Author Topic: Fred Meyer leaks important release info again?! (Read 8453 times)

WalkingTheCow · « **on:** May 27, 2007, 11:26:31 AM »

Ahem! So this buddy of mine sends me a message that went as follows:

"If you don't remember, I work at Fred Meyer, which I'm sure some of you in the northwest USA are familiar with. Previously I came to that board with the release date for the black and pink DS lites about a week before they were even announced.

Anyways, our videogame new releases calender is suddenly showing some specific dates for some of those games we're all most excited about. I wasn't too sure about their validity (and they still might be totally wrong) but I just saw that the latest Nintendo Power did just show the release date for Chibi Robo: Park Patrol for the DS and Battalion Wars 2 for the Wii as September 24th. Those two releases were on Fred Meyer's updated release list and had the correct date, lending some validity to the others. The list included the following:

Brain Age 2 - 8/20 (same day at MP3?!) [CORRECT]

Chibi Robo Park Patrol - 9/24 [WAS CORRECT UNTIL DELAY]

Battalion Wars 2 - 9/24 [WAS CORRECT UNTIL DELAY]

LOZ: Phantom Hourglass - 10/1 [CORRECT]

Super Mario Galaxy - 11/11 [ONE DAY OFF]

Mario Party DS - 11/19 [CORRECT]

Super Smash Bros. Brawl - 11/25 [INCORRECT BUT IN THE VICINITY]

My take: If this is true (and they don't look like placeholders to me) it sounds good to me. Galaxy and Brawl are a little closer together than I would guess and October is certainly wide open (perhaps for third party games like Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles?). Also, has this Mario Party DS even been announced?"

Anyway, that's what he found. Only time will tell us if it's a genuine leak or just some idiot typing up stuff for fun.

that Baby guy · « **Reply #1 on:** May 27, 2007, 12:13:08 PM »

Those are some huge possibilities, and we already know from the Kaplan interview that the big three or all going to be out before November's end.

I didn't even know there was going to be a Mario Party DS, though. In fact, a GameFAQs search does not merit any results matching the title. I'd go so far as suggest that this is true, solely because the creator of the list had the guts to include an unannounced game.

11/25 is also very similar to Melee's release, being about a week before it. My bet is that this is true.

Edit: I really hope you don't get in trouble for posting this list. The date for Brain Age 2 is, in fact, 8/20.
If this list could get you in job, I'd edit it all out. We don't want you to lose your job for an exclusive on release dates. Anyways, like I said, for what it's worth, to me, this list seems entirely accurate.

Ceric · « **Reply #2 on:** May 27, 2007, 12:15:53 PM »

Wait.... Thats my Birthday... Maybe I could get a discount or get to go to an event or something....

Dirk Temporo · « **Reply #3 on:** May 27, 2007, 12:27:02 PM »

That Brawl release date is a day before my birthday. I SMELL PROFITS.

BlackNMild2k1 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 27, 2007, 12:29:07 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
Those are some huge possibilities, and we already know from the Kaplan interview that the big three or all going to be out before November's end.

I didn't even know there was going to be a Mario Party DS, though. In fact, a GameFAQs search does not merit any results matching the title. I'd go so far as suggest that this is true, solely because the creator of the list had the guts to include an unannounced game.

11/25 is also very similar to Melee's release, being about a week before it. My bet is that this is true.

Edit: I really hope you don't get in trouble for posting this list. The date for Brain Age 2 is, in fact, 8/20.
If this list could get you in job, I'd edit it all out. We don't want you to lose your job for an exclusive on release dates. Anyways, like I said, for what it's worth, to me, this list seems entirely accurate.

Quote
Originally posted by: I don't know who posted this....
Hello. If you don't remember I work at Fred Meyer, which I'm sure some of you in the northwest USA are familiar with. Previously I came on this board (and I do hope someone here remembers and can vouch) with the release date for the black and pink DS lites about a week before they were even announced.

Anyways, our videogame new releases calender is suddenly showing some specific dates for some of those games we're all most excited about. I wasn't too sure about their validity (and they still might be totally wrong) but I just saw that the latest Nintendo Power did just show the release date for Chibi Robo: Park Patrol for the DS and Battalion Wars 2 for the Wii as September 24th. Those two releases were on Fred Meyer's updated release list and had the correct date, lending some validity to the others. The list included the following:

Brain Age 2 - 8/20 (same day at MP3?!)

Chibi Robo Park Patrol - 9/24

Battalion Wars 2 - 9/24

LOZ: Phantom Hourglass - 10/1

Super Mario Galaxy - 11/11

Mario Party DS - 11/19

Super Smash Bros. Brawl - 11/25

My take: If this is true (and they don't look like placeholders to me) it sounds good to me. Galaxy and Brawl are a little closer together than I would guess and October is certainly wide open (perhaps for third party games like Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles?). Also, has this Mario Party DS even been announced?

Anyway, that's what I've found. Only time will tell us if it's a genuine leak or just some idiot typing up stuff for fun.

haha now there is no editing it out!!!!! hahahaha

WalkingTheCow · « **Reply #5 on:** May 27, 2007, 12:44:28 PM »

You know, my buddy wasn't able to see any policy, blurb or otherwise about not being able to share our release date lists. These dates were on our normal lists and not in some TOP SECRET folder. That and, having worked there a while, he really doubts Fred Meyer would ever notice, let alone care.

(Haha.)

that Baby guy · « **Reply #6 on:** May 27, 2007, 12:45:06 PM »

Brilliant!

WalkingTheCow, it is now your responsibility to take the blame for this off of yourself, so that you can continue leaking this information to us, while maintaining a level of job security.

Kairon · « **Reply #7 on:** May 27, 2007, 12:47:46 PM »

Wow! Our very own leak! Now to clamp down on it so our beloved Fred Meyer insider doesn't lose his job!

EDIT EDIT EDIT! QUICKLY!

*ahem*

That list looks quite fine to me. I believe reading elsewhere that BA2 WAS slated for 8/20, so add that to your confirmations.

But personally, it seems more natural to me to have Galaxy and Brawl release one in November and one in December. Probably Mario Galaxy in December, positioning it as the last mintue MUST-HAVE Wii shopping Christmas season craze to have people go crazy. And of course, Mario's got legs, so he'd continue to sell real well deep into the next year (along with Brawl of course), shoring up any perceived (PERCEIVED I SAY!) weaknesses in Nintendo's 2008 first quarter.

that Baby guy · « **Reply #8 on:** May 27, 2007, 01:10:57 PM »

I think what Nintendo wants to do is create huge demand for the holiday season, demand so large that it will once again flood over into the next year. Though the two titles are close together for what we know of them, they are both far enough apart to receive advertising for their launches, and then close enough to Christmas for holiday ad time.

Remember that Nintendo usually likes to get their big game releases out in November, probably for two reasons: Allow third parties an empty space of time to release games, and to allow early-bird shoppers a chance to get their shopping down early. After all, when Double Dash came out, it was Nintendo's hit for the Christmas season, and it was released November 15th, if my memory serves correct.

I'd have to say that any suspicious or strange release dates from Nintendo are probably arranged to allow maximum sales of both Nintendo and third party titles. Nintendo is actually doing a great job of maintaining a fairly solid flow of games in America, though some titles do not appeal to everyone, my impression is that most games are selling very nice on the Wii, though I have no hard facts to back that up. I credit this to Nintendo's release schedules.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #9 on:** May 27, 2007, 01:12:56 PM »

I don't know how Sony could survive an onslaught from 3 big games, I mean what will it have, Little Big and Heavenly Sword (which may be a pretty piece of crap)?

Tanookisuit · « **Reply #10 on:** May 27, 2007, 01:17:32 PM »

This is PERFECT.

Kairon · « **Reply #11 on:** May 27, 2007, 01:27:56 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: thatguy
I'd have to say that any suspicious or strange release dates from Nintendo are probably arranged to allow maximum sales of both Nintendo and third party titles. Nintendo is actually doing a great job of maintaining a fairly solid flow of games in America, though some titles do not appeal to everyone, my impression is that most games are selling very nice on the Wii, though I have no hard facts to back that up. I credit this to Nintendo's release schedules.

Yeah, I'm inclined to agree. I've been very much impressed with Nintendo's game scheduling this past couple of months, especially with how they could have a potentially barren first half of the year. Fortunately, they delivered a new 1st party title in both January and February, and they left late February and March WIDE open to allow for third party games (quickie ports?) to have their moment in the sun. This has especially helped both Sonic and Tiger Woods, and given Godfather, SSX, and the Hudson games a place to call their own.

I don't think it's a coincidence that ScarFace, Heatseeker and Mortal Kombat are coming out early summer: this is another particularly dull spot in Nintendo's hardcore schedule with Mario Party 8 and Wii Brain Academy for US gamers. According to the schedule your release list speculates, it looks like both September and October will be the BIG third party months for third parties on the Wii this fall, letting them get their games out without running into Nintendo's "big 3" and giving them 2 seperate and distinct sales boosts: launch, and christmas rush.

GoldenPhoenix · « **Reply #12 on:** May 27, 2007, 01:31:58 PM »

I think this definitely an indication of how much Nintendo is courting 3rd parties. For those that say Nintendo is being the same company when it comes to 3rd party treatment are dead wrong if you look at how they have handled the releases of their games. It is too bad that so few of the 3rd parties are taking advantage of it though!

Kairon · « **Reply #13 on:** May 27, 2007, 01:48:01 PM »

Well, they WERE caught flat-footed, and the install base DOES need to mature a bit more (though with marketting and a good game, there ARE success stories like Tiger Woods and Sonic ), so things can only get better for third parties as time goes on.

I personally look forward to a summer-to-late-summer rush by third parties, principally from Ubisoft's Word Coach and the eventual release of some relevant-to-me titles like Alien Syndrome and Space Station Tycoon... and Manhunt 2 of course!!! And then of course, the fall quarter probably holds third party games that haven't been announced yet (WHY MUST E3 BE IN AUGUST? ARGH!) in addition to the expected awesomeness of DDR Hotness, Guitar Hero 3, RE: UC and maybe even Ghost Squad!

IceCold · « **Reply #14 on:** May 27, 2007, 02:18:08 PM »

Quote
Hello. If you don't remember I work at Fred Meyer, which I'm sure some of you in the northwest USA are familiar with. Previously I came on this board (and I do hope someone here remembers and can vouch) with the release date for the black and pink DS lites about a week before they were even announced.

I remember this buddy of yours really well, and I know "he" has enough credibility to be believed

The only thing, though, is that I still think Brawl will be delayed to next year.

Adrock · « **Reply #15 on:** May 27, 2007, 03:34:13 PM »

Galaxy and Brawl being released in the same month is a bit iffy. I think, if anything, Galaxy will be delayed.

Athrun Zala · « **Reply #16 on:** May 27, 2007, 05:23:12 PM »

Quote
Originally posted by: WalkingTheCow
Super Smash Bros. Brawl - 11/25

BESTEST birthday gift EVAR

SMG and S2B2 are too close though :/

couchmonkey · « **Reply #17 on:** May 28, 2007, 03:58:41 AM »

I wonder where WiiMusic is? Personally, I see that being the big wildcard. The "big three" will all have a nice effect, but just as these games didn't turn GameCube into an ultra-hit, they're not enough for Wii either. I think it's the non-games that are really selling Wii.

(Edit: but of course these games are of big interest to me, nice to see some dates.)

Ceric · « **Reply #18 on:** May 28, 2007, 05:26:40 AM »

I think it be good to S2B2 the earlier launch considering who it appeals to. Getting that game out before colleges let out for Winter Break would be a good thing. With Mario it doesn't really matter near as much. (Plus when is Halo 3 coming out? I think S2B2 has a better chance of deflecting sales from Halo 3 and like then Mario does. Again, Demographic.)

couchmonkey · « **Reply #19 on:** May 28, 2007, 06:15:55 AM »

The rumour is that Halo 3 wil be out on September 25th - which puts Batallion Wars II against it.

Personally, I don't know if it's really a big deal whether Nintendo stems Halo 3 sales or not. Because of the way Wii is marketed, a big Halo 3 win doesn't really hurt Nintendo anyway...they're separate markets. Of course, Nintendo still wants to be number 1, but the whole point is to take first place by snapping up untapped markets, and the traditional market will have hardly any choice but to follow (as is the case with DS).

Ceric · « **Reply #20 on:** May 28, 2007, 06:20:32 AM »

Ok, well. If they were close it be a good reason for the ordering but being September 25th or so the Halo3 Buzz should have died down a little by then especially with the small portion that overlaps.

Ian Sane · « **Reply #21 on:** May 28, 2007, 07:38:07 AM »

It really seems unlikely that Nintendo would release two huge games like that merely two weeks apart. It's not necessarily a bad idea it just seems very unlikely. I would love it since my birthday is in December so I could pull a one-two punch of one as a birthday present and the other as a Christmas present. But which one first?

Though until I actually see a real Wii for sale in a store this is all moot.

that Baby guy · « **Reply #22 on:** May 28, 2007, 07:59:46 AM »

I saw a few for sale yesterday at Best Buy. They got bought up while I was there, but I still saw them. I think they started the day with a bunch, probably around twenty. I think if you actually tried to find a Wii, you could pretty easily at this point in time. You probably won't find one by just going to a store at any old time, but if you were to arrive on a day that the store is rumored to get a new shipment, and get there at opening, you probably would have one.

Ceric · « **Reply #23 on:** May 28, 2007, 08:05:00 AM »

Ok, thatguy, I don't define that as Easy. Walking in the store and getting one is easy/average. Anything more then that should at least get "with a little difficulty/planning."

WalkingTheCow · « **Reply #24 on:** July 02, 2007, 09:33:47 AM »

OK. Nintendo just released Phantom Hourglass' release date (you can see it at http://gonintendo.com/?p=20579#more-20579) and it's is Oct. 1st, just like in the list.

+4 validity

Also the press release shows Corruption getting pushed back seven days to Aug 27th.

News:

Author Topic: Fred Meyer leaks important release info again?! (Read 8453 times)