WNR: 6th April 2010

hi all! welcome to the new WNR! sorry for the lateness but I had Easter this weekend, so I couldn't work on the report until now <:3 anyway, this week I bring you the review of Red Steel 2 and a lot of great news for the followers of the white console! :3 bring it on!

VC RELEASES OF THE WEEK

USA
-Ogre Battle 64 (N64)

EU
-Super Mario Kart (SNES)

WIIWARE RELEASES OF THE WEEK

USA
-WarioWare D.I.Y Showcase (party game)
-Diner dash (puzzle game)

EU
-Chronos Twins DX (2d action game)

GAME RELEASES OF THE WEEK

USA
-no releases this week

EU
9th of April 2010:
-Naruto clash of ninja revolution 3

NEWS OF THE WEEK:

New screens for Arc Rise Fantasia have been released:
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/35861/

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After the announcement of The Grinder to go on ps3 and 360 beside wii, we all expected the wii version of the game to be a cut down version of the HD ones. Looks like things will go another way though. While the HD version of The Grinder is pretty much a top-down shooter, the wii version of the game will stay as FPS, trying to become the Left4Dead of the white console. Let's wait to see what comes out

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The Conduit 2 has been announced for the wii! Here are a lot of details on the sequel and a few first screens!
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/35942/ (magazine quality, taken directly from scans)
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/36046/

- Set in Atlantis
- Other locations include Siberia, Agartha,
Washington D.C.
- Team is focusing on art/story
- New gameplay
types for online
- Bounty Hunter mode returning
- Different
character classes, each has unique attributes
- Can unlock suit
upgrades (ex: robotic legs that let you sprint farther)
- WiiSpeak
support
- High Voltage, for now, has decided “to have one primary
suit slot and two secondary slots where you can equip upgrades, but that
may change in the final game.”
- Will be able to change character’s
appearance
- 2-4 player splitscreen option for all competitive
-
Co-op Invasion mode: Up to 4 players (online or local), has unique
challenges
- New weapons: Vortex Cannon and Phase Rifle
- Vortex
Cannon: Sends bullets back at enemies with a more powerful force
-
Phase Rifle: Shoot through walls
- Old weapons will be returning
- Some old weapons are seeing a facelift
- About 7 new weapons
-
Big boss battles
- ASE also returning
- ASE used for more
things other than puzzles (can do a lot of scanning, which is recorded)
- Can use TPC ammo as mines
- SEGA publishing again
- No
release date
- Team acknowledges that the first game had the player doing “the same
thing over and over and over again”
- Want to do more with level
design, gameplay design
- Embracing sci-fi element
- Game starts
off with thunder, torrential downpour, you’re in a huge oil derrick in
the middle of an ocean
- Picks off immediately after the original
when you enter the portal
- Not sure where you are when you enter
the portal and land in the ocean
- Derrick’s occupants begin to
shoot at you
- Game will have some “big vistas and multi-tiered
areas”
- Multiple paths, team wants the game “to feel bigger and
give players the sense that there’s more going on”
- Sea serpent
attacks the facility
- “Having those types of ‘wow’ moments is
really important”
- Quantum 3 engine still being refined
- Ford
continues to go through the oil derrick, fights with the leviathan
one-on-one
- Have to use one of the derrick’s mounted defense
targets since normal weapons won’t work
- Serpent targets you and
generator that powers the turrets
- Need to find the serpent’s weak
points, stun him, then impale him with a harpoon from a turret
-
Game has an airborne chase scene, take control of a ship’s rear gun
emplacement, shoot pursuers (one enemy type is jet pack-equipped
soldiers)
- More NPCs, Ford can interact with them
- There are
other aliens besides Adams around the world who control territories
-
Adams has been particularly successful, wants to take over the world
- Ford needs to get the help of the other aliens
- Atlantis is the
hub, portals to other areas are there
- Some freedom in terms of
which stage you’ll take on next
- One mission has you going to
Washington DC, need to recover important artifact from the Smithsonian
- More alien growth in the city than in the first game, Drudge and
Trust still fighting there
- “AI vs. AI vs. player now”
- Will
come across fights already happening
- “The AI in particular has
been a big focus for us. We really want the enemies to come across as
intelligent. In the first game, they just sit there waiting for you to
show up. This time, we want it to feel like a living environment, like
everyone was doing something before you got there.”
- Interactive
elements in the environment (stuff moves, objects break, enemy knocks
over soda machine for cover)
- Wider variety of hostiles, some
specific to a location
- Atlantis: 30-foot-tall Guardians
-
Siberia: Robotic wolves
- Differences between human soldiers, can
carry any weapon (affects AI)
- SEGA/High Voltage will be holding a
contest: Can get your name/face on a Missing Person flier or a Wanted
poster
- 18 firearms from the original
- Have to tune the Phase
Rifle by twisting Wiimote
- Deployable Turret: Set it down, control
it with handheld display, can pull the trigger and have it autoaim or
target manually
- Regarding the AsE: “…more puzzles and hacking
minigames. It’s also a bit more of a detective tool now, we’re trying to
put a lot more conspiracy objects and secrets in the environments to
give you more reasons to use the ASE. Once you’ve scanned an object,
you’ll be able to learn more about it in the game’s new data log. So it
really plays into us trying to tell a deeper story.”
- ASE tied to
Atlantis
- Using the ASE, can have a bit of control over the
Guardians
- 12 players online
- Releasing this fall

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New artwork and details for The Last Story have been released (RPG):
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/35927/
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/36178/

- Hints at sea travel, big sound element, vehicles
- Director:
“Within the world of computer graphics, the feeling of water is
remarkably beautiful.”
- Water usage in the world – a waterfall in a
cave, larger river in the middle of town, and “the seas upon which the
main characters head out.”
- Director feels that sound is necessary
to give life to the world: “I believe we’re progressing well with sound
effect production. We placed importance on it from the start, and while
it is out of the ordinary from a scheduling standpoint, we started sound
development simultaneous with the start of production. In the ‘world,’
there exists ’sound’ that has been running in parallel for a long time.
The influence of this will pull the gameplay and cinematics in good
directions, I believe.”
- “‘Water’ and ‘Sound’ — while in the
supporting role, they’re also primary players.”
- Ruli has canals,
effects people’s lives
- Producer: “The canals lead to the sea, and
the sea teaches people that in order to head out on adventure, they need
ships.”
- Vehicles might be in the game (or at least ships)
-
Producer: “The world in an island will expand with the use of ships.
Vehicles in a fantasy world are an important tool for getting you
excited.”

- Art is of Hoshimi no Tou (Star Viewing Tower”)
- People look at
stars from the tower, point to their guardian star, speak
- One
meeting involves two characters, they speak about their dreams: “In this
place that’s sacred to the Arganan Family, their hearts touch for just a
moment.”
- Girl whistles a song (she can’t remember the words),
melody is about people torn apart, handed down in her family
- Girl
and the other character lost their parents when they were young,
survived in spite of the wars/power struggles
- Both have difficult
memories which turn into kindness over time
- Producer: “Everyone
has a place that is special to them. For ‘her,’ this Hoshi no Tou
appears to be an extremely important place.”

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New screens for Jett Rocket have been released (platform):
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/35982/

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New videos for Monster Hunter 3 have been released (action/RPG):
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/36011/
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/exclusive-tundra-monster-hunter/64064

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A new scan for Sengoku Basara 3 has been released (action game):
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/36016/

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New scans, screens, details and a new trailer for Super Mario Galaxy 2 have been released (platform):
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/36019/
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/36066/
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/new-features-super-mario/63922

- Use Starship Mario to travel to galaxies, can explore a bit on it and
talk to Lumas
- Can choose to visit Starship Mario at any time for
power-ups, 1ups
- Galaxy you’re in will be reflected in themed
background of the Starship Mario
- There is more to Starship Mario
- Boulder Bowl Galaxy: New suit: Rock Mario
- Shake Wiimote to have
Mario roll into a sphere, can knock down objects
- Can steer Rock
Mario, but it’s tough to turn with it on
- Rollodillo boss fight:
Tries to squash Mario, can attack his backside
- New Yoshi ability:
bulb fruit turns him into Light Yoshi
- Haunty Halls Galaxy
-
Light Yoshi can illuminate platforms, if you can’t see the platforms
you’ll die
- Puzzle Plank Galaxy: Can cut through platforms you’re
on, move based on your position
- Cosmic Cove Galaxy: Twin Falls
Hideaway challenge (swim underwater, go to a switch that turns water
into ice)
- Swimming with the koopa shell: When you brake,
taillights will show up
- Honeybloom Galaxy: Bee costume is back,
level is in side-scrolling view
- Still more elements about the game
that can’t be discussed yet

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New screens, art and a video for Xenoblade have been released (RPG):
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/36139/
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/36384/
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-on-xenoblade/64010

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New details for NBA Jam have been released (arcade sport game):

- Remote + Nunchuk: Move with analog, flick remote up to jump, flick down
to shoot/dunk. Buttons modify shot types.
- Remote only (sideways):
D-pad moves, buttons shoot/dunk/etc. No motion controls.
- Classic
Controller: same.
- Use analog stick to move, flick Wiimote up to
jump, flick down to shoot and dunk
- Buttons change shot types
-
Classic Campaign: Like the arcade game
- Remix Tour: Has power-ups,
bosses, dynamic camera triggered by impressive plays: “this would be
the Dynasty mode if Nintendo were to design it.”
- Magic Johnson,
Larry Bird are bosses
- Big head mode returning along with other old
elements
- Achievements in the game, can use them to unlock stuff
- No online play for now, but it could possibly happen

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Enclave, an old PC and Xbox game has been announced for a wii port. Let's hope it will be a good port and that perhaps they'll add new contents.

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A new trailer for Red Steel 2 has been released (First person action):
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/launch-trailer-red-steel-2/63721

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A new trailer for Trauma Team has been released (Surgery simulator):
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/six-specialties-trauma-team/63851

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A new trailer for And yet it moves has been released (2d platform):
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/globetrotter-trailer-and-yet-it/63933

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A new trailer for Metroid: Other M has been released! (action game)
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-gameplay-metroid-other/63921

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A new video for La Mulana has been released (2d action game):
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/gameplay-trailer-la-mulana/64077

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To end the report with a HUGE BANG: Suda51 announced No More Heroes 3 in the works for the next nintendo home console!

WII GAME OF THE WEEK: Red Steel 2
genre: First person action
Publisher: Ubisoft



At last I got my paws on this game. the game that would finally make use of the motion plus! was the wait worth it ? well, let's find out ;3

Red Steel 2 is the sequel of the first FPS game launched on wii at its debut. The game wasn't bad, but it had flaws and several problems and glitches that kept it from showing its potential. This sequel reboots the franchise entirely, going for a different setting and gameplay. The game is set on a heavily oriental Far West, in the town of Caldera, where a clan of bandits knows as Jackals are controlling everything and everyone. The hero is a lonely sword/gunman, former member of the Kusagari clan, kicked out of it in the past. Now he's back in his hometown to try and kick the Jackals out of the city.

From a visual standpoint the people at Ubisoft did a GREAT job. The anti-aliasing effect and the overall graphics are some of the best examples on wii, yet. The models look smooth, are very detailed and the light cel-shading effect makes the game stand out greatly. The environments of the game are the hybrid of Far West classic locations (canyon, abandoned towns, mines...) but mixed with modern japanese environments. Caldera is a sort of Tokyo set in the desert, with also many technologic devices, like electrical doors, signaling towers and classic Far West elements. In the end, the game mixes three things: Far West, Japan and futuristic/modern settings.

The movements of the characters are flawless and the special effects mold well with the cel-shading graphics, giving the game its own style. Some of the locations are emptier than others, but overall the result is quite good. Every location is quite various, even if without going too far from its original style. You can be certain that the locations don't look all the same X3

Also, a little note is about how well the weapons are made. You can twist them around in your hand thank to the motionplus, so that you can look at the details and even if the cel-shading tends to simplify things you can see how much detail they put into things.

The gameplay of the game is mostly fast-paced and action-packed. The game haves you taking the missions from the different saloons and dojos that the crew of good guys use as HQs. From those HQs you can take said missions, but also buy new weapons or moves and upgrade them to add either power or new abilities to them.

so, how does the actual game work ? simpler than it seems. Use b to shoot, d-pad to change weapon, Z to lock on enemies and pull the sword out(I'd suggest you to go in the options and take off the automatic lock-on), A to dash and...swing to slash. The motion plus works flawlessly. every swing you do is taken in. The motionplus can also feel how much strenght you put into the slashes. Some enemies will have armours that are immune to bullets, so just the stronger slashes of the sword will shatter the armour to pieces.

slashing and shooting at enemies is just part of the battle though. Trough the game you'll constantly learn new moves and abilities, either by buying them or unlocking them by going onward with the story. Steadily you'll learn more and more moves and more finishers to execute trough different combinations of swings and buttons. One of my fave moves is the Eagle. By pressing A and B you'll charge this attack, then you have to swing upward to send the enemy airborne. From here the time slows down and you can decide if to shoot at the enemy while he's still in air or press A to jump in the air above him and finish him with slashes, bullets or even other special moves.

The variety of the moves is great and increases more and more trough the game, so much that you actually will have your own fighting style, your way to approach the enemies and your fave combinations. Despite the game is pretty dojo-mission-dojo-mission and so on the sub-quests (that mostly involve looking for things like wanted posters, towers to activate or patrolling the levels to wipe out the enemies.) and the variety of moves and power-ups to gain strikes the repetitivity of the actions away, making the game FUN to play, without any flaw or motion control problem, this also thank to the help of Retro Studios (Metroid Prime makers) that helped the Ubisoft team with the controls. The battles are pretty much satisfying to play and clear, also because the better is your performance the more money you'll get for defeating the enemies.

The levels are quite wide most of the time and in some occasions they'll allow a bit of freeroaming to clear the sub-quests and consequentially get more money to buy upgrades and weapons with. It's also fun to destroy stuff with either swords or guns (you'll often find bottles...and if youre a Far West fan it's hard not to play shooting at them X3) and gaining a few money doing so, even if it's a very low percentual. The levels also have wquite a few secret passages and boxes to find to gain more money, ammo or Tokens and Sheriff stars (wich are useful to gain a lot of money).

The framerate works well, even though it lowered around 4 times during my play of the game...nothing bad. Nothing to say about controls too, they work perfectly like I said...just be careful not to move on accident, that motionplus DOES feel movements afterall ;3 The doors in the game work like in the Metroid series, camouflaging the loading times, so don't be surprised if a door takes a while to open.

With this gameplay the game pretty much created a sort of new genre: First Person Action. It can't be rated as FPS since the use of the gun is as important as the sword-fighting is and with the fact that many enemies are bullet-proof until you shatter their armours off with the sword.

Now, about the storyline...This is a disappointing side of the game unluckily. The idea behind it is good, but many times the story feels too straight-forward and rushed, not giving you the time to grow attached to the characters. It makes you feel like they wasted potential here, wich is a shame. Let's hope that if they ever do a sequel they fix this point, wich is the only one real bad side of the game.

The soundtrack is a perfect mix between Far West tunes and oriental samurai-inspired ones...it's actually surprising how well the two styles can fit in a tune. The battle themes are fast, frenetic and full of energy, while the atmospheric songs can make you think of both samurai movies or the usual epic scene of a Far West movie where the good and bad guy duel each other on a lonely road. Certainly an interesting soundtrack that might win theheart of many gamers.

To end the review: the game is what the motionplus was made for. Smooth motion controls and great action. If you're looking for a deep storyline stay away...but if you're looking for a fun gameplay and the first real swordfighting game for wii you can close your eyes and dive into this game, to experience what the motionplus can really do in a real game. This just makes me hope for even better games based on this peripheral now and I really hope for more support, because it fully deserves it

now, here are a few screens:
http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55251520090924_171228_20_big.jpg
http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55251520090924_171227_17_big.jpg
http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55251520090924_171223_1_big.jpg
http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55251520090924_171225_8_big.jpg

and a couple of videos:
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/enemies-vignette-red-steel-2/63301
http://www.gametrailers.com/video/weapons-trailer-red-steel-2/63483

that's all for this week! hope you had fun :3 have a good wii gaming time!

Hm... Red Steel 2, eh? I had a friend bring over the first one, and I wasn't terribly impressed. The new one sounds a lot better, though! I'll probably have to try it sometime. x3

Houndoomed wrote:Hm... Red Steel 2, eh? I had a friend bring over the first one, and I wasn't terribly impressed. The new one sounds a lot better, though! I'll probably have to try it sometime. x3

I tried and finished both :3 to me this game doens't have anything to do with the first one, just cancel it X3

Nice review Sparky, and I love the picture and how you manage to be both badass and adorable at the same time

anyways, now all I need is Wii motion plus and I can actually play the game.

Alexander wrote:Nice review Sparky, and I love the picture and how you manage to be both badass and adorable at the same time

anyways, now all I need is Wii motion plus and I can actually play the game.

thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it <:3