Valve’s Gabe Newell States Wii Domination; PS3 Failure

In a portion of a Game Informer interview with Gabe Newell, of Valve, he had some strong words for the company of Nintendo.

“The PS3 is a total disaster on so many levels, I think It’s really clear that Sony lost track of what customers and what developers wanted. I’d say, even at this late date, they should just cancel it and do a “do over”. Just say, “This was a horrible disaster and we’re sorry and we’re going to stop selling this and stop trying to convince people to develop for it”. The happy story is the Wii. I’m betting that by Christmas of next year, the Wii has a larger installed base than the 360. Other people think I’m crazy. I really like everthing that Nintendo is doing. “

Wow he sees a huge Sony failure while a huge Nintendo win.  Well thank you Mr. Newell cause I’d tend to agree with everything you just said.  Now how about a Half Life Wii.  But man after this holiday season and beyond it’s looking like a very Happy New Year to Wii.  And next Christmas it’s definetly going to be a Wii Christmas.

Source

Zucas

Rainbow Six: Vegas Wii Arises Again

I’m telling ya all these old Wii rumors are continually starting to pop up.  Anyways this comes from a message that was emailed to a retailers about Rainbow Six: Vegas for the Wii who seems to definetly think the titles is coming:

Dear lord/Ms,

We have received your e-mail and thank you for this. The release date of the game has been postponed to March. You can reserve these by means of the web hops.

Kind regards,
Department customer service

Well we remember this popped up awhile back on Ubisoft’s own site as a title coming to the Wii and immediately after it was taken off and seen as nothing more than a mistake.  But now it’s resurfaced again it seems even more legit.  This is undergoing the exact same course as Brothers in Arms Wii and we all know that is a title coming to the Wii now.  I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see this title coming but why so secret is above me.  Would love to see how the controls and graphics work on the Wii.  Let’s hope this one is true which I’m seeing as a yes right about now.

Source

Zucas

Carmack Forgiving Nintendo

Well not completely but Mr. Carmack from iD software has had these nice words to say about Nintendo.

GI: We’re talking about the high end. Going to the other side, you’ve gone back and programmed for simpler systems, like cell phones. On the console side, the Wii is the most underpowered, as they say. What do you think about developing for the Wii?

Carmack: You know, we’ve never had a good relationship with Nintendo, from really early products we did a long time ago. And for the most part, we just said, “Fine.” We’re busy with other stuff, and we just haven’t been that tight with Nintendo. On the up side, I really do respect what they’re doing, where for years, I’ve been saying—you probably heard me at QuakeCon—I will go on about how IO devices are where the really big differences are going to be made in gaming. You can get ten times the graphics power, and you can make a prettier picture, but when somebody makes a new IO device that really changes the way that people interact with the game, that’s going to have a larger benefit there. So I’m really pleased with what they’re doing with the Wii and with the DS—and they’re doing innovative things. But our current generation of game technology is not targeted at the Wii. Maybe that was a mistake on our part originally, but we have been looking strictly at the 360, PS3 and PC as what we want to simultaneously develop on. We probably aren’t going to be able to hit the Wii with the same technology platform.

Yes it could be a mistake on your part to not hit the Wii up right now.  But glad to see kind of a hopeful reuniting of the 2 which have had bad relationships for a long while.  Maybe possibly see some DS or Wii titles from them.

Source

Zucas

The Godfather Wii and PS3

In a press release EA announced their 2 Godfather titles for the next gen consoles PS3 and Wii.  Here’s the press release

Chertsey, UK January 11, 2007– Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Paramount Digital Entertainment today announced two new versions of The Godfather; The Godfather® The Don’s Edition for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and The Godfather® Blackhand Edition for Nintendo’s Wii™ video game and entertainment system. The Godfather The Don’s Edition includes The Corleone Expansion Pack with new gameplay and missions while The Godfather Blackhand Edition gives an enhanced combat experience with motion-based Blackhand Control. Take over the Big Apple in these fully interactive open-world games based on the classic film by Paramount Pictures and the critically-acclaimed book by Mario Puzo. The games are scheduled to ship in March 2007.

The Godfather The Don’s Edition for the PLAYSTATION 3 and The Godfather Blackhand Edition for Nintendo’s Wii offer brand new ways to go from Street Soldier to Don as you gain control of the streets of New York. Follow the path an Enforcer or Operator; each with its own unique perks and abilities to earn. Now you can chat up specific characters to get the skinny on dirty cops, take down two additional revised compounds of rival Families, execute five new contract hits, and call in larger Corleone Hit Squads when the going gets tough. With The Godfather The Don’s Edition also having the new Shipyard and Railyard transportation hubs to explore and exploit; your path to the head of La Cosa Nostra is wrought with all new perils and excitement.

The Godfather The Don’s Edition takes full advantage of the SIXAXIS™ controller for PLAYSTATION 3; manhandle your controller to manhandle your opponent. For improved, hyper-intuitive Blackhand Control in The Godfather Blackhand Edition, use gesture with the Wii-mote and Nunckuck to really beat down your opposition, or point directly at the screen using the Wii-mote for pinpoint firearm accuracy.

Developed by EA Redwood Shores, The Godfather The Don’s Edition, and The Godfather Blackhand Edition have not yet been rated by PEGI. More information about EA games is available at http://www.electronicarts.co.uk/press or the game’s homepage at http://www.godfather.ea.com.

Both are coming in March 2007 and will definetly extend both lineups.  More info on both when they come.

Source

Zucas

New Alien Syndrome Screens

More Alien Syndrome screens have come out of hiding.

Remember this game is coming out for both PSP and Wii.  I don’t know which version this is from but I don’t think the game was ever supposed to be about amazing graphics in the 1st place but fun intuitive gameplay and storyline.

Source

Zucas

Sonic in SSBB Rumor Arises Once More

What’s with all the old rumors all of a sudden rising again. Anyways this Sweedish mag thinks that Sonic will be in Smash Bros.

Well could always be a typo or misconception but Sega and Nintendo’s relations have been beastly lately. I’m hoping for a yes but I don’t know if this rumor will come out to be true. But here’s to hope. Sonic in SSBB would be amazing.

Source

Zucas

Maple Story DS Info

Maple Story has just been announced for DS as the big game for Nintendo to get in the Korean market.  Also it will be a big game around the world too as this was a big game.  Check out the new info released:

side-scrolling RPG style retained
specific team at Nexon working on this title, being overseen by managing director of company
jobs and skills from PC version will be retained as much as possible
unique features of the DS to be utilized
avatar code system
local wireless, and wifi connection play confirmed
player-vs-player
email capabilities
online stores
ranking service and other community aspects
single player from original Maple Story to be included, updated for DS
Maple Story DS will make it’s way to Europe, US, Japan, Australia, and possibly more
Korea will see DS Lite/Maple Story DS bundle, no price point announced

Hmm very interesting.  Another big game comes to the DS and really there is nothing stopping it.  Maybe we’ll see a Wii version come also to help tha tmarket.  But the DS Lite and Maple Story bundle for Korea will definetly see huge sales and introduce Nintendo to this new market well.  The online features sound pretty good too.  I may look into getting this title.  More on this game as it arises.

Source 

Zucas

Nibris Update

The developers of the psychological thriller to hit Wii late this year or early 2008 have let out a few updates.  According to C3 check this info out:

-Nibris has 3 DS titles and 4 Wii titles in the works.

-Confirmed titles are as follows…

Raid Over the River (DS)
Raid Over the River (Wii) (Q3 2008)
Sadness (Wii)
Double Bloob (DS)

So according to that their is one more DS title to share and 2 Wii titles still in production.  Hmm very interesting.  Also for our huge Sadness fans, like me, a new concept art was revealed:

Ooh that gives me chills.  This game is just turning out to be so amazing.  I mean this is going to be challenging RE5 for best Survival Horror.  I’m a huge RE fan but RE5 is going to get it’s match.  Can’t wait for htis game.  And this new scenery really differs from the rest I’ve seen.  This game may be along with everything also very epic.  Finally some Double Bloob info was revealed.  Check it:

 

-Double Bloob info

Buster Bros. style puzzle game
Multiple items and weapons
3 gameplay modes

More Screens and Info Here

Source 

Zucas

New Dragon Quest Swords Trailer

And  yet another Wii game that is huge in Japan.  I swear Wii is going to have no problem overtaking Japan with their huge lineup for it.  Going to be DS all over again their.  But anyways the huge seris that is Dragon Quest is coming to the Wii with Swords and has a new trailer.  Here’s the youtube video:

Direct Link 

Pretty nifty.  With the new Dragon Quest game that just beastly owned Japan in it’s release I’d see the same with this.  And let’s not forget Dragon Quest IX on the DS.

Zucas

Naruto Wii Dated

Another big Japanese game for the Wii has been dated in the land of the rising sun.  It is set to come out on February 22nd, 2007 in Japan.  That’ll definetly add to a good Q1 2007 lineup in Japan.  No America date released yet but as always it’ll make the states and we await announcment of the America release date.

Source

Zucas

Stormfront Working on Projects for Wii and 360

Stormfront Studios has announced their next slew of projects will be going to the Wii and 360.  This came from their job applications that were posted up:

Experience as a Senior or Lead Designer on two or more console games from inception to final ship, with responsibility for designing and communicating core gameplay, directing level layout, defining missions and game flow, tuning characters and mechanics.

Deep gaming experience and interest across multiple genres and hardware platforms, including Xbox360 and Wii.

Passion and ability to combine elements of exploration, collection, puzzle solving and combat into a cohesive and fun experience.

Detail-oriented game systems design and documentation experience.

Excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to produce innovative designs.

A commitment to an aggressive standard of excellence, and a reflection of that commitment in professional work ethic, persistence and drive.

Once again we are seeing the PS3 left out and I guess we all shouldn’t be surprised anyways.  Let’s hope to hear more about their titles in the coming months.

Source 

Zucas

Animal Crossing Wii Rumors

Alright probably one of the biggest games as of late, Animal Crossing, is also coming to the Wii.  The hit DS version sold close to 7 million copies worldwide and is still selling in places like Japan which it hit over 4 million.  So what’s a good way for Nintendo to have big sucess in Japan.  Well put it a version on the Wii too.  Big sales to come out of that.  But new rumors have popped up from the game.  Check it:

A brief chat with a local Nintendo rep led me to some interesting new facts – most notably that Nintendo is hard at work on Animal Crossing for the Wii (no surprise there, but it’s good to know it’s coming). I didn’t get too many details from the guy, but what I can tell you is that it will most definitely be online enabled, just as its DS counterpart was and GameCube counterpart should have been. As far as classic games that were included in the original, no official decision has been made yet as to if they’ll be the Wii version. The coolest little bit of info was the fact that the game will actually connect into your Forecast channel so that the game’s weather will actually reflect what’s going on outside. No release date was specified, but the rep I talked to expected that we should be getting it at some point this year.

Source 

Hmm very interesting.  Good to know it’s already deep in development.  But online better be there haha.  But I’m sure it will.  But the part about it using the Forecast channel to determine the weather would be fricking awesome.  Wow now that is an excellent way to use that channel to relate back to real time weather in games.  Would also work great in sports games too for gamedays.  But let’s all hope this rumor comes true.

Zucas

Xbox 360 CES Announcments Leaked?

I haven’t forgotten about our other 2 next gen consoles haha just not my pleasure to write about them as much. But seeing it’s mainly me time to fill in with a juicy rumor. According to a Kotaku report it is rumored that the CES announcement of MS will state 10.4 million X360’s had been shipped. Also the 360 will be given the capability to run IPTV, a sort of television that delivers content over a broadband network.

Now right now they can be seen as plausible and man if the 10.4 million shipments is right as of the end of 2006 may have to start rethinking nextgenwars numbers but that’s another story. But that’s my main problem MS has been behind shipments the entire time and now all of a sudden they’ve exceeded their shipment predictions. Just doesn’t make sense. The IPTV thing would be interesting but it’s funny how MS continues to try to make the PC do things that can easily be done with a PC. Kinda clashes with their other market.

I think MS really needs to stay away from that for that reason and the reason that people aren’t going to replace a computer with a 360. Whatever way you look at it interesting rumors. This Sunday is when the announcement will take place so I’ll keep ya updated.

Source

Zucas

More Wii Rumors

Wii rumors never take a day off and especially today where a Japanese site has claimed a few of these rumors.  One I talked about just recently and the rest are all quite plauisbul especially the 4th one.  Check it out.

1. From Software is developing a “Kingsfieldesque” first-person action-RPG on Wii (sounds like an Oblivion style title)

2. Fire Emblem for the Wii will include the original Path of Radiance as well as the sequel to the game

3. NiGHTS to come to the Wii

4. Square and Disney have agreed to place the next Kingdom Hearts on Nintendo systems

5. Sword of Legendia is a spinoff of the “Tales of” series and is the first game of the “Swords of” series

Well the 1st one is definetly possible as From Software has announced support and this would just be telling what title they are developing.  Sounds interesting.  The 3rd one we talked about and the 5th one will probably excite fans of that series.  The second would be great.  But it’s the 4th one.  It seems that Nintendo might take another series away.  360 has been taking it series away from the Playstation and Wii is definetly jumping for the chance.

But Kingdom Hearts would be great on the Wii as that is one of the games I loved on the PS2.  Hopefully they’ll put the 1st 2 on and then a new one with the 3rd.  Good list of rumors there.

Source

Zucas

New Metroid Prime 3 Details

New details today have arisen on the exciting conclusion to the Metroid Prime trilogy. They talk about such things as graphics, storyline, and gameplay. I’ll leave the ones about the storyline within the link. Don’t want to give away any spoilers. So read at your own will:

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Definitely stole the the show. The graphics looked amazing — better than Halo 2 on the Xbox without a doubt — and the levels showed off sparkling details, proving the Wii is far more powerful than the Gamecube. Out of all the games we played, the Wii controller seemed most at home with Metroid.

Source

Corruption takes full advantage of the first-person perspective to make you part of the action. There’s also a new hyper mode in which Samus can fill up her phazon supply to a certain point to push her into a heightened period of speed and power. Push the phazon limit too far and it will overload her armor and you’ll be seeing a game over screen. Finally, word is that at long last Samus’ ship will be used during gameplay, an intriguing twist that should cause the saliva glands of “Metroid” fans to work overtime.

Source 2

Ah so graphics beyond Xbox and Halo 2. I think many people are finally starting to see that Wii had a launch too and that graphics always get better after launch. PS3 and Wii were criticized for that cause 360 was already on second wave but now we are starting to see. Wii can achieve some amazing graphics in its own respect and were about to see that pour out.

I’m very interested to play this game as FPS on Wii just works betters. It’s very fun and intuitive. I’ve never been a huge FPS fan until Wii came out. The game is expected to release after March but no limitation was given on that. We’ll just have to wait for further details.

Zucas

Ubisoft Gives 4 New Wii Games for March

After Red Steel and Rayaman: Raving Rabbids got extroardinary sales for the Wii launch console in most areas of the world Ubisoft stated they’d ramp up development more than they already had. Wii didn’t think it was possible. Wii were wrong. Ubisoft has 4 more Wii games coming to March as follows.

Driver: Parallel Lines

Spelling Spree

Cosmic Family

Brothers in Arms: D-Day

The first one, Driver: Parallel Lins, is an M-rated port of the PS2 game which got average reviews. Spelling Spree and Cosmic Family I don’t know about whether they are ports are new titles. BIA: D-Day is a PSP game. Obviously it’ll be upgrades for the Wii which’ll give Nintendo it’s first BIA game. I’m very pschyed to see BIA. But I hope it’s not made as some cheap port and enhanced very well for the Wii.

Source

But this amazing add on adds to the already great support for Q1 07 that Ubisoft is providing. They already have these titles coming out in that same timeframe:

Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII

Prince of Persia: Rival Swords

TMNT

Quite some support there. Way to go Ubisoft.

Zucas

NIGHTS into Dreams Wii Resurfaces?

A long time ago in a galaxy fueled with Wii or Revolution rumors came one that got almost everyone excited.  And that was the possibility of NIGHTS into Dreams either being ported onto the Wii or even a sequel.  Well the magic has returned as this rumor has resurfaced.  On a recent Japanese release list by a site this game popped up as being on there.  Check out the pic:

You don’t know how much this gets me excited.  The red markings take note is those of the pic maker as he translated it from Japanese to English.  This is definetly a title I’d love to see.  This gets me really really excited.  There is a large fanbase who apsolutely loved this title and we’d all love to see it again.

NIGHTS Wii? 

Zucas

We’ve Hit 10,000 Hits

It’s official as of today we’ve gone over 10,000 hits to this site.  Quite a milestone for me and my staff who alwasy had our doubts about how this site would turn out.  We’ve had our ups and downs for sure but I plan to  keep this site going at full capacity.  Thx for everyone who comes here to read good gaming news.

Zucas

Elebits Review

What happens when you put unlimited interactivity with objects ranging from 1000s of different items, cute small creatures everywhere scattered within them, unreal physics, and a gravity-defying  gun that let’s you throw it all over the world.  Possibly one of the most innovative games ever created.

 

Next Gen Sales Wars

So who in here followed next gen wars and for “accurate estimates” for awhile thinking they were right but in the end just new they were wrong.  Well your not alone.  I’m going to come right out and say next gen wars estimates are way way off on trying to get actual sales rather than shipments.  Their PS3 and Wii numbers are a little to low while their 360 numbers are coming close to exceeding shipments.  I don’t know if there is bias or just plain ignorance causing that but they are wrong.

Luckily good old VGCharts does this also and they seem to have more “accurate” estimates that not only fit with their sales they provide but fit with shipments given by the companies themselves quarterly.   So here is a nice pic showing their next gen numbers:

 

Definetly a lot more reasonable.  Cause next gen wars for Wii for instance if accounted in just the launch sales of all the places plus Japan up to now you’d get right about 2 million.  And with Europe, America, and the rest of the world selling beastly Wii’s that already shows their Wii numbers are off.   But This is definetly the closest to accurate you’ll find on the internet.  So keep checking back here and at there site.  I’ll update everytime there is a chance.  ANd also they are doing it for the handhelds.  Right now the DS has sold 35.56 million copies worldwide compared to the PSP’s 19.12 million sold worldwide.  As you see in montly and weekly sales DS is apsolutely crushing the PSP and pulling away at a very quick pace.  So for update worldwide actual sales estimates with shown divided territories VGCharts is the place.

Zucas

Japanese Hardware and Software Sales for Dec 18-24

Ah well it’s that time again.  Yea sales.  Once again all sales will be from VGCharts so do enjoy.  You can check out their site in my links on the front page.  So let’s start with hardware and man was it a beastly week for hardware:

Console/This Week/Total

DS- 498,750/13,934,500
Wii- 286,500/859,000
PSP- 141,250/4,679,250
PS3- 81,500/400,500
PS2- 49,750/21,798,000
X360- 18,500/269,000
GBA- 4,500/16,638,750
GC- 1,250/4,014,750

Definetly quite a week for Nintendo topping the charts with it’s next gen handheld and console.  DS almost hit 500,000 while Wii almost hit 300,000.  DS is about to hit 14 million worldwide while Wii is about to become the 1st next gen console in Japan to get over a million.  PSP had a huge jump thx to Metal Gear game which you’ll see in a moment.  PS3 stayed about the same and so did 360.  GBA and GC are hanging in there.   Now let’s go to software:

Rank/Game/Console/This Week/Total

1. Pokemon Diamond Pearl DS– 387,000/4,357,250
2. New Super Mario Bros DS– 167,500/3,930,500
3. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops PSP– 163,250/163,250
4. Kirby Squeak Squad DS– 159,750/737,000
5. Seiken Densetsu 4 PS2– 156,000/156,000
6. Wii Sports Wii– 156,000/484,250
7. Jump Ultimate Stars DS– 147,500/509,500
8. Wii Play Wii– 140,250/450,250
9. Love and Berry DS Collection DS– 137,000/752,500
10. Animal Crossing: WW DS– 131,000/3,989,750

Ah again we see the dynamic duo that is Pokemon combine for the lead this week.  The 2 games have already garnered in 4.3 million just in Japan.  The game still hasn’t released in America and Europe yet.  Pokemon may have been an awful TV show but hell it makes a great RPG.  New Super Mario Bros continues it’s long run in the top 10 and is also about to hit 4 million in Japan alone.  Metal Gear for the PSP puts it a title in the top 10 and gets quite a bit of sales.  Kirby Squeak Squad keeps up it’s great sales.  Expect it to hit over a million in Japan also.  A new PS2 title makes it’s way in and the Wii Sports and Wii Play keep up the high sales.  Both are about to pass 500k and expect both to easily hit more than a million in Japan.  And you’ll also see Animal Crossing make it’s way back into the top 10 as it’s jsut about to pass the 4 million mark.

Other noteable titles are Twilight Princess was at #22 and sold 50k.  It has now 250k in the country.  PS3 makes it’s first title with Armored Core 4 at #27.  The game sold 35k in int’s 1st week.  360 also makes it’s 1st title in with Lost Planet which hit at #30.  The game sold pretty well for a 360 title in it’s 1st week with 30k in sales.  The top publisher for this week was Nintendo with 2.01 million games sold.  2nd went to Sega with 263k.  Always has been Nintendo ownage in Japan for software.  Next week we’ll a little drop but still extroardinary sales out of our consoles noteably the Wii and DS.  Also had a big game or 2 drop this week really haha so look for that mid next week.

Zucas

Zelda Timeline Theory

Ever wonder how all those Zelda games fit in with each other.  Ever think that even Nintendo doesn’t know how they fit.  Well you’d probably be weird if you think that haha.  Just kidding.  But here’s a theory trying to figure out what  is the chronological order.  Gives a really good theory.  But for all you naysayers to know timeline their definetly is.   Nintendo has commented many times about being a specific order and noting it with new games.  And the games tie in in a lot of case.  Well enjoy the movie and the good Zelda music we all love.

Zucas

Reviews and Podcasts Coming

Well seeing that I did get my Wii on launch day I got quite a few games with it.  Myself and my bro got one so we have quite a selection of games.  So I’ll start writing reviews for them.  Also a podcast concerning the launches, aftermath, ect will be done hopefully soon.  So keep checking up on this site for loads of new things to come.

Zucas

Many SSX Blur Screens

Well EA has decided to start bringing out the love on the Wii and as we all know SSX Blur will be releasing in March 07 exclusively on the Wii. I’ve only bought one of the SSX games and it was pretty good. It was a pretty big series a few years ago but has kinda died down as of late. But maybe motion sensing can bring that back. Anyways I’m pretty excited about the game and good to see EA supporting Nintendo a little better. Anyways loads of new screens have been released. Here’s a few:

And there’s plenty of more where that came from. There’s a lot more in the 2 links at the bottom. The game graphically is shaping up but could use a few touch ups. I’m sure though the game looks better in motion.

Screens 1 and Screens 2

Zucas

Case Closed Wii

It seems everyday a new title or 2 or 3 or many is announced for the Wii. Just the hot item to put a game on. But always one has to be based off some Japanese TV series. Well a few may remember Case Close about a detective turned child solving cases. I happened to actually like that show alot. Just didn’t show it too often on Adult Swim.

Anyways the game has been announced for the Wii. And here is the site for the game.

Cased Closed Wii Site

Unforunately for any of our fans of this show, like me, it will probably never see an American release as the show was only shown for awhile. Oh well I guess. I’ll agree with Rawmeat on this one though to start a petition. I would love to play this game if done right.

Zucas