Whilst the start of a new month would usually bring fresh excitement, especially considering the impending arrival of some of this years biggest titles – Final Fantasy XIII and God of War III – March has been initially hampered by an inherent bug within Sony’s PlayStation 3 consoles.
With Sony remaining firmly tight lipped on the issue, speculation currently lies in the fact that the PlayStation 3’s clock chip – on all the older ‘fat’ models – is currently searching for February 29th within its 2010 calendar. As well all know, this doesn’t exist and so issues have now arisen in which users are unable to play games, sync trophy data or even connect to the PlayStation Network. It is the 8001050F error code, apparently, are indicative of the machine being locked off PSN and being susceptible to Trophy data corruption.
However, the issue may be able to be fixed. If it is indeed hardware based there is a chance that Sony will be able to re-write the binary codes of the clock chip so that it can ‘understand’ that 2010 and other years won’t have a February 29th. It may also correct itself overnight when it alters onto March 2nd, so maybe Sony are currently playing the waiting game.
However, those that can’t connect to PSN will be left unable to download the patch, if ever managed, that will save their consoles. Sony may be able to utilise a server that isn’t clock-based to counteract this, yet that means the only other option the company has is to release the patch via PlayStation.com to be installed with a USB Stick, or seek some form of distributing discs to retail stores and PlayStation 3 owners directly.
Worst case scenario is that the clock chip is such low level tech within the PlayStation 3 console that it is unable to be patched through firmware, which would mean that if it doesn’t correct itself tonight Sony could be looking at having a much larger issue on their hands.
Some of the techy members on GAF believe that if it is unable to be fixed then Sony will have to recall all affected consoles, creating a situation that will rival even that of Microsoft’s widespread RROD issue with the Xbox 360. With the majority of PS3 owners in possession of a ‘fat’ model, and even Debug units being reportedly affected, this could be an incredibly worrying time for Sony if the issue remains unresolved.
It isn’t often that I get too bothered by the flaming remarks of fanboy’s, yet today I became overly dismayed that led to an outburst of frustration, caused by some of the things that I have been continually seeing over the past number of years. It begs the question as to why those feel the need to continually argue and make comparisons that serve no real purpose, and I’m left feeling genuinely puzzled as to why more tend to occupy their time these days complaining about titles rather than enjoying the continual fruition of games that the industry provide.
It would seem to me that purely enjoying playing games is becoming overshadowed by an undercurrent of interest in ‘flamebait’ to lure occupants of the on-going Console War (cue Star Wars music) to blindly voice their opinion whilst hiding behind ID’s such as “ILovesMaiPussTrey”. Is this really what gaming has become?!
There is something to be admired in those that remain an adamant follower of one console, but in most cases this isn’t due to a fact of actual loyalty but more so that they own just the one console due to financial reasons rather than choice. I am, of course, not insinuating that everyone should own both consoles and entirely not criticising or looking down upon those that don’t – I for one consider myself incredibly lucky to have a single console, let alone both. Yet those that have both a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 can enjoy the access, or opportunity, of being able to enjoy the exclusive titles releasing on both platforms. There are plenty of first party titles that continually allow each console to achieve its true potential and highest quality – the likes of Killzone 2, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and the upcoming God of War III on PlayStation 3, then Forza 3 Motorsport, Gears of War 2 and the recently released Mass Effect 2 for Xbox 360. Even the downloadable services, accessed via Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network, provide their own unique titles for each console that provide further gaming experiences that can rival even the very best of gamess – Chime, Flower, Lumines and Shadow Complex being such examples.
However, it seemingly isn’t the exclusive titles that provide most fuel for the fanboy flames, but the games that are released multiplatform. I guess it’s inevitable really, as here enlisted occupants of the Console War barrage can easily aim to draw direct comparisons between versions, which only seeks to heighten the ability to flaunt the “My console is totally so much uber better than yours! zOMG, why on earth did you buy it in the first place?” statements.
Whilst I welcome the likes of comparisons from the respected team over at Digital Foundry that are conducted with care and accuracy, in some other cases these can miss the mark. I’ve seen a recent Bioshock 2 comparison that received a hive of attention, that seems to purposefully downgrade the Xbox 360 version to make the PS3 look far superior. I won’t name the site of course, but I’m sure you’ll be thinking me a fanboy now for criticising their work. Although I can’t comment on the accuracy of the PlayStation 3 screens, when I received my Xbox 360 copy I had reached the point that I had previously seen looking so poor within the certain sites comparison and on my screen it looked every pixel as good as its PS3 counterpart. Nothing at all like the rather atrocious screen that was claimed to be taken from the Xbox 360 version. If it was it must’ve been Alpha build, and I’m not even joking. Yet these are constantly surrounded by attention from those vying to prove that their console is superior, but why do so when they are so often inaccurate?
I’m sure you’re probably thinking that it’s true in some cases that one version may clearly be seen to be visually better, but what are we to expect – the exact same on two consoles utilising entirely different hardware? I won’t deny that on occasion games can look better on one version to its “rival”, but more often than not it’s only a marginal difference and nothing that will detract from the overall enjoyment of a game.
Most won’t want to pick up an inferior port for sure, especially when spending money on a launch title near full RRP price, and this can be entirely respected. Such worries are eveident even recently, having seen what happened with Sega and Platinum Games’ Bayonetta title. From its Japanese release, months ahead of its western debut, the PS3 version was criticised for its low framerate, poor graphics and long loading times even during cutscenes, whereas the Xbox 360 copy didn’t suffer from such issues. This has now been patched however, yet it didn’t stop outrageous comments from those that “enjoy” gaming.
Today brought comments that the Xbox 360 version of Final Fantasy XIII isn’t as visually sublime as the PlayStation 3 version. Whilst I have an imported PlayStation 3 version of the game, I am awaiting to see for myself how well the title looks on Xbox 360, although having been fortunate enough to have played it last month I still maintain my view that it looked slightly sharper than the PS3 version yet the FMV’s suffer slightly due to compression. The PS3 version, due to having the extra Bluray disc space, will clearly have better quality FMV’s due to having the space to leave them uncompressed, yet such differences between the titles aren’t enough to detract anything from the overall gameplay experience – surely the most important aspect of any game? It returns me to the point of why can’t gamers just enjoy whichever version they choose to buy, without feeling the need to shun others. This element of fanboyism really needs to stop.
I guess the bottom line really is that for those with both consoles, there should really be no need to moan. Buy the game on the console you prefer, and enjoy your gaming experience regardless – something few seem to do these days without seeing the need to argue online about how your version is totally superior as the grass looks better… please. For those with the single console, quit comparing versions and enjoy the one that you are able to. For sure, keep an eye out for news regarding a port with issues, but let the developers tackle them with patches. Surely we should be relishing the opportunity to be able to play these games at all, or would we rather everything remain platform exclusive?
The Console War will still continue however, and I’m not sure it’ll ever end. With that, I leave you with this…
As we enter into 2010, which is surely set to be an exciting year for owners of any of the current generation consoles, I still feel that one overarching issue still remains within the console market, that of the ‘Red Ring of Death.’
It is no secret that the history of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 is plagued by its association with an unfortunately high failure rate leading to the now infamous RRoD, more often than not due to an overheating fault across the early models that hit the market from launch. This has an incredibly large quantity of consoles, so much so that I’m sure the majority of those reading this will know at least one friend that has been affected.
Microsoft have actively sought to rectify the problem with minor refinements to the newer model consoles, including the most recently released Xbox 360 Elite SKU, however the RRoD issue still remains to be a constant worry to many Xbox 360 owners. However, even more importantly from my own experiences with chatting to friends I know that it holds back those from even purchasing a console.
This therefore begs the question, why haven’t Microsoft released an entirely new redesign of the Xbox 360 model?
It must be remembered also that Sony’s Playstation 3 isn’t free from console failures either, yet more so in its 60Gb launch models. Whilst at a smaller percentage to that of the Xbox 360, Sony has had to recently counter reports of the ‘Yellow Light of Death’ which led to an investigation by BBC’s Watchdog that seemingly blew the issue completely out of proportion.
However around the same time as the BBC Watchdog programme was released, Sony had revealed and were preparing to release the Playstation 3 Slim model. Whilst the initial reaction to its announcement was incredibly mixed, the redesign of both the logo and console has led to a revived interest in the console since its release back in September 2009. Some dismissed the new Slim model , but the sales have continually increased over the end of 2009 and into 2010 – so much so that it has been reported that Sony are quickly catching up to their rivals, Microsoft, in console sales.
The effect of the console redesign on sales is undeniable, and Microsoft are in a position where there are enough options to encourage a new model of the Xbox 360. I’m sure there are many consumers, both that either own an Xbox 360 or have yet to purchase one, that would welcome a console with integrated wifi, HDD, was smaller in size and ran much quieter to the current model. Whilst Microsoft’s strategy has been to sell such hardware separately to the console, these will still be purchased by those picking up any of the previous three SKU’s so they wouldn’t be losing too much in the way of profit – one would hope at least.
The price point of both consoles is also remarkably close now, with the Xbox 360 Elite pricing around £180-200 at retailers, with the PS3 Slim at £200-250. Alongside this, the older SKU’s are available for cheaper meaning that more gamers are setting their sights on perhaps taking their first steps in entering the next generation. Such considerations for a redesign also come at a time when the market doesn’t really seem to be pointing in the direction of the next Xbox or PlayStation console coming out anytime soon. Such longer console life cycles that we are currently seeing have seen Microsoft place renewed energy behind successfully launching Natal this year – something that they are clearly on track to do, despite mixed opinions on its necessity. This would provide ample opportunity for the new hardware to be released, and bundled, alongside a potential new redesigned console – maybe this is the right time for something to happen?
For those that have read this far and are preparing to bash my discussion as being that of a PlayStation 3 owner, I actually spend every ounce of my gaming time on my Xbox 360 lately – although I do have both consoles.
With 2010 seeing a remarkably strong software line-up for Microsoft’s console, the release of Natal and a return of X10, maybe we can hope to see them unveil something this year, I know that I would be first in line to buy one.
… and so the Blog’s begin, and I personally hope that the Staff at theLostGamer will be able to provide you with an assortment of varied content on top of ensuring we keep you as up to date with the latest gaming news as possible. I have a few ideas as to what I would like to do with my spare typing time, and this little bit of personal space that has been a recent addition, after a relatively short but incredibly fruitful time writing on the site, I’ll aim to be posting in as regularly as possible.
At the ripe old Uni Student age of 22, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have owned a number of handheld and console platforms since I had my first encounter with gaming. At the age of 8, I asked for my birthday what I now consider to be a horrendous yellow Gameboy (the colour not the product!) and a copy of Donkey Kong Land, way back in 1995. As part of my Blog here at tLG, I wanted to occasionally take a look back at some of the games that really had an impact not only to me as a player, but also provided either a fresh experience or redefined a genre within the games industry. Of course, I can’t cover everything and the titles that I choose will be entirely my opinion, but hopefully those that choose to read these (thank you!) will be able to relate to and comment on what’s written. What must be clarified is that within these reflections, I will never post spoilers and only discuss the early portion of each game in terms of plot.
So now all that is out the way, let’s begin!
Mirror’s Edge was first announced way back in July 2007 before seeing release in November 2008, picking up the Game Critics Award for Best Original Game at E3 2008 along the way. Having been developed by the team at EA Digital Illusions CE, or DICE as they are more commonly known, Mirror’s Edge captured the attention of both gamers and the industry with its fresh gameplay, innovative ideas and vibrant aesthetic right from the outset.
When I saw the first footage for the title, I completely fell in love with the Developers use of colour and more importantly the fact that it presented plenty of new gameplay actions that were previously not found within first-person titles. However, what isn’t widely known is that Mirror’s Edge’s use of movement – presumably the ideas for sliding, rolling, running along walls, and shimmying your way along ledges – was actually initially developed for use within DICE’s coveted Battlefield 2 title, yet had to be abandoned due to time constraints. The team continued to tweak with the system however, which led to the decision to create a first-person title entirely centred around speed and movement.
The game is based within a futuristic city that goes by the name of Daily City, and its people have relinquished many of their freedoms so that they can live in a period of peace and comfort. Mirror’s Edge takes place in a dystopian, futuristic city called Daily City. The people of this time have given up many of their freedoms to attain a state of peace and comfort. More specifically, since the flow of information is mainly technological, it is easily monitored by the totalitarian government. That’s where Faith, the main character, and the other Runners come in.
The story arc begins when Faith’s sister, Kate, is framed for the murder of a mayoral candidate and she takes it upon herself to track down those who framed Kate and find out why the government, so suddenly, has felt the need to hunt the Runner’s and their web of shady clients.
What made this such a unique experience was its use of Runner Vision, an ability that is based on the Runner’s instinct and allows them to see potential pathways and escape routes that may not be obvious to other people. The way that the game handled this was by highlighting objects and doors in red, and was an aid that allowed the game play to retain a sense of pace as well as ensure that if you were ever stuck you could utilise the vision as a hints system.
However whilst the vision provides the player with the most accessible route, it wasn’t always the best one and for those seeking to complete the time trial runs available after completing the game it became necessary to seek alternate, and quicker, routes. As you progressed through the game however, the assistance from Runner Vision was reduced meaning that you would have to seek out routes yourself. For those seeking a greater challenge, Vision Mode could also be entirely turned off and was also unavailable in the Hard mode.
Finally, who could forget the soundtrack and more importantly “Still Alive,” the titles theme song? Whilst the main soundtrack, composed by Magnus Birgersson (aka Solar Fields), was entirely suited to the game it was the central theme song he wrote that proved most stunning. Sung by Swedish artist Lisa Miskovsky, “Still Alive” entranced gamers into the world of Mirror’s Edge and a soundtrack of both the original track and a host of remixes, entitled Still Alive – The Remixes. Here the theme was placed in the capable hands of music talents Benny Benassi, Junkie XL, Paul van Dyk, Armand Van Helden and Teddybears, with the album being released to coincide with the North American launch of the game on November 11th 2008.
The games journalism reception of the title was generally entirely favourable, with many being impressed by the graphics, sound and music. The controls were seen to have a learning curve, yet the levels themselves were easy enough to make your way through whilst maintaining a great sense of pace. Most criticism was placed on its linearity in getting to locations, weak combat system and overall length. However in terms of the latter, the downloadable content levels enhanced this, and the time trials added plenty of extra hours for those looking for a challenge.
When asked to sum up Mirror’s Edge in a single sentence, a friend and fellow PS3/ 360 gamer, Chris Barwick (XBL/ PSN ID: Daedalon), had this to say regarding his experience with the title; “Innovative gameplay, beautiful music and stunning visuals- something fresh and new.” I can’t disagree, and with the game being available to buy for under £10 these days – for those that missed out on it first time, or want to re-visit it like me, it is a title well worth checking out and could even be a Stocking filler at this time of year!
What was amusing, to me at least, is that whilst I was considering Mirror’s Edge as my first reflective blog post, last week saw the announcement that a version of the game was set to be released for iPhone, although set in third person – tied in quite nicely with this don’t you think?
The big question however, is will we see a sequel? I’ve got everything crossed for one to be made, and earlier this year I was provided with plenty of hope when Patrick Soderland revealed “You will see another Mirror’s Edge for sure. It’s just a matter of when that time is and what we do with it. We have a small team on it and I’m excited about what we do.”
You aren’t the only one Patrick, and I hope that there is another console title on the way alongside the iPhone venture – let’s hope 2010 brings such news!
I’m sure fans of the Halo series will be waiting in anticipation for tonight’s first footage of Halo Reach at Spike TV’s Video Game Awards ‘09, myself included. Yet, having read the ‘Fall of Reach’ book by Eric Rylund I wondered which of the key elements of the books storyline would make it, if any, into the game itself?
So, for those that don’t wish to learn of the possible storyline that Halo Reach may follow beware that you may be entering a spoiler infested article, yet for those that have read it and wish to speculate a few ideas with me, please read on!
Key moment 1;
A Spartan-II team witnesses a pair of Hunters relaying a signal with a Forerunner artifact whilst on Sigma Octanus. The team then race to intercept the signal and having decrypted the information are able to identify the co-ordinates of Halo Installation #4. However, during this operation the Covenant trace a departing UNSC Ship which fatally allows them to track the co-ordinates of the planet Reach.
This may act as a form of prologue to the game – dependent on whether or not Bungie will include the Spartan training within the storyline. It is an important aspect of the story, the turning point in which Reach’s fate is sealed. It is also a necessity in tying in the storyline with how the game will presumably end – mentioned later.
Key moment 2;
With the impending arrival of a Covenant Armada, the surviving Spartan-II’s are recalled to Reach in preparation of its defence. Here they are tasked with defending key generators that power the MAC cannons that are used to defend the planet. Whilst they are able to hold of the Covenant attack for a lengthy period of time, they soon become overwhelmed by the vast amount of Covenant reinforcements that swarm the planet’s surface.
As the Spartan-II’s arrive on the planet, one of their Pelicans is shot down – with a few Spartans killed by the crash, those that remain make their way on foot to the nearest generator. In the debut trailer for the game shown at E3 ‘09, one of the lines of dialogue states “We’ve just lost our bird,” so it is likely that this element of the story may be included. This may provide the title with some stealth gameplay as they make their way past Covenant scouts. Along the way they discover an entire valley of Covenant forces, and steal Banshees to bombard them – causing a chain reaction, and wiping them all out in the process. From this they then make their way back to the generators to aid their defense.
Key moment 3;
Whilst the Spartan II’s are on the planets surface, Master Chief, James and Linda are tasked with destroying an unsecured navigational database inside a ship docked above Reach. Whilst the navigational data is destroyed, James is killed during the operation and Linda becomes critically wounded from Plasma fire.
As far as I can remember, to reach the ship the three Spartans actually jump through space – whilst we saw Master Chief jump down to Earth in Halo 2, and how he landed at the start of Halo 3, the player has never been placed in direct control of such a situation. In taking the series to the next level, maybe this could be something that Bungie could include within Reach?
Key moment 4;
In the largest space engagement of the Human-Covenant war the huge Covenant Armada defeat the UNSC ships surrounding the planet, before glassing the planets surface having scoured it for Forerunner artifacts.
Bungie could utilise this in including some form of space combat within the franchise – the use of vehicles has been a long staple, but the introduction of hopelessly taking command of a UNSC Ship, or even the planets surrounding MAC Cannons would provide an entirely different experience to that seen previously within the series.
Key moment 5;
With Reach falling and the UNSC Fleet crippled, a small squad of Spartans and Dr Halsey retreat into a secret mine that leads into a Forerunner reliquary (container for relics). Here, they uncover a crystal that can bend the properties of Slipspace and later utilise it to escape from Reach on board a captured Covenant vessel.
This could easily be used within the game, and will allow for an expanded look at some of the Forerunner technology as well as showing Spartans other than Master Chief managed to survive the glassing of the planet. This may also allow for a follow-up Halo title, if Bungie wish, as Nylund’s ‘Ghost of Onyx’ book continues the story as to where they went after they escaped.
Key moment 6;
Presumably Halo Reach’s storyline will tie in with the start of Halo: Combat Evolved, and therefore Master Chief will escape on the Pillar of Autumn. Cortana, the ship’s AI, must follow the Cole Protocol and enter a random set of co-ordinates to jump the ship to, ensuring the Covenant are unable to follow any UNSC ships back to Earth. However, Cortana secretly guides the ship to the co-ordinates intercepted back on Sigma Octanus, Key moment 1, and this allows the Pillar of Autumn to make the first human discovery of the Halo installations.
So, there are my ideas – do you agree/ disagree that some should be used within the Halo Reach game, or do you think Bungie will choose to not follow Eric Nylund’s novel? I’m interested to hear what you think. I personally feel that if Bungie can hit the nail on the head, Halo Reach could easily become the best title within the series – with an incredibly deep and varied storyline, I’m looking forward to what they have in store.
The concept art used in this article were made by Halo fan, Alexastor.
Whilst many will have watched the last trailer for Mass Effect 2, that unveiled the Asari ‘Samara’ as a potential squadmate within the game, I am sure that most will have been concentrating on the demonstration of her strong Biotic powers rather than gaze at who she was using them on.
In explaining it is easier to pick out the key points within the video, which is embedded below for you to follow, rather than be making references that you can’t see.
0.17 – 0.21: Here we see Samara use here advanced Biotic powers to lift and throw a fellow Asari (which we see again later),
0.34 – 0.36: Samara is seen approaching Captain Shepard, who is seen to be having a private conversation with the Asari,
0.37 – 0.45: Asari vs Asari Biotic fight,
0.46 – 0.48: Samara wins, and knocks out/ kills opponent.
In terms of trying to figure out who the mystery Asari is, and what has caused them to fight, we need to look at what we know?
In terms of her character and role in the game, Samara is a ‘Justicar’ – an Asari who “has forsworn having children and given up all worldly possessions aside from weapons and armor, to wander the galaxy righting wrongs as defined by their unwavering code of justice.” Her actions in society make her a lawless vigilante able to be unconfined by government rule, and her strong will is racked by something that she feels an incredible guilt for in her past.
One unlikely possibility is that such the mystery Asari could be Liara, who is being attacked by Samara for her raunchy relationship with Shepard within the first Mass Effect title. For those that have played the title, Liara can conceive a child from having sexual relations with any species – perhaps Samara and her ‘unwavering code of justice’ believe that Asari should only mate with one another?
A more likely explanation is that the video shows the period of the game in which Shepard is trying to locate Samara as a recruit for his Elite Squad and ends up running into someone trying to impersonate her. Luckily arriving at the right time, she intervenes and inevitably protects Shepard from succumbing to a trap… or maybe she was being devious and protecting herself from him finding out something she didn’t want him to hear? Who knows…?!
Anyway, I hoped this would provoke some kind of thought/debate amongst fans of the series – take a look at what’s going on again and see if you can come up with your own ideas, even if we won’t know for sure until the full game.
There has been a continual battle between Reggie Fils-Aime, President of Nintendo America, and Michael Pachter, an analyst with Wedbush Morgan Securities, regarding the rumour behind the development of an HD version of Nintendo’s incredibly popular console, the Wii. Whilst Nintendo is remaining incredibly tight lipped, could there be any truth at all behind it?
Personally, I am a huge fan of both Nintendo as a company and the Wii as a platform, yet aside from the fact that the Wii is now sat comfortably within the homes of millions across the globe, I become increasingly frustrated with what I see as a lack of drive behind its titles – especially considering the success of the console. Sure, we have had the occasional enjoyable first-party title to keep us busy for a short while, yet we would never expect Nintendo to not strive to make the new games within its key franchises the best that they could be. Amongst a host of casual games, much of the hardcore fanbase has become disinterested in a console that is seeming to nowadays be continually barraged by a whole host of distinctly average third-party titles. It is clear to me, as i’m sure many of you, that the Wii itself has begun to deflate – regardless of the number of people still waggling their way through Wii Sports in their living rooms – yet what caused such a situation?
It is easily evident that the company released most of its core franchise titles within the early period of the consoles existence, a decision that has meant that the past two years have been seen to have provided owners with an incredibly dry spell, with few titles providing the true defining gaming experiences that were seen on previous Nintendo systems. During this time, the company has seen two incredibly disappointing Keynotes at the E3 conferences; E3 2008, where we saw Wii Music, Wii MotionPlus, WiiSpeak and the Wii’s first Animal Crossing title, and E3 2009 at which Nintendo fared a little better in unveiling Super Mario Bros. Wii, Wii Sports Resort, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Metroid M and the since unseen Wii Vitality sensor. Yet none of these announcements had the industry gasping in astonishment and it was all far too predictable – so what could possibly be around the corner?
I guess that it doesn’t help that the Wii has gained itself a wide identity as being a Family/ Party based console with the current third-party titles that grace the system, yet the core issue lies within the hardware. For me, the Wii just can’t stand up to the engaging graphical/game play experiences that the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 can provide – heavyweight titles such as Uncharted 2, Assassin’s Creed 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 being the most recent examples. I recall that Shigeru Miyamoto has often stated during interviews that to him, the most important facet within making games is to create an intricately woven gameplay experience and whilst it can never be questioned that this value can be found throughout the full range of Nintendo’s first party titles, there are just far too few of them within the gaming calendar and the majority of third-party titles that are left to bridge the gap are continually missing the mark.
Whilst I have an incredible admiration for Super Mario Galaxy – regarding it as one of the systems strongest titles – it always feels as if Nintendo have more recently continually begun to fall back on the safety of producing more titles within their most popular series rather than coming up with something new. Yet with the money the company is making from such a highly successful console, why do we continually see Zelda, Metroid, Mario and Pokemon titles being developed – despite the obvious easy sales remark – rather than seeing the famed developer creating new franchises for us to fall in love with? Even Donkey Kong and Pikmin have been relatively ignored, with each receiving Wii ports of Gamecube titles with added motion control – it’s not exactly pushing the boat out, so where are their new titles at least?
This leads me to an even bigger question that still remains in my mind – could this recent lack of ‘oomph’ mean that Nintendo is ready to deliver a huge punch in 2010, and more importantly what will it be? With Microsoft and Sony ready to present their own HD Motion Control experiences, could Nintendo be ready to launch a new ‘Wii Plus’ to counter them?
Regardless of being old franchises, it is known that new Mario and Zelda titles are on the way – yet what if E3 2010 revealed these as being the launch titles of a brand new high-definition version of the Wii console? Of course, I could but dream… but much in the same way that Super Mario 64 defined the direction of a console generation, could the introduction of a Wii HD provide even more impact from Nintendo?
Of course I can’t answer such questions, and whether or not a Wii HD is on the way Nintendo still retains pole position in terms of console sales this generation – I just hope that within 2010 we will start to see something that finally renews my , whether that be the unveiling of what is said to be an innovative Legend of Zelda title or maybe the appearance of an entirely new franchise… I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, but .
Of course, as always feel free to let me know your thoughts!
