Nintendo revealed a new sports game at its Media Summit, Mario Baseball. Currently being called Mario Super Sluggers. Unfortunately, the game looks thoroughly underwhelming. In fact, it just looks like a graphical update of Wii Sports baseball. Fielding the ball consist of no more than pressing A to dive, or giving you controller a shake to make your fielders sprint.

So, givin that this game clearly isn’t going to be anything groundbreaking, is it possible that Nintendo is going a little too far in slapping Mario on everything to up sales. OK, I admit, I like Mario. And I admit that it is interesting to have the same Nintendo characters in a whole lot of different games, like Super Smash Bros. Brawl or Mario Kart. But shouldn’t Nintendo have a quality assurance if they are going to be sticking the Mario cast in the game. If a whole lot of tiny, worthless games come out called Mario this and Mario that, it really ruins the good games that have the Mario cast in them.

Plus, isn’t Nintendo kinda taking the easy way out. I mean, the gameplay was already there from Wii Sport, the character graphics were there from all those other Mario games, all Nintendo would have to do is design a few Nintendo themed stadiums, and add in some ranking / tournament / cup system and wham — Mario Super Sluggers.

I don’t want to be to harsh, after all, Mario Strikers Charged has a pretty good game. And Nintendo does a very good job of getting unique games out there. I just wish they didn’t have these dabbles into pathetic games whose only purpose is money, money, money.

Maybe Nintendo can deliver something special with this one, but I doubt it.

Tags: the force unleashed, cool new games, wii game console, super mario brothers, wii

Okami is scheduled to be coming out on April 15th. Just five days from now, and there is a good bit of excitement about it. Okami was released for the Playstation 2 back in 2006, and has had very, very high reviews. Famitu gave it a 39 out of 40, an honor only 23 other games have ever matched. So, what is all the interest about?

Okami is a mix of action, puzzle and platform, which has been said to be similar to The Legend of Zelda series. Sound good so far, I guess… what else? In Okami, you play as a sun god, who has taken the form of a wolf. There is a main linear story line as well as several side quests. Item can be equipped, battle are fought real-time and a sort of magic system, called the Celestial Brush, when involves drawing on the canvas that is the world.

The graphics have received critical acclaim. They are a illistrated style (using cel-shading) to make a game that looks like a japanese watercolor. The atmosphere is definitely unique and unforgettable.

The story is deeply embedded in oriental  mythology, which may lose some western players. But on the other hand, it is so refreshing a change from the constant barrage of greek and roman mythology that is in so many of our games and movies. Your goal is to remove a curse that is sapping the life out of the land by descovering and defeating several demons controlling the land.

Okami is truly a unique and very fulfilling experience.  Gameplay is deeply immersing and the world is rich and interesting. This is a must have for any Zelda lovers, since gameplay is very similar in style and feel. But really, this is a must have for any Wii owner. Most likely, this’ll be one of the top Wii games to date. The hype is justified, since it is already out for the Playstation and has got great review. I’m looking forward to it and will be one of the first to buy it.

This is a definite win for people who want more serious, third-party games out for the Wii.I’m hoping that the sales number convince other game developers that serious games can make it on the Wii. One thing holding back the potential of Okami is that it has been out for the Playstation 2 for a year and a half. I don’t know how much effect that’ll have on the sales, but it could be a lot.

The developers have been a little silent about changes that the Wii version will include. It has been well known for a while that the Celestial Brush will, since it involves drawing, use the Wii remote to do the work. We’ll have to see what other improvements are made.

Tags: super mario galaxy, ps3, the force unleashed, video game, cool new games

OK, you’ve all heard of it. Wii Fit, the Wii fitness game is coming out way. For me, an avid video gamer, seeing games like Wii Fit produce a mixture of feelings. On one hand, it is good to see the Wii and the gaming industry get attention. On the other hand, it isn’t a bloody game, it is an exercise machine. But putting all my split feeling behind me, lets take a look at Wii Fit and the new Wii Balancing Board and see what the fuss is about.

Wii Fit is the continuation of the Wii series of games. Wii Sports, Wii Play… not Wii Fit. The game comes with a Balancing Board that is basically to scales side by side. By using the weight data on each scale, in conjunction with how much you weigh, the Balancing Board can actually tell a lot about what you are doing. Much like the games Wii Sports and Wii Play, Wii Fit is a series of many minigames. Also, Wii Fit will keep track of your overall health and weight gains and losses. The goal of Wii Fit is to turn fitness into a game.

So far the response has been overwhelmingly strong. The game has been released in Japan and is consistently selling in the top charts. The minigames range from obvious work out routines like push ups and jogging, to more interesting ones like yoga and hula-hooping, to more game like exercises like snowboarding and ski jumping. The Balance Board can tell a variety of things for these games including which way you’re leaning, how fast you spring up from a crouch and how balanced you are.

Normally I would be cynical about anyone trying to incorporate fitness and games. It sound to me like a lame idea that couldn’t be fun. But the sales show that somehow, in Japan at least, the idea seems like a good one. Personally, I’m still using Dance Dance Revolution on the Wii to keep me fit.

How will sales in the US compare to sales in Japan? Well, firstly, I think that people over here are a little more cynical, just like me. For the most part I think people will completely write it off. The one thing Wii Fit has going for it is that it has had such good success in Japan that a lot of attention has been given to it. This attention might be enough to overcome peoples cynical attitudes. Another thing Wii Fit has going is the Balance Board. It is a pretty nifty device, and used in conjunction with the Wiimote and Nunchuk it could probably do some pretty cool stuff for other games. I haven’t heard any news about other games planning to use it, but they are probably waiting for the US sales numbers to come in.

All in all, I think Wii Fit is an innovative concept. I don’t know whether it’ll flop or fly in the US, but well find out on May 19th.

Well, we have a few games coming our way this March, and some of them seem quite interesting. The remainder of this month will definitely see some normal Wii boundaries being pushed. Lets have a look at what is coming our way.

Space Station Tycoon (March 18th)

Space Station Tycoon is one of a long string of tycoon games we’ve seen. But this is the first tycoon or simulation game we’ve seen for the Wii. It is good to see the Wii branching into new genres. Space Station Tycoon doesn’t branch too far, because as far as simulation games go, this one doesn’t seem too hardcore. There is a solid story following the adventures of Shawn and Tam. Most simulation games don’t have much in the way of story, and this is clearly to bring the game back into line with what people expect for Wii releases. In any case, the game does look interesting, so keep an eye on it if you know anyone who is an entrepreneurial space explorer (or wants to be one).

Baroque  (March 18th)

Baroque is a dark, hardcore dungeon crawler, based in the best roots of rougelike games. The world as we know it has disappeare in a catastrophe, and now a horror lurks, twisting the minds and souls and bodies of those around you. With an intricate item system, Baroque is a full on RPG. We have a full article dedicated to Baroque, with video, here.

SEGA Superstar Tennis (March 21st)

Sports games and the Wii go together like hotdogs and buns, and we’ve seen lots of them. SEGA Superstar Tennis is Wii Sports supped up. With multiple characters, multiple courts and loads of bonus content, SEGA Superstar Tennis looks like a hit. If you’ve enjoyed Wii Sport, then it is time for the real thing, lets get this match on.

Octomania (March 25th)

This was suppose to come out on the 11th, but it has been moved back. This one looks like a reflex oriented puzzle-like octopus filled game. Apparently, it was in arcades 2006, so maybe it is good. There might be good game play, but there really isn’t enough information to judge its potential.

Opoona (March 25th)

This one is calling itself a “lifestyle RPG”. You are a descendant of the Cosmo Guards, and find yourself on a new and unique planet. You have to get a job, get the licenses you need and make your way around in search of your siblings. Fairly positive reviews for this one, but it hasn’t been selling well. If you’re looking for a unique experience, pick this one up.

Worms: A Space Oddity (March 25th)

Here is the big one on this list. Worms are back, they are armed, and they are taking their turn-based fast-paced fighting to a new level with specially designed Wii controls. This one is a must have party fighter. I have an article on this one over here.

Summer Sports: Paradise Island (March 27th) 

I’m not too excited about this one. Looks like another giant minigame collection, and we have enough of those. I expect poor reviews and not much interest, but I’m willing to be surprised. Another publisher that thinks the Wii’s casual user base means they can fob of trash on us.

Dream Pinball 3D (March 31st)

A sequel to the many Dream Pinball games we’ve seen. It looks like the be all and end all for pinball. This one could go either way. On one hand, pinball, as a sales pitch, is boring. On the other hard, pinball as a game, is fun. I bet it will have a nice showing. We’ll find out I guess.

Garfield Gets Real (March 31st)

This looks interesting. You get to play the worlds laziest cat, Garfield, in front of an audience. You set up the props, make the scene then act out looking for applause. Dance, jump, trip, leap and Kung-fu your way into the hearts of the audience. Could be a really good family game. Or it could be a complete flop.

The worms franchise has had huge success. Worms is a 2D turn based (yet fast paced) battle to the death, of worms. Little worms have been wriggling around our screens carrying bazookas since 1995 when the original Worms came out. The newest installment, A Space Oddity (a pun on 2001: A Space Odyssey) comes out March 28th (pushed back from a March 10th release). So what will this generation of worm blasting fun hord for the Wii? Lets have a look.

Worms: A Space Oddity is designed specifically for the Wii, and won’t be a port. I take that as a good sign. On top of that the controls “have been specifically designed” for the Wii. Another good sign. Apparently attacks will be gesture based and force sensitive. Sound really good. One question I have to ask though: will aim and such depend on force, because that could be tricky. Assuming that THQ does this right, this could be some wormy happiness.

I’m looking forward to another title that really integrates the Wiimote the way that Wii Sports does. Far too few games have really taken advantage of the possibilities. Worms: A Space Oddity looks like a serious game for the Wii. It could be a very strong title and I wouldn’t be surprised with A+ reviews.

Multiplayer, is of course a big focus on a battle game like Worms, although in the past single player has been fun as well. No news yet about how integrated multiplayer will be or whether you can play online, or Read more »

Baroque is a full on hardcore dungeon-crawling RPG coming out on the Wii April 8th. Originally it was scheduled for March 18th, but the publisher — Atlus USA — has pushed it back three weeks. The story seems rich and dark. Placed in a ruined world, a character full of guilt. Some cataclysm has destroyed the world and even twisted the souls and bodies of humanity.

The dungeon crawler genre is an old and respected one, but one that hasn’t had much success on Nintendo’s newer consoles. The NES and SNES were spawning grounds for RPGs, even giving birth to the long lasting Final Fantasy series. In recent years, as Nintendo has targeted a younger crowd, most RPGs, and especially the more hardcore variety like crawlers, have stayed away. It’ll be interesting to see whether Baroque has any success. I’m hoping that it is a hit. I’m hoping that it’ll open the gates a little more for non-traditional genres.

Baroque is being developed for the PS2 and the Wii. No news on whether they will be using the Wiimote for anything it is good at. Probably not. Despite that, I still have high hopes for the game.

Baroque will be using a randomly generated map, ever so popularized by Diablo, despite the fact that many crawlers before Diablo used random maps. Baroque also claims a very strategy oriented inventory system, which includes the ability to fuse items. One interesting tid-bit is that death and reincarnation are actually incorporated into the story, and look like they are suppose to happen. Often in crawlers, you somehow re-spawn after death with no real explanation. It would be interesting if Baroque not only explained reincarnation, but also made it integral to the story.

Speaking of the story, at the moment, it seems exceptionally rich in feel and darkness. One thing that a lot of dungeon crawlers lack is solid story, something that Diablo addressed and was rewarded for. I think the game will appeal to RPG fans. The question, though, is are there any RPG fans on the Wii that don’t already have a Playstation. The publisher doesn’t have much to lose if the Wii version doesn’t sell well, since they are releasing it on the PS2 as well, but Wii fans have a lot to lose if we scare producers off with poor sales.

All-in-all this looks like a real crawler in the footsteps of Rouge and ADOM, only graphical. With rotting food, creative ways to use items and death looming, it will do the Rouge-like genre proud. Not surprising in and of itself, but very surprising that it is coming to the Wii. Baroque looks quite gruesome and tough so for. This doesn’t fall into the Wii’s normal consumer base of kids and casuals. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that this doesn’t backfire and convince developers to stay away instead of drawing them in. Increasing the Wii’s normally perceived scope would only benefit us gamers in the end. It will be a hard process, and I’m glad that Baroque is giving us a chance to start on that road.

For those of you that have been living under a rock for the last few years, Spore is Will Wright’s (creator of The Sims) new game. Spore is absolutely epic in scope and nature. The player starts off as a microorganism, and evolves into a fully fleshed creature that you can create from scratch to look almost any way you want. But it doesn’t stop there. After you have developed and evolved your creature, you go on to lead multiples of them in a tribe, and then advance to control of an entire civilization, and finally explore and battle in the riches of space. Epic? Oh yeah. This is the one game I’ve been looking forward to more than I thought possible.

And yes, it is confirmed, some type of spin off is coming to the Wii. We don’t have any news as to whether it’ll just be some stupid knock off or whether it’ll be the full blown thing, but we know it is coming. Should we worry that they are calling it a ’spin off’ and not a port? I think it might be a good thing. The Spore team is saying that they are building everything from the ground up to take advantage of the Wiimote. This sounds like good news to me. The Wii needs games made for the Wii, not just ports of games you can play on any console.

So, maybe we’ll have a Spore themed collection of mini-games and they’ll suck. I prefer to be optimistic and think we’ll have Wiispore, a perfect combination of the most creative console ever and the most create game ever. I think it’ll be a long time before we find out though. Spore is scheduled for release on September 7th and I’m sure they won’t even be giving the Wii version serious time until after that. In any case, I’ll be watching for development with my fingers crossed.

Will Wright, creator or Spore has given praise to the Wii console in the past. He has said that while the PS3 and the Xbox 360 seem like they are a step up from their predecessors, the Wii seems like it is a giant leap, not just a step. I feel that he understands the point of the Wii and so I trust that he’ll really take advantage of the medium when he creates his Wii spin off.

If you’ve never heard of Spore before, do yourself a favor and look up some spore videos. It’ll blow your mind. Spore is the most interesting game coming out this year. Period. And news that it’ll be hitting the Wii sooner or later, especially in some customized form, is good news for the Wii. If this is done right, I predict that Wiispore could be the biggest game to hit the Wii.

A quick peek into the upcoming Wii games for March.

Ninja Reflex (March 4th):

On the surface, this sounds like a simple reflex game, like that old Nintendo gun slinger game, or the Kirby knockoff. Fun games, simple, quick no story or learning curve, which makes it great for parties. What I’m looking forward to seeing, is what they do to take advantage of the Wiimote. This isn’t going to be a blockbuster or earth moving, but I feel like there is a lot of potential here, I guess we’ll see.

Major League Baseball 2K8 (March 4th):

This one is coming out on multiple platforms, and there isn’t any real news about what they’re doing with the Wii Remote. Reportedly, they’ve had “very little time” on this game. I suspect this will be uninteresting. Doesn’t sound like they can compete with the titles designed for the Wii.

Bully: Scholarship Edition (March 4th):

This is a port of the game Bully for PS2. I haven’t played the PS2 version, but it got high reviews. It takes place in a boarding school, with you as the new kid. Looks like the game has gotten some flak for ’sexual themes’, seems like mild stuff — kissing and flirting, but you might want to keep this to teens.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl (March 9th):

Here is this month’s biggy. Super Smash Bros. Brawl is big, and has amazingly good reviews.We have a whole article dedicated to this one right here.

Target: Terror (March 11th):

This one is one of those shooter arcade games. It originally hit arcades in 2004. It’ll be using the Wiimote as a gun, or it has full support for the Wii Zapper. Don’t know what to say, you’ve played the like in arcades, now you can take it home. Target: Terror is themed around terrorist attacks around the country. If you don’t want you kid to be exposed to themes of terrorism, I wouldn’t get them this one. If you want to shoot some terrorists in the kneecaps, go for it.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 (March 11th):

This one looks promising. They’ve specially design the control system for the Wii, and it look like it’ll be both exciting and fun. Fairly good reviews make this look like it might be the Wii soccer game. We’ll find out on the 11th.

George of the Jungle (March 11th):

I’ve never understood how the seemingly unpopular George of the Jungle motif keeps coming back, but there you have it. Looks like a typical platform game. This is multi-console, and I haven’t seen any news about what they are doing with Wii input. Looks like it could have some potential but the controls and feel will really be the test. Personally, I don’t have high hopes for this one. These knockoffs usually don’t take the time to make for smooth gameplay.

Octomania (March 11th):

This one looks like a reflex oriented puzzle-like octopus filled game. Apparently, it was in arcades 2006, so maybe it is good. There might be good game play, but there really isn’t enough information to judge its potential.

March 9th. It is only a few days away, and I for one am tingling in excitement. Our Japanese cousins have had it for over a month now, and the reviews are incredible. Famitsu — a Japanese video game magazine — has given it a perfect score. This honor has only been awarded to six other games. Metacritic give it a 98 out of 100 and Game Rankings gives 98.3% (currently the highest ever). It has also gathered perfect scores from Thunderbolt Games, Gameplayer, GamerNode and Nintendo Power, which said that Super Smash Bros. Brawl is “one of the very best games that Nintendo has ever produced”. Whoa. Brawl may be the best rating game in history. Sales in Japan have been through the roof, and I expect on March 9th we could see some records broken.

The game can apparently be played with a Wii remote and and Nunchuk together (but doesn’t have to be). Of course, Nintendo has included online play using the Wi-Fi connection with some type of coin jackpot going to winners. This multiplayer functionality is great and again showcases that Nintendo has learned from its previous mistakes. Without Wi-Fi, the game has multiplayer tournaments and rotation modes that allow for up to 16 players, perfect for parties. As well as the bread and butter multiplayer modes, Brawl features an extensive solo mode, as well as a story based adventure mode.

Brawl also has a stage builder, for players to build their own stages as well as increased rule flexibility in ‘group’ mode. Sonic the Hedgehog, once a no-no in Nintendo world due to high competition between Sega and Nintendo, will be appearing in the game as well as Diddy Kong (from Donkey Kong), Ike (from Fire Emblem), Pit (from Kid Icarus), Wario (from Wario Land) and Solid Snake (from Metal Gear). Not appearing in the game are Young Link, Roy, Pichu, Mewtwo and Dr. Mario.

Brawl was originally suppose to come out for the holidays, but was aggravatingly pushed back further when it was only two weeks away, but from the sounds of it, whatever they were doing with the extra time payed off big. This is another perfect example of the fact that getting games right is more important to gamers than getting them out early. Several companies need to take a leaf out of Nintendo’s book and perfect their games before release.

The graphics look fabulous, and have gotten great reviews. This just goes to show that you don’t need heaps of processors to make a game look nice. Our technology is to the point that what matters most now is the artistic skill, not the tech capabilities. This ushers in a new era in gaming, where focus will be on the games not the console. So far, it looks like Nintendo is the only one that has caught on, but don’t expect that to last forever.

All in all, Super Smash Bros. Brawl sounds exciting, and I can’t wait to get my Wiimote on it.