Archive for February, 2010
New controller mimics classic Super Nintendo and Genesis pads
DreamGEAR has released a new, very noteworthy controller. Dubbed the "Arcade Fighter Classic Pad," this Wii controller pays homage to the two main consoles from the 16-bit era: the Super Nintendo and the SEGA Genesis.
DreamGEAR's new controller has a d-pad and six face buttons, similar to the Genesis, with the Classic Controller's ZL/ZR buttons as the shoulder buttons instead of "L" and "R."
The controller plugs into a Wii Remote just like the Classic Controller (except with the cord coming out the top of the controller). There's no telling what the quality of the build is since this controller is coming from a third-party accessory manufacturer.
Regardless, it's good to see another iteration of a classic design. DreamGEAR is offering the controller for $24.99 on their site, but smart folks may run to Best Buy to check it out for only $14.99.
As for me? Even though I'm happy with the Nyko Wing, I'm waiting for the Classic Controller Pro with Monster Hunter Tri.
Previously Project Needlemouse, SEGA is bringing a new classic Sonic to Wii
Today SEGA unveiled a sequel to 1994's Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic and Knuckles, titled Sonic the Hedgehod 4 Episode 1. The game is set to launch this summer on WiiWare for download.
The game, previously codenamed Project Needlemouse, will bring the Sonic franchise back to its 2D roots. This announcement comes as a relief to many fans after SEGA has struggled to have success with 3D Sonic games.
The game's storyline is set after 1994's Sonic & Knuckles, now available for download on Virtual Console. Sonic will be the only playable character in the new game.
As the name suggests, SEGA plans to release future titles in the Sonic series episodically. No word yet on how many episodes SEGA plans to release.
See the first trailer for the game below.
Sega associate brand manager Ken Balough explained to GameSpot why they decided make Sonic a downloadable game:
"In recent years, we've seen a huge surge of classic game properties making a return in this arena. [Downloadable] games offer players a chance to play terrific games without breaking the bank. It's also a promise to Sonic fans. We're going to deliver a Genesis-era Sonic game as if it were created today that goes to the core of what classic Sonic fans desire. This means [the fan] gets to judge us on our work each step of the way, and we plan on delivering that goal in a big way."
Balough also explained what their goals in terms of graphics for Sonic 4 were:
"One of our goals was to make a gorgeous-looking 2D Sonic game. This approach allows fans new and old to see what a 2D Genesis-style game would look like today with modern graphics. "
Balough did confirm the Wii version of Sonic 4 will "be able to use motion control" and run at 480p resolution.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 is set to release on WiiWare this summer.
THQ says de Blob 2 coming to Wii in 2011
During an investors conference call yesterday, THQ President and CEO Brian Farrell announced that a de Blob 2 sequel will be coming to Wii in fiscal 2011.
"Our de Blob franchise will be back again in fiscal 2011," stated Farrell. "We successfully launched this highly-rated franchise in fiscal 2009 to broad, critical acclaim."
Initially developed by a small group of college students, de Blob puts players in control of a ball of color with the mission to jump around and repaint a barren city.
The evil INKT Corporation has been removing color from the world, spreading lies that color is dangerous in order to secretly mine color and sell it overseas. Left with a monochrome city of gray buildings, players take on the role of a hero referred to as "The Blob," which is literally a transparent blob with ears that grows a face and arms when stationary.
THQ's unique action puzzler took home five awards at the annual Games Developers' Association of Australia (GDAA) Awards in 2008. It received "Best Console Title", "Best Gameplay", "Best Graphics" and Best Audio" along with the coveted "Best Game" award.
For more info, check out The Wiire's de Blob Impressions.
I am your fodder
Ian, Mike, Andrew and Scott fasten their seat belts for this rapid fire action-packed episode! Sort of. This week, the panel talks about Iwata saying 'no' to Project Natal, the Classic Controller Pro shipping in April, Nintendo's holiday surge, how Netflix on Wii will work, the end of on-rail shooters, hints of Nintendo's plans for E3, and much more. Download this episode today!
Topics covered in this week's episode:
Runtime: 0:40:53
Employee at major international publisher says devs working on new platform
An employee at a major international publisher says Nintendo plans to announce a new platform at next month's GDC conference and that some developers have already begun work on it.
The Wiire has spoken to one Wii developer who said "We have not heard anything about this."
Videogamer.com reported the rumor this morning, saying there were contacted by an employee at a major international publisher, who had this to say:
"Just heard a rumour that you may be interested in: Nintendo are going to announce a new platform at GDC. Some devs have already started work on it."
The employee did not specify whether the platform was console or handheld based, but did say he was sure of the platforms existence, yet unsure whether they would reveal it at GDC next month.
Speculation of a new Nintendo console has been continually bubbling up. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata recently spoke to investors at a Q&A session about Wii HD rumors, saying "It needs something new".
When contacted for comment, a Nintendo spokesperson told VideoGamer.com: "This is purely rumour and speculation." Nintendo traditionally does not comment on any rumors, true or false.
