximately 120 copies of Brawl sold per minute across the span of one week
Super Smash Bros. Brawl launched last Sunday, March 9th, across North America and has since set ABLAZE the souls of Nintendo fanboys young and old. According to Nintendo, it's also setting the North American branch's sales records on fire. The company estimates that at least 1.4 million copies of Brawl have been sold domestically since launch, with 874,000 copies moving on day one alone. Nintendo does some funky calculations and settles on a sales rate of 120 games per minute between March 9th to the 16th.
While such numbers can't compare to Halo 3's astounding launch week results last year, it's still a telling vindication for the hype surrounding the most important Wii game yet. More importantly, Nintendo's figures ought to be a taster for the NPD Group's upcoming monthly sales report. It'll be a big month for Nintendo, to say the least.
"Super Smash Bros. Brawl has made the leap from video game to cultural phenomenon," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Game reviewers and the public alike praise its fun game play and extensive, inventive content."
No reports yet on the number of televisions or families broken as a result of frequent (but epic!) LANDMASTER abuse.Super Smash Bros. Brawl launched last Sunday, March 9th, across North America and has since set ABLAZE the souls of Nintendo fanboys young and old. According to Nintendo, it's also setting the North American branch's sales records on fire. The company estimates that at least 1.4 million copies of Brawl have been sold domestically since launch, with 874,000 copies moving on day one alone. Nintendo does some funky calculations and settles on a sales rate of 120 games per minute between March 9th to the 16th.
While such numbers can't compare to Halo 3's astounding launch week results last year, it's still a telling vindication for the hype surrounding the most important Wii game yet. More importantly, Nintendo's figures ought to be a taster for the NPD Group's upcoming monthly sales report. It'll be a big month for Nintendo, to say the least.
"Super Smash Bros. Brawl has made the leap from video game to cultural phenomenon," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Game reviewers and the public alike praise its fun game play and extensive, inventive content."
No reports yet on the number of televisions or families broken as a result of frequent (but epic!) LANDMASTER abuse.
Source: NeoSeekerLabels: Nintendo, Super Smash Bros Brawl, Wii |
| posted by Perimbean @ Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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| Asustek subsidiaries reportedly land OEM orders for Xbox 360 consoles
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Asustek subsidiaries reportedly land OEM orders for Xbox 360 consoles
Yen Ting Chen, Taipei; Adam Hwang, DIGITIMES [Tuesday 18 March 2008]
Pegatron Technology and Unihan Technology, two OEM makers spun off from Asustek Computer, have reportedly secured OEM orders for Xbox 360 consoles and will undertake the production at their factories in Suzhou, China, with an initial monthly shipment volume of about 500,000 units, according to industry sources in Taiwan.
Pegatron and Unihan, however, declined to comment on the report.
Wistron originally was the Taiwan-based OEM maker of Xbox 360 consoles, but decided to discontinue the OEM production due to gross margins being too small, the sources pointed out. Despite thin profitability for OEM production of Xbox 360 consoles, Pegatron and Unihan are willing to do so in line with their 2008 revenue goals, the sources indicated. Singapore-based Flextronics International is currently the largest OEM maker globally of Xbox 360 consoles, the sources said.
In addition to the Xbox 360, Pegatron and Unihan are undertaking OEM production of PlayStation 3 consoles for Sony, the sources noted.
Source: DigitimesLabels: Asustek, console, Microsoft, OEM, PS3, Sony, xbox 360 |
| posted by Perimbean @ Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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| Chinese OEM to manufacture Xbox 360 and PS3
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Chinese OEM to manufacture Xbox 360 and PS3
Written by Peter HaMarch 18th, 2008
Two spinoffs from Asustek have reportedly landed deals to manufacture Xbox 360 consoles. Unihan and Pegatron’s initial shipments should total 500k units which may help Microsoft quell the ongoing shortage of 360s that have led to the PS3 being numero uno the last few months. Coincidentally the two Chinese OEMs are also in works to contract deals with Sony to manufacture PS3 consoles.
Source: CrunchGearLabels: Asustek, Microsoft, OEM, PS3, Sony, xbox 360 |
| posted by Perimbean @ Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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| Nyko Frontman Wii Review
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Nyko Frontman Wii Review
Exclusive first review. Does this alternative shell rock?
by Gerry Bloc
March 18, 2008 - Guitar Hero III on the Wii has gained something of a bad rap due to the mono-sound fiasco and its lack of downloadable content. Nevertheless, the game sold well on all consoles, and it comes as no surprise that Wii owners are anxious to get some multiplayer action going. Unfortunately, Red Octane has priced extra guitar shells for the Wii at $69.99, which is absurdly over priced considering the Wiimote pulls all of the weight in the operation.
Fortunately, Nyko has stepped in to offer a somewhat more affordable option in the form of the Frontman for Wii. Priced at $49.99, which is still somewhat expensive considering the device is just a shell and buttons without any electronics, the Frontman aims to offer comfort and response comparable to the official Red Octane shell. Does it succeed? Read on.
Aesthetically, the Frontman for Wii is pretty understated with a white plastic body and swappable contrasting faceplate sections in black and pink. A yellow body option will also be released with black and white faceplates. The fret buttons match the color of the guitar neck save for small sections of color, which gives the guitar a somewhat more mature look.
In hand, the Frontman is noticeably lighter than the Red Octane's first-party guitar shell, and doesn't feature a removable neck. The shell's strummer is almost identical in look and feel to the official guitar's, as is the whammy bar. The fret buttons are, of course, the real key in quality Guitar Hero controllers, and Nyko did a good job crafting buttons without running into issues that have plagued other third-party guitars, like wobbly buttons or bad contact points.
They do, however, feel different than the official guitar's fret buttons due to their slightly smaller size and somewhat deeper seat in the neck of the shell. Their throw is a bit shorter and softer as well, and the click of full depression is quieter than the Red Octane guitar. Overall, the Frontman's fret buttons are some of the best we've seen in a third-party guitar, but a poll of office players revealed that everyone preferred the extra weight of the official guitar and its clicky-er buttons.
Faced with a choice of the $69.99 Red Octane extra guitar or the $49.99 Frontman, we'd recommend most players save the $20 and go with Nyko's option. Extremely sensitive players at the high end of the Guitar Hero skill spectrum might like to keep the feel of their guitars consistent, and as such might feel that paying a premium for an extra Red Octane shell makes sense.
Source: IGN |
| posted by Perimbean @ Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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