Midway announces Game Party, cashes in on Wii minigames

by Christopher Grant { Jun 28th 2007 at 11:25AM }

Midway just announced Game Party for the Wii, "a collection of classic skill games from around the world," like darts, table hockey, hoop shot (basketball?), and trivia. They go on to gloat that "more than a half dozen games are available." Whoa! Those half-dozen plus, which also seem to include Skee-ball and a variant of beer pong judging by the above image, hardly make a dent in the Wii's now towering pile of minigames, but every little bit helps we suppose. Unsurprisingly, Game Party will be available in November, just in time for ... well, y'know.

Tags: GameParty, Midway, minigames

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

AP @ Jun 28th 2007 11:32AM

*sigh*... More tech demo's and minigames... LAME

JodyAnthony @ Jun 28th 2007 11:38AM

ugh

Platinum_Skeet @ Jun 28th 2007 11:41AM

I own a Wii and a 360. Frankly games like this are making my Wii collect dust...

Pyronite @ Jun 28th 2007 11:44AM

Well, look at the bright side -- this is Midway we're talking about. Even if they announced a game for the Wii that wasn't a minigame, it likely wouldn't be very good.

Still, I have to agree with #3... there's nothing meaty on the Wii at the moment.

Kurt @ Jun 28th 2007 11:44AM

Looks more like quarters than beer pong.

vidGuy @ Jun 28th 2007 11:45AM

I too think this is silly - but I don't mind. It's not like they are twisting my arm to buy it. Frankly games like RE4, Tiger Woods, SPM, and a healthy balance of VC games are keeping the dust off my system.

However, beer pong training may be interesting... I always tend to start off poorly until the liquid brings its delicious effects to my body.

Konny @ Jun 28th 2007 11:48AM

This will surely appeal to the hardcore gamers, just like Nintendo has been saying all along.

Matt B @ Jun 28th 2007 11:51AM

I love to play shuffle board.

Genius @ Jun 28th 2007 11:51AM

My Wii has been collecting dust since February, with a week more of play around the time I bought Paper Mario (and didnt like it). Games like this one here are just an example of what the Wii will become becuase people are too damn lazy to make real games for it. Should be interesting to see what happens when the novelty of the Wii wears off, maybe then we'll get real games.

Obi-Habby @ Jun 28th 2007 11:52AM

I kind of glad I only own Wii Sports as far as minigames go. I'm not as jaded as everyone else, and although I would like some games with depth I have to admit this looks like it will be a lot of fun with friends and alcohol involved.

I also bet that the basketball game is just the hoop with the scoreboard you see in the arcade. Maybe it even moves back and forth.

Jason @ Jun 28th 2007 12:00PM

Awful... and if games like this sell well, why would a developer bother to invest more money and time into a Gears or Oblivion? Crank out the shit games in 6 months and make relatively the same profit, right? We're doomed.

GodisaMyth @ Jun 28th 2007 12:14PM

Face it, Wee owners will have to put up with this mini-game crap as long as grampa and mrs. Jones are the target audience for the Plumber.

If you want real games....you need a RROD60 or a PS3.

Is it too early to say I told you so?

What do you expect puplishers to do?
Not make an easy buck?
Ya, right.

That is what you get for paying $250 for 7 year old hardware in a new dress with retardenabled motion controls.

A0 @ Jun 28th 2007 12:17PM

We've always wanted a console that was pick up and play with family. But at what costs? I thought Wii was going to be different from GC with third-party games now developers are just putting tacked on controls to crappy games and releasing them like they're good..

Platinum_Skeet @ Jun 28th 2007 12:18PM

Obi-Habby @ Jun 28th 2007 12:18PM

@12. It was worth every penny. Join the Nintendo Fun Club today Mac.

GodisaMyth @ Jun 28th 2007 12:20PM

The Wee will continue to sell out for the foreseable future. Most of those sales are coming from people who see the Wee at a party and are hooked in to buying one even though most have never owned a gaming system before.

As for the developers that want to make serious games....they have the PS3 and the Craptacular60 to choose from.

Ha ha Weeboys....I told you so...and it will only get worse.

In the words of Nelson from the Simpsons....

HA ha!

GodisaMyth @ Jun 28th 2007 12:24PM

Look foward to E3 I do. New, exciting unannounced games there will be for PS3.

Mini-games, mini-games....everywhere you look when you see your Wee.

Gods you are gullible McFly.

JodyAnthony @ Jun 28th 2007 12:24PM

well, he told us so. I guess we better sell our wiis now. Wouldnt want someone with a name as clever as "GodisaMyth" to 'tell us so' again.

Obi-Habby @ Jun 28th 2007 12:26PM

Nintendo has tried to make 4 player gaming its focus since 1996 with the N64. I own the system because I play it with my friends. Accept it for what it is, a great party console that gets the occasional AAA 1-player hit. Sorry you have grown so accustomed to playing by yourself or over the internet. I for one wish I still had an arcade I could goto, but at least Nintendo wants me to be able to play games with other people.

Diskoboy @ Jun 28th 2007 12:32PM

Oh boy!!! More mini-games!!!

(Isn't sarcasm great!)

GodisaMyth @ Jun 28th 2007 12:32PM

Hey Jody,
been a while since we've gone back-n-forth with the banter.

All kidding aside...are you not seeing what I told you months ago? Do you think that these mindless mini-games will stop, or will they get more numerous?

If I were a publisher or developer looking for the casual quick buck....what machine would I choose?

If I were a developer looking for the most powerful hardware to create a game that will turn heads with the graphics and the gameplay...what machine would I choose?

Other than Nintendo with the 1st party games...I predict that 1/3 to half of all 3rd party games will be slapped together rehashes with tacked on motion controls or mini-games.

What do you think?

Come E3....PS3 owners will be all smiles.
Come E3...Wee owners....who knows.

JodyAnthony @ Jun 28th 2007 12:34PM

well godisamyth, what I think is that there will be a lot of shit like this for wii, and there will be a lot of good stuff like zelda or RE4 (port or not) for wii as well. Luckily when there is a drought of good wii games, I have other consoles to play.

Ah I love not being pointlessly tied down to a specific company for god only knows what reason.

Doug Kaplan @ Jun 28th 2007 12:34PM

@ Jason

The reason developers will continue to make games like Gears or Oblivion is the same reason that there are indie artists continuing to perform at dive bars across America even though Kelly Clarkson gets an easy route to the top of the charts, people are passionate about what they do and realize they don't need to sellout to fulfill this passion.

After Ico was made, do you think Team Ico said screw it, i'm making a collection of minigames, no, they made Shadow of the Collosus.

Not everyone is out just for money, artistic and epic games will always be made but it's the quick cash cows that will afford them that opportunity.

Obi-Habby @ Jun 28th 2007 12:39PM

Let's hear it for artistic integrity.

megaStryke @ Jun 28th 2007 12:43PM

I thought GodisaMyth was banned? Apparently not, so now we can all enjoy the fountain of haterade that gushes from his skull cavity.

GodisaMyth @ Jun 28th 2007 12:48PM

Jody,

I agree that there will be some games that will really take advantage of the Weemote...but not many.

Manhunt would have been a HUGE seller for the Wee but alas for once I am happy that we are spiraling down that slippery slope of censorship. Ok, I am not happy anymore...this censorship stuff is getting downright scary.

Manhunt would have sold millions if it where not banned. Now, companies will be wary of taking a risk with politically incorrect motion control games.

So, what's left for a company that does not want to piss away millions?

Two words....MINI...GAMES.

Why do you think I am tied down to one console?

I usually just have one system primarily because I do not have the time to play games very much anymore....(kids,family,work and so-on).

If I did decide to get another system I would have to have a reason to do so.

I will NOT buy a RROD60...I see no need to waste $400+ on a defective machine.

I will NOT spend $250+ for a machine that is 7 years old in a spiffy new outfit.

Manhunt would have been key for the plumber...thank the Gods that Nintendo is already too arrogant to see what they passed up.

Sony knows that they have to win back their fans with compelling software and services...at this point I am glad that they took so much flak...now they have to try the hardest of the big three and take the most risks.

And usually, where there is risk...there is reward.

Bring on E3!!!!!!

vidGuy @ Jun 28th 2007 12:56PM

"Do you think that these mindless mini-games will stop, or will they get more numerous?"

More numerous definitely. Just like every other type of game, including exclusives worth buying.

"If I were a publisher or developer looking for the casual quick buck....what machine would I choose?"

Wii. If you were a publisher or developer looking for the largest install base from 2008 onwards, who would you choose? Wii.

"If I were a developer looking for the most powerful hardware to create a game that will turn heads with the graphics and the gameplay...what machine would I choose?"

Probably the 360. It's your best choice to reach consumers with WOW graphics, anyway. Gameplay? Probably the Wii.

"I predict that 1/3 to half of all 3rd party games will be slapped together rehashes with tacked on motion controls or mini-games."

I'll go with that prediction. It's a good thing I can look forward to 2/3 of a large selection of 3rd party games as being worth looking into. I'd even venture to say that even if 10% of those are worth buying, Nintendo will have scored a victory with the 3rd parties.

GodisaMyth @ Jun 28th 2007 12:56PM

megastryke,

When have I said hateful things?

I have only used sarcasm to make my points...yes they are meant to provoke a little...it's all in fun, at least for me. I have no reason to hate someone I do not know. Please understand (like I think Jody does) that I mean no ill-will towards anyone, there is more than enough hate in this world without me adding to it.

Having said that...

MINI GAMES!!!!!Whhhhhhhhhooooooooooooooooooo
Tacked on motion controls to rehashed games....WWWWWWWWWWeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Bring on E3!!!!!!!

JodyAnthony @ Jun 28th 2007 1:07PM

eh, if it makes you happy to badmouth a game console, go for it. its not going to invalidate my (or anyone elses) purchase. Wii has its problems just like any other console. But it doesn't matter, they are just toys. Have fun with whatever game you want, isn't that the idea behind being a gamer?

GodisaMyth @ Jun 28th 2007 1:11PM

Came across this at Weefanboy...funny, and well done.

3. YES FINALLY SOME MINIGAMES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyXUVd2c83c

Posted at 12:50PM on Jun 28th 2007 by Jonathan Tran

Mr Khan @ Jun 28th 2007 1:20PM

Well, this is what to expect from the more low-end developers. Midway did the same thing with the DS recently, although i forget what the project was called

I find it interesting that people focus on these games and ignore the good stuff (goodness that's definitely accumulating over time) in order to bash the Wii

megaStryke @ Jun 28th 2007 1:21PM

@GodisaMyth

Unless you've somehow done an 180 since the last time you posted (and it has been a while, that or I never look at the topics you comment on), I'm going to assume that you are the same guy who likes to call anyone who doesn't own you machine of choice an idiot or a mindless drone. At some point, your argument will boil down to why God(s) doesn't exist and likening all those who play the machine that is not of your choice to religious nuts who have the intelligence of sand.

For someone who claims to have a wife and kids along with a career (a claim that I find very suspect because it seems to be all the rage lately for most users here to say something to that effect in order to sound more adult and therefore more credible), you don't quite seem to carry yourself with an air of maturity.

And another thing, if you don't have time to play games much anymore because of the above claim, why would you engage in the most time-consuming games? Sounds counterintuitive to me.

But please, continue. I guess I don't "get" it. I don't get the big joke. I don't get the "Oh, I just stir shit up for fun" game. It was tolerable with Jack of No Trades because he was extremely transparent, but he was the upper limit.

GodisaMyth @ Jun 28th 2007 1:29PM

"At some point, your argument will boil down to why God(s) doesn't exist and likening all those who play the machine that is not of your choice to religious nuts who have the intelligence of sand."

I never say anything about religion until someone else brings it up. Am I not to respond?

"religious nuts who have the intelligence of sand."

Thanks...I will have to remember that one.

"It was tolerable with Jack of No Trades because he was extremely transparent, but he was the upper limit."

So, you decide what is tolerable for everyone? Really, wow.

Obi-Habby @ Jun 28th 2007 1:32PM

I don't have time to play games anymore. I can't even remember the last time I picked up an RPG, i still have only beat 2 dungeons of twilight princess. In fact I have a copy of SPM still unopened, but I do get to play WiiSports on my Wii, and Dungeon Runners and my PC. Both games you can enjoy without having to commit at least 2 hours at a time so as no to get lost in your linear gameplay.

I am busy. I play Mini-games. No wife, no kids, just a job that makes me work 50 hours a week for close to minimum wage. Gotta love being an intern. Maybe when I'm done I will buy one of those fancy PS3s I keep hearing Godisamyth talking about.

megaStryke @ Jun 28th 2007 1:40PM

I said he was tolerable. I didn't say he wasn't a bit pompous. At least he didn't directly insult anyone, not to my knowledge anyway. With a name like yours, however, is it wonder why the issue gets brought up? It's a damn invitation. You probably made that name with the hopes that someone will make a passing reference and give you an excuse to spiel.

But before I get ahead of myself, I'm just going to stop. I'm going into NPC mode now:

"The palace is just ahead, but beware of the imps who dwell in the forest."

JodyAnthony @ Jun 28th 2007 1:44PM

Welcome to HomeTown!

GodisaMyth @ Jun 28th 2007 1:56PM

With a name like yours, however, is it wonder why the issue gets brought up? It's a damn invitation. You probably made that name with the hopes that someone will make a passing reference and give you an excuse to spiel.

I am so sick of this double standard

If my name was Jesus rules or God is great or God is real....no-one would think twice about it.

But oh no....look at my name...how dare I go against religion...how dare I have my own opinion...he must be stopped...I cannot let him insult my religion.

If a simple screen-name really bothers some people then they have just confirmed what I already know....they are very, very insecure about their religion and the mere thought of someone not believing or having the same opinion is enough to create doubt of their own.....so, what do they do?

They lash out...to protect their fairytale.

It is just a name.
It is also what I believe.
If you do not like it, then that's fine.

Bring on E3!!!

deaftly @ Jun 28th 2007 1:56PM

gotta love ps3 fanboys and their brainless rants, its ok man, maybe one day your $600 taco will one day play some games, just keep on folding those proteins

wackyban @ Jun 28th 2007 2:05PM

@26

"And usually, where there is risk...there is reward."

Yeah, just look at the Dreamcast...

Shockgamer @ Jun 28th 2007 2:10PM

If all the open world me-toos that came after GTA 3 were a flood, the amount of no-effort, cheap-o mini-games that clog the Wii's release list is a friggin Hurricane.

Wii Sports was a cute introduction to the Wii and Rayman was something to play until Wario Ware. After playing those, I'm done with Mini-games.

baby sea tuna @ Jun 28th 2007 2:11PM

"25. I thought GodisaMyth was banned? Apparently not, so now we can all enjoy the fountain of haterade that gushes from his skull cavity.

Posted at 12:43PM on Jun 28th 2007 by megaStryke"

I was just thinking the same thing. The hell?

Back on topic, sigh. I'm not surprised by this announcement, but sigh. It's sad when we're 8 months into the console's life cycle and the only good games on this console are GC ports.

GodisaMyth @ Jun 28th 2007 2:15PM

No matter who "wins" this hardware generation war all 3 systems will be successful.

Video games have surpassed movies in dollars and will soon pass music.

The one good thing Nintendo did was speed up the process by bringing the casual over to video games.
We as gamers have so much to look forward to as this generation really kicks in.

E3 will be smaller but I think we will have more big announcements from the big 3 and more polished games than we would have if E3 were still in May.

E3...you must come NOW.

"gotta love ps3 fanboys and their brainless rants, its ok man, maybe one day your $600 taco will one day play some games, just keep on folding those proteins"

Gotta love Weeboys and there willingness to accept mediocrity.

Gotta love Crapbots and their willingness to send their system back over, and over, and over again.

I do not fold very often...maybe once a week.
I do watch alot of Blu-ray.
And come fall, I will have more good games to play than time to play them.

Bring on E3!!!

megaStryke @ Jun 28th 2007 2:31PM

@GodisaMyth

"I heard that the creatures that appear in the night are stealing trinkets. What could they be doing hording all these objects?"

deaftly @ Jun 28th 2007 2:32PM

yeah e3, the unvailing of killzone 2, now twice as shitty as the first one! keep enjoying your $600 movie player

vidGuy @ Jun 28th 2007 2:35PM

"I do not fold very often...maybe once a week.
I do watch alot of Blu-ray.
And come fall, I will have more good games to play than time to play them."

Gotta love PS3bots willingness to watch $40 movies on a $600 video games console while they wait two years for a decent exclusive.

GodisaMyth @ Jun 28th 2007 3:02PM

'Gotta love PS3bots willingness to watch $40 movies on a $600 video games console while they wait two years for a decent exclusive."

The average price of the Blu-ray movies on my planet are $25-$30. If you wait a couple of months you can get those same movies for $17 or less.

Yes I do love watching my blu-ray movies on my 50" Panny in glorious HD with uncompressed 7.1 surround.
I cannot watch DVD's anymore unless it is a movie that I cannot wait for or it is a movie my sons want to watch. The fun stuff like Power Rangers #400,000 and TMNT and of course Disney.

Do you vidGuy like waving your arms around like a fool when you do not have to (the weemote cannot sense anything more than how fast something is moving not where it is or how big of a motion it is.
So, you can hit a homerun with a flick of the wrist and not "swing" a bat like a retard.

2 years for a descent exclusive?
Ratchet and Clank
Uncharted
Lair
Home
LBP ( you know you wish you had this one)
GT5 (at least a demo is assured)
Killzone (Sony would not show it if it were not ready)
FF13 (at least a demo in 07)
MGS4 (no, no, no, it is NOT coming to the RROD60)

If these are not good exclusives to you then hey, that is your opinion.
As for me? I think they are.

Bring on E3