Messages

[The BBFC’s refusal to certify Manhunt 2 is overturned by the Video Appeals Committee.]

651

TalkBack / Rockstar’s Appeal of British Manhunt 2 Ban Succeeds

« on: December 10, 2007, 08:59:18 AM »

The BBFC’s refusal to certify Manhunt 2 is overturned by the Video Appeals Committee.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14964

 Rockstar has won its fight to overturn the BBFC’s decision to refuse Manhunt 2 classification.    

The Video Appeals Committee voted four to three in Rockstar’s favour, leaving the BBFC to either classify the game or appeal the Committee’s decision at the High Court in pursuit of maintaining the ban. "We won't make a decision until we've seen the full printed judgment, which we're expecting this week," said Sue Clark, spokesperson for the BBFC talking to GamesIndustry.biz.    

Rockstar has not yet signaled its plans for publishing the game in the UK. The publisher did respond to the decision with the following statement: "We are committed to making great interactive entertainment, while also marketing our products responsibly and supporting an effective rating system."    

Rockstar continued, "we are pleased that the decision of the VAC has recognised that Manhunt 2 is well within the bounds established by other 18+ rated entertainment."

[Nintendo’s European site re-launch expands reward scheme to include trading for software purchases.]

652

TalkBack / Club Nintendo Europe Begins Stars for Wii Points Program

« on: December 08, 2007, 04:59:42 PM »

Nintendo’s European site re-launch expands reward scheme to include trading for software purchases.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14957

 In a move foreshadowed by previous website tests, Nintendo of Europe has launched the Wii Points Card Shop alongside its redesigned website. This service facilitates the trading of stars, accumulated by registering Nintendo product purchases at www.nintendo-europe.com, for Wii points at a rate of four to one in denominations of 100, 300, 500 and 1000 points.    

After linking your Wii Shop account to the email address associated with your Club Nintendo membership, purchasing a points “card" provides a code which can then be entered in the Wii Shop to obtain Wii points as with retail cards.    

In addition to Wii points, the “Stars Catalog" of rewards also includes physical goods such as t-shirts, caps and toys along with downloadable gifts. However, the extensive library of PC wallpapers and ringtones included in previous incarnations of the catalog are no longer present in the new edition.

[Nintendo UK’s first half release schedule omits Brawl, spokesperson confirms a pre-July launch is "currently not planned." Updated: Clarification leaves door open for Q2 release.]

653

TalkBack / Smash Bros. Brawl Apparently Delayed in Europe Beyond Q2 2008

« on: December 06, 2007, 04:37:46 AM »

Nintendo UK’s first half release schedule omits Brawl, spokesperson confirms a pre-July launch is "currently not planned." Updated: Clarification leaves door open for Q2 release.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14941

 Nintendo UK has unveiled its early 2008 software release schedule for Wii and DS, revealing the dates for several already released holiday titles in other regions such as NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams, Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure (both coming in January) and Battalion Wars 2 (February 15th). The list also provides a Q2 launch window for Mario Kart Wii, but is most notable for a single omission, that of Super Smash Bros. Brawl.    

Set for a February 10th launch in North America, the highly anticipated all-star fighting extravaganza’s absence from the schedule quickly prompted inquiry from the media. Speaking to CVG a Nintendo UK spokesperson confirmed that Brawl "is currently not planned for a release in Q1 or Q2 of next year" without expounding on the causes for what would constitute (at minimum) a four month lag from the North American release. Such a delay will assuredly apply to all the PAL territories including continental Europe and Australia along with the UK.    

Also missing from next year’s first half slate is Wii Fit, which is widely expected to launch in North America within the first six months of 2008 following its launch last week in Japan.    

   

Updated: Nintendo UK has responded to the speculation regarding Brawl’s PAL release by clarifying its position on the early 2008 schedule with CVG. The list "confirmed launch dates for Nintendo titles launching in Q1 2008," and while it also included some listings for beyond that period, "all Nintendo software titles launching in Q2 2008 have not been finalised or confirmed to date" according to a spokesman.    

This stance is not entirely inconsistent with the previous statement that there are no current plans for a PAL Brawl launch inside Q2 2008, but does make explicit that the door remains open for a pre-July release. It also reaffirms that Brawl will not be arriving in Europe immediately after the North American launch; rather, there will be at least a near-two-month lag for PAL Wii owners waiting for Smash Bros.

[The £74 million GAME-Gamestation deal has been given provisional approval by the UK Competition Commission as concerns regarding the pre-owned software market are dismissed.]

654

TalkBack / Merger of Major British Games Retailers to Go Ahead

« on: December 06, 2007, 04:09:28 AM »

The £74 million GAME-Gamestation deal has been given provisional approval by the UK Competition Commission as concerns regarding the pre-owned software market are dismissed.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14940

 The merger of the UK’s two largest videogame specialist High Street retailers, GAME and Gamestation, will proceed after being cleared by the Competition Commission.    

The £74 million deal announced in May had been delayed following its referral to the Commission by the Office of Fair Trading in September. At that time OFT chief executive John Fingleton explained that "without better evidence that competition from other suppliers will be sufficient to prevent the merged firm from raising prices or cutting back services in a way that would harm consumers – in a market where retail sales amount to around GBP 1.5 billion - we must refer to the CC for fuller inquiry."    

Having conducted research by talking to various retailers, a crucial issue cited by the Competition Commission’s inquiry was that of competition in the trade-in and sale of pre-owned software. Two of the five members of the commission decided against approving the deal on the grounds that it would create significant monopoly power in this area. With another two members voting to the contrary it was left to inquiry chairman Diane Coyle to cast the deciding vote in favour of clearing the deal, concluding that though there are relatively few retailers involved in the second hand market "we see that several competitors are expanding rapidly and customers are increasingly making use of alternative retail channels."    

The commission also noted that in general they have not observed a high degree of brand loyalty amongst British gamers, rather they "appear to switch between different types of retailers to look around for the best deals" according to Coyle. On this basis the capacity for the merged GAME-Gamespot entity to extract surpluses from consumers by raising prices will be very limited. Furthermore competition amongst the many different outlets for new products effectively imposes a price ceiling on pre-owned software sales.    

The Commission’s final report on the merger will be published at the end of January.

[Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (DS) and Dragon Quest Swords (Wii) head to PAL territories next spring, along with It's a Wonderful World (DS) under a new name.]

655

TalkBack / Square Enix Date Three for Europe

« on: December 05, 2007, 08:06:58 AM »

Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (DS) and Dragon Quest Swords (Wii) head to PAL territories next spring, along with It's a Wonderful World (DS) under a new name.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14932

 TAKE TO THE SKIES WITH FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS    

London (5th December 2007) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that the eagerly awaited FINAL FANTASY® XII: REVENANT WINGS™ will be released on 15th February 2008, exclusively on the Nintendo DS™ handheld system.    

Set one year after the events of the best-selling FINAL FANTASY XII, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS answers all your questions about what happens next to your heroes Vaan, Penelo, Fran and Balthier. Return to the land of Ivalice, meet new characters, visit unexplored locations and embark upon a breathtaking new adventure.    

FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS sees the evolution of the innovative Gambit system that allows automated commands to be issued during real-time combat. Smart Touch Screen controls provide complete power over your actions and allow you to play solely using the Nintendo DS stylus.    

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “I am delighted that we are providing fans with another opportunity to enjoy the beautiful world of Ivalice. With the same high-production values including movies and music, FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS is a stunning sequel that expands upon the original game and that makes full use of the Nintendo DS hardware."    

More information about FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS can be found at ff12revenantwings.co.uk    

About FINAL FANTASY XII: REVENANT WINGS    

Story    

AN AGE WHEN MAGICK WAS COMMONPLACE AND AIRSHIPS PLIED THE SKIES…    

“Purvama, the floating lands. In the border-skies they wait. Untrodden, unknown."    

So the legend went. And the children who heard it turned their eyes to the skies, and dreamed. The Cache of Glabados is the key, throwing wide the doors of fading memory.  There, above, an all but forgotten land – demesne of the winged ones.    

Features  

Experience a tale that takes you beyond the amazing events of the PlayStation®2 smash FINAL FANTASY XII

 

Stunning 3D graphics, music and video bring the land of Ivalice to life and push the capabilities of the Nintendo DS

 

Take control of your favourite characters using the intuitive stylus and Nintendo DS Touch Screen

 

Experience real-time battles using the innovative Gambit system

 

Collect and synthesise items and treasures to create new rare items

 

More summons than in any other FINAL FANTASY game

 

Epic soundtrack from the composer of FINAL FANTASY XII

 

Fully localised for Europe with French, Italian, German and Spanish translations and adjusted difficulty levels

   

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES NEW NINTENDO DS TITLE FROM THE MAKERS OF KINGDOM HEARTS THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU    

London (5th December 2007) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU™, an exciting new title from the makers of KINGDOM HEARTS, will be released exclusively on the Nintendo DS™ handheld system across all PAL territories in spring 2008.    

Previously known as Subarashiki Kono Sekai™ on its release in Japan. THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU is an innovative new title from Square Enix that fully utilizes the capabilities of the Nintendo DS, and takes major influence from Japan’s modern day culture including its people, music, clothes, food and design.    

Set in Tokyo’s trendiest district, the story begins with the lead character Neku waking up to find a phone message stating he has only 7 days before he will cease to exist. Only with the coolest fashions, friends and fighting skills can Neku restore hope to the city’s population and prevent being stricken from existence altogether!    

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “Square Enix has traditionally been associated with RPG’s set in fantasy lands, but THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU is our first ever game to be set in modern times and real-life locations. The use of the Nintendo DS functionality is second to none. We believe gamers of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy all that THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU has to offer."  More…    

About THE WORLD ENDS WITH YOU    

Story

The story begins as our hero, Neku, wakes up amidst the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, Tokyo. Confused and disoriented, he receives a message on his phone warning him that he will cease to exist unless he completes a certain mission. With his life seemingly on the line, Neku plunges into the back streets of the urban labyrinth...    

Features

Experience the urban grit and neon of the coolest district in Tokyo with a distinctive, high quality style of in-game artwork

 

Meet an achingly hip cast of characters each with an interesting personality and stylish sense in fashion, music and culture

 

Highly innovative and intuitive combat system that makes full use of the Nintendo DS Touch Screen, Dual Screens and Microphone like no other game before it!

 

Use fantastic psychic powers to read the thoughts of the population, put words into people’s minds, and move objects to help you progress in your adventure!

 

Immerse yourself in an amazing audio soundtrack featuring a diverse fusion of bleeding-edge hip-hop, rock, and techno

 

A tale of friendship, hope and overcoming your challenges, creatively told with a modern edge

 

Shop till you drop! Keep abreast of the latest Trends to stay one step ahead of the fashion scene and your enemies. Trade items with friends using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection too

 

Action-packed minigame fun that can be enjoyed by up to four players via DS Wireless Play!

 

Engage the Chance Encounter mode via DS Wireless Play to share data with fellow game users you bump into in the real world

   

DRAGON QUEST MAKES Wii DEBUT WITH DRAGON QUEST SWORDS    

London (5th December 2007) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that DRAGON QUEST® SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors® for Wii™, will be released across all PAL territories in spring 2008.    

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors, available exclusively on Wii, is an action-packed Virtual Experience where the player becomes the hero of the story. As the hero, the player must use the Wii controller to control their legendary sword, and fight off horde after horde of monsters. Slice at enemies, parry with your shield and block attacks to launch powerful counter-combos.    

DRAGON QUEST SWORDS contains all the familiar features people have come to expect from the DRAGON QUEST series, such as a system to power up weapons and the ability to perform a large array of powerful attacks. Additional mini-games add to the fun as you catch darts with your shield and try to defeat Slime monsters as quickly as possible to win bonus items.    

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “We are delighted to be announcing our first Wii title for PAL territories. The DRAGON QUEST series is a phenomenon in Japan that has already sold over 43 million units worldwide, but is still relatively new to Europe. With today’s announcement of DRAGON QUEST SWORDS and the forthcoming release of DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker on the Nintendo DS™, the series is set to charm more fans throughout the world."    

About DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors    

Story

In the town at the foot of Avalonia Castle, a young man enjoys a peaceful life with his father. That young man is you. It is your sixteenth birthday at last, and time to take the Walk of the Worthy, the trial of strength which all young Avalonian males must undergo upon coming of age.    

You will need to put all of your training in the ways of the sword into practice if you are to pass the test, and take your rightful place amongst Avalonia’s warriors. Should you succeed – who knows what adventures await you!    

Features

The first DRAGON QUEST title to be developed exclusively for Wii

 

Use the Wii Remote as your legendary sword! Immerse yourself fully in the action as you slice at the enemy!

 

Explore a rich, vibrant 3D world in first-person perspective

 

Engage a variety of diverse and colourful enemies, who are brought to life with detailed animation and graphics

 

Series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, team up once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience

 

Become the hero in a dramatic storyline that is suitable for all

 

Beautiful audio score fully immerses you into the world of DRAGON QUEST

 

New International version includes revised gameplay offering a more intense and challenging experience

 

In-game text is localised into English, French, German, Italian and Spanish

   

For more information about DRAGON QUEST SWORDS, please visit: http://www.dragonquestswords.eu.com/

[Double Six and NiK NaK will focus on downloadable and children’s games respectively.]

656

TalkBack / Kuju Unveils Specialist Development Studios

« on: December 04, 2007, 10:48:55 AM »

Double Six and NiK NaK will focus on downloadable and children’s games respectively.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14925

 Kuju Entertainment has announced the creation of NiK NaK, a studio focused on developing titles for young gamers, as the latest in a series of moves restructuring the UK-based independent development house. According to GameIndustry.biz, Nik NaK will limit its output to content rated 7+ or below by the PEGI and is currently working on a series of games based on a “big IP" that will be revealed early next year.    

The announcement comes only a week after Kuju unveiled another new team, dubbed Double Six, following its assembly from the developers behind the recently released Geometry Wars Galaxies for Wii and Nintendo DS. This new studio will exclusively create content to service the expanding market for downloadable games across all major platforms, including WiiWare.    

The founding of these studios has furthered Kuju’s strategy of specialisation that began with the rebranding of two existing development teams earlier this year. “The studios are increasingly autonomous, and the strategy is for each studio to find a focus on a particular kind of game and then become specialists" said Ed Daly, head of Kuju’s music and party game-focused Brighton studio after its renaming as Zoë Mode in March. Furthermore, the use of separate studio branding is intended to create “a clear understanding with our trade partners as to what each studio does" according to Kuju CEO Ian Baverstock.    

NiK NaK and Double Six join five other development teams including the Action/Tactical division Kuju London, creators of the Battalion Wars games for Nintendo Gamecube and Wii.

[Rockstar and the BBFC make their respective cases to the Video Appeals Committee.]

657

TalkBack / Appeal Against British Ban of Manhunt 2 Awaits Ruling

« on: November 28, 2007, 05:36:08 PM »

Rockstar and the BBFC make their respective cases to the Video Appeals Committee.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14893

 As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, the first day of the Video Appeals Committee hearing on the case of the British Board of Film Classification’s banning of Manhunt 2 saw Rockstar’s representation explicitly question the motives behind that decision.    

In making Rockstar’s case on Monday, Geoffrey Robinson asserted that "there is no evidence that playing interactive video games leads to a propensity to act them out in real life" and "we wonder why Manhunt 2 has been singled out for special treatment." Furthering his argument, Robinson accused the BBFC of being "simply ignorant of the gaming experience" and directly charged the body with imposing the ban "not because of any likelihood it will harm gamers, but the likelihood it will harm the reputation of the BBFC."    

Expert testimony was utilised in an attempt to substantiate Rockstar’s case, specifically that of psychologist Guy Cumberbatch and Fred Hasson, president of the game developers representative body, Tiga. Hasson remarked to the panel that he was "surprised at how tame [Manhunt 2] is compared to some very graphical scenes…in other games which have received certification", and stood by prior comments apparently accusing the BBFC of reaching its decision based on media coverage of the game rather than on its content alone.    

Cumberbatch presented to the panel findings from a survey he conducted regarding the public’s perception of the intensity of violence found in Manhunt 2. 68% were found to consider the content of other games equally as violent as that of Manhunt 2, while 80% perceived that there are equally violent films available. The psychologist personally concluded that "[Manhunt 2 is] fairly sanitised as a work compared with what you might expect in a film."    

While conceding that there has not been demonstrated a causal link between playing video games with violent content and the conduct of physical violence, the BBFC defended its decision by making a significant distinction between video games and other media. The board’s representative Andrew Caldecott argued that while film may be the more involving medium in one sense due to its greater visual realism, video games can provide "this very distinctive point of view of being the person wielding the weapon, and is rewarded for killing in the bloodiest way possible."    

In addition to addressing the nature of video games as a medium, the BBFC representation specified the realism of Manhunt 2’s violent content as a crucial factor in refusing the game certification: "the victims are people... you see lots of human beings quite mercilessly kicking and punching other human beings as you move through the game." The ban was also justified on practical grounds as Caldecott acknowledged the effect of video games’ "social prevalence" on the board’s decision. He stated that research finds videogames are "inherently less likely to be strictly supervised" than films and subsequently would more commonly be seen by minors.    

Having made their respective cases the two sides now await the ruling of the Video Appeals Committee, which concluded the hearing without setting a date for its results.

[The handheld surpasses the mark set by rival PSP with 191,000 units sold.]

658

TalkBack / Nintendo DS Sets Single Week UK Hardware Sales Record

« on: November 27, 2007, 06:28:31 AM »

The handheld surpasses the mark set by rival PSP with 191,000 units sold.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14875

 Nintendo is celebrating more record breaking in the British market as  official ChartTrack sales data shows that the Nintendo DS has sold more units in a single week than any other hardware format has managed in history. The 191,000 units finding homes last week edged out the previous UK record held by the Sony PSP’s September 2005 launch when 185,000 units were shifted in seven days.    

A spokesman for Nintendo UK said, “momentum has been increasing on DS sales and to achieve the highest weekly sales figure in history is fantastic." With a strong celebrity-driven marketing campaign behind it, the DS is set for its most successful holiday season in Britain to date. Also the presence of Brain Training in two of the top five positions in the UK software charts demonstrates that it won’t only be hardware that Nintendo cashes in on this Christmas.

[Those seeking extra wireless guitars without extra copies of the game will have to wait until 2008.]

659

TalkBack / Standalone Guitar Hero III Controllers Coming Early Next Year

« on: November 27, 2007, 05:20:55 AM »

Those seeking extra wireless guitars without extra copies of the game will have to wait until 2008.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14874

 Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Wireless Guitar Controllers Hitting Retail Shelves in Early 2008    

  SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov 26, 2007: Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATVI) today announced that standalone wireless guitar controllers for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will be available at retail stores nationwide by early 2008.    

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock lets fans thrash and burn with new wireless guitar controllers available for each platform, including exclusive Gibson Guitar's Les Paul model for the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo, and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. PlayStation®2 gamers will also get to shred on an exclusive shape, Gibson's Kramer guitar, popularized by hard rockers and known for its body design, pickups, electronics and construction for furious finger fretting.

[A tale of Mario, Martinet, cold, and cosplay.]

660

TalkBack / IMPRESSIONS: Super Mario Galaxy

« on: November 21, 2007, 03:45:44 PM »

A tale of Mario, Martinet, cold, and cosplay.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/impressionsArt.cfm?artid=14849

 Super Mario Galaxy launched in Japan and North America (on November 1st and 12th, respectively) to unprecedented critical acclaim, and added a colossal exclamation point onto Wii’s sensational first year of existence by putting Nintendo’s indefatigable superstar back in his console element after a five and a half (and some might say eleven) year sojourn. But such excitement is all too often tempered for PAL gamers by the dread of a significantly delayed release. Mario began his journey into the third dimension in March 1997 on these shores, and even the irony of Super Mario Sunshine being released in October couldn’t prevent a sizeable delay for the plumber’s vacation to Isle Delfino in 2002. Moreover, several major 2007 Wii titles have arrived multiple months after their debuts across the Atlantic, a huge disappointment given the promise shown by last year’s European system launch taking place within weeks of North America to get the ball rolling.    

Taking all this into account, European gamers would have had every reason to be somewhat pessimistic regarding the prospect of a timely release for Mario’s latest adventure, but Nintendo finally stepped up by not only getting Super Mario Galaxy out within weeks of its North American release, but within the same week. As laudable as this relative achievement might seem, the highly anxious European Mario enthusiast might worry that the game would be underexposed here as a result; press tours were often blamed for staggered theatrical releases before piracy forcibly condensed global schedules. More importantly, Nintendo’s European marketing record has generally been poor even when utilising additional time (those months in 2002 yielded the realisation that both Mario and Des Lynam are moustachioed), so the quality of their efforts in a crunch is justifiably questionable.    

Nintendo endeavoured to allay such fears in the UK by teaming up with retailer giant GAME in offering Mario’s Wii debut a day early on Thursday November 15th at eight locations across the country. The tireless voice of Mario, Charles Martinet, was dispatched to London’s Oxford Street to meet with the media and sign copies of the game for fans. My deep love for Mario (along with a negligent attitude towards pre-ordering and fear of shortages) compelled me to wait in line on Oxford Street for over three hours. At first there were few other hardy folk waiting patiently to procure this most sought after product of Nintendo’s collective imagination, but as the already dim light faded, a starry beacon was shone from the store-front onto adjacent buildings, and the queue swelled into a disorderly crowd. According to the cap and overalls-clad MC, over 400 people were on hand before the game went on sale, amongst whom a sense of camaraderie built with time as tales from past product launches, Captain N reminiscence, and even DS Friend Codes were traded without fear of feeling violated. Nintendo’s decision to use a competition to encourage (not universally gender accurate) cosplay only embellished the surreal feel of the occasion, especially when the bin bag- crafted Chain Chomp showed up.      For those on the outside looking in, the main draw was the sight of Charles Martinet in a sectioned-off portion of the store front, demonstrating the game while discussing it with various media outlets. A particularly fun moment was watching Martinet behind the camera effectively puppeteer an in-store Mario giving an interview to national television, gesturing wildly while providing his signature voice. But as the temperature dropped, more was needed to keep the crowd’s spirits up, and those on hand obliged with goodie bags containing Galaxy keepsakes and practical items (the warm hats proved welcome to many, while the raincoats were fortunately not needed). A mobile Wii demo pod was then wheeled up and down the line to give the shivering gamers a chance to sample what they clearly wanted to play very badly.    

Those at the front of the queue (including myself) were granted the warmth of the store interior during the final minutes until 6pm, when the game would finally be made available. Mario and Luigi even helped man the tills as the buying frenzy kicked off, with the sealed copies then being rapidly unsheathed for the chance to join, that’s right, yet another queue and get the case signed by Mr. Martinet. Unwaveringly gracious, the voice of Mario not only signed Galaxy copies but various Nintendo handhelds and posters along with posing for innumerable pictures. After picking up a signature and a handshake from Mr. Martinet, my long journey of standing still was ended.    

In addition to aching legs and a signed copy of Galaxy, I left with the feeling that (while hardly overwhelming) Nintendo had done well with this event, along with other PR stunts, to generate buzz for the game outside of the extraordinary critical reception in the enthusiast press. Raising awareness in this way is necessary for the game to sell to those Wii owners who apparently paid £179.99 for Wii Sports and not for the prospect of future titles. Furthermore, by virtue of his games’ accessibility and sheer quality, Mario serves as the perfect bridge for these gamers to become interested in purchasing more traditionally structured games, and so represents Nintendo’s best chance to boost software sales across the Wii platform. But let us not forget the event also served the die-hard Nintendo zealot, and to the extent that it simultaneously marketed Galaxy to casual gamers and helped unite a man-Peach with his Mario a day early, it can only be a good thing.

[The French animated TV series arrives on Wii.]

661

TalkBack / Code Lyoko: Quest for Infinity Hits Retail

« on: November 20, 2007, 08:05:00 AM »

The French animated TV series arrives on Wii.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14845

 THE GAME FACTORY SHIPS CODE LYOKO : QUEST FOR INFINITY FOR NINTENDO Wii™    

Second Wii™ title delivered to the shelves by the Game Factory!    

SANTA MONICA, Calif.—(November 20, 2007) — The Game Factory, a publisher of video and computer games based on leading international children’s brands,  today announced the release of Code Lyoko : Quest For Infinity, its first action/adventure videogame for Nintendo Wii™. Based on the new season of the popular animated action-adventure TV series, the game combines high-tech gadgetry and adrenaline-packed missions in an innovative blend of adventure, combat, platform and space shooting gameplay. Code Lyoko : Quest For Infinity for Nintendo Wii™ was developed by Neko Entertainment, is rated E10+ and is available now for a suggested retail price of $39.99. This release marks the second game for the Wii™ platform from The Game Factory, following April’s debut of Legend of the Dragon.    

Code Lyoko: Quest For Infinity features include:    

Characters Weapons & Activities : Arm Ulrich, Odd, Yumi and Aelita: The Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers are used for a variety of game activities featuring the Code Lyoko characters Ulrich, Odd, Yumi and Aelita- from flying to projectile-weapon aiming. The game features incredibly precise aiming control using the Wii Remote controller. Use the controllers for sword swings, defense shield and throwing metallic fans throwing.

   

Exciting Adventure: Players can virtualize into battle against hordes of evil creatures and wield weapons and shields with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers, then take on massive bosses that must be seen to be believed.

   

Brain & Power : Many puzzles stand between our heroes, Lyoko and the fulfillment of their quest, so players must sharpen their wits as they hunt for the annihilation of the evil super virus X.A.N.A.

   

Explore the digital sea and fight your enemies aboard the Skid, the Lyoko Warriors’ new vehicle created by Jeremy

 

[ShyGuy]

662

TalkBack / RE:Radio Free Nintendo: Episode 78

« on: November 20, 2007, 06:29:27 AM »

Quote
Originally posted by: ShyGuy
Don't take this the wrong way, but you guys sounded largely unhappy this podcast.

I've never been happy...

[Hordes of holiday Wii-seekers look abroad and prepare for heartbreak.]

663

TalkBack / British Demand for Wii Unlikely to Be Met This Christmas

« on: November 19, 2007, 09:58:26 AM »

Hordes of holiday Wii-seekers look abroad and prepare for heartbreak.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14835

 According to a report from the Telegraph amongst others, British retailers are conceding they will not be able to meet the "unprecedented" demand for Wii as their fresh stocks, consisting of thousands of units, are exhausted within hours and even minutes of being made available.    

Stock alert services have seen their websites inundated with over 100,000 visitors per day, presumably looking to avoid resorting to online auctions where one can expect to pay nearly double the £179 retail price in order to secure a system. Importing units from continental Europe, where demand for Wii appears significantly weaker than it is in the UK, is emerging as an attractive alternative to relying on eBay or retailer reservations.  This was acknowledged by Nintendo UK’s Rob Saunders last week while addressing consumers’ concerns in a Q&A with the BBC, also assuring the public that Nintendo is in no way artificially constricting the supply of the console and/or manipulating its price.    

This pronounced imbalance between demand and supply appears to be driven more by the UK’s extraordinary desire for Wii rather than lacklustre allocation of units, as retailers expect a "steady flow" of units and a "good level of sales" from now until Christmas. Regardless, prospective Wii purchasers may need to be much less casual about purchasing the console than they are about playing games if they are to be bowling come Boxing Day.