The Other-M

This trailer looks amazing. I am so excited for this game.

New Disc Golf Info

Some footage and demonstration of the disc golf mode in Tiger Woods 10. It looks like it responds realistically with the Wii Motion Plus add on.


Tiger Woods TGA 10 Disc Golf Video from Revogamersnet on Vimeo.

The most recent cover of the game also has a Pay & Play logo that hopefully indicates some downloadable courses in the future to take advantage of the SD storage solution. The box art also states that Wii Motion plus is included. It will be interesting to see what this bundle will be priced at and if the game comes unbundled as well. It looks like this game is becoming a must buy.


Edit: It looks like the bundle version will retail for $59.99 while the game only will cost $49.99. No Grand Slam Tennis bundle for the U.S. however. Bundle is the way to go since Wii Motion Plus retails for $19.99.

Disc Golf

This info comes from the Tiger Woods 10 website:

All-New Disc Golf - Trade your clubs for discs in a fun, new game mode based on the family-fun sport of Disc Golf. Play from custom tee locations on all 27 courses in the game!

If the disc golf aspect uses the Wii Motion Plus to its full extent this would be a great addition to the series. A well done disc golf game would interest me more than a regular golf game. Hopefully they don't just tack this on at the end. I will be keeping my eye out for any new info or hands on impressions of this.

Guitar Hero Commercials

I am not buying Guitar Hero: Metallica anytime soon. But I love the commercials for the game. Not quite as good as this one but still very entertaining.

Storage Solution

Today at the GDC Nintendo announced and launched a storage solution for the Wii. The Wii's internal memory which stores save data, Wii channels, and downloadable games is only 512 MB. Needless to say, if you download many games, especially N64 games or larger WiiWare games this feels up quickly. For the last few months if I wanted to buy a new game I had to delete a number of games to make room. This was a large inconvenience.

The new storage solution allows games to be saved to an SD card (up to 32 GB in size) and played from the SD card with limited delay. Hopefully with this storage solution Nintendo will begin to release more N64 games (Majora's Mask and Excitebike 64 please) and increase the allowable size of WiiWare games. Check out the video below to see this system in action.



It is not the best possible solution,but I am more than happy with what Nintendo came up with. I am excited to see what are the other consequences of this update.

It's in the game

Recently EA announced their intentions to place a larger emphasis on developing games for the Wii from the ground up. To fulfill that promise EA has announced two games that will use Nintendo's Wii Motion Plus: Tiger Woods 10 and the new Grand Slam Tennis. With the details released this week about these games it seems that EA is taking this promise very seriously. Both of these games have jumped to the top of my wish list.

EA promises an all new realism that can be obtained only through Wii Motion Plus. They have obtained one-to-one motion control. Whatever you do in your living room, the on screen character will also do. Although the controls in Tiger Woods 09 were very good overall there were two main problems: first, the controller reading draws and fades was inconsistent; second, putting was unrealistic, you would choose a putter distance, for example a five foot putter, then you would have to swing full power for it to go five feet. Both of these issues have been remedied with the use of Wii Motion Plus (you can even push or pull putts now if you twist your wrists during the putts). Also added to the game this year is an actual crowd at tournaments; no longer will there be applause and jeers from an invisible audience. Also the weather conditions in the game will reflect the actual weather conditions at that location thanks to a link to the Wii Weather Channel.

EA has built also created a new franchise, Grand Slam Tennis, from the ground up for the Wii. It already has a lot of great things going for it besides Wii Motion Plus. It is the first tennis game to have Wimbledon in it. It also has many of the legendary players from days past such as Pete Sampras and John McEnroe. I also love the visual style of the game. Having more of a caricature style works much better with the Wii.

The early hands on with the game and Wii Motion Plus have been outstanding. Where the ball goes depends not only on the timing of the swing, but on the speed and position of the wiimote as well as the length of the backswing and follow through that you take.

I have expressed some concern before about Wii Motion Plus making games too realistic to the point that they are no longer fun to play. However, it seems that EA is walking this fine line. It seems like the games are still accesible. Hopefully these games will also provide a deep control experience that takes practice to fully master.

SSBB: One Year Later

Super Smash Bros. Brawl was probably Nintendo's biggest game release last year. The hype for the game was by far the biggest. From May 2007 until the games release on March 9, 2008 there were daily updates on the official website: Smash Bros. DOJO. The actual size of the game also makes it one of the largest ever released by Nintendo. There are 544 trophies, 700 stickers, 35 playable characters (including Sonic and Snake), 27 assist trophies, and 30 different Pokemon in Poke Balls. The game also includes probably the best soundtrack ever for a game. The number of game modes was also large; most notably, for the first time including a single player story mode: the Subspace Emissary. Brawl also added Wi-Fi play for the first time in the series.

All of this adds up to a tremendous game; the best iteration in the hugely successful franchise. However, one year later, looking back at the merits of the game, I think the game failed to be a great game. Despite being the largest game on the Wii, it doesn't have the replay value of other games. I play other games far more, and Brawl hasn't been turned on at my house for a long time.

The biggest problem for Brawl is the underwhelming online play. The quality of the online play was decent. I didn't have big problems with lag like others did. However, despite having robust options in the main game, the online aspect is limited to battles, home-run contests, and multi-man brawls. However, there is no stat tracking involved at all. If you beat up on your friends for hours the only record of it is in your memory. There are no online rankings, no stats, no replays. Mario Kart Wii, released one and a half months after Brawl features a much better online system with rankings, ghosts, and lag free play.

What Brawl really needs is an online ranking system. Tell me where I rank in the world, region, and against my friends. Tell me how many times I have beat my friend. Include rankings for the classic mode, home-run contest, Subspace Emissary. I spend hours racing around Luigi's Circuit in Mario Kart to try and beat my friends. Likewise rankings would make me replay the home-run derby and the classic mode over and over for bragging rights. Include online tournaments with different challenge objectives like Mario Kart and Tetris Party.

Brawl came half way to achieving this replayability with an awesome achievement system (one that I will likely never complete); but it would have been even better if I could compare my achievements with my friends. Unfortunately Wii Speak was also not implemented into the game. The lack of trash talking with friends also ruins the fun (Skype has served as a decent substitute though). Overall, Brawl is lacking a few characteristics that would have pushed the game over the top to be the game to play on the Wii.

Excitebots

Nintendo just announced a new game, Excitebots, that will be released in May. Excitebots is essentially a sequel to Excite Truck. It will provide racing like Excite Truck, but the trucks have been replaced with vehicles that look like insects and animals.
The official description reveals some wierd interesting gameplay mechanics:
"Get your friends together and grab your Wii Wheel (TM) accessories for action-packed raucous racing. ExciteBots: Trick Racing takes the big-air thrills and simple controls of Excite Truck (TM) and ramps up the fun with a non-stop barrage of funky challenges and mini-games performed at blinding speed. You won’t believe your eyes when you find yourself shooting goals, throwing pies and even playing poker in the middle of racing robotic animals and insects around off-road tracks."

Pies? Poker? I'm not too sure how those elements will be incorporated in the game. If it was anyone but Nintendo was making this game I would think this game was another piece of shovelware. No one would be excited about this game. Hopefully, it will be a great game.
I am most excited about a picture on the cover art for the game. A soccer ball is displayed. Hopefully this game will again have a take on the soccer game from Excitebike 64. Especially if the soccer game was online (the Wi-Fi logo is on the box, so some aspects of the game will be online). I could sink hundreds of hours into the soccer game alone. I think an online soccer game would make some of my friends buy a Wii.
This could be a very interesting release from Nintendo.

Metorid Prime 3

Today I finally finished Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. When I first got the game I played it a lot and got to the final boss but couldn't beat it on my first try. So I left the game alone for a long time. I have so many games that I progress to the final boss but never finish. I think there is a part of me that doesn't want to finish games because then they are over. (I still have not beat the first Metroid Prime, though I am at the last boss).

I have enjoyed the Metroid Prime series. However, I think Corruption took the series to the next level with the incredible controls of the Wii remote. I really enjoy first-person shooters with the Wii remote - nunchuck combination. (I am really excited for the Conduit to improve on these excellent controls with expanded customizability).

For those who have yet to experience the Metroid Prime series Nintendo is re-releasing the first two Metroid Prime games games on the Wii with Wii controls. This should make the games even better than they were.

Boom Blox

One of the highlights on the Wii last year was Boom Blox. Boom Blox, which was the first game which partnered EA and Steven Spielberg, is in essence a reverse Jenga game. Many of the levels have you throwing balls at blocks in an attempt to knock them down in as few throws as possible. The following trailer shows the many different game play modes.

The game has a large single player mode which is comprised of both a story mode and also a challenge mode. The game also boasts a very entertaining multiplayer mode. This even kept my wife entertained for over four hours of play. The game also had a very in depth creat a level mode. Some people have made incredible levels that recreate classic Nintendo games.


I would recommend this game to anyone. It actually provides an entertaining family experience, unlike many of the other party games on the Wii. Recently the sequel, Boom Blox: Bash Party, was announced. If you haven't picked up Boom Blox yet consider it. Look for a price drop and grab it. Or at least pick up the sequel coming this Spring.
Buy this game or else the Grim Reaper will get you.

November Sales Data

Nintendo had a huge month in November. They sold over 2 million Wiis in November alone and the DS sold more than 1.5 million in that month as well, four years after it came out.

On the software side of things things Nintendo didn't run away with sales. But this is what Nintendo had to say about the game sales:

Four games made for Nintendo systems placed in the top 10 U.S. best-sellers for November, representing the diversity of people who play Nintendo games. These included Wii Play (for casual and lapsed players) at No. 3 with more than 796,000 sold, Wii Fit (for new gamers) at No. 4 with more than 697,000 sold, Mario Kart Wii (for both core and casual payers) at No. 5 with nearly 637,000 sold and Wii Music (for everyone) placed at No. 9 with more than 297,000 sold, following its long-tail trend.

I love Nintendo's descriptions for who the games are for. I guess lapsed players are all the people looking for a second wiimote for their system.

121

I recently completed Super Mario Galaxy. I had conquered the game with Mario back in . After you beat the game with Mario you are able to play through the same levels with Luigi, trying to capture all 120 stars. Luigi is able to jump higher than Mario but he also doesn't have traction which Mario has. After you have beat it with Luigi, a special bonus star is unlocked.

This game is one of the best games on the Wii. The visuals are stunning and the sound is great. But by far the best thing about the game is the level structure. It is increadible to jump around small planets and see gravity pull Mario around.

The game also offers levels that can cater to any playing ability. The game is easy enough that anyone can collect 60 stars and beat Bowser. However, some of the other levels are truly challenging. By the time I was finished beating the last four extra hard levels I was shaking from the sheer intensity. You get so close to the goal and then one wrong move ends your life and sends you back to start the level over again.

Although Mario Kart has been the most high profile battle between me and Adibobea9, this was the original battle. It feels very sweet to win it.

In anticipation of Black Friday

Black Friday is only a week away. To get you ready for the holliday shopping season Wii Bluelight presents its holliday shopping guide.

Wii:

Wii Points Card - A must buy so you can get some Wiiware games or a cool virtual console game to relive your childhood.

Speaking of WiiWare use your WiiPoints to get the amazing game World of Goo. I have been playing this a ton lately. The best thing about the game: it will appeal to anyone in the family.

Guitar Hero World Tour - If you want to start a band the only good option on the Wii.





Mario Kart Wii - In my opinion the best Mario Kart game ever. The Wii Wheel and online play provide countless hours of fun for everyone.

Shawn White Snowboarding and/or Skate It - Check out either one of these games to put your Wii Balance board to use.

Boom Blox - This innovative game was directed and produced by Steven Spielberg. Plus my sources say this game wil be on sale at Target for $20 on Black Friday.

Animal Crossing: City Folk - If you haven't played an Animal Crossing game, this is a must have. If you have played an Animal Crossing game before this is just like the others.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour '09: All-Play: A great golf game with excellent controls. Plus it has an excellent online component.


Nintendo DS -

Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia - If you don't want the traditional Pokemon game try out this game where you save Pokemon. Plus it has downloadable missions to help you catch them all.


Guitar Hero On Tour Decades - A sequal to the DS game. I love the innovative guitar grip.

Chrono Trigger DS: Releasing on November 25th this game is essentially the Super NES classic brought to the DS the best game ever, now available with bonus content and in portable form.

Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia: The third Castlevania game on the DS features an all new Glyph attack system.

Personal Trainer: Cooking - The latest from Nintendo's Touch Generations is a cookbook that walks you through the cooking process for over 200 dishes and even has a grocery list function if you are missing some of the needed ingredients.

WiiWare

One of the most under appreciated aspects of the Wii has to be WiiWare. One of the difficulties that Nintendo faces in promoting WiiWare is that the Wii has found a large casual following. These fans are less likely then other gamers to connect their Wii to the internet. In fact, in Japan only about 40% of Wii owners have their Wii connected to the internet. As such, a large number of games have gone unnoticed by a large segment of Wii owners.

WiiWare should get more recognition from everyone because there are a number of games on WiiWare that are superior to many retail games. Not to mention they provide you great entertainment for a fraction of the price of many retail releases. In October alone two of the most critically acclaimed games for the Wii were on WiiWare: World of Goo and Tetris Party. World of Goo costs 1500 Wii Points ($15.00) while Tetris Party is 1200 Wii Points ($12.00). Even before October WiiWare was home to innovative releases such as LostWinds, the Art Style series, Mega Man 9, and the Strong Bad episodic content.



For more information on WiiWare check out Nintendo's Wiiware Page. This will provide you with information on game details, how to connect your Wii to the internet, and purchasing Nintendo Points. New WiiWare games are released every Monday at 10:00 a.m. Mountain time. Wii Bluelight always updates the new WiiWare and Virtual Console games on the sidebar every Monday.

Obama says: "Don't play Wii (and don't go to school and don't go to work), Vote!"

Obama's new add encourages people to skip work, skip class, and not play the Wii.



I for one will be playing the Wii that day and not voting.

World Tour Commercial

I can't wait until my copy of the game gets here from Amazon so I can be just like Kobe!

Making the Old School New

One of the most unique things that have happened during the current generation of consoles and handhelds for Nintendo is the resurgence of old school games. One of the earliest examples of this was the New Super Mario Bros. for the DS. I love how the first level starts out very similar to the original Super Mario Bros. and then you get a huge mushroom and it is nothing like the original. This trend only continued with the virtual console on the Wii. It gives you the opportunity to relive the classic games from seven different systems. This allows players to fall in fall in love again with games from their childhood or experience games that they missed out on the first time around. The DS has also seen a number of remakes: Final Fantasy III, Final Fantasy IV, and the recently announced Chrono Trigger highlight this trend. Finally, WiiWare will likely be host to a number of original versions of classic games. Mega Man 9 has already been announced for WiiWare and follows in the footsteps of the classic Mega Man games. WiiWare has also been used to rerelease Toki Tori, a GameBoy Color game.

These games reinforce Nintendo's philosophy that gameplay is more important than graphics. Hopefully these games will just be the beginning of more classic game designs being brought to old and new gamers alike.

One-to-one

One of the biggest announcements from Nintendo at E3 is their new Wiimote attachement Wii MotionPlus. Wii MotionPlus, in conjunction with the sensor bar and the accelerameter already in the Wiimote, will provide enhanced motion sensing. "Every slight movement players make with their wrist or arm is rendered identically in real time on the screen, providing a true 1:1 response in their game play." Despite the promise of the new controls, I think that one-to-one motion controls will end up being a mixed blessing for video games. The Wii MotionPlus will make some games possible that are not possible with just the Wiimote. One game I am especially excited for is the potential for a frisbee golf game. However, the danger that must be avoided is making the controls too realistic. One of the main reasons I play video games is to do things that I am incapable of in real life. It is an escape. For example I love golf games because of my awesome golf skills in video games. Tiger Woods PGA Tour would lose a lot of its appeal to me if I was only as good in the video game as I was in real life. It wouldn't be fun to shoot a 120 golf round in a video game. For games to be enjoyable with Wii MotionPlus developers must be able to obtain the proper balance between realism and keeping the games accessible.

Wii Experience

Being on vacation without my Wii has been tough. I have been going through Wii withdrawals. It got especially bad when I found out that the Nintendo Channel launched today. I have been waiting for the Nintendo Channel since December.

As I was walking through Six Flags Magic Mountain today I saw the Wii Experience station. They had a number of Wii stations set up along with a gift shop that had a number of video game shirts. They had a wide variety of games set up: Super Mario Galaxy, Wii Play, Mario Strikers Charged, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2, and Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree. While I was there playing a number of people came in and tried out some of the games. The controls on Wii Play seemed a little bit hyper sensitive. Overall I think it is an effective setup for Nintendo and Six Flags. It probably would have been a good idea to have Wii Sports as one of the games. Not necessarily because it is such a great game, but because that is what people know the Wii by. Nevertheless, it certainly eased my Wii withdrawal.