Topics

[A Wii game sits atop the NPD Group's top ten most purchased games of the last fifteen years.]

26

TalkBack / Wii Play is Best-Selling Game in U.S. Since 1995

« on: January 20, 2010, 06:57:35 AM »

A Wii game sits atop the NPD Group's top ten most purchased games of the last fifteen years.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20805

 Since the NPD began tracking game sales for the United States in 1995, Wii Play has sold more copies than any other title. Other games exclusive to the Wii that made the top ten best-selling list include Wii Fit, which sits on the chart in fifth place, and Mario Kart Wii, which came in sixth.    

While up-to-date sales numbers are not available for the top ten list, the NPD group did reveal in October that Wii Play had sold 11.1 million copies in the United States.  Since then, Wii Play has sold at least another million copies based solely on December NPD numbers.    

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, which has sold over 2 million copies on the Wii, is the second best-selling game of the past decade and a half. Interestingly, the combined sales of over ten different iterations of Namco Museum, including Namco Museum 64, helped the popular arcade collection series appear in tenth place on the list.    

The Best-Selling Games in the U.S. Since 1995:    

 
• 1. Wii Play (Wii)
 
• 2. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360)
 
• 3. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2, Xbox)
 
• 4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS3, Xbox 360)
 
• 5. Wii Fit (Wii)
 
• 6. Mario Kart Wii (Wii)
 
• 7. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PS3, Xbox 360, DS)
 
• 8. Madden NFL 07 (PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox, PS2, PSP, DS, GCN, GBA, Wii)
 
• 9. Call of Duty: World at War (PS3, Xbox 360, DS, Wii)
 
• 10. Namco Museum (DC, GBA, PS2, GCN, Xbox, PSP, N64, PS3, Wii, DS, PSP, PS, Xbox 360)
 

   

Note: This list does not include PC game sales.

[Pre-Order Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and you shall receive a figurine of a legendary pocket monster.]

27

TalkBack / Enticing Pre-Order Bonuses for the Upcoming Pokémon Titles

« on: January 19, 2010, 05:16:43 PM »

Pre-Order Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and you shall receive a figurine of a legendary pocket monster.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20798

 Nintendo recently announced that they will be offering special pre-order bonuses for Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.      

   

Kaiyodo, a Japanese company well-known for making anime figurines, will be crafting the pre-order rewards. Those who pre-order Pokémon HeartGold will receive a figure of the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh. On the other hand, consumers who pre-order Pokémon SoulSilver will get a Lugia figurine.      

   

Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing, believes that Pokemon fans will greatly appreciate the pre-order bonuses. "These unique figures are our way of thanking Pokémon fans of all ages for the enthusiasm and support they have shown for the series," said Dunaway.      

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions will hit store shelves on March 14 for the suggested retail price of $39.99.    

  ?  NINTENDO OFFERS PRE-SALE REWARDS FOR NEW POKÉMON GAMES    

Pre-Order New Pokémon HeartGold Version or Pokémon SoulSilver Version Games Starting Feb. 1 to Receive Pokémon Figure ?    

?REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 19, 2010 - For Pokémon™ fans, good things come to those who don't wait. The new Pokémon™ HeartGold Version and Pokémon™ SoulSilver Version games for the portable Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo DSi™ systems will launch across North America on March 14, but consumers will have the chance to receive a reward for pre-ordering the games beginning Feb. 1. Those who take advantage of this pre-sale opportunity can receive a Legendary Pokémon figure crafted by Kaiyodo, an internationally renowned figure-making company, while supplies last at major retailers, giving fans of the blockbuster series yet another way to enjoy its vast and imaginative cast of Pokémon characters.    

Consumers who pre-order Pokémon HeartGold Version will receive a figure of Ho-Oh™, a Legendary Pokémon that circles the skies of the Johto region on rainbow-colored wings. Those who pre-order Pokémon SoulSilver Version will get a figure of Lugia™, a Legendary Pokémon that dwells deep in the seas and has the power to create massive storms. Ho-Oh and Lugia are featured on the packages of the Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Version games, and these premiums will be offered at participating retailers nationwide while supplies last.    

"These unique figures are our way of thanking Pokémon fans of all ages for the enthusiasm and support they have shown for the series," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions include new features and enhancements that players will instantly appreciate, and we think these terrific figures will help to get fans even more excited about what is in store for them on March 14."    

Created exclusively for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions return players to the scenic Johto region first introduced in the popular Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver Version games for the portable Game Boy™ system a decade ago. Both games have been fully updated with enhanced graphics and sound, plus new touch-screen features. The games are also bundled with the new Pokéwalker™ accessory, a portable device that players can use to take their favorite Pokémon from the Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Version games wherever they go, catch wild Pokémon and even find hidden items.    

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions each carry a suggested retail price of $39.99. For more information about Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version, visit www.pokemon.com. ?

[Netflix's instant video streaming service will soon be available on the Wii.]

28

TalkBack / Netflix Streaming Coming to the Wii This Spring

« on: January 13, 2010, 02:51:34 AM »

Netflix's instant video streaming service will soon be available on the Wii.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20770

 Nintendo and Netflix will announce on Wednesday that the movie rental company's streaming video service is heading to the Wii this spring. Over 17,000 television shows and films will be available for instant viewing on the Wii once the service becomes available.    

To access instant streaming a free Netflix software disc will need to be inserted into the Wii console. Because the Wii lacks the processing power for streaming HD video, Wii owners will only have access to standard-definition video content using the upcoming service. The online video service will be available to Netflix subscribers who pay at least $9 dollars a month.    

Netflix's chief executive Reed Hastings stated that the rental company's, "growth in the last two years has been propelled in large part by our investments in streaming content and in the streaming platform." Furthermore, he believes that, "when the Wii application ships, it's going to really open up a large additional opportunity."    

In addition, Hastings mentioned that bringing Netflix to the Wii was not a simple task because of the system's unique architecture. Bringing instant streaming to the Wii took, "a long time of experimentation and refinement."    

Reggie Fils-Aime, President and CEO of Nintendo of America commented that the partnership with Netflix, "is a continuation of an effort to bring more and more entertainment to consumers who interact with the Wii."

[Nintendo of America claims that Iwata's recent comments about the DS successor were misunderstood.]

29

TalkBack / Nintendo Refutes Iwata's Comments About Next Nintendo Handheld

« on: January 12, 2010, 01:59:38 PM »

Nintendo of America claims that Iwata's recent comments about the DS successor were misunderstood.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20766

 CEO and President of Nintendo Satoru Iwata spoke last week with the Asahi Shimbun, discussing the likely features of Nintendo's next portable game console.  Charlie Scibetta Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Nintendo of America, recently told Kotaku that, in fact, Iwata did not reveal any details about a new handheld system and that the CEO's comments were "misinterpreted."    

In the Asahi Shimbun article, Iwata stated that the "requirements for the [next Nintendo handheld] will be higher resolution screens and sensors that will be able to read the player's movement."    

Scibetta refutes this statement, saying  that, "Mr. Iwata did not make any comments regarding the functions of Nintendo's future hardware systems."    

Kotaku also asked Nintendo to clarify other statements made by Iwata such as whether Zelda Wii was confirmed for a 2010 release. Nintendo gave no response to that request.      

Nintendo of America President Reginald Fils-Aimé said in a recent Nintendo Week segment that the next home console entry in The Legend of Zelda series will "come out when it's perfect."

[Prepare to dodge and shoot bullets in an old-school shooter mini-game.]

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TalkBack / Tatsunoko VS Capcom Features All New Shooter Mini-Game

« on: January 12, 2010, 01:53:01 PM »

Prepare to dodge and shoot bullets in an old-school shooter mini-game.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20765

 Even though the release of Tatsunoko VS Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars is less than a month away, Capcom appears to still have some secrets left to share. It was just recently revealed that the upcoming fighter will include new endings from Udon, and now Capcom has unveiled an overhead shooter mini-game.    

In the brand new mini-game entitled Tatsunoko VS Capcom: Ultimate All-Shooters, players will be able to select their favorite fighter and shoot at hordes of flying monstrosities. Four players can tackle the mini-game together for simultaneous shooter action. Special moves will be available for extra damage, and repeat playthroughs are encouraged because stages will morph depending on how you're playing. Check out a video of the new mini-game below:    

   

Tatsunoko VS Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars arrives at retailers on January 26.

[Players now have the freedom to level up their Pokémon wherever, whenever.]

31

TalkBack / Pokéwalker Accessory Untethers Pokémon from the DS

« on: January 12, 2010, 01:04:26 AM »

Players now have the freedom to level up their Pokémon wherever, whenever.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20761

 Nintendo announced today that Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver will each ship with the Pokéwalker, a Tamagotchi-like gadget that electronically carries Pokémon outside of the DS.    

   

Visually, the Pokéwalker looks like a flattened Pokéball with a black and white LCD screen. The tiny device links wirelessly with a Nintendo DS system to enable the transfer of items and Pokémon between the two. Using the Pokéwalker's built-in pedometer, players will be able generate a currency called Watts with their footsteps. Watts can be spent on mini-games that are played on the Pokéwalker, where a player can catch rare Pokémon and find special items.    

Interestingly, the Pokéwalker shares a great deal in common with a mini handheld device that Nintendo sold almost ten years called the Pokémon Pikachu 2. Owners of Pokémon Pikachu 2 could link it up with their Game Boy Color using infrared technology, and then receive items like the Miracle Berry in their copy of Pokémon Gold or Silver.    

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions will hit stores shelves on March 14.    

New Pokéwalker Lets Players Bring the Fun of Pokémon Wherever They Go    

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– For more than a decade, millions of Pokémon™ fans around the world have enjoyed training their Pokémon within their video games.The March 14 release of the Pokémon™ HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version games lets players continue to enjoy the world of Pokémon away from their Nintendo DS™ or Nintendo DSi™ systems, taking their favorite Pokémon with them wherever they go with the new Pokéwalker™ accessory. This new accessory will come included with each copy of these games.        

In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions, players can wirelessly transfer any one of their Pokémon from one of the two games to the Pokéwalker and walk them through virtual routes as the player walks around in real life. By walking, players earn Watts, which are used within the Pokéwalker to encounter and catch wild Pokémon or search for hidden items, and can be transferred into Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions to unlock new routes. There are even special versions of certain Pokémon that can only be found within routes on the Pokéwalker, giving players added incentive to keep their Pokémon with them wherever they go. The Pokémon in the Pokéwalker will gain experience points as the player walks, and can even go up one level when they are transferred back into the game. Players also can wirelessly connect two Pokéwalkers to trade items.        

Letting players return to the beloved Johto region first introduced in Pokémon Gold Version and Silver Version for the portable Game Boy™ system, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions introduce several new enhancements for the series that enrich these timeless adventures. Created exclusively for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems, the games feature detailed graphics that spotlight the unique environments and hundreds of Pokémon that players can encounter and catch. Players can even see and interact with their favorite Pokémon outside of battle, selecting one from their team to follow behind their Trainer as they travel through the Johto region. The games also include robust touch-screen functionality, allowing for smoother control and seamless navigation by the player.        

For more information about Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions, please visit www.pokemon.com. For more information about Nintendo, please visit www.nintendo.com.

[Capcom director talks about the company's difficulty in understanding the Wii marketplace, and reveals poor sales numbers for Zack & Wiki.]

32

TalkBack / Capcom Discusses 'Ever-Shifting' Wii Market and Zack & Wiki Sales

« on: January 08, 2010, 04:11:57 PM »

Capcom director talks about the company's difficulty in understanding the Wii marketplace, and reveals poor sales numbers for Zack & Wiki.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20740

 When Capcom released Zack & Wiki: Quest For Barbaros' Treasure in late 2007, the adventure game received a great deal of critical acclaim and was highly promoted by the gaming media. Even with the positive word of mouth at launch, Chris Kramer, Capcom's senior director of communications, recently said that Zack & Wiki still "sold abysmally."    

In total, 126,000 copies of Zack & Wiki have been sold in North America since the game's release 26 months ago. Capcom isn't exactly sure why the game sold so few copies, but Kramer has a few ideas. He described the Wii as having "a very tough market to crack," and believes that for third-party developers it seems that "If you're not Nintendo, it does seem harder to make money on the Wii today compared to the PS3 and the Xbox 360."    

Kramer further cited the Wii market as "extremely scattered and chaotic," because "for any sort of solid statement you want to make about the platform or the audience," there are plentiful amounts of evidence that totally contradict them. For example, party games were extremely successful soon after the Wii launched; however, the market has now been saturated by that style of game. Overall, "third-party publishers are having a hard time determining who the Wii audience is," said Kramer.    

Capcom Product Manager Colin Ferris said in an interview in March 2009 that he was willing to place some of the fault for Zack & Wiki's poor sales on the art design for the game's main character. Ferris said, "Well, you know, Zack and Wiki…Another one in a long line of very highly-rated Capcom games that unfortunately did not sell very well. We can take a part of the blame on ourselves by having it star a shirtless boy pirate. That is actually a personal favorite of a lot of people in Capcom, so don’t be surprised if you see it again but we have nothing in the works at the moment."

[Players will be able to race as their Mii against iconic Sega characters like Ryo Hazuki and Miles "Tails" Prower.]

33

TalkBack / Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing Will Feature Mii Support

« on: January 06, 2010, 04:32:36 PM »

Players will be able to race as their Mii against iconic Sega characters like Ryo Hazuki and Miles "Tails" Prower.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20727

 SEGA has revealed on the SEGA America Blog that Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing will allow players to race as their Mii in the Wii edition of the title. Just like the SEGA mainstays, Miis will have a unique "All Star" move that can give straggling racers a helpful boost.    

The SEGA-centric racer is being developed by Sumo Digital, makers of the home ports of OutRun 2 and last year's Sega Superstars Tennis. Interestingly, the Wii version of the game is not the only one to get an exclusive feature. Rare's Banjo Kazooie and the Xbox 360's Avatars will appear in the Xbox 360 version of the title.    

Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing is slated to hit store shelves in March for both the Wii and DS.

[Your favorite attorney arrives in downloadable form this Monday.]

34

TalkBack / Phoenix Wright WiiWare Coming Next Week

« on: January 06, 2010, 01:33:55 PM »

Your favorite attorney arrives in downloadable form this Monday.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20725

 Capcom has announced on its Capcom-Unity blog that Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is coming to WiiWare next week.  The downloadable package includes episodes 1-4 of the game.  Episode 5 will apparently arrive as downloadable content at some point in the future.    

The WiiWare versions of the Ace Attorney series are straight ports of the Game Boy Advance/Nintendo DS titles, as evidenced in this Kotaku preview from last year.  The Wii versions feature the addition of limited motion control, allowing you to select a piece of evidence and signal an OBJECTION! with a flick of the wrist.    

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney for WiiWare will be released on Monday, January 11 at a price of 1000 Wii Points ($10).

[Capcom's slick fighter gets an even slicker stick to go along with it.]

35

TalkBack / Mad Catz Announces Tatsunoko vs. Capcom FightStick

« on: January 06, 2010, 04:41:04 AM »

Capcom's slick fighter gets an even slicker stick to go along with it.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20724

 Peripheral maker Mad Catz has announced the Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Arcade FightStick for Wii. It is set for a late January release.    

   

Mad Catz has recently gained renewed notoriety for its lineup of high-quality arcade-style controllers, usually with licensing tie-ins to high-profile titles like Street Fighter IV.  The Tatsunoko vs. Capcom FightStick follows in the footsteps of these other peripherals, featuring high-performance joysticks and buttons along with faceplate art by Japanese artist Shinkiro.  It is wireless, tethering itself to the Wii Remote.    

   

The FightStick also includes two turbo speeds and LED indicators for each button, as well as the ability to switch between using the D-Pad, or Right or Left analog sticks.  Players can also "lock" the Home and Turbo buttons to avoid accidental gameplay disruptions.    

The Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Arcade Fightstick will launch alongside Capcom's highly-anticipated fighting game, which releases on January 26 in North America.    

Mad Catz® Announces Licensed Tatsunoko VS. Capcom™ Arcade FightStick For Nintendo®  Wii™    

First Time the FightStick is Available on the Nintendo Wii    

San Diego, January 05, 2010    

Mad Catz® Interactive, Inc. (AMEX/TSX: MCZ), a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, today announced the licensed Tatsunoko VS. Capcom Arcade FightStick for the Nintendo Wii expected to ship alongside the US launch of TASUNOKO VS. CAPCOM™: ULTIMATE ALL-STARS in January 2010.      TATSUNOKO VS. CAPCOM: ULTIMATE ALL-STARS pairs well-known characters from Capcom®’s roster of games with some of Japan’s most beloved characters from anime powerhouse ‘Tatsunoko Production’. With a roster of more than 20 colorful combatants to choose from, gamers can create the ultimate video game tag-team combination, in a title which is sure to appeal to hardcore fighting fans as well as gamers new to the genre.    

Available for the first time on the Nintendo Wii, the Tatsunoko VS. Capcom Arcade FightStick features a newly developed high-performance Joystick and Action Buttons, alongside striking artwork provided by famous Japanese artist ‘Shinkiro’. Dual-speed Turbo functionality for each button complete with LED Indicators allows gamers to execute moves with lightning speed. The eight-button arcade configuration means that those familiar with arcade fighting games will feel instantly at home. An integrated D-Pad switch allows gamers to alternate between D-Pad and Left or Right Analog Sticks for maximum compatibility, while a locking switch prevents accidental operation of the Home button or Turbo settings, securing uninterrupted play.    

Connecting directly to the official or Mad Catz Remotes for Wii, the Tatsunoko VS. Capcom Arcade FightStick does not need to be connected directly to the console, thus providing tether free operation.    

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “With the introduction of our FightStick for Wii, our line of Arcade FightSticks are now available on all three console platforms (Microsoft® Xbox 360®, Sony® PlayStation®3 and Nintendo Wii video game consoles). We are delighted to continue our partnership with Capcom by introducing our new FightStick for Wii in conjunction with the Tatsunoko VS. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars game launch.”    

“Capcom is pleased to continue working with Mad Catz to introduce the FightStick to the Wii community and allow fans of Tatsunoko VS. Capcom to experience the game in the way it was meant to be played” said Christian Svensson, vice president business development & strategic planning at Capcom Entertainment, Inc. “Many Wii owners are already enjoying Capcom fighting games via the Virtual Console facility and with the launch of Tatsunoko VS. Capcom, we thought it important to give our fan base the opportunity to play with the Arcade FightStick.”    

The Mad Catz licensed Tatsunoko VS. Capcom Arcade FightStick for the Nintendo Wii video game console is expected to be available across North America mid-to-late January 2010.

[Nintendo shares soar in Japan after the company's recent report of likely record Wii and DS sales in the US.]

36

TalkBack / Nintendo Stock Rises On Wii & DS Sales Projections

« on: January 06, 2010, 04:29:12 AM »

Nintendo shares soar in Japan after the company's recent report of likely record Wii and DS sales in the US.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20722

 Yesterday, Nintendo projected that over 3 million units of its Wii console had been purchased in the U.S. month of December.    

The rosy sales forecast spurred great investor interest in Nintendo Co. Ltd., leading to the best single-day jump for the Kyoto-based company's stock since November 2008.  Nintendo ended the day on the Osaka Stock Exchange with their stock price jumping up 6.9% to 24,500 yen.    

Eiji Maeda, a senior analyst JP Morgan Chase & Co. in Japan, explained his thoughts on Nintendo's recent success. "Nintendo’s got a good lineup and we’re finally seeing the benefits of the price cuts," said Maeda. He also stressed that the release of New Super Mario Bros. Wii had a "huge impact."

[Nintendo President speaks about the successor to the Nintendo DS, the Wii Vitality Sensor, and the release of the next Legend of Zelda.]

37

TalkBack / Iwata Discusses the Next Nintendo Portable and Zelda

« on: January 06, 2010, 12:22:03 AM »

Nintendo President speaks about the successor to the Nintendo DS, the Wii Vitality Sensor, and the release of the next Legend of Zelda.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20721

 CEO and President of Nintendo Satoru Iwata recently let loose the first details about the portable console to follow the Nintendo DS. In a recent interview with Japan's second most circulated paper, the Asahi Shimbun, Iwata stated that the "requirements for the [next Nintendo handheld] will be higher resolution screens and sensors that will be able to read the player's movement."    

While development appears to be underway on the new portable device, Iwata was not willing to divulge a release date. "Being that the DS just broke sales records in the US, a launch date for its successor is not something to talk about," Iwata explained.    

In the interview, Iwata also stressed Nintendo's reluctance to deliver content through cellular networks in a similar fashion to the iPhone. Iwata summed up his position on the matter by saying, "monthly payment systems don't sync well with gaming." However, Iwata does believes that, "connecting to the net [increases] one's enjoyment of the DS," and explained that Nintendo is actively seeking additional partners throughout Japan to offer free Wi-Fi hotspots.    

Along with discussing the next Nintendo portable, Iwata revealed that the next entry in the Legend of Zelda series would be available before the end of 2010. Nintendo also plans to unveil the first titles using the Wii Vitality Sensor in July, and hopes to have the peripheral hit the marketplace as soon as possible.    

Special thanks to Japan Correspondent Matthew Walker for translating the Iwata interview.

[The games market in the Land of the Rising Sun dropped 6.9% from 2008]

38

TalkBack / Japanese Hardware and Software Sales Fall in 2009

« on: January 05, 2010, 10:37:00 PM »

The games market in the Land of the Rising Sun dropped 6.9% from 2008
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20719

 While Nintendo continues to top the sales charts in its home market, overall sales for game software and hardware were down 6.9% in Japan during 2009 to ¥542,640 million ($5.9 billion). In fact, the new sales data from Famitsu publisher Enterbrain, covering December 29, 2008 to December 27, 2009, shows that the Japanese video game market shrunk for the second year in a row.    

The Japanese game market has not seen positive growth since 2007, when overall sales jumped 9.9% to ¥687,660 million thanks to the strong hardware sales of Nintendo's DS and Wii, as well as Sony's PSP.    

Software sales for 2009 exhibited a mild decline, dropping 1.8% to ¥326,160 million ($3.5 billion). Games on Nintendo platforms dominated the software sales chart, taking all but a single slot in the top 5.    

Here are the best-selling games in Japan for 2009:    

 
• 1. Dragon Quest IX (Square Enix, DS): 4,100,968
 
• 2. Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver (Pokemon, DS): 3,382,597
 
• 3. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo, Wii): 2,485,150
 
• 4. Friend Collection (Nintendo, DS): 2,311,948
 
• 5. Final Fantasy XIII (Square Enix, PS3): 1,698,256
 

   

While the four DS varieties (DS, DS Lite, DSi, and DSi LL) sold 4,025,313 units in 2009, just a teeny bit below last year's 4,029,804 units, hardware sales still fell 13.6% to ¥216,490 million ($2.3 billion). Wii sales faced a steeper decline, dropping from 2,908,342 units sold in 2008 to 1,975,178 in 2009.    

Here are the best-selling systems in Japan for 2009:    

 
• Nintendo DS: 4,025,313 (Lifetime Sales: 29,160,589)
 
• PSP: 2,307,971 (Lifetime Sales: 13,386,455)
 
• Wii: 1,975,178 (Lifetime Sales: 9,501,999)
 
• PlayStation 3: 1,727,041 (Lifetime Sales: 4,391,407)
 
• Xbox 360: 331,706 (Lifetime Sales: 1,197,873)
 

[Capcom producer's blog hints at an upcoming announcement concerning the fighting game.]

39

TalkBack / Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Announcement Imminent?

« on: January 05, 2010, 11:08:33 AM »

Capcom producer's blog hints at an upcoming announcement concerning the fighting game.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20716

 Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars is scheduled to be released in North America on January 26, but Capcom may have an early surprise in store for fans of the game. In a recent blog on Capcom's Japanese website, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Producer Ryota Niitsuma implied that a big announcement for the West may soon be forthcoming.    

Along with wishing everybody a happy new year, Niitsuma states that overseas fan will possibly be greeted with a major announcement tomorrow morning.    

In other Tatsunoko news, the blog reveals that save data in Cross Generation of Heroes will not work with Ultimate All-Stars. The updated version of Tatsunoko vs. Capcom will not be making a trip to the arcades, either.

[Eliminate aliens, monsters, zombies, and more in a new shooter that is designed to be played while wearing 3D glasses.]

40

TalkBack / Majesco Reveals Attack of the Movies 3D for Wii

« on: January 05, 2010, 04:30:44 PM »

Eliminate aliens, monsters, zombies, and more in a new shooter that is designed to be played while wearing 3D glasses.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20715

 Magesco Entertainment announced today that they will be releasing Attack of the Movies 3D exclusively for the Wii. In the game, players will shoot their way through six film-based worlds inhabited by classic movie monsters and villains.    

The 3D shooter is being developed by Panic Button Games, creators of last year's Go Play Lumberjacks, and promises to let players participate in a cinematic experience in the confines of their home. Each copy ships with four pairs of 3D glasses, so nobody will have to miss out on the 3D visuals - even during local multiplayer.    

Attack of the Movies 3D will appear on stores shelves in spring 2010.    

Majesco Entertainment Announces 'Attack of the Movies 3D' for Wii    

Re-live the Greatest Action Movies of All Time in the First 3D Shooter for Wii    

EDISON, N.J., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The greatest action scenes in cinematic history come to life as Majesco Entertainment Company (Nasdaq: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced Attack of the Movies 3D. The first-ever 3D shooter designed exclusively for Wii(TM), Attack of the Movies 3D transports players to six fantastic movie-themed worlds where they will battle large alien space cruisers, shoot underwater monsters, join the resistance against the machines and more. Packaged with four pairs of 3D glasses to support four-player multiplayer action, and featuring classic enemies culled from the annals of film history, this inspired 3D shooter jumps right out of your television and into your living room.    

"We all dream about being the hero in our favorite action movies," said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations for Majesco. "Attack of the Movies 3D lets you live that experience out with a realism and dimensionality previously only found in movie theaters."    

In Attack of the Movies 3D, players become an integral part of movie scenes they can typically only watch. Each scene features genre-based ultimate weapons to engage enemies, including zombie-slaying shotguns, automatic laser cannons and more. In addition, branching paths, changing enemy attack patterns, unique areas and environmental challenges ensure that players never experience the same fight twice.    

Developed by Panic Button Games Inc., Attack of the Movies 3D is expected to release Spring 2010. For additional information about Majesco's exciting line of products, please visit www.majescoentertainment.com.  

[An updated take on the classic hoops game is coming exclusively to Wii. "Boom-shaka-laka!"]

41

TalkBack / EA is Reviving NBA Jam for the Wii

« on: January 04, 2010, 07:39:12 PM »

An updated take on the classic hoops game is coming exclusively to Wii. "Boom-shaka-laka!"
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20703

 ESPN is reporting that Electronic Arts has gained the rights from the NBA to make an updated version of the arcade classic NBA Jam. The new version of NBA Jam will be a full retail product and will ship exclusively on the Wii.    

The original NBA Jam was one of the best selling arcade games of all time and is fondly remembered for its quick gameplay, memorable soundbites like "He's on fire!," and for being one of the first games with a Big Head Mode.    

Development is currently underway at EA Vancouver, creators of EA Sports Active. Assisting in development are members of NBA Jam's original development team at Midway including Mark Turmell who was the main designer and programmer.    

EA is expected to officially announce the game later this month.

[The upcoming Wii MotionPlus shooter is nearing completion.]

42

TalkBack / Famitsu Reveals New Details About Red Steel 2

« on: January 04, 2010, 04:19:07 PM »

The upcoming Wii MotionPlus shooter is nearing completion.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20700

 Famitsu recently flew out to Ubisoft's offices in France to conduct an interview with multiple members of the Red Steel 2 development team. In the interview, the creative team revealed some interesting new details about the shooter, including the films that influenced the game's creation and why they decided to forego the first game's realistic art style.    

The developers explained that 95 percent of the game's content is ready to go. In fact, even with debugging included on the development schedule, the game is 90 percent finished and is currently on target for shipping in March.    

One juicy morsel that the team was willing to share is that players will be able to dual-wield guns. Ubisoft Paris has also put a great deal of work into creating a varied group of devious enemies to face off against. In all, players will encounter close to 40 different types of enemies, such as motorcycle-riding clan members and a hammer-carrying boss.    

The development team also detailed how they simply used Google for research when fabricating Japanese clan names like "Kusagari" and "Katakara." The main goal when creating clan names was to find suitable Japanese words that were basically gibberish.    

Red Steel 2 appears to be one of the first titles to heavily utilize Wii MotionPlus in 2010. Interestingly, the creative team's choice of cel-shading was done because the art style benefited their implementation of Wii MotionPlus.    

Fine works of cinema also had on influence on the development of Red Steel 2. The developers were inspired by films like Kim Ji-woon's The Good, the Bad, the Weird and Akira Kurosawa's classic Seven Samurai.

[The publisher of Klonoa and We Cheer recently filed two new potential game titles for the great continent of Europe.]

43

TalkBack / Namco Bandai Files New Trademarks

« on: December 31, 2009, 04:04:54 PM »

The publisher of Klonoa and We Cheer recently filed two new potential game titles for the great continent of Europe.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20671

 Over the course of December, Namco Bandai has filed numerous trademarks with The Trade Marks and Designs Registration Office of the European Union. The latest filings to become public knowledge are trademarks for "Joint Assault" and "Voyage of the Planet."    

"Joint Assault" may join a long line of Namco titles with 'assault' in the title including Assault (re-released earlier this year on Virtual Console Arcade in Japan), Ninja Assault, and Star Fox: Assault.    

Other recent filings by Namco Bandai are:    

Pac-Man Battle Royale

 

Drill till you Drop

 

Deadheat

   

   

No platforms are indicated in these filings.

[The upcoming puzzle game for WiiWare will feature pipe-spinning action, rubber duckies, and local multiplayer for up to four.]

44

TalkBack / Heron: Steam Machine Arrives in North America Next Monday

« on: December 30, 2009, 02:40:47 AM »

The upcoming puzzle game for WiiWare will feature pipe-spinning action, rubber duckies, and local multiplayer for up to four.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20658

 In October a quirky pipe-filled puzzle game, Heron: Steam Machine, was released for the European WiiWare service and the iPhone. Triangle Studios recently announced that Heron: Steam Machine for WiiWare will finally make its North American debut on Monday, January 4, for 500 Wii Points.    

In Heron: Steam Machine, players will find themselves in a rubber ducky factory that is on the verge of going out of control. Astute puzzle solving skills will be needed to assist factory mechanic Ron in keeping the company steam machine functional for as long as possible.    

Gameplay consists of rotating and connecting different-colored pipe segments. The pipe rotation game mechanics are reminiscent of the Amiga title Pipe Mania and the hacking mini-game in Bioshock. Heron: Steam Machine will also feature colorful 2D graphics, the ability to save high scores, and cooperative local multiplayer.    

   

Heron: Steam Machine launches in the US on January 4th! (WiiWare)    

Leeuwarden, The Netherlands - December 28, 2009 - Frantic Pipe-puzzler "Heron: Steam Machine" will be released in the US on January 4th!    

Heron: Steam Machine, is an excellent choice for players who like a frantic single- and multiplayer experience. Heron: Steam Machine for WiiWare will be available for 500 Wii Points in the Wii Shop Channel! To view the official trailer, screenshots and get a taste of the gameplay for free, visit: www.heronsteammachine.com    

About Heron: Steam Machine:    

Ron, the factory mechanic, has been working at the factory for Rubber Duckies for many years. On one dark morning, Ron comes to the shocking discovery that his boss is going to hand over control of the factory to his evil son! The son raises production targets as soon as he takes charge of the factory, and Ron will have to work at least twice as hard in order to be able to keep the steam machine running. Players can help Ron out by maintaining the steam machine, and prevent it from breaking down!    

Multiplayer:    

One of the most important aspect of Heron: Steam Machine is its multiplayer features. Instead of going up against each other, players will have to co-operate in order to keep the steam machine running. Are you and your friends able to work together as a team? Make sure to test your team spirit in the Multiplayer mode of Heron: Steam Machine.    

Key features:    

Addictive single- and multiplayer fun for all ages.

 

High quality 2D Graphics.

 

Upbeat soundtrack.

 

Multiple highscore listings.

 

For up to 4 players.

   

About Triangle Studios:    

Dutch game development company Triangle Studios was founded in 2006 and is developing games for Nintendo DS, Wii and iPhone. Last year, Triangle Studios has received a Dutch Game Award for best mobile/handheld game of 2008, for its Nintendo DS title: Stratego: Next Edition.

[November will see Europeans killing demons in glorious 2D.]

45

TalkBack / Muramasa Dated for Europe

« on: October 02, 2009, 11:57:41 AM »

November will see Europeans killing demons in glorious 2D.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20080

 Rising Star Games has announced that Vanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade will be released across Europe on November 13.    

Muramasa was released last month in North America, receiving praise for its beautiful hand-drawn depictions of Japanese folklore and blending of RPG elements with hardcore platforming action.    

Muramasa has received a PEGI rating of 12+.

[Some North American and UK consoles are getting bricked.]

46

TalkBack / Issues Reported with Wii System Update 4.2

« on: October 02, 2009, 11:49:55 AM »

Some North American and UK consoles are getting bricked.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20079

 Nintendo of America released Wii system update 4.2 on Tuesday, a patch that reportedly had the intention of shutting down Wii hacking solutions.  The popular Wii Homebrew Channel is removed by the update, and several known exploits (both hardware and software) are eliminated along with the ability to use USB loaders or downgrade your Wii firmware.  The Wii Shop Channel was also updated to reflect the new firmware.    

Unfortunately, the update has apparently had an unintended side effect: some Wii consoles are getting bricked by the patch, despite the fact that they are unmodified and have not been tampered with in any way.  A post by "NOA_TECH_JANE" on the Nintendo of America Tech Support forums confirms as much, extending an offer to repair affected consoles free of charge.  Nintendo's UK branch also confirmed to Edge  that a small subset of UK gamers are also experiencing the issue.    

Any North American Wii owners experiencing this issue can contact Nintendo of America's Tech Support line at 1-800-255-3700, 7 days a week between the hours of 6am and 7pm Pacific time.

[Get ready to beat up some robots.]

47

TalkBack / Capcom Ships Spyborgs

« on: September 22, 2009, 01:02:45 PM »

Get ready to beat up some robots.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20010

 Today Capcom announced that they have shipped their Wii-exclusive brawler Spyborgs.  The game was the subject of some controversy early in its development cycle, undergoing an overhaul that saw two of five playable characters dropped and a move away from its originally cartoony aesthetic.    

A recent trailer showcases the game's emphasis on co-operative beatdowns, with two players able to play simultaneously.    

   

Spyborgs is rated T for Teen.    

  CAPCOM KICKS ACTION-ADVENTURE INTO HIGH GEAR AS SPYBORGS FOR Wii SHIPS TO RETAILERS    

Wii-Exclusive Brawler Brings Old-School Style Together With Stunning Visuals, Epic Bosses and Dynamic Co-Op    

SAN MATEO, CA - September 22, 2009 - Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Spyborgs has shipped to retail exclusively for Wii. Spyborgs, Capcom's hottest new thrill ride, combines an extraordinary sci-fi world with action-packed 2-player co-op, epic multi-stage bosses, and the old-school beat em' up feel that will satisfy fans of the genre and fans of robot destruction alike.

[The DSiWare application allows you to animate photos with MySims characters.]

48

TalkBack / EA Releases MySims Camera

« on: September 21, 2009, 08:43:41 AM »

The DSiWare application allows you to animate photos with MySims characters.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=20004

 Today Electronic Arts released MySims Camera, a Nintendo DSi application that allows users to manipulate photos taken with the DSi camera using MySims characters.  Players will ultimately have 12 characters to choose from, with the ability to add these characters into photos as they see fit.  They can move, crop, rotate, and scale photo elements as well.    

The application features over 30 character animations, as well as various pen colors and pen styles such as Rainbow and Eyedropper.  There are also 12 different stamps with which to customize your photos, and you can share them over local wireless or save them to a PC or Macintosh computer using the DSi's SD Card capability.    

MySims Camera is available now on the DSi Store.

[The game is officially coming to North America and Europe with online play for up to eight players. Check out the first gameplay footage.]

49

TalkBack / Hudson Confirms DSiWare Bomberman

« on: September 16, 2009, 08:29:14 PM »

The game is officially coming to North America and Europe with online play for up to eight players. Check out the first gameplay footage.
 http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=19962

 As NWR recently reported, a game release date list in this week's Famitsu revealed a new DSiWare title from Hudson Soft entitled "Itsudemo Bomberman" ("Bomberman Anytime").  Today Hudson officially announced this title for North America and Europe as Bomberman Blitz.    

Promising multiplayer action for up to eight players locally as well as online, Blitz also includes a training mode for gamers new to the series.  It will include ten different arenas occupying both DSi screens, along with all the power-ups that fans of the series know and love.    

Bomberman Blitz is set to release in October in Europe.  A release date for North America has yet to be announced, with Hudson only stating that it is "coming soon".    

Gameplay footage embedded below.    

   

  HUDSON ENTERTAINMENT REIGNITES BOMBERMAN ON NINTENDO DSiWARE    

Bomberman Blitz Coming Soon for Nintendo's Handheld Download Service     San Mateo, Calif - Sept. 15, 2009 - Prepare for epic online multiplayer action on Nintendo's DSiWare service in the form of Bomberman Blitz. Published by Hudson Entertainment, the North and South American publishing arm of HUDSON SOFT, Bomberman Blitz will provide the classic Bomberman action that gamers have loved for more than 20 years to Nintendo's download service available on the DSi. With Wi-Fi play and 8-player multiplayer action available, bombers around the world will be blasting each other away in Bomberman Blitz.    

"Bomberman Blitz will give DSi owners an authentic, action-filled and entertaining multiplayer Bomberman experience anywhere they go," said Mike Pepe, director of marketing at Hudson Entertainment. "With a training mode included that helps new players easily learn the ropes, both rookies and veterans alike are going to love blowing stuff up on the go!"    

Bomberman Blitz will allow on-the-go gamers the opportunity to showcase their bombing skills locally or across the world with the ability to play up to 8 players at home or online through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Bomberman Blitz will feature the ability to do battle in 10 unique locations, all making good use of the DSi's capabilities with dual screen spanning arenas. The power-ups that Bomberman fans have come to love are also all there, including the chance to increase the number of bombs, strengthen blast range, boost running speed and much more. For those who have always wanted to get in on the Bomberman action but didn't know how, a training mode has been included that allows newcomers to learn the easy-to-play Bomberman gameplay and get in on the fun.    

For more information on Bomberman Blitz and other titles, please visit Hudson Entertainment at www.hudsonent.com.

50

TalkBack / INTERVIEW: Scribblenauts Interview with Jeremiah Slaczka

« on: September 15, 2009, 10:35:24 AM »

This is the Talkback thread for discussing NWR's interview with 5th Cell's Jeremiah Slaczka.

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