Joystiq [Nintendo] http://nintendo.joystiq.com Joystiq [Nintendo] http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq [Nintendo] http://nintendo.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Three games to light up your 4th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/three-games-to-light-up-your-4th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/three-games-to-light-up-your-4th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/three-games-to-light-up-your-4th/#comments
The founding of a nation is pretty significant and well worth getting excited about. The best way to display said excitement is, of course, with massive, colorful airborne explosions, a.k.a. fireworks. Tomorrow night, towns across the USA will be putting on fireworks displays, big and small -- but why should you have to wait for it to get dark? The games you'll find after the break will let you get all explode-y from the comfort of your living room, without the charred mess and frantic 911 call. So, put on your favorite patriotic tune (it's "The Stars & Stripes Forever" for us) and make with the clicking!
[Image]

Continue reading Three games to light up your 4th

JoystiqThree games to light up your 4th originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkedobig-bang-minibizarre-creationsboom-boom-rocketeafantavisionfourth-of-julypatrioticsonysouthpeakFri, 03 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Visceral explains the controls of Dead Space Extraction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/visceral-explains-the-controls-of-dead-space-extraction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/visceral-explains-the-controls-of-dead-space-extraction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/visceral-explains-the-controls-of-dead-space-extraction/#comments "Working on the Nintendo Wii was a pretty exciting thing for us. We were excited about the unique controls and what they brought to the gamer," explains Steve Papoutsis in this new dev diary. Extraction, the Wii-exclusive prequel to Dead Space, as with many Wii games, takes advantage of multiple control modes, depending on whether you use the Wii Remote or Zapper. Either way, the game utilizes some clever Wii-specific tricks, like switching to alt-fire by simply turning the controller on its side.

The footage showcased in the latest dev diary highlights some of the best visuals we've seen on Wii so far. One of the co-op segments highlighted in the video combines puzzle-solving and monster-blasting in a rather smartly designed (and terrifying) way. Even worse, the two players will have to switch off during the puzzle as enemies continue to jump in. With so many clever ideas being thrown about, Extraction may have a shot at making us all scream in terror.

JoystiqVisceral explains the controls of Dead Space Extraction originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedead-space-extractionvisceral-gamesFri, 03 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: World Tour gets punk rock DLC injection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/guitar-hero-world-tour-gets-punk-rock-dlc-injection/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/guitar-hero-world-tour-gets-punk-rock-dlc-injection/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/guitar-hero-world-tour-gets-punk-rock-dlc-injection/#comments
Break out those tattered jeans and torn up flannel, because Guitar Hero: World Tour is getting a new DLC pack for the punk in all of us. Dubbed the Epitaph Punk-O-Rama Track Pack, the download features three tunes from three separate well-known Epitaph artists. It may be a bit more on the mainstream side of punk, but they're good tracks nonetheless.

Here's what you'll get (440 XBL / $5.49 PSN):
The track pack is available for download now in the US and Europe. Who's about to rock? We may or may not salute you.

JoystiqGuitar Hero: World Tour gets punk rock DLC injection originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondlcguitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourmusicrhythmFri, 03 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[This is how you make a portable SNES]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/this-is-how-you-make-a-portable-snes/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/this-is-how-you-make-a-portable-snes/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/this-is-how-you-make-a-portable-snes/#comments
We often want to play SNES, but our busy up-and-go lifestyle of blogging for Joystiq doesn't allow it. Thankfully, a modder over at Retroactive.be came up with a solution: the portable SNES you see above. Sure, it's not our first time seeing such a mod, but it is definitely one of the most stylish. Why, we haven't been so blown away since we've seen this same mod made out of wood!

Head past the break for a video showing off the device, then hit up our gallery below for some other impressive retro mods.

[Via Pocket Gamer]

Gallery: Retro Mods

Ben Heck's NEStari is virtually a Virtual ConsoleA portable SNES we wouldn't mind getting our hands onThe amazing glowing GC port modWhat do you get when you combine a NES and PS2?Bring back that loving feeling

Continue reading This is how you make a portable SNES

Joystiq NintendoThis is how you make a portable SNES originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>modretrosnesFri, 03 Jul 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision explains DJ Hero pricing, says game offers 'tremendous value']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/activision-explains-dj-hero-pricing-says-game-offers-tremendou/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/activision-explains-dj-hero-pricing-says-game-offers-tremendou/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/activision-explains-dj-hero-pricing-says-game-offers-tremendou/#comments
(click to Afrika Bambaataa-size)

The retailer pricing of DJ Hero found recently -- $120 bucks! -- has some folks wondering why Activision may have upped the price for its usual game-plus-peripheral combo. The company has offered an explanation answer to Eurogamer, saying, "We believe that DJ Hero will provide tremendous value for our consumers by delivering an all-new interactive music experience with over 100 individual songs that are highlighted in over 80 unique mixes, a wide variety of ..."

...

Sorry, we nodded off there for a minute. Between the $250 for The Beatles: Rock Band and another $120 for Tony Hawk: Ride, we're up late a lot, worrying about affording all these plastic game controllers -- and a bigger house to put them all in.

JoystiqActivision explains DJ Hero pricing, says game offers 'tremendous value' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbusinessdj-heroeurogamerfreestyle-gamespricingFri, 03 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Contra Rebirth also headed to Europe]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/contra-rebirth-also-headed-to-europe/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/contra-rebirth-also-headed-to-europe/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/contra-rebirth-also-headed-to-europe/#commentsWe just told you that Konami's faux-retro Gradius Rebirth was added to the PAL WiiWare shop. If you've been playing for the past hour or so and have already moved on to dreaming about Konami's other WiiWare retro reinterpretation, you'll be happy to hear that Konami has announced a European release for Contra Rebirth as well, to be expected this August. This also gives North American readers cause for some measure of optimism.

In addition, Konami will release its top-down racer, Driift, later this month as DRiiFT MANIA. "DRiiFT MANIA" is also a condition in which someone is compelled to spell things with two lower-case i's.

Joystiq NintendoContra Rebirth also headed to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contra-rebirthdriiftgradius-rebirthkonamiretrowiiwareFri, 03 Jul 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VC/WiiWare Friday: Happy Hanabi Festival]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/vc-wiiware-friday-happy-hanabi-festival/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/vc-wiiware-friday-happy-hanabi-festival/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/vc-wiiware-friday-happy-hanabi-festival/#commentsNintendo of Europe's Hanabi Festival returns, bringing with it, of course, import games! Fantastic stuff is available this week on Virtual Console: Pulseman, a Mega Man-style platformer from a pre-Pokemon Game Freak, and Ogre Battle, the legendary strategy title from Yasumi Matsuno's Quest.

This week's awesomeness extends to WiiWare, with both Bplus's Bit Boy!!, the maze action game that shuffles between various levels of retro, and Gradius Rebirth, which settles at the 16-bit era. And on DSiWare, the Mario calculator and clock apps arrive. Roll your eyes all you want, but they're surprisingly delightful. Details after the break.

Nintendo also announced Hanabi Festival titles you can expect in following weeks: Bomberman '94, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Zoda's Revenge: StarTropics II, MUSHA, Detana!! Twinbee, and the NES Smash Table Tennis!

Continue reading VC/WiiWare Friday: Happy Hanabi Festival

Joystiq NintendoVC/WiiWare Friday: Happy Hanabi Festival originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-boybrain-challengedsiwarefridaygradius-rebirthmario-calculatormario-clockogre-battlepulsemanvirtual-consolewiiwareFri, 03 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Muramasa trailer makes with the slicing and dicing]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-muramasa-trailer-makes-with-the-slicing-and-dicing/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-muramasa-trailer-makes-with-the-slicing-and-dicing/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-muramasa-trailer-makes-with-the-slicing-and-dicing/#commentsThere's no better way to fully appreciate the wonderful artistic style and furious action of Muramasa: The Demon Blade than to see it in motion. And, thankfully, that's just what we got for you right now. Above, you'll find a near-minute of fabulous Muramasa gameplay footage for your eyes to drool over, and if you're wondering what all of the fuss is about, you really should be keeping up.

Gallery: Muramasa: Demon Blade

Joystiq NintendoNew Muramasa trailer makes with the slicing and dicing originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignitionignition-entertainmentmuramasamuramasa-the-demon-bladeThu, 02 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Grandmaster Flash is a DJ Hero, plays DJ Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/grandmaster-flash-is-a-dj-hero-plays-dj-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/grandmaster-flash-is-a-dj-hero-plays-dj-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/grandmaster-flash-is-a-dj-hero-plays-dj-hero/#comments If anyone belongs in a game called DJ Hero, it's Grandmaster Flash. The legendary musician has been at the forefront of hip-hop for basically forever, and is credited with inventing the art of messing with records to create noise, upon which the entire game is based.

In addition to appearing in-game, Flash contributed his own mixes to the soundtrack. In the video above, you can hear a segment of his mashup of Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" and N.E.R.D.'s "Lapdance." After the break, we've embedded a clip of the game featuring a mashup of his own "Here Comes My DJ" and Gary Numan's new wave anthem to isolation, "Cars."

MTV recorded footage of Flash trying the game for the first time, and let's just say his performance in the game is much more impressive than his performance of the game. For a more thorough writeup of Mr. Flash's thoughts on the game, check out GameDaily's writeup here.

Continue reading Grandmaster Flash is a DJ Hero, plays DJ Hero

JoystiqGrandmaster Flash is a DJ Hero, plays DJ Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-herograndmaster-flashmusicThu, 02 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles trailer makes with the cheap scares]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-resident-evil-the-darkside-chronicles-trailer-makes-with-th/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-resident-evil-the-darkside-chronicles-trailer-makes-with-th/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-resident-evil-the-darkside-chronicles-trailer-makes-with-th/#commentsCapcom has issued a new trailer for Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, complete with high production values and --OMG what was that?! Sorry, but you see things keep popping --AHHHH! We apologize, we're trying to get this post done, but scary things are making loud noises and jumping right out at us.

Hopefully you'll be able to get through this two-and-a-half minute trailer without suffering a coronary. We'll cross our fingers for you.

Joystiq NintendoNew Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles trailer makes with the cheap scares originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdarkside-chroniclesresident-evilresident-evil-the-darkside-chroniclesThu, 02 Jul 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Games This Month: July 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-games-this-month-july-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-games-this-month-july-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-games-this-month-july-2009/#comments
We're just gonna come right out and say it: July 2009 may be the worst month for new retail releases ever. Unless you like 2D fighters that is, because in that case, it's awesome. Or games about movies about hamsters, those two groups are being really well serviced.

If you haven't fully prepared yourself for the horror, we'd suggest you gird your mind with all the reason and clarity you can muster before continuing on.

JoystiqNew Games This Month: July 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new-games-monthlyThu, 02 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Green Day and Mayhem Pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/rock-band-weekly-green-day-and-mayhem-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/rock-band-weekly-green-day-and-mayhem-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/rock-band-weekly-green-day-and-mayhem-pack/#comments
Next week's Rock Band Weekly brings the announced three-pack from Green Day's 21st Century Breakdown album. The tracks are apparently the first offerings from an "exclusive partnership" between Harmonix and Warner Music to bring the band's songs to the platform. Green Day isn't even the angriest band this week ...

Green Day Pack (440 / $5.50/ 200 Wii Points apiece)
  • "21 Guns" (160 / $2)
  • "East Jesus Nowhere" (160 / $2)
  • "Know Your Enemy" (160 / $2)
Mayhem Pack (1080 / $13.50/ 200 Wii Points apiece)
  • "Conquer All" -- Behemoth (160 / $2)
  • "What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse" -- Black Dahlia Murder (160 / $2)
  • "Hammer Smashed Face" -- Cannibal Corpse (160 / $2)
  • "Empire of the Gun" -- God Forbid (160 / $2)
  • "Embedded" -- Job for a Cowboy (160 / $2)
  • "Disposable Teens" -- Marilyn Manson (160 / $2)
  • "Black Magic" -- Slayer (160 / $2)
  • "This Is Exile" -- Whitechapel (160 / $2)
All tracks are original masters and are available for download next Tuesday on Xbox 360 and Wii. They make their way over to PS3 on Thursday.

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Green Day and Mayhem Pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behemothblack-dahlia-murdercannibal-corpsegod-forbidgreen-dayharmonixjob-for-a-cowboymarilyn-mansonmtv-gamesrock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-weeklyslayerwhitechapelThu, 02 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinite Space launching Spring 2010, animated trailer launching right now]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/infinite-space-launching-spring-2010-animated-trailer-launching/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/infinite-space-launching-spring-2010-animated-trailer-launching/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/infinite-space-launching-spring-2010-animated-trailer-launching/#comments When Sega released the first episode of its Production I.G/Gonzo-animated Infinite Space video series in Japan, we were quite pleased to look at it, but our rudimentary understanding of the language prevented us from gleaning anything substantive from the story.

Luckily, Sega has started translating the videos into English, with voice acting and everything, and we can now enjoy both looking at them and knowing what's going on. The voice acting is pretty much what you'd expect from American anime releases, but it's a small price to pay for comprehension. In this trailer, we see that a crash-landed "Watcher" gives protagonist Yuri the opportunity to build his own spaceship.

This trailer comes along with Sega's announcement of a spring 2010 release date in North America. We can only hope it continues releasing translated videos to tide us over.

Joystiq NintendoInfinite Space launching Spring 2010, animated trailer launching right now originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeinfinite-spacenude-makerplatinum-gamesrpgsegaThu, 02 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Suda 51: next No More Heroes won't be on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/suda-51-next-no-more-heroes-wont-be-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/suda-51-next-no-more-heroes-wont-be-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/suda-51-next-no-more-heroes-wont-be-on-wii/#commentsAwesome news for No More Heroes fans: creator Suda 51 told Edge that he wants to continue the series. "I really want to make NMH a big franchise," he said, "and with this second episode have bigger success."

Slightly less awesome news for certain No More Heroes fans: if the series does continue past Desperate Struggle, it probably won't be on the Wii. "I think this is the last NMH that is going to be developed on Wii," Suda said. "To expand NMH to new possibilities, we need a new platform. Wii is a great platform, but we've done everything we can with it now."

Recent comments from Suda suggest that he's looking toward the Natal-enhanced Xbox 360 for at least one future project -- and No More Heroes was originally planned as a 360 game. Perhaps he's realized that charging Travis Touchdown's beam saber could be made even more embarrassing without a Wiimote prop.

In any case, it may be a bummer for Wii-only gamers, but at least if No More Heroes comes out on one of the other consoles, the "hardcore" types will be able to admit it's wonderful without having to say something nice about the Wii.

JoystiqSuda 51: next No More Heroes won't be on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grasshopper-manufactureno-more-heroesno-more-heroes-2suda-51ubisoftThu, 02 Jul 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive Wii/rubber ducky bundles and more available at GameStop]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/exclusive-wii-rubber-ducky-bundles-and-more-available-at-gamesto/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/exclusive-wii-rubber-ducky-bundles-and-more-available-at-gamesto/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/exclusive-wii-rubber-ducky-bundles-and-more-available-at-gamesto/#commentsHere's a problem we're sure you're familiar with: you need a new video game console for your own kids right now, but you also need a guaranteed method of ruining that console, and you only have time to shop on one website. GameStop has solved that problem with its Summer Fun bundle, which consists of a Wii and a plastic water gun. Yes, really.

That's actually the least bizarre of GameStop's Wii/cheapo party favor bundles. The others include
We honestly can't tell what's going on here. Is this some form of retail trolling on GameStop's part?

[Via Destructoid]

Joystiq NintendoExclusive Wii/rubber ducky bundles and more available at GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlegamestopmario-and-sonicrubber-duckwater-gunThu, 02 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK sales: Wii and DS up top; 360 besting PS3 at the bottom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/uk-sales-wii-and-ds-up-top-360-besting-ps3-at-the-bottom/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/uk-sales-wii-and-ds-up-top-360-besting-ps3-at-the-bottom/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/uk-sales-wii-and-ds-up-top-360-besting-ps3-at-the-bottom/#comments
Here in the States, we've grown accustomed to certain luxuries: subsidized gasoline for our free Hummers (hey, gotta stimulate that economy!); a complimentary 72oz soda with every purchase (just buy anything!); a lifetime supply of type 2 diabetes; and, of course, monthly updates from NPD charting the sales numbers of the major video game consoles. Our friends in the UK aren't so fortunate. So when we get a peek behind that curtain, we look to share it with you.

And here, courtesy of UK retailer GAME's first-half fiscal statement, we find data from GfK Chart-Track for sales up to June 27th, 2009. Unsurprisingly, Nintendo is in the lead with the DS, having sold 2.7m in the past year, bringing its total up to 9.1m units (that includes 300,000 DSi units sold since launch). The Wii is in second place with 5.4m, up 2.3 from last year. And then we get to the main attraction: 360 and PS3 sales.

You'll recall that in February, Microsoft claimed the 360 bested the PS3 in overall European sales by 1m units, citing GfK Chart-Track data again. In the UK, the Xbox is siting pretty with 3.9m units, up 1.7 from last year, while the PS3 is at 2.2m, up 900k from last year (and, coincidentally, right where Microsoft would've been a year ago). In between the "big boys" is the PSP, with 3.3m consoles sold, up 500k from last year.

It's weird: despite their genetic differences (three stomachs? gross!) the video game shopping trends of UK citizens sound an awful lot like those in the States.

JoystiqUK sales: Wii and DS up top; 360 besting PS3 at the bottom originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GfK-Chart-TrackUKThu, 02 Jul 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire Emblem: Savings Day]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/fire-emblem-savings-day/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/fire-emblem-savings-day/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/fire-emblem-savings-day/#commentsHave you thought about purchasing Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, but decided to wait until the price dropped to exactly $14.98? If so, today is the day you've been waiting for. Amazon, for its Deal of the Day, has marked down the tactical role-playing remake by 50%. It's a very cheap way to occupy like a million hours.

A warning, though: if you buy it now and one of your friends challenges you to a multiplayer match, that person has probably been playing the game since February or so. You can expect a few seconds of humiliating punishment, is what we're saying. Have fun!

Gallery: Fire Emblem DS

Joystiq NintendoFire Emblem: Savings Day originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondeal-of-the-dayfire-emblemfire-emblem-shadow-dragonintelligent-systemsstrategyThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto: Next Legend of Zelda won't be 'radically different']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/miyamoto-next-legend-of-zelda-wont-be-radically-different/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/miyamoto-next-legend-of-zelda-wont-be-radically-different/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/miyamoto-next-legend-of-zelda-wont-be-radically-different/#comments
If you subscribe to Nintendo Power, the latest issue should be arriving at your house very soon -- Aeropause has the scoop on some details on Nintendo's upcoming lineup from the issue. Most important to folks reading this text is likely what Miyamoto had to say regarding the new Legend of Zelda game, announced back at E3: "I don't think it's going to be that radically different." But, what about the theory of the girl being the Master Sword? Surely that is radically different!

In typical Nintendo fashion, that's all Miyamoto had to say. He left us hanging to speculate, and we're sure most will be able to turn this appetizer of a quote into a five-course meal.

[Via Videogamer]

JoystiqMiyamoto: Next Legend of Zelda won't be 'radically different' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009legend-of-zeldalinkmaster-swordmiyamotonintendo-powershigeru-miyamotozeldaThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo sponsors British game show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/nintendo-sponsors-british-game-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/nintendo-sponsors-british-game-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/nintendo-sponsors-british-game-show/#commentsNintendo has made a deal with UK TV station Five to fully fund one of its new shows, MCV reports. The Advertiser-Funded Programming deal means that Nintendo will pay for eight episodes of the new Britain's Best Brain show, which subjects contestants to five tasks, each designed to test a different brain function: "memory, co-ordination, numeracy, recognition and risk."

Obviously, we suspect Nintendo will use this opportunity as a promotional platform for the Brain Training series. If it were, say, Capcom looking for Britain's best brain, there would be cause for concern. MCV notes that in-show product placement is illegal, meaning that Nintendo will have to relegate the DS mentions to ads.

JoystiqNintendo sponsors British game show originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbrain-agebritains-best-braincasualfivetelevisionThu, 02 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hackers add Roy to Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hackers-add-Roy-to-super-smash-bros-brawl/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hackers-add-Roy-to-super-smash-bros-brawl/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hackers-add-Roy-to-super-smash-bros-brawl/#comments
Smashboards forum user goodoldganon wasn't satisfied with all of the characters in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. His main contention with the game was that it lacked several key Melee characters. So, he did what any sensible member of society would do: He wrote a letter to Nintendo He hacked the crap out of the game.

As evidenced in the videos past the break, this isn't merely a texture swap, as goodoldganon also incorporated Roy's moves into the game. By delegating the hack to a certain color set of Marth's (here it's the red suit), he can pick Roy at will and seamlessly integrate him into the game. Sure, the bottom of the screen still says Marth, but, for all intents and purposes, this is the Roy you remember.

It's impressive stuff, to say the least, so head past the break and check out the footage of a fighter's return to the arena.

Gallery: Smash Bros. Brawl Snapshots


[Thanks, Slashy!]

Continue reading Hackers add Roy to Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Joystiq NintendoHackers add Roy to Super Smash Bros. Brawl originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhacksmarthroysmash-bros-brawlsuper-smash-bros-brawlWed, 01 Jul 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[How's Life as a Darklord?]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hows-life-as-a-darklord/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hows-life-as-a-darklord/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/hows-life-as-a-darklord/#comments"Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord may have a name that's similar to predecessor My Life as a King," Andriasang writes, "but the two games are nothing alike." So much for the dream of running an evil town full of evil adventurers.

Instead, Andriasang describes the WiiWare game as a unique variation of tower defense. As heroes storm your tower, you delay their progress by adding floors to the structure and filling them with monsters. The strategy comes not only from managing your resources enough to build as many floors as you can, but also in placing things so that there isn't too much stuff on one floor. If there is, the heroes can just skip over a floor!

See a video of the game in action after the break.

Continue reading How's Life as a Darklord?

Joystiq NintendoHow's Life as a Darklord? originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasymy-life-as-a-darklordsquare-enixtower-defensewiiwareWed, 01 Jul 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[King Hippo's boxers half off with Punch-Out!! purchase]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/king-hippos-boxers-half-off-with-punch-out-purchase/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/king-hippos-boxers-half-off-with-punch-out-purchase/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/king-hippos-boxers-half-off-with-punch-out-purchase/#commentsThis morning, Amazon sent out an exclusive e-mail offer for the Wii Punch-Out!! and the Amazon-exclusive Heavyweight Contender Kit. From now through July 15, if you purchase the game, you can get the accessory set for 50% off its normal, excessive $29.99 price by entering the code PUNCHKIT at checkout.

In case you've forgotten (though how could you), the Heavyweight Contender Kit contains a miniature King Hippo crown, a punching bag, a Doc Louis Remedy Chocolate Bar, and King Hippo boxer shorts.

Unfortunately, the Little Mac boxing glove remains at full price. What a punch in the (bandaged) gut.

Joystiq NintendoKing Hippo's boxers half off with Punch-Out!! purchase originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondealheavyweight-contender-kitpunch-outsaleunderwearWed, 01 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[And you thought DJ Hero was expensive in America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/and-you-thought-dj-hero-was-expensive-in-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/and-you-thought-dj-hero-was-expensive-in-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/and-you-thought-dj-hero-was-expensive-in-america/#comments
Europeans will be paying through the nose -- but pay they will, if past Hero franchise figures are anything to go by -- for the next rhythm game from Activision. ShopTo has told Eurogamer that DJ Hero will retail for a ridiculous £108 in the UK. That's about $178 -- a $50 markup from the already silly US price.

Retailers are doing their best to bring the price down to something a little more reasonable, with ShopTo offering the game for £94.85 and HMV listing a £99.99 price point. Still a bit steep, but we suspect the game will still sell pretty decently. Although, that depends on how much Scratch will be selling for ...

JoystiqAnd you thought DJ Hero was expensive in America originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-heroeuropeWed, 01 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Go Grease Lightning (to the Wii and DS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/go-grease-lightning-to-the-wii-and-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/go-grease-lightning-to-the-wii-and-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/go-grease-lightning-to-the-wii-and-ds/#comments Listen up, musical theater majors! Your time of reckoning approaches. Sure, your friends can easily best you at Halo 3 or Call of Duty 4 -- but in a short while, a title which will finally allow you to invoke your unique skill set will hit store shelves. We speak, of course, of Grease. The movie. The video game. For Wii and DS.

505 Games recently picked up the rights to adapt the musical film in conjunction with Paramount Digital Entertainment. The game will put players in the gaudy, unfortunate shoes of one of Sandy or Danny's cronies, forcing them to sing and dance using motion controls, microphones or the DS touch screen. Further gameplay details or a release date for Grease are currently unknown. C'mon, 505! Tell us more! Tell us more!

JoystiqGo Grease Lightning (to the Wii and DS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamescasualgreaseparamount-digital-entertainmentzoe-modeWed, 01 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rune Factory 3 sprouts on DS]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/rune-factory-3-sprouts-on-ds/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/rune-factory-3-sprouts-on-ds/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/rune-factory-3-sprouts-on-ds/#commentsThe Rune Factory series is showing that it is still, at heart, part of the Harvest Moon franchise -- mostly by having lots of sequels. The latest issue of Famitsu reveals another, Rune Factory 3 for DS. This is actually the fourth Rune Factory, counting Frontier on Wii.

In addition to his duties as a farmer, new protagonist Maisu, who features a character design right out of Tetsuya Nomura's sketchbook, can transform into monsters, gaining different abilities in battle and interacting differently with other characters out of battle.

According to IGN's translation, the game now features "active seeds" that grow into plants that can be used in battle! Most exciting farming game ever.

Joystiq NintendoRune Factory 3 sprouts on DS originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmingmarvelousnatsumerpgrune-factoryrune-factory-3Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metroid Prime Trilogy pre-order continues to get more awesome. Awesomeness refuses to end]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/metroid-prime-trilogy-pre-order-continues-to-get-more-awesome-a/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/metroid-prime-trilogy-pre-order-continues-to-get-more-awesome-a/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/metroid-prime-trilogy-pre-order-continues-to-get-more-awesome-a/#comments
Not only does your GameStop Metroid Prime Trilogy pre-order come with a shirt and art book ... but now it also comes with a poster (for online customers only). GoNintendo takes note of the latest offering and states, "This is a lot of free stuff!"

It sure is! Now, maybe if we all put our collective will together, we can get an actual Chozo suit thrown into the pre-order mix. Come on, let's all think about it real hard ...

Joystiq NintendoMetroid Prime Trilogy pre-order continues to get more awesome. Awesomeness refuses to end originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopmetroidmetroid-prime-trilogypre-orderWed, 01 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deadly Creatures may have failed, but its tech lives on]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/deadly-creatures-may-have-failed-but-its-tech-lives-on/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/deadly-creatures-may-have-failed-but-its-tech-lives-on/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/deadly-creatures-may-have-failed-but-its-tech-lives-on/#commentsRainbow Studios' Deadly Creatures apparently didn't work out at retail. For whatever reason, the Wii audience just wasn't excited about a game featuring a scorpion and a tarantula having adventures and getting into fights, despite how awesome that premise is.

THQ CEO Brian Farrell, however, isn't dwelling on the sales or declaring no more Wii development. He offered a surprisingly positive outlook on the situation in an interview with G4's Feed. "... we have great Wii technology there now and so we're developing other games -- stay tuned for the announcements," he said, "but we intend to leverage that great technology on the Wii in the future."

Having a well-designed Wii engine is good news indeed, especially since Deadly Creatures was a pretty nice-looking game (well, actually it was disgusting, but in a technically impressive way).

Joystiq NintendoDeadly Creatures may have failed, but its tech lives on originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deadly-creaturesmaturerainbow-studiosthqWed, 01 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Square Enix teaser game revealed as Final Fantasy Gaiden: The Four Warriors of Light]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/latest-square-enix-teaser-game-revealed-as-final-fantasy-gaiden/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/latest-square-enix-teaser-game-revealed-as-final-fantasy-gaiden/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/latest-square-enix-teaser-game-revealed-as-final-fantasy-gaiden/#commentsFor once, a Japanese publisher has managed to create a teaser site without having the identity of the new game revealed by Famitsu scans before the official unveiling. Because Jump scans revealed it first.

The Jump scan shows the same dragon-riding artwork found on the teaser site, with two more characters than the site currently shows, revealing a party of four. Final Fantasy Gaiden: The Four Warriors of Light (not related to the Game Boy Final Fantasy Adventure, known in Japan as Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden) is an original turn-based Final Fantasy RPG for DS, in the same style as the recent Final Fantasy DS remakes.

The scan refers to a "four-person party adventure," but we can't tell if that means multiplayer or if it's just a reference to parties controlled by a single player. According to IGN, the main character is a boy who must rescue a princess from a witch.

The battle system is a familiar turn-based, menu-driven system, with what appears to be the addition of a sort of action points: each character's status includes a certain number of yellow dots, and each action seems to have a dot next to it, indicating a cost. Final Fantasy Gaiden will be out this fall in Japan, and we wouldn't be too surprised to see it in North America the following summer for $40.

JoystiqLatest Square Enix teaser game revealed as Final Fantasy Gaiden: The Four Warriors of Light originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-gaidenrpgsquare-enixWed, 01 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Face-melting deal: GHWT guitar and mic for $50, today only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/face-melting-deal-ghwt-guitar-and-mic-for-50-today-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/face-melting-deal-ghwt-guitar-and-mic-for-50-today-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/face-melting-deal-ghwt-guitar-and-mic-for-50-today-only/#comments
Everyone's favorite plastic peripheral purveyor, Red Octane, is having a bit of a deal today. The normally $60 wireless guitar and $20 wired microphone for Guitar Hero World Tour (across all platforms) are being offered together in a $50 package -- today only!

If you're less than impressed by the GHWT deal from today, why not get into your fancy schmancy time machine and head back to yesterday when you could've gotten an even better deal? Oh, what's that -- you don't have a time machine? Guess you're stuck with the $50 dollar deal over at Red Octane's website then, fancy pants.

JoystiqFace-melting deal: GHWT guitar and mic for $50, today only originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondealsghwtguitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourneversoftred-octaneWed, 01 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space Extraction box art is terrified and screaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/dead-space-extraction-box-art-is-terrified-and-screaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/dead-space-extraction-box-art-is-terrified-and-screaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/dead-space-extraction-box-art-is-terrified-and-screaming/#comments
The guys at Visceral Games have revealed the box art for the upcoming Wiixclusive Dead Space prequel, Dead Space Extraction. This time, there's no sign of Isaac or his iconic space suit. Instead, it consists of a terrified and screaming woman protecting a man from evil space beasties -- an ultimately futile battle if the events of the first game are anything to go by.

We're all for equal opportunities in the space monster-battling workplace, but this terrified and screaming woman is using Isaac's plasma cutter -- is she a space-engineer too? We suppose anything will do when you're terrified and screaming for your life. Try not to look at the artwork too long, you might get the image of that poor woman's face stuck in your head, like we have ...

JoystiqDead Space Extraction box art is terrified and screaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>box-artdead-spacedead-space-extractionvisceral-gamesWed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA cancels Wii Brutal Legend that might not even have existed [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/rumor-ea-cancels-wii-brutal-legend-that-might-not-have-even-exi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/rumor-ea-cancels-wii-brutal-legend-that-might-not-have-even-exi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/rumor-ea-cancels-wii-brutal-legend-that-might-not-have-even-exi/#comments[Update: EA's response: "Brütal Legend was never announced for the Wii." That's ... true ...]

Remember the rumored Wii version of Brütal Legend? It was rumored that EA planned to release a Wii version of the game, developed by someone other than Double Fine. The very mention of the project made Tim Schafer uncomfortable.

According to Destructoid, that Wii release, which we don't even know was real to start with, has been canceled. "Word has it that quality assurance testers who moved from Electronic Arts to Double Fine were recently let go," Destructoid notes, "after the demise of the project left their services unnecessary."

Whether the game was real and canceled or never existed at all, the net effect would seem to be the same: no Brütal Legend game on Wii. If it really was so bad that EA decided to cancel the project, we can only feel grateful that the company didn't subject Wii fans to the kind of embarrassment we had to endure whenever a screenshot of the Wii Dead Rising came out.

JoystiqRumor: EA cancels Wii Brutal Legend that might not even have existed [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutal-legendcancellationdouble-fineeaWed, 01 Jul 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Current console adoption rate only now passing last cycle's, Pachter reports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/current-console-adoption-rate-only-now-passing-last-cycles-pac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/current-console-adoption-rate-only-now-passing-last-cycles-pac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/current-console-adoption-rate-only-now-passing-last-cycles-pac/#comments Among the many fascinating (and not so fascinating) takeaways from Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter's recent and massive industry report are revelations about the current console adoption rate. As much as the Wii has seemingly penetrated previously untapped demographics (see grandma's now defunct bridge club) and ostensibly raised console adoption rates to new highs, the current generation is practically dead even with the last one when comparing the two generation's first four calendar years on the market. That is, from 2005 (when Xbox 360 launched in late November) through 2008, the current generation of consoles (Wii, PS3 and 360) combined for approximately 78 million unit sales, according to Wedbush Morgan estimates. Comparatively, from 2000 (the year PS2 launched) through 2003, the previous generation (GameCube, PS2 and Xbox) combined for 78-79 million unit sales. However, in this pivotal fifth year, Wedbush Morgan predicts the current adoption rate will begin to pull ahead of the previous rate.

Continue reading Current console adoption rate only now passing last cycle's, Pachter reports

JoystiqCurrent console adoption rate only now passing last cycle's, Pachter reports originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystconsolemichael-pachtersaleswedbush-morganWed, 01 Jul 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Nintendo is benefiting from global recession side effects ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/pachter-nintendo-is-benefiting-from-global-recession-side-effec/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/pachter-nintendo-is-benefiting-from-global-recession-side-effec/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/pachter-nintendo-is-benefiting-from-global-recession-side-effec/#comments
Normally when Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter whips out his crystal ball and starts getting the vapors, he doesn't have time to turn on his minirecorder and take down the futurespeak channeled through his body. Luckily for us (and you!), he not only recorded it this time, but also wrote it down in the form of the 2009 Interactive Industry Report! We delved through the beast of a document this afternoon and found an interesting segment regarding the Nintendo Wii relying on "slower adoption rates of current generation technology" (read as: high-def displays) to help boost sales.

Pachter writes on page nine of the report, "The global recession served to benefit Nintendo at its competitors' expense," referencing Microsoft and Sony as having slower console sales this generation due to HDTV functionality built into the systems. He argues that consumers who might purchase the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 are more likely to buy the Wii not only because of the lower price point, but because of the subsequent HDTV purchase price. "Expect most consumers to defer purchasing a PS3 or an Xbox 360 until they have purchased an HD monitor," Pachter explains. Though we're not convinced that the same folks who would be purchasing an Xbox 360 or a PS3 would be running out to buy a Nintendo Wii in every case, we digress. What say you, Joystiq Biomass?

JoystiqPachter: Nintendo is benefiting from global recession side effects originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystbusinesshdtvmichael-pachterpachterwedbush-morganWed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Renegade Kid working on platformer for DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/renegade-kid-working-on-platformer-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/renegade-kid-working-on-platformer-for-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/renegade-kid-working-on-platformer-for-ds/#comments
Renegade Kid is apparently working on a kid-friendly platformer for the DS while it develops a sequel to Dementium. The developer showed IGN that its other new project is Maximillian and the Rise of the Mutant Mudds. Players will use a water pack (think Mario Sunshine) to double-jump chasms of doom and squirt the baddies to death.

Renegade Kid plans to push its already impressive technical knowledge with the DS even further with Mudds. The developer doesn't know if it'll go the retail route or check out DSIware, and there isn't so much as an inkling of a release window. Check out a video of the game after the break.

Continue reading Renegade Kid working on platformer for DS

JoystiqRenegade Kid working on platformer for DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dementiumdementium-the-warddsiwaremaximillian-and-the-rise-of-the-mutant-muddsmoonrenegade-kidTue, 30 Jun 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Current console cycle to go on and on, expect lots of SKUs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/pachter-current-console-cycle-to-go-on-and-on-expect-lots-of-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/pachter-current-console-cycle-to-go-on-and-on-expect-lots-of-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/pachter-current-console-cycle-to-go-on-and-on-expect-lots-of-s/#comments
Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter already told us about the inevitable WiiHD (inevitable to him, anyway), and that he thinks this cycle will be the last, and in his massive 201-page report Wedbush Morgan sent out recently, he reiterates both, but pointed out that this console cycle will outlast any other in history's past due to two things: HD displays and console SKUs.

Pointing to the small adoption rates for HD displays, Pachter says that unless consumers start coming out in droves to pick up HD displays, these consumers aren't going to feel compelled to pick up a HD-compatible console (or upgrade from their Wii). This, he feels, adds longevity to the current cycle, stating that current-generation console sales will go long tail, and says that the lower-than-expected adoption rates for consoles suggests a longevity not seen in the past. He also suggests that the increased developmental costs of this generation will cause developers and publishers to milk this generation for all its worth, extending its life that much more. And, due to this, Pachter believes that console sales won't reach their peak until early next decade, when HD adoption rates will also supposedly hit their peak.

And speaking of higher costs, manufacturers are looking to cut costs, and that's where the value of optional SKUs comes in. Pachter points out that as console manufacturers come up with new ways to cut corners, they will offer SKUs taking advantage of this. Pachter points to the PS3 Slim as an obvious release for later this year, and the numerous different packages we've seen offered for the Xbox 360 as examples of this new mentality.

JoystiqPachter: Current console cycle to go on and on, expect lots of SKUs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessmichael-pachtersalesskuTue, 30 Jun 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zip.ca CEO 'would love' to bring new streaming service to Canadian console owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/zip-ca-ceo-would-love-to-bring-new-streaming-service-to-canadi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/zip-ca-ceo-would-love-to-bring-new-streaming-service-to-canadi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/zip-ca-ceo-would-love-to-bring-new-streaming-service-to-canadi/#comments
Yesterday, Zip.ca announced a partnership with Sonic Solutions to become the first online streaming film and TV show rental service in Canada. Speaking with Joystiq, Zip.ca CEO Curt Millar said his company "would love" to bring the service to Canadian video game consoles -- similar to the Netflix streaming service currently available on Xbox 360's in the United States -- but no agreements are in place with any of the three game console manufacturers.

"Our whole strategy on this is to be available on every platform that we can be available on," Millar said. "We believe for consumer adoption to be high, you need to have it so that the consumer doesn't have to worry about how it works. It should just work on everything." According to Millar, partnering with an American company -- such as Sonic Solutions -- allows Zip.ca to put forth "a better presentation" when looking to secure agreements with partners, like the major console makers.

Streaming content to consoles isn't exactly new to Zip.ca's partner. Sonic Solutions recently announced it would begin offering movies from its catalog to Fujisoft's streaming Wii video service, Minna no Theater Wii, in Japan through its Roxio CinemaNow platform.

[Photo Credit: greenlivingottawa]

JoystiqZip.ca CEO 'would love' to bring new streaming service to Canadian console owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaroxiosonic-solutionsstreamingstreaming-videozipzip-cazip.caTue, 30 Jun 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Fans rewrite Brawl to balance characters]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/fans-rewrite-brawl-to-balance-characters/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/fans-rewrite-brawl-to-balance-characters/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/fans-rewrite-brawl-to-balance-characters/#commentsSuper Smash Bros. Brawl is a pretty fun fighting game to play with friends, right?

WRONG. It's actually an unbalanced mess. At least, that's what a group of Smash Boards members seems to believe, seemingly with more conviction than we've ever had for pretty much anything. It's important enough that they decided to patch the game's code to change specific gameplay elements. "Balanced Brawl" has three goals, as stated by the coders: first, to remove "infinites" and "inescapable lockdowns" (simple, unblockable combos that add more than 50% damage), increase overall character balance, and increase stage viability.

You can see examples of the kind of minute tweaking done to the characters in the chart above, and you can read way, way more about each change in the Smash Boards thread. It's a pretty impressive testament to just how much time has been spent thinking about Brawl.

Joystiq NintendoFans rewrite Brawl to balance characters originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanced-brawlfightinghacksmash-bros-brawlTue, 30 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC/WiiWare Tuesday: My Life as an Available Game]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/vc-wiiware-tuesday-my-life-as-an-available-game/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/vc-wiiware-tuesday-my-life-as-an-available-game/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/vc-wiiware-tuesday-my-life-as-an-available-game/#commentsDespite being loaded with content, this week's Japanese Virtual Console and WiiWare offerings are unlikely to excite, with one major exception. Square Enix's My Life as a King follow-up arrives in Japan this week, allowing players to run the tower fortress of their dreams! It's joined by a, uh, doll game, and ... a brain training game ... for kids.

Virtual Console this week offers one really cute Namco arcade game, and another Jinguuji Saburo detective game, which we'll never see.

Virtual Console:
WiiWare:

Joystiq NintendoVC/WiiWare Tuesday: My Life as an Available Game originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jake-hunterjapanmarvel-landmy-life-as-a-darklordvctuesdayTue, 30 Jun 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega considering more mature Wii titles, says Overkill was 'profitable']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/sega-considering-more-mature-wii-titles-says-overkill-was-prof/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/sega-considering-more-mature-wii-titles-says-overkill-was-prof/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/sega-considering-more-mature-wii-titles-says-overkill-was-prof/#comments
We loved the mother[expletive deleted] [expletive deleted] out of Sega's recent mature pair of Wii titles, House of the Dead: Overkill and MadWorld -- unfortunately, the same can't be said for the game purchasing population of the world. The two games' sales were far from stellar, but Sega isn't ready to give up on developing family unfriendly titles for Nintendo's home console.

In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Sega MD of European development, Gary Dunn, explained that the company's outlook on its two grown-up outings is far from grim -- he even claimed that "House of the Dead: Overkill was a profitable title." He went on to explain, "Whilst MadWorld commercially didn't sell what we were expecting I wouldn't say it's game over for mature Wii titles from Sega." Hopefully the company's persistence will be rewarded, if only to ensure a few dozen sequels to Overkill. (Overkill 2: Superfluous Murder, Overkill 3: The Overkillinest, etc.)

JoystiqSega considering more mature Wii titles, says Overkill was 'profitable' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>house-of-the-dead-overkillmadworldmatureplatinum-gamessegaTue, 30 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Register your games for Club Nintendo elite status today]]>http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/psa-register-your-games-for-club-nintendo-elite-status-today/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/psa-register-your-games-for-club-nintendo-elite-status-today/http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/psa-register-your-games-for-club-nintendo-elite-status-today/#commentsThis is, necessarily, your final reminder: today is the last day of the "year" for Club Nintendo Gold or Platinum status in North America, which means that today is the last day for you to enter points toward whatever the exclusive free gift is going to be. We don't dare hope for the kind of awesomeness seen in Japan's Platinum rewards, but we want free things.

If you aren't yet at 300 coins (for Gold) or 600 coins (for Platinum), and you've got more games to register, get to it right now! If you've been thinking of picking up Punch-Out!! or something this week, you should probably do it today! Conversely, if you're at 600 now and you have more stuff to register, wait until tomorrow so it counts toward next year's total!

If you're not sure about the eligibility of an older (pre-Club Nintendo) game and don't want to waste time registering it, consult the list of eligible games in the "Product Registration" area of the Club Nintendo FAQ.

Joystiq NintendoPSA: Register your games for Club Nintendo elite status today originally appeared on Joystiq Nintendo on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>club-nintendogoldplatinumsurveysTue, 30 Jun 2009 16:15:00 EST