Wii (3)

Why is it that the most popular current gen games console gets so shafted on games? From mono Guitar Hero to no downloadable content, the Wii has one more disappointment to add to the list - Worms: A Space Oddity’s lack of online play. Initially promised to have online play by Team 17, THQ have now released a spin-heavy press release saying:

“Worms: A Space Oddity is a social gaming experience that is best enjoyed locally, in a party-game atmosphere with other players. Team 17 has proven it can deliver a world class online gaming experience through the popular Worms: Open Warfare 2.”

“We’ve chosen to focus on making the best possible local multiplayer experience through fast-paced gameplay and entertaining party-games. Players will get even more fun and satisfaction from being able to see the reaction of their friends and taunting them with attacks face-to-face.”

There is really nothing you can say to that other than stare blankly and stammer a bit.

via Shack News

The latest from the rumor mills is that Sam and Max is coming to the Wii. It all started with a German press release from JoWood Studios claiming that their next title would be Sam and Max on the Wii. Of course, 1UP quickly got Telltale Games on the phone to confirm the statement. Here is what Telltale’s Marketing Coordinator, Emily Morganti had to say:

“It’s no secret that we want to bring Sam & Max to the Wii and it is something we’re actively pursuing. We don’t have any official news right now, but when we’re in a position to confirm that we’re porting Sam & Max to the Wii, we’ll make an announcement about it.”

So not a full confirmation, but barring any major obstacles it sounds like it’s well on the way. If it does make its way to the Wii we hope more developers consider point and click adventure games for the perfectly suited system.

via 1UP

Budcat Creations have started an IGN blog, with the debut post from lead programmer Marcus R Brown giving some insight into how the free shooter TUMIKI Fighters has evolved into Blast Works. Check out the embedded video to see what a skilled designer can do with the ship editor included with Blast Works.

via NeoGAF

Factor 5 might not have had the best luck when they developed Lair to be used with the PS3’s SIXAXIS controller, but they are giving motion sensing another go - this time on the Wii. At the moment all we know about the game is what it isn’t - a game that uses old Star Wars Rogue Squadron tech.

Kotaku believes that it could be the new Turrican game that Factor 5’s President Julian Eggebrecht hinted at last year.

via Kotaku

Last year, UK citizens spent a massive £1.52 billion on video games, a 25% increase on last year’s sales and still climbing. With these figures, perhaps development companies will start developing games specifically for British needs? Prepare yourselves for “Fox Hunt: Tip Tip Tally Ho Edition”.

via The BBC

Bad news for those waiting it out for Super Smash Bros Brawl in the US, as it has been pushed back a month from its past release date. The game is now slated for a March 9 release due to it needing more tweaks. Here is Nintendo America’s statement regarding the delay:

“The launch date for Super Smash Bros. Brawl has shifted a few weeks to March 9. The development is taking slightly longer than expected. As we’re sure you have seen on the Dojo site (www.SmashBros.com), the game contains an unprecedented number of characters, options and experiences. Be sure to keep an eye on the Dojo site for the latest information.”

Those lucky Japanese are on track for a January 29th release, while the UK still have no idea when they will be getting theirs.

via 1UP

Nintendo have taken home an Emmy for excellence in engineering creativity - for the second year in a row. The award recognized their innovative interfaces - the motion controls of the Wii and the touch-screen, dual-screen Nintendo DS.

“The pioneering interfaces for Wii and Nintendo DS reflect our long tradition of seeking new ways to enhance the gaming experience for users at every level,” said Don James, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of operations. “We’re grateful for this award and thank the academy for honoring us a second time.”

While Nintendo still lists the date as TBA, it seems 1Up may have let slip the US release date for Wii Fit in some recent coverage:

North Americans can expect to see the game on May 20th… by which time presumably they’ll have that ‘plus-sized’ Western balance board properly stress tested and ready for use.

1Up via GoNintendo

Intel have been speaking to Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo regarding what chips might power the next round of consoles. But in their discussions with Nintendo, Intel’s chief technology officer Justin Rattner reportedly speculated on a novel input system for the Wii’s successor. While such comments should be treated with as much caution as possible, one can’t help but feel optimistic:

We imagine some future generation of [Nintendo’s] Wii won’t have hand controllers…You just set up the cameras around the room and wave your hand like you’re playing tennis

DigitalSpy via MaxConsole

I feel sorry for Nintendo. Not only do they break all sorts of console selling records over the holiday shopping season, they’ve had to take a break from rolling around in mountains of cash to remedy a serious Wii shortage crisis. Their most recent solution has been to hand out tens of thousands of raincheck vouchers for those who can’t find any Wii’s on shelves. It would appear this is their only hope in preventing customers from settling on an Xbox 360 or PS3 when they can’t find a Wii.

The “Wii Certificates” are available only through GameStop, on December 20th and 21st. Customers would be required to pay the full $250 retail price and pick up the goods in January. But we’re told that these rainchecks are limited in numbers themselves, so don’t delay.

via Digg