The Tanooki » Rob

More Castlevania DS to come

Rob — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:25:04 +0000

In an interview with Wired News, Koji Igarashi, or “Iga” as he is affectionately referred to, spills the beans on the future of the Castlevania franchise. Its future? More Nintendo DS games, of course!

WN: What’s coming up next for Castlevania, the games?
KI: First, we’re doing another Nintendo DS version. There hasn’t been an official announcement, but we’re doing it. First, we want people to enjoy the PSP version, and afterwards we’re announcing it. So, please wait a little bit.

Short of a press release, that is about as good a confirmation as one can expect. With the success of recent Castlevania games on portable machines, this news shouldn’t be shocking. However, it is good to know that they’re already full-steam working on another.

Wired

Objection! Harvey Birdman game delayed

Rob — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:31:20 +0000

Harvey Birdman has been officially delayed. The game, developed by Capcom, creators of the Phoenix Wright adventure games, will now be released on January 8th, 2008. While it has become increasingly common for games to get their release dates pushed back, this delay is actually quite different. On the game’s official forums, Capcom’s Senior Director of Strategy Sven shed light on the reasoning behind the game’s new release date:

The game is and has been finished, submitted and approved, however we felt releasing the game on the same day 112 other SKUs released was not ideal for its chances. Retail buyers agreed.

As such, we’ve opted to move the title out into a slightly cleaner release window. This will allow us to get on more shelves, do a bit more outreach to the media and hopefully get the fans in on the action a bit more.

Smart move, Sven. The game probably would have been lost amongst the holiday shuffle.

Capcom forum post
via GoNintendo

Crazy Climber climbs onto Wii

Rob — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 18:08:44 +0000

In an announcement that no one could have seen coming, arcade classic Crazy Climber will be joining the Wii’s holiday lineup in Japan this year. Developed by Jex/First, this will mark the first new entry in the series in nearly 20 years. The game will be released on December 21st and retail for 6,090 yen or, roughly, 50 U.S. dollars.

The screens released so far are, of course, from a game still in development. However, it is hard to not be disappointed with the game’s budget visuals and not-so-budget price. The developers should really consider pushing this project back and moving it over to the WiiWare service because, as a full priced retail game, it just doesn’t look like it can compete.

Hopefully Jex/First can put in some overtime and spruce up the visuals before release.

Game-Watch

The Princess is an another Googleplex

Rob — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 17:27:14 +0000

As if you already wouldn’t drop your life and change your name if Google opened its doors and welcomed you into the fold, working at Google just got even more enticing. Employees already have access to free laundry service, a free health club, free food, and now, officially confirmed, enough free time to create awesome office decorations.

Created as part of an interoffice competition, the Super Mario Bros. inspired makeover took a few weekends to design and implement. The Developer Ops team made their entry from “15 yards of blue cloth, 5 rolls of saran wrap, 10 pieces of posterboard, foam, lots of color printer toner” and of course, a whole lot of love.

Somehow, despite tapping that nerve of pure nostalgia, the Devops team ended up losing to the Google Analytics team’s Jumanji themed makeover. While gracious in their defeat, the Devops really should demand a recount.

Check after the break for more pictures.

Google Code Blog
via Kotaku

I make the songs: Koji Kondo interview

Rob — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 16:54:18 +0000

Though his name may not be as much of a household staple as, say, Shigeru Miyamoto, Koji Kondo has done just as much to shape the atmosphere and mood of Nintendo games as the aforementioned designer. If you’ve ever found yourself humming the theme to Super Mario Bros. or beatboxing the overworld theme from The Legend of Zelda, then you owe a debt of thanks to Mr. Kondo.

1up sat down for an interview with Kondo, whose latest credits include the upcoming Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Mario Galaxy, to find out what makes the composer tick. They even asked the question many have been asking for decades: where did the Mario death music come from?

KK: It just kind of something we thought fit with that feeling of dying. But it wasn’t supposed to be superdepressing [sic], as you never really die. It was more whimsical — it was a way, through music, to say, “Hey, it’s time to try again.” It just kind of happened like that, I guess.

Interesting fact from the interview: the iconic Super Mario theme was originally a downbeat, laid back piece that eventually was scrapped in favor of the one we know and love today.

1up.com

Iwata Asks: Super Mario Galaxy: live and in English

Rob — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 03:48:50 +0000

After some delay from its Japanese counterpart’s debut, the first installment in Iwata Asks: Super Mario Galaxy is now up and ready to read in English. In this section of the 4 part series, Iwata speaks with Yoshiaki Koizumi and Takao Shimizu, the Producer and Director of the forthcoming Super Mario Galaxy. The usual notes are hit: talk of Mario 128 (the Gamecube tech demo), dealing with Shigeru Miyamoto, gravity induced motion sickness, general accessibility, and, well, Miyamoto and his affinity for upending the tea table.

Nothing earth shattering, really, but truly a nice in-depth interview with plenty of insight and even some funny stories. For those desperate for any and all information regarding Mario Galaxy: consider this your fix.

Iwata Asks: Super Mario Galaxy

Wii isn’t hardcore enough for Silent Hill either…

Rob — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:54:11 +0000

Akira Yamaoka, sound designer for the Silent Hill series, takes sides in the debate over the Wii’s internal horsepower. In a recent interview with Wired, the question of a multi-platform release of Silent Hill 5 was raised. Currently the game is planed for release on Xbox360 and the PS3, or as Yamaoka puts it…

AY: We’re making Silent Hill 5 for next-gen consoles. Are there any other platforms besides that? [laughter]
WN: There’s the Wii.
AY: Ah, the Wii. Wiiiiiiiiii… Silent Hill Wii. Can we do it? Will players like it?
WN: Yeah! There’s a lot of potential there, using the remote as a flashlight, or a knife…
AY: Yeah, there’s potential.
WN: But no plans.
AY: No plans. The Wii user isn’t a hardcore user.

While few would argue against the Wii being the most “family friendly” console available, the idea that the “hardcore” user and the “casual” user are separate creatures is a false dichotomy. Some of the most “hardcore” gamers are Tetris junkies, one of the most ubiquitous and “casual” games ever made. It is a real shame that developers think that gamers can’t enjoy more than one class of video game.

Hit the link below to read the full interview.

Wired

Wii isn’t hardcore enough for Assassin’s Creed?

Rob — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:34:41 +0000

The Wii, despite massive success, has proven to be a polarizing little device. While making inroads to both new and seasoned player alike, it has still managed to garner some animosity from those considering themselves “hardcore.” Latest to jump on the bandwagon is Patrice Desilets, creative director of Assassin’s Creed. The verdict? The Wii isn’t for the hardcore video game player.

In spite of an upcoming Nintendo DS version of his game set for release, Desilets says that:

“The Wii is all about casual games. In terms of processing power and graphics capabilities the Wii is roughly equivalent to the PS2 and the first Xbox … I like the controller and the fact that the Wii is bringing a new audience to games but Assassin’s creed [sic] would never run on the Wii hardware.”

While he is correct that the Wii could not run a straight port of Assassin’s Creed, the conclusion that the system is a casual only device does not logically follow.

Hit the link below to read the full interview.

Wii Fanboy

Okay, it’s official: Okami set for release on Wii

Rob — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 22:00:50 +0000

With the amount of Okami related posts as of late, you’d think someone close held stock in some mystical Okami-producing machinery. In the effort of full disclosure: no one around here owns stock in companies that produce Okami-producing machines.

With that out of the way, Capcom has finally confirmed that Okami, the PS2 cult classic, is indeed making its way to the Wii, replete with motion controls. Developed by Ready at Dawn, it currently sounds as though motion controls will be the only enhancement with no changes made to the story or visual aesthetics. While this doesn’t rule out the game running in a widescreen compatible resolution, by the wording of the official press release and Ready at Dawn’s own comments, the odds appear pretty slim. The game looks to be nearly a straight port (think RE4).

Price was not announced, though the game will be released in the Spring of 2008. Hit the break to read the official press release.

SAN MATEO, Calif. — October 17, 2007 — It’s finally time to experience the magic of Okami™ as it was always meant to be played. Capcom’s award winning game — hailed as “Game of the Year”for 2006 by multiple magazines and websites including Associated Press, PSM, Village Voice, IGN.com, Game Revolution and more — is set for release on the Wii™ home video game system in Spring 2008. Featuring a re-imagined control scheme built around the intuitive Wii Remote™, Okami offers players an unparalleled level of control and an opportunity to rediscover a critically-acclaimed and beautifully crafted adventure.

Okami tells the story of a mythical sun god who sets out to restore a dismal world, decimating the forces of evil who stand in the way by commanding the elements and mythical abilities the deity possesses. Mixing Japanese folklore and a stunning traditional Japanese art style, players must utilize an inventive control scheme to overcome the challenges and evil that await. By enhancing the unique gameplay, visual style and story line of Okami with the control of the Wii Remote, it is sure to be the ultimate version of the game.

Originally designed for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and released in 2006, Okami now comes alive in an entirely new way on the Wii with its visually stunning art style and beautiful scenic 3D levels that have the appearance and texture of paper scrolls brushed with watercolor-like calligraphy art. Throughout the vibrant and distinctive surroundings, players must use the Wii remote to interact with a dynamic world and cast of characters. The blend of stylized graphics, movements and unique gameplay will result in a rich and dynamic experience never seen before.

Okami includes the following features:
• Innovative gameplay and control scheme optimized for the Wii – Defeating monsters requires both motion-controlled physical attacks, but also use of the Wii Remote as Amaterasu’s ‘Celestial Brush’ to paint the desired powers for decimating enemies and solving puzzles.
• Create and destroy at will – Play as a god to re-establish order and beauty to a world laid barren by evil.
• Intense action-packed battles – Rooted in Japanese folklore, fight against a diverse line-up of demons and monsters.
• Utilize various gameplay styles – In addition to the Celestial Brush, Amaterasu can wield three types of offensive weaponry, each with their own unique abilities and effects. Depending on how a weapon is equipped, it can be used as the main or sub weapon:
o Reflectors – These well-balanced weapons are suited for close range combat
o Rosaries– Sacred magatama beads are great for quick long range attacks
o Glaives – These can be charged up to unleash powerful close range attacks
• Intriguing main character – Assume the role of the sun god, Amaterasu, who descends upon the earth in the form of a wolf. The Japanese translation of the word wolf is “Okami”.
• Original visuals and revolutionary design– Vibrant and inspiring graphics, reminiscent of traditional Japanese art created on paper scrolls, produce a large variety of stages with a watercolor-esque appearance.
• Interact with a unique and dynamic cast of characters.

Miyamoto wins Innovation award

Rob — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:31:06 +0000

Shigeru Miyamoto, or the Father of Mario, Donkey Kong, the Legend of Zelda, and all-things-your-childhood, was given the Innovation Award for Consumer Goods by the Economist last night at a ceremony held at the Science Museum in London. The award recognizes Miyamoto’s contributions and achievements in the videogame industry.

A statement released by the Economist went on to say that Miyamoto “is the inventor of Nintendo and has been one of the key architects in the electronic gaming industry.” While few would quibble over Miyamoto’s impact on videogaming, stating that he “invented” Nintendo in the literal sense is really giving him too much credit. As Gameindustry.biz points out, “Nintendo was in fact founded by the Yamauchi family, although Miyamoto has overseen the company’s modern-day renaissance.”

Semantics aside, this is just another notch in the already accolade ridden belt of Mr. Miyamoto. Already a French Chevalier (or, in English, a knight), he is the first person to be inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences’ Hall of Fame, he was featured in Time Asia’s “60 Years of Asian Heroes” alongside Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa, and the Dalai Lama, and, as if not already enough, he was featured in Time Magazine’s 2007 list of 100 most influential people.

Gameindustry.biz

New WiiWare Final Fantasy info from Famitsu

Rob — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:35:52 +0000

Announced alongside Nintendo’s own WiiWare offerings, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Little King and the Promised Land is arguably the most ambitious game set to hit the new WiiWare download service. Thanks to this week’s Famitsu, we now have some more concrete details on the kind of gameplay we can expect.

Players will take control of Leo, the “Little King” of Little King, a boy with the powers of “the Architect,” as he attempts to establish a new country. The game certainly has strategy RPG leanings, requiring you to manage both resources and troops to progress. Visually, the game shares a similar art style to its predecessor on the Gamecube, which makes sense, as this game is set after the events of the original.

The Small King and the Promised Land will hit WiiWare’s Japanese servers in March and will cost 1500 Wii points. While there is no word on a U.S. release, the odds of this hitting stateside are very good.

Scans from the latest magazine are hidden behind the break.

1up
Scans via Neogaf

Sega Superstars Tennis Announced for Wii/DS

Rob — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:22:54 +0000

Not to feel left out in the booming cross-franchise competition genre, Sega has announced a new sports game set for release the first quarter 2008: Sega Superstars Tennis. So far, the game will include cameos from the Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Monkey Ball, Space Channel 5, and Samba De Amigo universes. Hopefully Ryu Hazuki and Lan Di will make the cut.

Hit the break for the press release and screenshots from the 360 version of the game.

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (Oct 18, 2007) – SEGA Europe Ltd. and SEGA of America, Inc. today announced SEGA Superstars™ Tennis, a game that brings together some of the most treasured and well known characters from the SEGA universe, in some of the most unusual courts and outrageous settings ever imagined. Developed by Sumo Digital Ltd., SEGA Superstars Tennis will be released on the Sony PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system, Sony PlayStation 2, the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Nintendo Wii and DS, all hitting shelves early in 2008.

SEGA Superstars Tennis has over 15 playable SEGA idols including Sonic the Hedgehog, AiAi from Super Monkeyball fame, Ulala of Space Channel 5 and Amigo from Samba De Amigo. In addition to their own unique attributes, each character will also come equipped with their own superstar tennis skills, putting a whole new spin on each match played!

Exhibition mode offers the chance to challenge Sonic, or the character or your choice, to a match on one of many courts, including Sonic’s home court of Green Hill Zone, or Amigo’s Carnival Park court. Wherever you play there will be a host of SEGA celebrities cheering you on from courtside and by partaking in crazy doubles matches with your choice of partner, you could end up playing against some pretty unusual couples! Prove your SEGA hero is the shining star of SEGA Superstars Tennis by collecting silverware in the Tournament Mode. There will also be the opportunity to unlock a host of exciting extras which will be announced in the near future!

Complementing the Exhibition and Tournament modes, there will also be new and innovative ways of enjoying some of SEGA’s classic titles, plus platform exclusive ways to play the game, including online modes for X360 and PS3 versions!

“SEGA Superstars Tennis has the potential to be one of the most fun and accessible sports games ever.” commented Gary Knight, European Marketing Director. “The fantastic Sumo Digital team has had access to a wealth of SEGA IP and you’ll be surprised at the gaming icons that will be making an appearance!”

Available on the Sony PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system, Sony PlayStation 2, the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Nintendo Wii and DS, SEGA Superstars Tennis will release in early 2008.

Crimson Room and sequels are DS bound

Rob — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:47:36 +0000

Fans of Flash adventure games rejoice! Crimson Room and its sequels, Viridian Room, Blue Chamber, and White Chamber, are headed to the Nintendo DS for touch-screen enhanced remakes. For those unfamiliar with the series, they are point-and-click adventure games revolving around escaping from various colored locations. The puzzles are often cryptic and obtuse with trial-and-error being your only investigative method. However, they are still remarkably well put together, if somewhat short lived, experiences.

The move to the DS has apparently changed little in the way of core gameplay mechanics, with the only discernible difference being an ever-present inventory inhabiting the top screen. There also appears to be dedicated turning buttons running along the edges of the screen, which is a major improvement as turning in the original was somewhat cumbersome.

The compilation will be released in Japan by publisher Success for a reported 2500 yen (or about 20 U.S dollars). There is no word on a Western release, yet. If you would like to see what all the fuss is about, the original flash versions are up on their creator’s website: fasco-cse.com

Famitsu
via DS Fanboy

THQ to develop Nintendo IP

Rob — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:13:35 +0000

According to a recent Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, Publisher/Developer THQ has entered into a licensing agreement with Nintendo to produce games based upon Nintendo’s intellectual properties. According to GameIndustry.biz, “the form indicates that THQ has been granted ‘the right to use certain of Nintendo’s intellectual property to develop, have developed, have manufactured, advertise, market and sell video game software for play on Wii until October 13, 2009 in all countries within the Western Hemisphere.’”

What this means exactly is uncertain. But the ambiguity is tantalizing. Could a “reboot” ala Metroid Prime be imminent for a beloved Nintendo franchise? With that said, this news could turn out to be something as simple as the outsourcing of a series, like when Nintendo tapped Sega to develop F-Zero GX.

GameIndustry.biz

[Update: Sadly, it turns out this SEC filing is actually rather typical. Apparently every third party publisher signs this type of agreement. While this doesn't rule out Nintendo characters appearing in THQ games or THQ actually developing a new Nintendo property, this is by no means a confirmation of anything.]

New WiiWare Game: Pop

Rob — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:56:40 +0000

Joining the recently announced crop of WiiWare games is Pop, from first time, Australian developer Nnoo (apparently pronounced No!). The concept behind Pop is an admittedly simple one: pop bubbles to earn points. While there are chains and multipliers to consider, the game doesn’t get much more detailed than that. While details like price and release date are scarce, the game will sport both a single player and multiplayer mode supporting up to 4 people.

Though Pop may not appear as grand as the upcoming WiiWare Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles game, it is reassuring to see smaller games from smaller development studios getting an equal shake at the new download service. With plenty of time until release, let’s hope Nnoo can pull this off and make something special, and most importantly, fun.

Head on over to the official website to see the game in motion.

Pop – official site
via Palgn

The Tanooki » Rob

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