Final Fantasy XIII is obviously the big deal this week, but there are actually quite a few interesting games that you should keep your eye on. Also coming out for PlayStation and Xbox 360 is Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition
The handheld systems have some cool things going on too. The DS has Foto Showdown
As always, let your fellow RPadholics and me know if you’re picking up any new games this week!
“Can Nintendo be stopped?” That’s the question a lot of game writers have been asking for the last few years. With the ridiculous success of the Nintendo DS and Wii, it seems like a good question. I, however, think it’s a stupid question considering what a lot of these people have been writing about Nintendo for the last 15 years. The story goes a little something like this:
Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, your closing thoughts on the Vancouver Winter Olympics, why there isn’t a PSN error 867-5309, or the hotness of Mika Brzezinski, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.
“Can Nintendo be stopped?” That’s the question a lot of game writers have been asking for the last few years. With the ridiculous success of the Nintendo DS and Wii, it seems like a good question. I, however, think it’s a stupid question considering what a lot of these people have been writing about Nintendo for the last 15 years. The story goes a little something like this:
While Nintendo did well with the N64 and GameCube (despite what some people think, the company was highly profitable and cash-rich back then), it was clear to the entire world that it needed to do something different in order to overtake Microsoft and Sony. It did and now the company gets heat from the Nintendo “faithful”. A lot of N64 and GameCube owners were rooting for Nintendo to reclaim the throne, but I guess that was a conditional wish. Funny how it goes….
Anyway, the answer to the question, “Can Nintendo be stopped?” is obviously, “Hell to the no!” — at least for this console generation. As for the next generation…well, the market is constantly changing and there are way too many things that can happen between now and then.
The better question, in my mind anyway, is this: “Will Microsoft and Sony be able to reach as broad an audience as the Wii with their next-gen consoles?” What do you think?
GameStop is kicking off a great Pokemon giveaway that starts tomorrow, February 27, and runs until March 13. Gamers that bring their Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum cartridges to a participating GameStop can download the legendary Pokemon Jirachi!
In addition to getting a limited-edition Pokemon, players can also use this Jirachi to unlock a hidden path in the Pokewalker accessory that comes with the upcoming Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver. The route is called Night Sky’s Edge and it can only be accessed through this promotion. (Those Pokemon people are so clever with their promotions.)
If you’re serious about Pokemon, don’t forget to soft reset your game until you get a Jirachi with an optimal nature. Please excuse me as I have to email my Pokemon best friend Peter to see if wants to go to GameStop tomorrow.
Every time Nintendo holds a press event, the most common question from the press is, “When is the Wii 2 or Wii HD coming out?” The latest word from Nintendo executive vice president Cammie Dunaway is:
I don’t think it’ll be anytime soon.
We’ll have it ready when we think the time is right.
Sure, she knows more than she’s letting on, but the real reason Nintendo isn’t talking Wii 2 just yet is that it will almost definitely go large with the Nintendo DS successor at E3 2010.
I’ve heard a bunch of details from people that claim to be developing for the system. I hope to get some more info at Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2010 in a few weeks. What I’ve heard so far is pretty cool, with one Nintendo-like twist that I wasn’t expecting.
I’ll write more about the DS2 in a few weeks. For now, let me know what features you think or want the next Nintendo handheld system to have.
Nintendo of America announced a slew of software release dates today. Here are the most notable titles. As always, let me know if you’re interesting in picking any of these games up.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii): May 23, 2010
Metroid: Other M (Wii): June 27, 2010
Sin and Punishment: Star Successor (Wii): June 7, 2010
Picross 3D (DS): May 3, 2010
Nintendo of America has announced that the DSi XL will launch on March 28, 2010 at a suggested retail price of $189.99. Here’s what the company had to say about this giant DS.
The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL are 93 percent larger than those of the Nintendo DS Lite model, providing a more vivid and engaging play experience. The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL also feature a wider viewing angle, letting friends and family members join the fun. The new system launches in both Burgundy and Bronze colors, and comes loaded with pre-installed premium software Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock, as well as two free applications: the Nintendo DSi Browser and Flipnote Studio. Nintendo DSi XL will also come with a larger pen-like stylus that allows for a more comfortable grip and enhanced ease of use when playing games that use the Nintendo DS touch screen.
In all its incarnations, the Nintendo DS has been unstoppable. I’m sure the DSi XL will do well too. I find it funny that Nintendo’s Satoru Iwata brushed of the iPad as nothing more than a big iPod, yet his company has made a killing in Japan selling something that’s nothing more than a big DSi.
Are any of you going to buy a DSi XL?
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has launched the official web site for the upcoming Batman: The Brave & the Bold videogame for Nintendo DS and Wii. I’m a huge fan of the cartoon since it utilizes DC’s second- and third-tier heroes like Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Doctor Fate, and so many more. The cover of the game features Blue Beetle and Plastic Man!
On the development side, WayForward has been tasked with creating this upcoming Batman adventure. The company’s history is mixed, with strong games like Shantae on its roster accompanied by a vast assortment of licensed games that most of you don’t care about. Hopefully this game gets a Shantae-like effort instead of a Justice League Heroes: The Flash effort.
Batman: The Brave & the Bold is slated for a September 2010 release. As a huge super-hero nerd, I’m excited for this game. How about you?
Catching up with EEDAR director of analyst services Jesse Divnich was completely cool. Naturally, I asked him about how the console wars will shake out in 2010, as well as Project Natal vs. PlayStation Arc/Gem and traditional handheld gaming vs. iPhone/iPod/iPad.
Things got really fun when I asked Divnich about his background and how he became a gaming analyst. It’s a tale of a “hick from French-Canada” moving to America by himself, living in a trailer park, studying hard, and working his ass off to become one of the top analysts in the business. Divnich also revealed why he’s better than his competitors and spoke about his relationship with Michael Pachter. (If I had it my way it would be The Divnich Debrief vs. Pach Attack.)
Oh yeah, you’ll also learn why Canadians would make the best terrorists. How can you pass that up?!?
The first NPD hardware numbers of the new year and new decade are out! Let’s take a look at the console hardware sales figures for January 2010:
Naturally, sales had to be down from December and the ultra-busy holiday period. The Wii and DS continued to lead the business, while the Xbox 360 beat out the PlayStation 3. It will be interesting to see if the PS3 picks up in February and March. There are a few PS3 exclusives that will surely sell well, what will they move hardware?
Now channel your inner Jesse Divnich and analyze the numbers yourselves!
NPD Group released its console software sales figures for January 2010 and it pretty much looks like the previous couple of months, though a few new entries managed to crack the top 10. Check it out!
(Xbox 360): 572,100
(Xbox 360): 246,500
(Wii): 191,900
(Xbox 360): 171,200New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Modern Warfare 2 continued to dominate the charts. Although Mario took the top spot, MW2 for 360 is actually beating it out in North America. Globally it’s a different story and if Mario has legs like other Wii titles, I expect it to take the lead over here. Speaking of legs, Mario Kart Wii has demonstrated crazy lasting power, appearing on the charts well after its release. The awesome peeps at BioWare put up strong numbers with Mass Effect 2 — seriously guys, you’re my second favorite thing about Canada. You rule!
One question for you: Just Dance?!? Really?!?
