Infendo
The Wii: A new challenge for third party developers
This news from GameIndustry.biz is right up my alley: an analyst calling out lazy third party developers for producing utter schlock for, or bypassing entirely, the Wii. In response to comments made by Todd Mitchell of Kaufman Bros. Equity Research, IDC analyst Billy Pidgeon basically smacks the man around the room for appeasing developers that lack the ability to innovate (of which, IMO, there ar...
Nintendo will win the console war, say Gamepro and IDC
Through a terrifyingly complex algorithm, Gamepro has reached the conclusion that the consoles that sell more units ultimately will have sold more units than others. Huh! This conclusion was reached via hard data and line graphs, so think twice before you question their logic. To me, predicting the Wii’s success this late in the game is like calling a horse race after one of the competitors ...
Wii lineup, 2007 edition
Nintendo President Satoru Iwata announces 100+ games in development, and then this list of 2007 Wii games (Japan, mind you) is dropped to the eager press. Coincidence? Who cares, we get Super Mario Galaxy in 2007. Donkey Kong Taru Jet Race (DK Jet or DK Bongo Blast, US) – June 28, 2007 Wii Health Pack — 2007 Disaster: Day of Crisis – 2007 Mario Party 8 – 2007 Project H.A.M....
Nibris’ Sadness is an art book
Call me the cynical video game scientist, because when it comes to game development, I need to see screenshots and live action in-game trailers to believe a game actually exists. So it is today that I have come to the conclusion that Nibris is not developing a game in Sadness, but an art book. Wii Fanboy has some new “exclusive screenshots artwork” today that, for the first time, has l...
Analyst says HDTV penetration not as good as expected
“Although the penetration of HD has been impressive, I believed, and was correct, that this penetration would not attain a level that could support the level of installed base of second-generation consoles which are non-HD. The Wii can be enjoyed on regular-resolution televisions without paying a premium,” said one analyst in speaking with News Factor on HDTV. So is Wii proof that the ...
What is the best Mario game, ever?
Game Daily published a feature last week dubbed The Top 10 Mario Games. Super Mario Bros. 3 took the top spot amongst a slew of greats. While I may agree with their first pick (either that or Super Mario World in my book), I disagree with several others; Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga at number four? Seems high to me. In your eyes, what is the best Mario game to date and why? Post in the comments...
Get Your Spend On – new releases this week
Spider-Man casts his web on all Nintendo systems this week (sorry, GameCube). US releases:WiiHeatseekerLegend of the DragonSpider-Man 3DSShrek the ThirdSpider-Man 3GBASpider-Man 3 EU/UKWiiEledeesMercury Meltdown RevolutionSpider-Man 3DSDiner DashFinal Fantasy IIISpider-Man 3 If Heatseeker is anything like the classic arcade experience After Burner, then I might have to rent it. Anything on this li...
Poll – Are you still unable to buy a Wii?
They talked about whether or not Nintendo was intentionally withholding Wii systems on Infendo Radio #56, so this week we ask: Are you still unable to buy a Wii? Yes No Waiting Don’t want one Since there’s an answer for “Don’t want one” please assume that “No” means you already have one. If you have one or can’t find one, tell us your story. If you&#...
The Blue Ocean is deep
I worry this morning that the table has been set for a repeat of the early 1990’s. The industry is healthy, with two of the three console makers selling their wares briskly, and the slow trickle of software that was the first six months of the “next generation” is set to increase as we head into and out of the summer doldrums. Well, it’s set to increase in the Nintendo corn...
Virtual Console Monday – Castlevania, Shockman, and The Legend of the Mystical Ninja
There are three new releases for Wii’s Virtual Console today, including the classic beginning of a franchise that continues to be a powerhouse even now. Castlevania – NES – 500 PointsStep into the shadows of the deadliest dwelling on Earth. You’ve arrived at Castlevania, and you’re here on business: to destroy the curse of the Evil Count, once and for all. Make your w...
Does Nibris really exist?
I’ve got hunch today that Nibris and its stable of “almost done, we swear!” titles will either be remembered as the beginning of a prosperous new era for indie developers, or the most colossal non-starter dud since Duke Nukem Forever. There’s going to be no middle ground on this one. Here’s what we’ve seen so far: A woman prancing about on a sound stage with an ...
DS produced faster than any other Nintendo system
The AP reports: “Nintendo also has a big hit in the DS, selling more than 40 million since its launch in late 2004… Iwata said Nintendo is now producing 2.5 million DS machines a month to meet bursting demand, the highest production ever for a Nintendo game machine.” Nintendo’s biggest system ever? It’s looking that way.