News from Bitopia 08.31.06
Posted by Caleb Newby on 08.31.2006
We've got game news (how many copies of FFIII did Square sell in Japan?), system news (price changes to the 360?), and zombies! Some thoughts on what we learned from the Nintendo DS/Sony PSP battle and how that could impact the future of the Wii!
Been really busy with site stuff lately, but it's been fun. We've got more original content than you can shake a stick at. There's more to tell, but it'd probably bore you. You came here for news along with witty commentary. Is the wit up to snuff this week? You be the judge. This week it's more news with less fluff afterwards. Meat and potatoes this week…
The News
Xbox 360 Price Drop?! Wait… it's only for Japan… maybe Credit: IGN
I'm not doing the yen to dollar conversion, but apparently it is rumored that Microsoft is planning to lower the price of the 360 in Japan to try and grab more of a market share. And then there is the detail that it's not entirely a price drop per say being rumored, more along the lines of keeping it at the same price, 39,800 yen, and bundling Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 with the system, along with a fancy color change for the system.
Alas, we Americans might have to wait longer than we like for the 360 to lower its retail price here in the States. Bah humbug.
Square Enix rakes in the cash Credit: IGN
In more gaming news from Japan, Final Fantasy for the DS has sold over 500,000 copies in its first week. Square's expectations were to sell around 350,000 copies in week one. I guess the Champaign is flowing at Square this week… or tequila and vodka… or sake for that matter.
Elder Scrolls: Oblivion to receive new expansion Credit: IGN
I need a new videocard. Oblivion for the 360 and PC is receiving a new update called "Spell Tomes". As the name implies, it is geared towards magic users and adds hundreds of books that allow new spells. It will be selling for roughly $1 and becomes available today (Thursday).
Capcom's Dead Rising (360) sells 500,000 in first two weeks Credit: Me
Capcom issued a press release yesterday heralding its sales figures for its Dead Rising game for the Xbox 360. This is a good step for Capcom in the next gen market. I've yet to play the game but have seen a fair amount of video from it and it looks to be a fun "kill zombies however you can" sort of game.
Wii news about that other zombie game
Capcom has confirmed that they're developing a Resident Evil game for the Wii. Also stated was that it won't be a port of Resident Evil 5 which will be one the 360 and PS3.
How can't you be excited about this news? I hope it's a totally new game then and not a port or remake of a previous game. But imagine the joy of using the Wii's controller in a survivor horror game. And with the Capcom coming off hot in the Resident Evil franchise with the amazing Res Evil 4, expectations will be rightfully high.
SimCity comes to the DS Credit: Comptuerandvideogames.com
Title says it all. The DS will be getting a version of SimCity 3000 this winter. What I really want to talk about here is how successful the DS has been and its great games it has. I remember when the PSP was coming out last spring.
I was in Vegas with a few friends and we were walking around the strip and just doing what one does in Vegas. Well, we wandered into an electronics store at Ceaser's and took a look at the PSP. We were amazed with the graphical power it possessed and were pumped for its release (more so by buddy since he had one waiting for him back here in Minnesota). He got it and yeah, it was fun.
Then there was the DS. Not as powerful, seemed kind of kiddy and had that dual screen with a touch pad. Oooooo… wow. I thought it was a desperation act from Nintendo and really had no desire to get one. But look what's happened, the DS has gained a massive number of great games including the must own for any Nintendo fan, New Super Mario Bros. The touchpad has turned into a great new way to play games that I didn't think I wanted or needed.
That is exactly the reason I think the Wii will succeed. It's graphics, while improved over current gen, aren't going to rival the 360 or PS3. But the Wii-mote has the possibility to capture the imagination of gamers. Its already happened actually, without us even trying it yet. Now the price point makes it affordable for most people out there to the point they can get the Wii and a large handful of games for the price of the PS3. So we've got the innovation and the affordability. Now we need the games. It looks like developers are jumping at the chance to make something for this crazy new system, and we already know how strong Nintendo's first party titles are.
I'd also like to make the disclaimer I'm not overly loyal to one brand or another for who they are. As gamers it is hard to not get pulled in by fancy new graphics each year. It comes with the territory of gaming, but there is something fun about anticipating a next gen system for something other than its processing power and RAM.
My hopes for the next gen future? Nintendo grabs a huge market share and proves to Microsoft and Sony what affordability and innovation can do. Microsoft finally gets an in over in Japan where they realize the 360 is a fun system too. Sony wises up, lowers the price a few months after the PS3's launch and realizes that people who are buying it want a game system, not an entertainment hybrid. That's my dreams anyway.
What looks good this week?
What doesn't look good this week? New Sims expansion pack, Saints Row, Enchanted Arms and more! I think I'll go with Star Fox DS though. Game looks interesting and I'm curious to see how the touch screen will change gameplay.
And now for an important message from your friendly 411Games editor
So who out there shaves? Most of you huh? Good. For those of you who don't, wait a few years, it'll happen. What I want to talk about is razors.
Yes, I realize that this has nothing to do with games. I don't care. It's THAT important.
Since 2000 I have had a Gillette Mach 3. It worked well enough and I was happy. I saw the commercials for 4 blades, then 5, and I laughed at the stupidity. 3 blades was just fine for me.
But then I did something crazy this weekend. You see, I am an ENTP for you Myers-Briggs people. That means I love novelty. So as I was looking for new blades, I saw the Schick Quattro on display with all 4 blades and battery operated. It seemed ridiculous, and I knew right then I had to throw down the cash to buy it. Best. Purchase. Ever.
Thing is smooth as silk, never cuts me, and... and… well, I guess that's all you want from a razor. I might be late to the party on this razor, but for those who were like me, give it a shot sometime. It'll be the ride of your life.
I should have seen if I could get something out of Schick for pimping the product, if I were smart.
Now what?
Rockstar: Supernova rules. Seriously, every time I think Dilana is going to have a tough time as the competition gets fiercer, she steps it up in an unbelievable way. While there are other guys I like on the show and would be happy for if they won, Dilana is just flat out amazing. Now, Wednesday's performance was a slight deviation from that, but I still stand by it.
