Author Archive
IN BRIEF: And he finished playing around on a tiny …
And he finished playing around on a tiny sphere.
“This is just one example of one course in one of the galaxies. Over all there is a large number of galaxies in the game. There are six specific areas and about 40 galaxies.”
IN BRIEF: Q: The fantasy setting of Zelda hasn’t changed …
Q: The fantasy setting of Zelda hasn’t changed much, have you thought of setting the game in a modern setting, a future setting or a sci fi setting or something like that.
A: I thought about things like how Link would react in the modern world, or what if he was dropped into a World War 2 setting. But how that would become a game, I haven’t thought about that yet.
Night Note: Hospital Visit
To: Crecente
From: Bash
Subject: Feelin’ Cruddy
This is gonna be a short note. In a nutshell, I’ve come down with a cold (not a big deal), and Mini-Bash is having problems breathing as well as with his ears/nose. Spent a good chunk of the day at the hospital as the kid was subjected to a series of tests. The results? He probably needs his adenoids removed and tubes in his ears.
Not a huge deal!
There are tons of little kids who unfortunately have worst probs. The doctors are trying to figure out a treatment that would side-step surgery. When I was a child, I had my adenoids taken out and tubes put in my ears. Fairly painless procedure, but the patient must be gassed. That is always somewhat scary, because there are rare cases in which people don’t wake up.
Huh. This note isn’t so short.
What you missed last night:
Faster: Game Promotion Through Nerd Running
Good rule of thumb: Japanese game promotion events are dull. They usually involve people sitting on stools and poster boards. But Super Robot Taisen OG producer Takanobu Terada is different. He knows that a good game promotion involves one thing: RUNNING. And not just running, but spiriting through Akihabara! This morning, two hundred bystanders cheered him on as he filmed an internet commercial for Super Robot Taisen OG, which involved an Akiba dash. Dudes with backpacks and in flannel clapped thunderously when he reached the finish line. Takanobu Terada, today’s nerd hero.
Super Robo Ad [Famitsu]
Read: Book Authors Looking For Chatty Industry Peoples
Any industry folkin out there? Who like to talk or can? Random House is publishing a revised and expanded version of 2006’s Paid to Play: An Insider’s Guide to Video Game Careers, a career guide for breaking into and working in the gaming industry. The book’s authors are looking to interview part-time and full-time professionals in the following fields:
- Animators
- Mission/Scenario/Level Designers
- Marketing/PR
- Business Development
- Script writers
Interview responses can be kept confidential (if you say bad things) or made public (if you say good things) at the interviewee’s request. There is no financial compensation for the interview, but the authors will be more than happy to send any interviewees (whose answers they use) a copy of the book when it’s published this Fall. No, they will be tickled pink.
Please respond to bryan_stratton@hotmail.com by July 2nd if you are interested. If you’re not, then don’t!
Learn To Read: Phantom Hourglass Kanji Function In Action
Yesterday, we mentioned that The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass phonetic furigana characters were put above the kanji so younger players (and students of Japanese) would know how to read the dialogue. Shigeru Miyamoto said he was hoping to make the game more interactive for children and so that anyone could easily play. The above clip of the function in action was taken from an Nintendo conducted interview with Miyamoto. Such a simple, yet clean and clever function.
Zelda Kanji Function In Action [Naruhodo]
Touched: Doki Doki Majo Shinpan In CD Form
In Japan, they have soundtracks for most everthing, it seems. Doki Doki Majo Shinpan is no exception. The game tunes were done by Youhei Shiokawa, and CD booklet features illustrations by Doki Doki Majo Shinpan’s character designer. The CD will go on sale July 25th for ¥2,940 (about US $24). Tunes to touch underage witches by!
Doki Doki Majo Shinpan [SNK via DS Fanboy]
Bad Pun: Zelda Director Says Wii Won’t Alienate Hardcore
With all these housewives and old folks raving about the Wii, hardcore gamers feel left out. Let’s face it: mini-games are really cool if you are used to Mine Sweeper and Solitaire. But Nintendo’s not trying to push players away! Just listen to Zelda director Eiji Aonuma explain how Nintendo can expand the audience and not alienate fans:
It’s because of gamers that games have come as far as they have… it’s not Nintendo’s intent to alienate those people… We think we can involve everyone — people who played games in the past because the approach is so new, and people who were never gamers.
Words of comfort to hold gamers over as they play Twilight Princess, Super Paper Mario and the GameCube’s back catalogue over and over and over again. Sit tight, those real games are coming!
Alienate Gamers [Infendo]
Bundled Up: Europe Getting Motorstorm Bundle?
Retailers? Not the best source of information, but sometimes decent. Belgian retailers? No clue, so we proceed with caution. Earlier, Sony announced Hot Shots Golf bundles that slightly shaved some yen off the PS3’s price-tag. I thought it was pretty cool. Others didn’t!
A Belgian retailer is taking pre-orders for a Motorstorm PS3 bundle. Nothing’s been announced, but the box does look kind of officially (click the link below for a better look). Plus, we don’t doubt that Sony has bundles planned for the various territories. The 60GB pack is listing for €619.99 (US $834) on the retailer’s site. The console usually retails for €599, so this is a slightly better deal considering a game is included. Wonder what game they’ll bundle for America… Something different from Hot Shots and Motorstorm. Guessing is fun!
Pre-Order Bundle [Smart Toys via Siliconera]
Looks Easy: A DIY Touch Pen Holder Regular People Can Make
Some aren’t happy with the standard DS Lite stylus. Me, I like it just fine. But that’s just me! Maybe you’d rather buy a stylus holder. Or better yet, maybe you’d rather make your own. Blogger Sal Cangeloso did just that, creating a Touch Pen holder out of a Pilot pen. According to him:
My version is actually a stock DS Lite stylus cut down to the right size and placed in a Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto pen. I also put in a little bit of rubber from the grip from an old pen so that the stylus tip has a little bit of give. It ended up taking about 5 minutes to put together and it was free, which is always nice. I used an old stylus which, as any DS Lite user knows, starts to fall out of the holder when the little stopper ridge wears out. The extra size makes the stylus a lot more comfortable and the added width helps as well.
Out of all the gaming crafts we’ve ever posted and all the the gaming crafts I’ve ever seen, this is something I could actually see myself making.
Best DS Stylus [arghyle, Thanks Torokun!]
Dating Other People: Phil Harrison On Losing Exclusives
Sure, the PS3 isn’t exactly off to a running start — or much of a trot for that matter! There are things like Home to look forward to this year PS3-wise. But when’s that going to be out? In a recent Game Informer interview, Sony exec Phil Harrison (above) reminds us, “We have said that, if the beta trial is successful, that the service will go live in October.” We’ve heard the console power chest thumping from both Microsoft and Sony, but it really comes down to the games. Mag Game Informer asks Harrison if there’s anything that can be done to combat losing exclusives. Harrison’s reply:
I’m looking at the platform as an entire portfolio. And yes, I’m always concerned to make sure that consumers can buy the best games and get the best game experiences to validate their system purchase. [But] as long as the games they get are great, [consumers] don’t care if they are third-party or first-party…What I do believe is that the investments we have made in Worldwide Studios globablly - U.S., Europe, and Japan - will yield the best quality software and the highest quality experiences that are clearly going to be exclusive to the platform…We have a larger platform-dedicated development resource than our competitors combined. So all of that goes towards the fact that the best games with the best technology are coming exclusively to [Sony] platforms.
Kind of a roundabout answer, but fair enough. Publishers want to make as much money as possible, and that often means going multi-platform. Console makers, of course, want as many exclusives as possible to help drive sales. First party titles are certainly going to be married to hardware. It’s those third party games of late that haven’t been “faithful.” But going back to the G.I. question: can there be anything done to combat losing third-party exclusives? If so, what?
Harrison Interview [Gamers-Creed via QJ.Net]
Last Gen Tomorrow: Haruhi On PS2, Too
Not only is hit anime The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya getting a PSP version, but a PlayStation 2 version as well. Hey, why not? People are still snapping those PS2s up! The console version will differ from the portable game and feature lead character Haruhi as “Ultra Hero Haruhi,” a parody of fantasy RPGs. There will be a super posable “Ultra Hero Haruhi” figurine as well. Game’s out next January.
And yes, hit the jump for the Haruhi dance. Nope, still not sick of it!
Haruhi PS2 Game [Canned Dogs via Anime News Network]
Gotta Fold ‘em All: Pokemon Diamond & Pearl Origami Paper
Make sure you read the post title carefully. This isn’t Pokémon origami, it’s Pokémon origami paper! The in-laws swung by last night and gave this to Mini-Bash, who’s currently on a paper folding kick. We usually just make paper airplanes and then throw them around the house. Thing is, regular paper works way better for paper airplanes. Doesn’t look as neat, though.
Clip: iPhooooooooooooooooone!
Just like that Nintendo 64 kid, complete with pawing at the box and “yes! yes!” fist pumping. Brilliant!
Apple iPhone! Yes! [Geek Sugar via Boing Boing]
Night Note: Do Not Eat Large, Japanese McDonalds Hamburgers
To: Crecente
From: Ashcraft
Subject: Subject
I like hamburgers. A lot. And whether it’s a MOS burger or a Sasebo burger, Japanese hamburgers are quite delicious. MOS burgers are typically “normal” sized, but Sasebo burgers are HUGE. McDonalds Japan has rolled out its own big burger with the Mega Mac and has followed that up with the Mega Teriyaki. I ordered one over the weekend, ate it and vowed one thing: to never do that again.
Speaking of hamburgers, I heard In N Out puts religious quotes on the bottom of their drink cups. Have you hear this rumor?
What you missed last night:
Don’t Really Shoot: Halo 3 Weapons Made Small
Back in March, we brought word that collectible knick-knack maker Corgi International struck a deal with Microsoft to churn out Halo 3 goodies. An update: the line-up will be dubbed “Master Replicas” and contain scaled replica weapons, helmets and vehicles. That’s not all! It will feature full size weapons and helmets for folks who like to run around and “pretend.” There will also be stuff like pewter figs, die-cast vehicles, key rings, pins and badges. First up? Two six-inch long scaled weapons: the BR55 Battle Rifle and the Covenant Carbine, each selling for US $19.99. They’ll be out this September. For you to buy.
Corgi Update [ICv2 via Flame War Advance]
Touching Is Good: Doki Doki Majo Billboard Invades Akihabara
How do you promote a game that features under age Touch Pen touching? With a giant upskirt billboard! The Doki Doki Majo Shinpan hype machine (you excited?!) is in full effect with a huge banner gracing the Sofmap in Akihabara. Mark your calendars ’cause the game drops July 5th. It’s the nerd panic event of the summer!
Doki Doki Billboard [Akiba Blog]
It’s Official: Nintendo Announces WiiWare
Well, N’Gai called it. This morning, Nintendo official announced WiiWare, which allows developers to create downloadable titles especially for the Wii. Using redeemable Wii Points, the games will be sold via the Wii Shop Channel. Says Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime:
Independent developers armed with small budgets and big ideas will be able to get their original games into the marketplace to see if we can find the next smash hit. WiiWare brings new levels of creativity and value to the ever-growing population of Wii owners.
The first WiiWare games will come in a “variety of pricing options” and become available early 2008. Hit the jump for the full release.
Nintendo’s WiiWare Paves The Way For Fresh Games, Cool Consumer Experiences
Nintendo Sets a New Paradigm: One Game Can Still Make a Difference
SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 27 /PRNewswire/ — The search for the next ingeniously ground-breaking video game has begun. At a private developers conference this week, Nintendo announced the introduction of WiiWare(TM), a game-creation service that will allow developers large and small to create new downloadable video game content for sale by Nintendo through the Wii Shop Channel of the hot Wii(TM) home video game system. WiiWare paves the way for smaller, more creative games to make their way to the public at lower prices, without any inventory risk to developers. The first WiiWare content will launch in early 2008.
“Independent developers armed with small budgets and big ideas will be able to get their original games into the marketplace to see if we can find the next smash hit,” says Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “WiiWare brings new levels of creativity and value to the ever-growing population of Wii owners.”
The possibilities for WiiWare are limited only by the imaginations of developers. WiiWare provides game creators a simple method by which they can get their games to the public. This approach, combined with the remarkable motion controls of the Wii Remote(TM) and Nunchuk(TM), will give birth to fresh takes on established genres, as well as original ideas that currently exist only in developers’ minds. The reduced barriers to development provide developers the freedom to create and an inexpensive, clearly defined path to reach consumers who will ultimately determine which game will become the Next Big Thing.
WiiWare will be posted on the Wii Shop Channel. As with current Wii Shop Channel offerings, users will redeem Wii Points(TM) to download content. It will support a variety of pricing options. Details about that and upcoming projects will be announced at a later date. For more information about Wii, visit http://www.Wii.com.
Mountain Out Of Mole Hill: Burnout Ad Deemed “Irresponsible” In UK
A advertising poster for Electronic Arts PS2/PSP title Burnout Dominator has been labeled “irresponsible” by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority. Thirty-seven complaints were filed regarding the ad, which featured a wrecked car surrounded by broken glass with the slogan “Inner peace through outer violence.” According to an ASA spokesperon;
The complainants described the advert as offensive as it condoned and was likely to encourage violence, dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour such as vandalism… The Advertising Standards Authority determined that the implication of the advertisment was likely to cause serious or widespread offence.
Electronic Arts said the ad wasn’t condoning violence, but is going to change to ad to comply with the ASA. What’s more, the ASA also recommended that in future EA get advice regarding its ads. The game was released earlier this spring, and I haven’t seen this poster and couldn’t find it online. It doesn’t sound so bad. Are people really that uptight?
Stupid question.
Eds Note: Multiplayer editor Ludovica was kind enough to send along the ad image. Many thanks!
Irresponsible Ad [Games Industry]
Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Celebration: “Major Flop”
Earlier tonight, Square Enix held a Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Celebration at San Francisco’s Sony Metreon. The event celebrated 20 years since the first FF hit the Nintendo Entertainment System. Hours before, fans started lining up, including blogger and Final Fantasy fan Bryan Veloso. That’s Bryan in the pic. He wasn’t able to take any photos inside the event, because Square Enix wouldn’t allow that. Which begs the question: why? If it’s a success, pictures of the actual event are obviously better than of some dude in front of a sign. Bryan’s opinion:
So all in all, it was a flop. A MAJOR flop. I love you Squeenix, but I think you have a problem with the word celebration. Remember the party you held for the Japanese? Yeah, that’s something that we Americans (who apparently love everything big) would have loved. But no, you give us a picture, old FMV footage and 6 PSP demo stations after waiting in the windy city of the west for well over two hours (even more than that for the people who got there first). Sure it was a launch party for the PSP version of Final Fantasy, but if you’re going to use the 20th Anniversary Celebration in the title of the event, then I for one think that there should have been a little more than goofy Playstation store employees jumping over each other in front of a green screen.
Anyway, as I said, we were both extremely underwhelmed, close to the point of regret. But we’re Final Fantasy fans, and always will be. We’ll buy your games, just hesitate to come to your celebrations.
That’s just one blogger’s take on the event, and I know others like Chris Kohler were in attendance. Not sure what Bryan was expecting exactly. I mean, I went to that Final Fantasy Party in Chiba and had a grand old time. Doubt Square Enix could cram that kind of excitement into the Sony Metreon. Doubt anyone could.
Minute By Minute Account [Avalon Star]
