Nintendo Releases Revised Sales Forecasts [ Nintendo ]
Nintendo Co., Ltd. revised upward its financial and unit shipment forecasts for both the six month period ending September 30, 2008, and for the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2009.
Compared with original full year forecasts issued on April 24, 2008, the company sees increases in sales by 11.1%, in operating income by 22.6%, and in net income by 26.2%. Financial revisions were the result of continued robust sales for both Wii and Nintendo DS, as well as changes in the expected foreign currency exchange rates based on recent trends in the foreign currency exchange markets.
On the same basis, new forecasts for full year global hardware and software unit shipments for both platforms increased as follows:
As of 4/08 As of 8/08
Nintendo DS hardware: 28 million 30.5 million
Nintendo DS software: 187 million 197 million
Wii hardware: 25 million 26.5 million
Wii software: 177 million 186 million
In addition, the company announced a change in dividend policy. For the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2009, it issued a revised dividend estimate of Ą1,680 per share, an increase of 22% over the original estimate stated on April 24, 2008.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, August 29 2008 14:56 PM [Top]
Activision has a new Nintendo DS game to announce — Tony Hawk’s Motion and Hue Pixel Painter, which utilizes the Motion Pack for two separate games in one package. In Tony Hawk’s Motion, players can twist, tilt and turn through various skateboarding sessions as well as for the first time for the franchise, snowboarding missions. DS Gamers also get Hue Pixel Painter, an action-oriented puzzler that challengers gamers to return color to a dull world.
Tony Hawk’s Motion/Hue Pixel Painter is in development by Creat Studios and will be available this November for the Nintendo DS.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, August 29 2008 14:46 PM [Top]
Gamecock Media Group announced today that Blazing Lizard’s Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball will release on Wii this winter. The title features two ancient rivals, ninjas and pirates, along with several other teams, all looking to settle the score once and for all – on the dodgeball court.
Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball will have scurvy thieves squaring off against crafty martial artists in large, detailed arenas. The game allows for up to eight players and offers a total of seven teams, including pirates, ninjas, robots and zombies plus three unannounced ball slingers. Each team utilizes its own unique techniques and strategies to try and ultimately defeat the enemies. Unique to Wii version, the game will offer all-new story and challenge modes, along with several customized control schemes.
Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball is scheduled for release this winter. For more information visit the official site by clicking the source link, where you'll find screens, wallpapers, and other stuff.
New Action RPG Announced for Wii from Jaleco [ Famitus ]
The latest issue of Famitsu reveals a new original Action RPG coming to the Wii, published by Jaleco. Called Kizuna ("Bond" in Japanese) the game features a young knight, Lian, trying to bring down the evil Galvaran empire and its army of monsters. The game will feature gigantic bosses, whose weak points can be found by pointing the Wii Remote at them. In addition, combat will make use of the Wii Remote to target enemies, while the Nunchuk is used to move around and fight. The game will also use a hand-drawn graphical style. The game is set for a Winter 08 release in Japan, and you can check out the scans from Famitsu below.
Today Nintendo is calling on its star player to step into the batter’s box and hit one out of the park with the launch of Mario Super Sluggers. The new baseball game for the Wii console lets players use the Wii Remote controller to mimic motions they might experience on a real baseball diamond. Just swing the Wii Remote like a bat or make a pitching motion to throw a pitch. This wild, Mario-styled take on baseball includes more than 40 playable characters from the Nintendo universe, and players can even use their Mii characters in some modes.
The single-player mode lets players visit Baseball Kingdom, where they encounter characters with different baseball skills. Players must defeat them in a variety of challenges to persuade the characters to join their team - and the characters that people choose are important. Team captains can perform special moves on the field. For example, Mario can pitch a wicked fireball, while Luigi? can turn infield hits into a tornado. Just as in the real world, some players play better together than others: Different character combinations result in good chemistry for a team. In the world of Mario Super Sluggers, this could result in amazing catches in the outfield or the ability to interfere with fielders.
Multiplayer modes let up to four people compete at once. In Toy Field mode, for example, up to four players compete in a hitting and fielding extravaganza. Or just choose your players and play an exhibition game against friends.
To celebrate the launch of Mario Super Sluggers, Nintendo is giving the characters in the game the big-league treatment by creating a series of special baseball cards. These online cards can be found on a variety of Web sites and collected by users on a special album site. Pairing some players together creates a “Double Play” that unlocks bonuses like game videos and screensavers. Just as with real-life baseball cards, fans can collect multiple versions of the same card and trade them online for other cards they need. The more cards a person collects, the more bonuses and secrets they can unlock.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, August 25 2008 19:33 PM [Top]
Helix, Ys, and Samurai Shodown on WiiWare/VC [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Helix (Ghostfire Games, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Helix is one of the most innovative music-rhythm games ever designed for the Wii console. Use the Wii Remote controller to do dozens of exciting moves, including punches, circles, back fists, hooks and more. Be mesmerized by the eye-popping background visuals, which pulse to the beat of the music. Enjoy incredible replay value with 26 songs to play and three difficulty levels. Try to unlock all of the songs. This game is great for getting exercise plus having fun. No buttons are required, so it's easy for anyone to pick up but difficult for even the best players to master.
Virtual Console
Ys Book I & II (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Ys Book I & II chronicles the first adventures of Adol Christin, a young, red-haired swordsman on a quest to unlock the secrets of an ancient kingdom. As Adol, you search the island of Esteria, gathering clues to unravel the mystery of Ys. Fight monsters that lurk in caves and towers with physical or magical attacks, and use your brain to make your way through dangerous areas filled with traps. In Ys Book I & II, the first titles in the Ys series were put together as a single TurboGrafx CD-ROM. They awed players with their gripping story lines accompanied by fully orchestrated soundtracks, wonderful voice acting and amazing special effects. Don't miss out on your chance to experience this wonderful piece of gaming history.
SAMURAI SHODOWN 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen-Blood, Language, Tobacco Reference, Violence, 900 Wii Points): First released in 1994, this fighting game follows 15 samurai in their individual quests. The rage system, which was popular in the first game, has been further enhanced. Not only does attack power rise when the gauge is full, but the player can also use a special technique that can break the opponent's weapon and force the opponent to fight unarmed. The game also allows for more movement techniques such as back-stepping, rushing forward and ducking, allowing for even more strategies. A fun and important detail of this game: One of the new characters, Cham Cham, was voiced by voice actress Reiko Chiba, an idol in the gaming community.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, August 25 2008 11:19 AM [Top]
GameTrailers has gotten their hands on the very first trailer for the upcoming survival horror game, Cursed Mountain, being made exclusively for Wii. While it doesn't show off too much of the game, it looks extremely cool nonetheless. Check it out below.
Video:
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Sunday, August 24 2008 15:52 PM [Top]
Our good friends at James Bond fansite CommanderBond.net have gotten their hands on the first official details of the Wii version of the upcoming game based on the latest 007 adventure, Quantum of Solace. The Wii version will be built from the ground-up for the system, with graphics comparable to the 360 and PS3 versions of the game. In addition, the game will make full use of the Wii Zapper, allowing for players to get the full Bond experience. Last but not least, the game will have four-player online multiplayer, as well as an exclusive four-player split screen deathmatch mode that is exclusive to the Wii platform.
Quantum of Solace releases for the Wii on November 4th.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Sunday, August 24 2008 13:04 PM [Top]
Ok, so I'm a bit late, but yesterday our awesome news editor Eric Jones happened to turn the big two-five. Eric's been with us about four years, and in that time has become one of my best friends. Sucks for me, right? No, but seriously, he's a good guy and one of the cogs that make this little machine of ours work. Happy birthday, buddy, and don't do anything we can embarrass you in the chat later with.
The latest issue of Famitsu reveals that the long-running Suikoden franchise of RPGs, created by Konami, will be making its way to the DS for a new installment. Entitled Suikoden Tierkreis, the game is a spin-off from the franchise using touch screen controls and 3D graphics. The game's story features 108 heroes going to battle, with only 4 returning alive. The four then set out to recruit more heroes to replenish their numbers. A new race, dolphins, will be introduced to the series, and the game will also feature voice acting. It's currently 50% complete and set for release in Japan next year.
Electronic Arts announced today that an all-new tennis videogame is in development at EA Canada in Vancouver under the EA SPORTS brand. The EA SPORTS tennis franchise will be available first for the Wii in 2009, followed by other platforms, and it will be the first EA SPORTS game that uses Nintendo’s upcoming Wii MotionPlus accessory for the Wii Remote that will give players a new level of accuracy and responsiveness.
EA SPORTS will bring tennis to life and allow players to experience the pressure and excitement of competing in the greatest theaters in the game, and it will be the only videogame to feature the All England Lawn Tennis Club – home of The Championships, Wimbledon. The all-new EA SPORTS tennis franchise will offer innovative ways to play, both as or against the greatest players from the past or present, letting you control the ball and work the court like you never have before in a tennis videogame.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Thursday, August 21 2008 0:35 AM [Top]
SEGA today announced The House of the Dead: OVERKILL, an all-new pulp-horror reinvention of the classic SEGA light-gun shooter franchise. Created by London-based studio Headstrong Games, The House of the Dead: OVERKILL will take you right back to the beginning of this classic horror series.
The House of the Dead: OVERKILL uncovers the ugly, terrifying, red hot secrets behind the House of the Dead; the daddy of all over-the-top shooters. While staying true to the classic gameplay this hugely successful SEGA series is getting a new retro look, with distinctive graphics, sound and attitude that will add to its horror cool status. Plus, thanks to the Wii Remote, players will fight off zombies when they get too close; pistol-whipping jaws off and smashing in skulls with their shotgun butt.
The House of the Dead: OVERKILL takes you back to when Special Agent G was fresh out of the academy. Teamed up with hard-boiled bad-ass Detective Washington, they are sent to investigate stories of mysterious disappearances in small-town Louisiana. Little do they know what blood-soaked mutant depravity awaits them in the streets and swamps of Bayou City…
The House of the Dead: OVERKILL will be released in early 2009, exclusively for Nintendo Wii. Check out the game's logo and boxart, some screenshots, and a trailer via YouTube below.
Midnight Pool (Gameloft, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Suggestive Themes, Simulated Gambling, 800 Wii Points): Take a trip across America to make your dreams come true in a pool tournament worth millions. Visit the most colorful bars and meet seven of the coolest players on the circuit, from country music star Travis to Alison the biologist and John the sheriff. Learn the tricks of the trade through tutorials along the way, while advanced players can take on challenges to show off their trick-shot abilities. Keep things interesting with three sets of rules.
Virtual Console
Mega Man (NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): Join the blue bomber in his first-ever adventure as he battles the evil Dr. Wily and his robotic henchmen to restore peace to a troubled world. Mega Man is a super-robot created by the genius scientist Dr. Light. When Dr. Wily goes rogue with an army of six of his own devious robot masters, it's up to Mega Man to put a stop to his nefarious plot by traversing a series of stages rife with enemies, traps and perilous platform challenges. At the end of each stage, conquer one of the robot masters and claim his weapon as your own, using it to your advantage in subsequent fights.
NEO TURF MASTERS (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 900 Wii Points): This is a golf game that was first released in 1996. The player picks one of six available golfers and competes on a number of golf courses around the world, including Japan (Fujiyama Oriental Golf Club), America (Grand Canyon Golf Course), Australia (Blue Lagoon Golf Course) and Germany (Baden Golf Course). The game features two modes of play. The first is Stroke Play, in which the player attempts to get the best score by playing all 18 holes. The second is Match Play, in which two players compete to see who can win more of the 18 holes. Grab a friend and get ready to hit the fairway.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, August 18 2008 12:48 PM [Top]
Nintendo products kept people entertained in July, whether they wanted to get fit, rock out or just play around. According to the independent NPD Group, which tracks video game sales in the United States, Nintendo DS and Wii again claimed the top two hardware spots for July, with more than 608,000 DS units and more than 555,000 Wii units sold. Wii claimed a 49 percent share of all console sales in July, and extended its lead as the best-selling console of this generation. Nintendo DS represented a 73 percent share of hand-held sales in July.
Five games made for Nintendo systems placed in the top 10 best-selling games of the month, including Wii Fit, with 369,603 units sold at No. 2; Guitar Hero: On Tour for Nintendo DS, with 309,695 units sold at No. 3; Wii Play, with 284,035 units sold at No. 4; Mario Kart Wii, with 174,464 units sold at No. 7; and Rock Band for Wii, with 162,886 units sold at No. 8.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, August 18 2008 12:45 PM [Top]
EA, Mikami, and Suda Team Up for New Game [ Electronic Arts ]
Electronic Arts today announced a publishing agreement with iconic Japanese development studio Grasshopper Manufacture. Under the terms of the deal, EA Partners will publish an all-new action horror game produced by Shinji Mikami and directed by innovative game designer Suda51.
The title is being developed for the Wii.
"Grasshopper Manufacture is excited to work with EA Partners to bring our new title to gamers around the world," said Goichi Suda, CEO of Grasshopper Manufacture. "They are a great partner who shares our commitment to quality and innovation while respecting our independence as a studio, which is very empowering."
The deal was brokered by CAA, in conjunction with Q Entertainment who will be working with Grasshopper Manufacture and EAP on the project.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, August 15 2008 5:40 AM [Top]
Electronic Arts announced today that Celebrity Sports Showdown, an all-new intellectual property, is currently in development at EA Canada and will be the first Wii title to launch under the new EA SPORTS Freestyle brand. From the makers of EA Playground, Celebrity Sports Showdown features 12 outdoor sports games and is the ultimate party game to play with people of all ages. Play as your favourite celebrities, with featured stars including singers Fergie and Avril Lavigne, and athletes like Paul Pierce and Mia Hamm, to determine who will be the ultimate celebrity athlete. Get off the couch and get into the action with fun and easy-to-play controls designed specifically for the Wii.
Hit the great outdoors as you paddle through rapids in Wild Water Canoeing and hold on tight as you fly behind a speed boat for some wild Inner-Tubing! Get out of the water and onto the court as you hit away in Beach Volleyball and Smash Badminton, or take aim at your opponents in Arena Dodgeball. Cool down while you hit the slopes in Slalom Showdown, or sweep past your opponents in Curling. Get a bird’s eye view scaling a wall in Cliff Hangers or flying through the sky in Air Racers. Perfect your aim and nail the targets in Rapid Fire Archery, then gauge your strength in the gladiator-style Joust Duel, and hold on to the reigns of a champion thoroughbred all the way to the finish line in Hurdle Derby. With such a variety of sports to choose from, Celebrity Sports Challenge is the ultimate party game experience.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Friday, August 15 2008 5:20 AM [Top]
Strong Bad Headlines This Week's WiiWare/VC Games [ Nintendo ]
WiiWare
Strong Bad Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner (Telltale Games, 1 player, Rated T for Teen-Crude Humor, Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 1,000 Wii Points): Charming. Suave. Awesome. These are the words Strong Bad would use to describe himself. In a world gone mad, only one man can be trusted to save the day. A man with an attitude. A man called Strong Bad. As the star of the Homestar Runner Web cartoons, Strong Bad has been answering e-mails (in boxing gloves), pranking his friends, pummeling his enemies, and making people with questionable taste snort milk out of their noses for years now. And he's branched out to star in Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, a monthly five-episode series. In Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner, Strong Bad's plans to beat the snot out of Homestar backfire, and he ends up with an unwanted houseguest cramping his style. Now he needs to get life back to normal by any means possible. But wait, there's more: Teen Girl Squad comics, achievements, funny costumes and arcade games. You can even send pictures and messages to Wii Friends using Strong Bad's computer. So how about it? Can you handle Strong Bad's style?
Virtual Console
Break In (TurboGrafx16, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Tobacco Reference, 700 Wii Points): Gather up to four players for an authentic game of pool right in your own home. Choose from six billiards games including 9-Ball, Rotation and Carom (a game played without pockets). Use Simulation mode to calculate the perfect shot, or select Action mode and check out what went wrong with your missed shots. With all that to choose from, Break In gives players-from beginners to experts-all the elements necessary to enjoy a great game of pool. But it doesn't stop there. Select Technique to practice your angles or even go for a trick shot. Get some help from the CPU and hone your skills. With Break In, you'll be a pro in no time.
Star Parodier (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Cartoon Violence, 900 Wii Points): Star Parodier is the hilarious spoof of the classic Hudson shooter Star Soldier. In this parody, there are three playable ships for players to choose from: the ingratiating PAROCEASER, the hot-headed BOMBERMAN, and the ever-so-introverted PC-ENGINE. Players control one of these unique and original ships and set off to blast their way through eight stages on the planet PAROSON. The comical characters take the color and flavor of the Soldier series to the next level and are guaranteed to leave players mesmerized. In addition to the normal game mode, there are also the familiar two-minute and five-minute attack modes, making Star Parodier the complete package that is sure to have players coming back for more.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, August 11 2008 12:40 PM [Top]
Anyone who loves Pokémon knows a rare treasure when they see one. A treasure that is sure to be sought after is Nintendo’s new Nintendo DS Limited Edition Pokémon Pack, which includes a Pokémon-themed Nintendo DS game system and exclusive Pokémon premiums.
Available on Aug. 17, the Nintendo DS Limited Edition Pokémon Pack features a custom Onyx Nintendo DS emblazoned with images of Dialga and Palkia, two of the most legendary characters from the Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl games. The set also includes a never-before-released animated special – Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Darkness (based on the story of the two newest Pokémon DS titles) – plus a cool Dialga and Palkia carrying case, and collectible mini-poster.
The Nintendo DS Limited Edition Pokémon Pack will be available at a suggested retail price of $129.99.
Wild West Guns (Gameloft, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen—Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Draw your revolver to see if you're the fastest gun in the West. Adjust your speed and precision as targets or enemies appear in front of you. Point and shoot to earn more points. You can aim at anything, so be sure to explore the environment for elements that will earn you more shooting points. Identify your enemies among the characters you encounter, but don't shoot at innocent citizens. Take part in an Old West-style train attack, or challenge your skills in a variety of increasingly difficult shooting challenges in other beautiful, classic and lively Western environments. As you progress through challenges, you'll earn medals and rewards, making for nonstop, addictive action. Play in a two-player multiplayer mode where you and your partner can combine points, or play against each other to find out who's the fastest gun in the West.
Virtual Console
Sonic The Hedgehog (Sega Master System, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Based on the original Sega Genesis version, Sonic The Hedgehog was re-created as the first Sonic game for the Sega Master System. Not just a straight port, this version includes new stages, bosses, some different zones and a level map. The most noticeable difference, however, is that the Chaos Emeralds have to be found within certain stages other than the Special Stages. Dash through six Zones (including special zones that were only available for the Sega Master System version) and face Dr. Eggman (a.k.a. Dr. Robotnik) at the end of every Zone.
SPLATTERHOUSE 2 (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated M for Mature—Blood and Gore, Violence, 800 Wii Points): SPLATTERHOUSE 2 is the sequel to SPLATTERHOUSE, released only on the Sega Genesis. A few months after escaping from the first mansion in SPLATTERHOUSE, the main character, Rick, once again encounters the Terror Mask and must use its powers to rescue his beloved Jennifer. Rick will need to punch, slash, smash and even chainsaw his way through a haunted mansion against unspeakable horrors and terrifying bosses to make it out alive.
Eric Jones
-- Posted on Monday, August 4 2008 12:35 PM [Top]
Once again the ESRB has come through with revealing games that haven't otherwise been announced. This time, no doubt to celebrate the impending release of Mega Man 9 on WiiWare, we learn that Capcom and Nintendo are prepping the first two games of the classic series for release on the Virtual Console. Also coming up is a release of Earthworm Jim 2, which is worth noting for fans of cows and the tossing thereof.
Nintendo Releases Revised Sales Forecasts [ 
