Nintendophiles 01.21.09
Posted by Theo Fraser on 01.21.2009
MadWorld gets the thumbs-up for an unedited release, Mario & Luigi RPG 3’s new uses for the DS, New Play Control titles no longer budget priced, a look at the cancelled Red Faction Wii title, and Japan gets an awesome Monster Hunter bundle. That's all in store for you in this week's Nintendophiles!
The Wrestler finally opened across UK cinemas this week, and I went along to see it last night. All I can say is...wow. What a film. Rourke most definitely deserved his Golden Globe and I sincerely hope he walks away with an Oscar as well. If I were to pick one criticism, it would be that it was a touch slow in places, but that's really just nitpicking, and even that can be dismissed as being purposeful, emulating the fact that life for Randy the Ram slows down when he's not inside the squared-circle. The similarities between the wrestling business and the work of a stripper were beautifully highlighted, and I was so glad to see wrestling portrayed in a realistic (if rather gritty) light. I took two non-wrestling fans to see it, and had lots of fun on the walk home, having to explain the concept of "blading" which of course they previously had no idea about. Fun times.
We are fast approaching the March release of SEGA's ultra-violent carnage-a-thon MadWorld, which is one of the few titles core Nintendo gamers have to look forward to in the next few months. After all the controversy surrounding Manhunt 2 in 2007, many wondered how a similarly violent title would fare with the ratings boards, especially when appearing exclusively on the ‘kiddie-friendly' platform of the Nintendo Wii. SEGA announced earlier last year that they would be working in close conjunction with various ratings boards across the world to ensure the content remained appropriate for a mature audience. Looks like that partnership was a success...
The UK's British Board of Film Classification slapped an ‘18' rating on the game, and no cuts were made to SEGA's final submitted version. Cool.
Where it gets somewhat quizzical is regarding the classification in Australia. Again, the title remains unedited, and yet the Australian ratings board have given it an ‘MA 15+'. Naturally, ratings are bound to vary across the world, but Australia's video game rating system is notoriously harsh (see: original banning of Fallout 3). So does this mean Australia has been strangely lenient? Judging by what we've seen of the title, I'd suggest so, as the comical, light-hearted attitude towards all the brutality in the game doesn't seem geared towards the mind of a 15 year old. Then again, are the BBFC being too strict so as to help prevent any media backlash. The tabloids are already well aware of MadWorld (with one going so far as to call it "the most violent game ever." Hmm...), so they don't really need much ammo before going off on another "Violent games are ruining our children" tirade.
New Play Control titles to retail at full price in UK
Credit: Gamesindustry
For the uninitiated out there, Nintendo's selection of "New Play Control" titles are Wii remakes of older Gamecube titles, and when originally announced back at E3 2008, it was said that they would be retailing at a budget price. We recently found out the overseas prices for the UK's launch of Pikmin on February 6th and Mario Power Tennis on March 6th...and the term ‘budget' certainly doesn't come into it!
Nintendo have recommended a retail price of £39.99, which is basically the maximum full price for a Wii title over here, the equivalent of about $55 at the current conversion rate. Official US prices haven't been disclosed in advance of their March 9th launch, and yet Amazon.com lists the two titles at $29.99, which I think you'll agree is quite a difference. Online UK outlets have already made reductions to keep the ‘NPC' games in line with standard Wii titles, which are usually sold for about £30/$42. But even that is significantly more than the North American prices.
I've seen some arguments on forums and the like that £30 isn't bad considering you'll pay almost double that for something like Chibi Robo on Ebay these days. But really...these are 2-3+ year old games we're talking about here. Yes, they've been updated with Wii controls and look to be pretty cool little packages. But asking us to pay full price? Not cool. I'd say they should go for £25 MAXIMUM, maybe even £20 if they were smart, which is $28 at the current conversion rate and therefore much more in line with what US stores are supposedly offering.
Either something has gone very wrong in Nintendo of Europe's marketing department, or Nintendo are once again screwing over European gamers. Commenter Dent Kelly joked last week, "Nintendo called Fraser, they said Europe wasn't worth it." Dent, you might be right!
What's new in Mario & Luigi RPG 3
Credit: Famitsu
The Mario & Luigi RPG series has been a massive hit worldwide since its original incarnation on the GBA, and so many gamers are anxiously awaiting the third instalment, which launches in Japan next month. Famitsu magazine had a sneak peak at a couple of the early sections in the game, and we can now unveil some of the goings on in the brothers' latest adventure, from plot details to battle mechanics to all the new ways the DS is being utilised.
First up, let's set the scene. An incurable disease is rife throughout the Mushroom Kingdom, and its inhabitants are meeting to discuss various courses of actions. Bowser shows up, as per usual, but this time he's not acting of his own accord; the even-eviller Gerakowitz (expect the name to change during localization) is controlling him, forcing him to suck up the Mushroom folk into his belly.
The ensuing sequence is split over two screens, with Bowser on the top screen, and Mario, Luigi, a creature called Yellow Star and other Mushroom residents all inhabiting the touch screen below. Naturally you'll control both, presumably at separate times, and your actions on one screen will affect those on the other. Controlling Mario and Luigi, you can pinch nerves inside Bowser's body, which of course will send Bowser on the top screen into a panic, potentially sending him on a massive killing spree. Touching his muscles (presumably in a non-sexual manner...) will help to power the King of the Koopas up. Conversely, Bowser's special ‘Vacuum' attack (gained a short while into the adventure) is useful for quickly clearing his path of enemies, but it immediately throws them straight into Mario & Luigi's path, who then have an impromptu battle to contend with. It's a very interesting gimmick, and I could see some nice puzzles coming out of it later in the game.
Normal battles work as before, with various button taps performing attacks, based on a timing system to determine how much damage is delivered. But new for M&LRPG3 is a DS-specific battle system for special Bowser sections, pitting a giant-sized version of Mario's nemesis against other similar-sized enemies, with various attacks at your disposal, activated using techniques that harness the DS' unique hardware. These battles ask you to flip the DS into ‘book' position a la Hotel Dusk and Ninja Gaiden, and by sweeping the stylus from left to right, Bowser will pull off a Mega Punch. Likewise, blowing into the microphone activates his famous fire-breathing assault. Used sparingly, this will really freshen up the gameplay, and with enough variety could provide some of the best areas in the game. I like it. Hopefully we'll find out all the specifics and much more once the title hits Japanese store shelves on February 11th.
Red Faction Wii: CANCELLED
Credit: Cubed3
If I'm honest, I'd completely forgotten a Red Faction title was scheduled for release on the Wii. Nevertheless, it was on the horizon, until Locomotive Games went under after the recent string of developer closures. Since then, an anonymous source has revealed some prototype footage and screens from the project, which is actually really quite disheartening, as the game looked really good. Take a look at an example screen of the environments on offer...
...As well as a sweet little video put together to showcase the gameplay in action, which looked superb.
We can't officially rule off the project, as it's possible that another studio could pick up where they left off and see it through to completion, but that's unlikely at this stage. Massive disappointment, if you ask me; the Wii really needed some core shooters like this.
Japan get awesome Monster Hunter G bundle
Credit: Kotaku
Having originated on other systems, Nintendo gamers would be forgiven for not being all that knowledgeable about the Monster Hunter series. However, in Japanese culture, it's the video game equivalent of the Messiah, as evidenced by the fact that Monster Hunter 2nd G was Japan's highest selling game last year. Capcom are bringing the brand new, made-from-the-ground-up Monster Hunter 3 to the Wii later this year, scheduled for a worldwide release. And I'll hopefully have more on that in future editions of Nintendophiles. However, what isn't making it off the Japanese mainland is the Wii port of PS2 title, Monster Hunter G. Aside from the fact it's a quality RPG, the particularly gutting thing about this is that Capcom are releasing a special bundle package, with a whole host of awesome extras.
The April 23rd release sees the title go on sale for 3,990 Yen, which equates to $40, and this nabs you the game and a demo for the previously-mentioned forthcoming Monster Hunter 3. Considering the rarity of Wii demos, this is Very Cool Indeed. But shooting straight off the Richter scale of cool is the package available for those with a few more Yen to spare, at 5,200 Yen. The game is controlled with a Classic Controller, so the extra money buys you an awesome collector's edition MHG-themed controller. Marvel at the sexiness of it...
And just as a little taste for all you importers out there, here's how the Monster Hunter G port is looking on the Wii:
Not bad, not bad at all. Shame we won't be seeing it, eh? Capcom's Christian Svensson recently spoke to fans of the series, saying, "You'll have to get it from an import shop. Neither MHG or that controller is coming to the US. Sorry." *Shakes fist* Damn you, Capcom. Quick, get me the number of the nearest importer...
The 411 Games Crew
The 411 Games Year End Awards are here! Check out Part 1 here, which includes the 411 Games team running down the Best Graphics, Biggest Underrated Game, News Story of the Year, and Most Anticipated Game of 2009. Part 2 should be up as you read this.
B3yond the Report covers the news of the awesome Mass Effect possibly coming to the PS3 this year. Derek Robbins gives you the lowdown on all that and more inside!
Trace Aber is living in a nightmare this week after facing the Red Ring of Doom! Check out his thoughts in Living LIVE!
Star Ocean: Second Evolution is released on the PSP this week, amongst a whole host of other titles you might not be aware of. The Release List by Tommy Coloma keeps you informed.
Greg Bruno asks What If...Mario & Luigi were lovers, Master Chief was a woman, Nintendo made a sex education game for the Wii and more!
Nintendophiles, over and out! Catch you next week. Thanks for reading.
Well, fraser, since Nintendo is in 1st place and since Microsoft has taken control of Europe, maybe Nintendo thinks that they can afford to lose Europe.
Posted By: Dent Kelly (Registered) on January 20, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Last I checked, Sony was leading Europe. They sure do love their Wipeout over there. MS is only leading in the United States.
Posted By: Hurr (Guest) on January 21, 2009 at 10:53 AM
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