Archive for December, 2007:
Rumor: Jade Empire 2 In The Works
The Mercury News has a scoop regarding upcoming title Jade Empire 2. The writer has spoken to someone who has seen the code in use, and confirms that the title is real, is on the way and is for the Xbox 360. At this point it’s still up in the air whether the title will remain 360 exclusive, but it is for the 360 at the very least, since that’s what the code is currently running on. No word on any specifics, since this is all still somewhat rumor territory and a friend of a friend type chain, but it appears the game has been in development since the originals release, and it’s likely we could see Jade Empire 2 sometime 2008 even? One thing is for sure, next year is pretty short right now on the announced titles, so at the very least we should hear about Jade Empire 2 officially next year if it is coming.
“For years, people have predicted it would come and Ray Muzyka, co-CEO of BioWare, even spilled the beans of something coming back in 2005. But I talked with someone who saw code for Jade Empire 2. It’s coming for the Xbox 360, and it’s real. It’s not much as far as scoops go, but I’m on vacation. What do you expect? Happy New Year.Jade Empire was BioWare’s second big game for the Xbox, following the exclusive Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic title in 2003. It will be interesting to see if Jade Empire 2 will remain an exclusive for the Xbox 360, now that Electronic Arts has agreed to acquire BioWare/Pandemic.
Jade Empire launched in spring 2005 on the Xbox. That means the team that created it has probably had a couple of years to work on it. During that time, I would guess that Microsoft secured it as an exclusive and they developed the game for that platform. But there is no law that says such games can’t be ported to the PS 3. And we all know how EA loves to do cross-platform games to maximize profits from a single property.”
Retail Week: Wii, Wii and More Wii
This week in retail sees an interesting and sparse release schedule after Christmas. The only console to receive titles is the Wii, and it will be receiving 6 cheap turn-outs from the same company. While the titles do run for a budget price of 20 dollars, here’s a tip, they probably are priced in a budget range for a reason. For racing fans though, there is a pretty decent mix of titles, whether you like Monster trucks, Kawasaki Bikes or British Motor Racing?…. there is a crappy budget title for you.
Nintendo Wii: Monster Trux Offroad
Classic British Motor Racing
Kawasaki Quad Bikes
Rig Racer 2
Kidz Sports: Basketball
Myth Makers: Orbs of Doom
Virtual Console Update: New Years Additions
Three interesting and varied titles join the virtual console today, marking the last contribution to the service in 2007. It’s been quite a good year, and we’ve quickly gone from a spare virtual console, to something that contains more than enough for most appetites. Today’s additions include Bubble Bobble, an interesting puzzle like game featuring a bubble shooting dragon. Top hunter is a new Neogeo title in the same realm as Metal Slug and Light Crusader is your general oldschool RPG. All game info and pricing from Nintendo below:
BUBBLE BOBBLE® (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): BUBBLE BOBBLE’s release in 1986 introduced the two bubble dragons, Bub and Bob, and brand new play mechanics, with players defeating enemies by trapping them in bubbles and then popping them. Although the puzzle-action game can be beaten by clearing all 100 rounds, it also contains secret elements such as not being able to get the “true ending” in single-player mode; hidden commands that lead to secret rounds; and a ton of different items. These elements are some of the game’s most memorable and important features. Each round even has different air currents that are not visible, so bubbles rise in unpredictable patterns. Aspects like forcing players to understand and utilize these different patterns while playing help make this a revolutionary game that is fun to play anytime.
Light Crusader™ (Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Animated Violence, 800 Wii Points): Each day, more good townspeople of Green Row have been mysteriously disappearing, and beleaguered King Weeden summons the knight Sir David to investigate. Armed with his wits and his sword, Sir David must find the cause of this strange evil and save the citizens of Green Row before things get any worse. Take the role of the brave knight in this action RPG and get to the bottom of the mysteries of Green Row as you fight enemies, solve puzzles and use your best combination of brains and brawn to save the kingdom.
TOP HUNTER (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and older-Cartoon Violence, 900 Wii Points): Take on the role of either Roddy or Cathy, bounty hunters in this side-scrolling action game set far in the future when humans have colonized space. But all is not well: Space pirates called the Klaptons are making their way through the galaxies, wiping out peaceful settlements along their path. This disgraceful behavior leads to them having a price on their heads, so now Roddy and Cathy must travel through four distinct worlds on a mission to defeat their leader, Captain Klapton. Both characters have retractable arms-used to grab enemies or other objects in the scenery-that can then be thrown at others to destroy them. Also, be on the lookout for rings or levers to pull, as this might reveal special bonuses. Further adding to the mix, the game uses a unique system where the action happens on two planes, with the player switching between them at will. Can you prove yourself worthy of the Top Hunter name and help save the universe?
DigitalBattle Best Of 2007 Awards, Part 3
The last part of our Best of 2007 awards, including our 2007 Game of The Year. Check out Part 1 and Part 2. More »
DigitalBattle’s Rock Band Review
Rock Band is an outlandish concept that somehow came together and came together quite well. If it weren’t for the success of Guitar Hero, not even the most original concept, never would Harmonix have gained the support and cash to pull off such an over the top product. Coming in at 170 dollars, and well over 200 to get that second guitar (which you can’t do without purchasing the competitors product), it’s a wonder it’s actually selling. Plagued by hardware and launch issues, tons of confusing peripheral devices, driven by downloadable content, it really breaks all the rules and redefines the limits a publisher can take.
But in spite of everything going against it, Rock Band is an amazing game, that’s incredibly fun, and definitely worth the small fortune you are going to drop on it. There’s been a big push recently towards the blue ocean strategy, but more often than not a casual forgets its original and loyal audience by still achieving a challenging and interesting task for longtime gamers. Guitar Hero and now Rock Band are two of those success stories, where ingenuity and smart design can really create a title that anyone can be interested, and yet be extremely difficult and challenging for ‘hardcore’ gamers.
Rock Band really is a knock off of Guitar Hero, but given the circumstances, Harmonix was without an IP, needed something new, and decided it time to go all out and expand the genre beyond the guitar. Had Harmonix tackled the same project instead of Guitar Hero, it’s hard to say whether Rock Band would have actually caught on, or been the blight to EA’s financial forecast.
We all know the drill by now, over 50 new tracks, solo modes built just like Guitar Hero for Guitar, Drums or Vocals, and the usual included co-op. With the new release comes three separate new instruments, each with varying degrees of quality. Easily the worst piece of hardware you’ll be picking up is the guitar. Compared to the wireless option courteousy of Guitar Hero 3, it’s easily the worse of the two. My guitar fortunately did not have any issues with the strum bar, but it’s still a little soft. The buttons are harder to keep track of and overall the instrument itself feels less solid. Initiating Overdrive is a little unresponsive on my unit.
The drums are solidly built, although the actual timing still seems a bit more preemptive than the guitar counterpart. I soon realized with some calibrating of the system the timing was fixed nicely to my liking. The microphone is well built as well, I really have no issues with the mic in the least. Potentially in the future the guitar might get replaced in my collection, but the other peripheral devices should do nicely for some time to come.
But a part from all the instruments, and solo modes, where Rock Band’s magic takes place is 4 player multiplayer. The World Band Tour mode is amazingly entertaining. They really have gone above and beyond to make it seem like you are traveling around, gaining fans, money and new gigs on your way to the top. The one complaint I do have though is that a few songs, especially the early ones, can be overdone. I guess that’s the same frustration you’ll encounter in your own band, playing a song more than once can get repetitive. Fortunately, once more selection opens up it’s less daunting.
It is challenging as well. While the early portions of the game can be played with anyone, you’ll really need to tackle the end portions with seasoned players, or at least friends that have played with you up until that point. While each instrument can set their own difficulty, you will need to play a few songs on hard to gain the required fans to beat the game.
Few other titles manage to achieve the same level of teamwork, and sheer immersion that Rock Band has exposed me too. Even after hours and hours of playtime and clearing World Band Tour Mode, there is still much left to do, and I look forward to it. Rock Band is that title that will continue to be pulled out on a steady base in my collection for years to come, and even though the sticker price is shocking, the hours of playtime spent with it in the long run will be worthwhile. Guitar Hero may be its roots, but when you get four people together all rocking out, that’s where the real magic occurs, and is something Guitar Hero just can’t come close to offering. With a so far excellent steady stream of downloadable content, Harmonix is in this for the long run, and that’s something to be thankful for, because we plan on sticking with Rock Band for a long time.
Final Score: 97/100
The Positives: The best four player local multiplayer of 2007. Extremely immersive, and easily playable by anyone. With three separate instruments and a World Band Tour Mode, the amount of content more than quadruples Guitar Hero 3.
The Cons: The price tag is the only determent. The guitar is sub-par.
DigitalBattle Best Of 2007 Awards, Part 2
In Part Two of our Best of 2007 Awards, we take a look at the top games for each platform of 2007. It was a tough competition, especially after so many key first party titles were released this year. You can check out part one of the awards here.
Best PC Game: The Orange Box
The Orange Box was one of the few must have games for PC owners in 2007. It not only delivered the second episode in the Half Life 2 saga, it also delivered great multiplayer gaming with Team Fortress 2, and awesome puzzle action with Portal. Runner up: Crysis.
Best PlayStation 3 game: Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune
Uncharted was a key PS3 title in 2007, because it was one of the few (if not the only one) that lived up to the expectation, and managed to take advantage of the powerful PS3 hardware. Uncharted had a compelling story, wonderful cinematic gameplay, and beautiful visuals — everything needed for a great game. Runner up: Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction.
Best Xbox 360 Game: BioShock
After already being our pick as the best FPS game of 2007, combined with the best story award, there’s little doubt that BioShock is the best Xbox 360 game of 2007. In the midst of all the sequels on the console in ‘07 (Halo 3, Call of Duty 4 etc.), BioShock brought something new and exciting, and something awesome as well. Runner up: Call of Duty 4.
Best Wii game: Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy is the best selling Wii game in 2007, despite being out for only a month and a half of the year. It is also one of the highest rated games in history, based on reviews from dozens of different sources. Not only is Super Mario Galaxy the best Wii game in 2007, it’s by far also the best platform game in 2007 on any console.
Best PSP game: Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow
One of the most surprisingly good games of 2007 was on the PSP, Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow really showed what the PSP can do, not only in terms of visuals, but also in terms of gameplay and story as well. It’s portable action at its best. Runner up: Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters.
Best DS game: Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
The sales-conquering DS has seen a lot of quality games in 2007, from action, to puzzle and adventure, 2007 was the best year for DS owners, but mostly because of Zelda on the DS. Zelda once again delivered the great story and gameplay it is known for, and despite a few drawbacks, the Phantom Hourglass is still the best DS game in 2007. Runner up. Contra 4.
Tomorrow we’ll give out the last awards and of course, give out the 2007 Game of The Year. Stay tuned.
Metal Slug 3 In Next Wednesday’s XBLA Update
A part from the weekly dose of demos, themes and songs, XBLA will be receiving Metal Slug 3 for download on January 2nd at 9am. Just the perfect title to start off 2008 right. The third game in the series, it was only a matter of timing before Metal Slug 3 would be released, and likewise a matter of well planned timing before the 4th and 5th games join in the service. News comes via the Gamerscore blog, with all of the juicy details, looks like this version will also be setting you back ten dollars for that retro goodness.
An update of the original arcade version, “Metal Slug 3″ is a run-and-gun video game updated with HD graphics and now features co-op multiplayer over Xbox LIVE. “Metal Slug 3” provides gamers with various route selections within each stage enabling players to play over and over. Join Marco, Tarma, Eri and Fio, the four veterans in the “Metal Slug” series, as they hit the battlefield to stop General Morden from disturbing the order and peace that has begun to return to the world. Throughout the game, various vehicles called “Slugs” are made available to help players in battle and to complete the mission. The game features co-op gameplay for up to two players over Xbox LIVE. Developed by SNK Playmore, “Metal Slug 3” will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.
Midway Poised For Change In 2008
Atari may be going down the crapper, but that doesn’t mean Midway plans on joining it. Midway is not the prime example of success in the videogame world. The company as a whole has been floundering, trying to make a buck by flooding the market with as many titles as possible. Of course, most of us realize how a company can create a title worth purchasing, but it’s often easier said than done. At least Midway seems to be coming to the realization that their not going to get lucky and find a gem amongst all their junk, but have to work for it.
How does Midway plan on changing things up in 2008? Produce less titles, invest more time and effort into the ones they do decide to release, and maybe get lucky with a Hollywood movie tie in or two. A few snippets from their strategy:
Zucker described his 2008 strategy as “fewer, bigger, better” titles. The company is hoping Hollywood tie-ins will prove lucrative… Zucker said that in addition to “Wheelman,” Midway will announce other movie-related projects next year… Zucker said Midway will have more major releases in 2008 than it did this year. Highlights of the first half will be streetball title “NBA Ballers” and “TNA Impact,” which is based on a professional wrestling program on Spike TV. At the end of next year, the company will release another iteration of “Mortal Kombat.”
Also mentioned is that Midway currently plans on investing far more development towards the two successful Nintendo platforms. A solid idea considering the overwhelming number of sales and relative ease of development compared to other platforms. Hopefully with some careful planning and effort, Midway does invest in a few quality titles worth purchasing, and doesn’t go way of Atari.
Japanese Sales: Nintendo Continues To Skyrocket
After a relatively weak fall over in Japan, weekly sales are finally returning to some semblance of normalcy. Nintendo in particular has a lot of be grateful for. While the DS certainly never faltered, it seemed that the Japanese were the first to tire of the Wii, as it was back and forth with the PS3. However, Wii Fit, released December 31st has changed things up quite a bit as the Wii resumes selling at 4-1 the PS3 and well above the rest of the Playstation family. Both Wii and Nintendo DS saw sales increases of 35% and 25% respectively, while other systems declined somewhat or remained fairly flat. Naturally the Nintendo DS takes the lead, but not by much as Nintendo once again roles happily in the dough. It looks like it is New Years bonuses for all over at Nintendo Japan.
The following sales extend from December 17th-23rd as per Media Create:
- DS Lite: 279,551
- Wii: 232,907
- PSP: 171,804
- PS3: 58,167
- PS2: 20,391
- Xbox 360: 7,908
Smash Bros. Dojo Takes A Week Vacation
Even if you frequent Smash Bros. Dojo for daily updates, a notice you might not have quite noticed is that the site will go update free for an entire week. For the New Year, the Dojo will no longer be updating starting Monday December 31st and the next post will not occur until January the 7th. Hopefully when the daily updates do return we’ll get another character reveal for waiting so patiently in the dark, but that’s a lot of hope involved. Here’s a copy of the notice found on the site:
All seven languages of Smash Bros. Dojo will take a year-end holiday break from posting following December 28. We plan to resume posts on January 7.
Have a happy new year.
Mega Man Missing Brawl According To Inafune
It seemed pretty likely that Capcom would let Mega Men slip into Brawl, and next to Sonic is basically the next most likely fit. Unfortunately, Keiji Inafune during an interview on a podcast while interested, said it was currently not planned to include Mega Man and he hadn’t yet been approached. Of course, it doesn’t quite throw the theory out the window as time in the development cycle of Brawl could still squeeze out Mega Man, or Inafune could be lying to throw us off the track.
“Well, I really do love Super Smash Brothers. It’s a great series…but, Nintendo hasn’t asked me yet if they can use Mega Man in their game. I’m still waiting…we have a little bit of time left, it’s not coming out for another few months. They might get around to asking us if we’d like to put Mega Man in Super Smash Brothers. Maybe if somebody from Nintendo is listening to this podcast, they’ll give me a call.”
Fortunately, even if he is telling the truth, at least Inafune seems excited for the possibility to include Mega Man in Brawl. Whether we see him in this or a future iteration, it seems far too likely that Mega Man will eventually join the Smash Bros. universe.
Amazon Contributes to Wii Shortages
Its no surprise that the Wii is a much sought after item especially during the holidays but just how hot was the Wii in 2007 you ask? Well according to Amazon when they had the Nintendo Wii in stock they were selling one console ever 17 seconds 17 consoles every second. That means that for just one minute that the Wii was in stock on Amazon 1020 consoles were sold. Of course the Amazon announcement is nothing more than an average it really puts into perspective how many people actually want this console. I’m just glad I got mine when I did.
Wii Finally Hacked
Homebrew lovers rejoice because the fabled Wii has finally been hacked to fully support the running of homebrew applications. While nothing is being released to the public as of now hackers definitely have much to look forward to when the method to running homebrew code is actually released.
You can check out a YouTube video from the German hackers convention at which the hack was initially revealed.
Microsoft Sends Russian Partners Edible Master Chief
Our friends over at Kotaku got a neat little tip from one of their readers. Over in Russia, Microsft is sending its partners some very tasty looking treats. Ok we’ll just get to the point, Microsoft sent their Russian partners a golden tin foil wrapped chocolate Master Chief. Don’t get too excited though because it isn’t a full 3D rendition of the Chief but rather a scenery setting as you can see above. I wonder how much these will be going for on eBay in the coming weeks because frankly, I want one.
Image and Tip via: Kotaku
Buy a Sony HDTV get a PS3
Sony is letting off yet another ploy to get PS3s into the hands of more people around the world. This time their newest incentive to own a PS3 is: But a Sony branded HDTV and get a free PS3. Of course there is somewhat of a catch, in order to be eligible for the free PS3 you have to sign up for a SonyCard which means you’re going to have to have at least half decent credit. Although, if you’re on the look for a new HDTV you might as well sign up for the SonyCard because, hey, a PS3 is a PS3.