Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LostWinds demonstrated on iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/lostwinds-demonstrated-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/lostwinds-demonstrated-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/lostwinds-demonstrated-on-ios/#comments
Back in July, LostWinds developer Frontier Developments announced its intention to port the WiiWare title to the iOS and Android platforms. Today, get a glimpse at the new tap-based interface and scaled-down graphics. There's also some footage of actors playing on an iPhone and iPad to consider, if looking good whilst playing is an important selling point for you, Vainy McNarcissist.

JoystiqLostWinds demonstrated on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentsiosipadiphoneLostWindsmobileMon, 12 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds coming to iOS and Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/lostwinds-coming-to-ios-and-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/lostwinds-coming-to-ios-and-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/lostwinds-coming-to-ios-and-android/#comments If you missed the two LostWinds games on WiiWare, you'll soon have two more choices for platform on which to play them: iOS and Android.

During the Develop conference, Frontier Developments head David Braben revealed to Eurogamer that the WiiWare platformers are being ported to iPad, iPhone, and Android, with the D-pad/Wiimote pointer controls replaced by a virtual pad and touch-based wind controls.

The two games are due this year; Braben said they would be ported "to start with," suggesting that more LostWinds games other than the two existing entries could be on the way to mobile platforms.

JoystiqLostWinds coming to iOS and Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentsiphonelostwindsmobileWed, 20 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese Nintendo downloads: LostWinds, Phalanx]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/japanese-nintendo-downloads-lostwinds-phalanx/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/japanese-nintendo-downloads-lostwinds-phalanx/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/japanese-nintendo-downloads-lostwinds-phalanx/#commentsTwo WiiWare titles make the journey from the West to Japan today, both published by Square Enix. Just as it did for the first LostWinds, the publisher has brought the sequel to Japan for a holiday release. School of Darkness is actually WayForward's Lit, under a different, but equally literal, title. Also of note: the remake/port of the shooter Phalanx arrives!

DSiWare is a bit less thrilling, with the standout release being the cleverly tilt-controlled Katamuction.

JoystiqJapanese Nintendo downloads: LostWinds, Phalanx originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsiwarejapankatamuctionlitlostwindslostwinds-winter-of-melodiasphalanxvctuesdaywiiwareTue, 22 Dec 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: LostWinds, Shootanto, Rygar ... Domo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/nintendoware-weekly-lostwinds-shootanto-rygar-domo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/nintendoware-weekly-lostwinds-shootanto-rygar-domo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/nintendoware-weekly-lostwinds-shootanto-rygar-domo/#commentsIt's an unexpectedly packed week for Nintendo downloaders! On WiiWare, there's a game that should be wonderful and another that should be, uh, interesting. There's an arcade classic on Virtual Console, and DSiWare features the arrival of one of the weirdest game series to be announced at E3: a set of five games based on NHK mascot and generally adorable monster Domo-kun.

Gallery: Domo games (DSiWare)

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: LostWinds, Shootanto, Rygar ... Domo

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: LostWinds, Shootanto, Rygar ... Domo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash-course-domodomodomo-kunDSdsiwarehard-hat-domohudsonlostwindslostwinds-winter-of-the-melodiasNintendonintendoware-weeklypro-putt-domorock-n-roll-domoshootantotecmovirtual-consolewhite-water-domoWiiwiiwareMon, 19 Oct 2009 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds dev: Don't treat download services as a 'dumping ground']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/lostwinds-dev-dont-treat-download-services-as-a-dumping-groun/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/lostwinds-dev-dont-treat-download-services-as-a-dumping-groun/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/lostwinds-dev-dont-treat-download-services-as-a-dumping-groun/#commentsFrontier Developments has used the WiiWare platform to deliver two small, but high-quality games: the LostWinds series. However, according to David Braben (and a quick look at the offerings on any console download service) not everyone has taken the same approach. "One of the things that really annoys me," Braben told Develop, "is when people see XBLA, PSN and WiiWare as a dumping ground, in terms of 'you don't need to put the same amount of effort in.'"

Instead of a place for shallow games, Braben described the download space as the "short story" of game design. "It's a way to try out a radical idea," he said, "It's a way to try out a radical idea, and quite often a lot of those do become novels later on. What I don't like is the idea that people can scratch one out at the bus stop, which I've overheard at conferences." More CUBELLO, less Frogger 2. Of course, the real takeaway from Braben's article is that you should look around at conferences to see if David Braben is nearby.

JoystiqLostWinds dev: Don't treat download services as a 'dumping ground' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-brabendownloadable-gamesfrontier-developmentslostwindsMicrosoftNintendopsnWiixblaXbox-360Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[European Nintendo downloads: Happy Hallowinter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/european-nintendo-downloads-happy-hallowinter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/european-nintendo-downloads-happy-hallowinter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/european-nintendo-downloads-happy-hallowinter/#commentsWe knew about this week's marquee European WiiWare release yesterday, and, happily, LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias has actually arrived on the Wii Shop. For just 1,000 Wii Points, you can begin causing irrevocable damage to the ecosystem of another landscape by haphazardly altering the weather. Fun! For season-themed entertainment, we'll definitely take that over Happy Holidays: Halloween, an app that lets you make Halloween e-cards and send them to your friends' Wiis. We're not going to think too much about that one, much like publisher 505 Games.

The Virtual Console has an inferior, but more Haggar-centric, Final Fight sequel, along with Wonder Boy III, which is good but not as good as the other version of the same game already there (Dragon's Curse). And on DSiWare, Photo Clock and ... oh, hey, Dragon Quest Wars!
  • LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias (WiiWare, 1 player, 1,000 Wii Points)
  • Happy Holidays: Halloween (WiiWare, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)
  • Final Fight 2 (Virtual Console, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points)
  • Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap (Virtual Console, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)
  • Photo Clock (DSiWare, 1 player, 200 DSi Points)
  • Dragon Quest Wars (DSiWare, 1-4 players, 500 DSi Points)

Gallery: LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias

JoystiqEuropean Nintendo downloads: Happy Hallowinter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsiwareeuropefinal-fight-2fridayhappy-holidayslostwindslostwinds-winter-of-melodiaswiiwareFri, 09 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds sequel to be Europe's 100th WiiWare game this Friday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/lostwinds-sequel-to-be-europes-100th-wiiware-game-this-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/lostwinds-sequel-to-be-europes-100th-wiiware-game-this-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/lostwinds-sequel-to-be-europes-100th-wiiware-game-this-friday/#commentsIn North America, Bit.Trip: CORE was the hundredth WiiWare release. Today, Frontier Developments announced that LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias will receive that honor in Europe -- which also happens to mean the game will be out tomorrow! As the sequel to the standout WiiWare launch title, Winter of the Melodias is a good choice for the spot, although we don't discount the possibility that it just happened to work out that way.

Winter of the Melodias includes a new cyclone ability and a mechanic that allows main character Toku to change the environment from summer to winter and back instantly; in turn manipulating bodies of water or even clouds. We hope Frontier and Nintendo don't wait until it's actually winter to give Americans the chance to play it.

Gallery: LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias

JoystiqLostWinds sequel to be Europe's 100th WiiWare game this Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeFrontierfrontier-developmentslostwindslostwinds-winter-of-melodiasLostWinds-Winter-of-the-MelodiasNintendoPlatformerrelease-dateWiiwiiwareThu, 08 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Found: LostWinds 2 screens and video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/found-lostwinds-2-screens-and-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/found-lostwinds-2-screens-and-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/found-lostwinds-2-screens-and-video/#comments About 20 seconds into this video of the freshly revealed sequel to Frontier's sleeper WiiWare platforming wonder, you'll probably be asking yourself, "Hey, where's the 'winter' in LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias?" Then, before you know it, BAM! It's winter. This seasonal manipulation is clearly a core game mechanic this time around, but the trailer does little to explain exactly why and how. For now, we're content simply knowing a follow-up to LostWinds is coming at all.

Gallery: LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias

JoystiqFound: LostWinds 2 screens and video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontierFrontier-Developmentslostwindslostwinds-winter-of-melodiaLostWinds-Winter-of-the-MelodiasPlatformerscreenshotsvideowiiwareWed, 02 Sep 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Edge reveals LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/edge-reveals-lostwinds-winter-of-the-melodias/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/edge-reveals-lostwinds-winter-of-the-melodias/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/edge-reveals-lostwinds-winter-of-the-melodias/#comments WiIWare aficionados, brace your hind quarters. UK gaming mag Edge has revealed (via N-Europe) that a sequel to Frontier's LostWinds is in the works, titled LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias. While most of the core gameplay elements in the sequel remain unchanged, Toku returns with one new ability: he can now change the seasons, turning Summer to Winter and vice versa.

There's no word on when the game will hit WiiWare right now, but if you live in the UK, you may want to check out the latest issue of Edge. The preview on LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias is apparently pretty extensive and, if you're wondering what all of the fuss is about, you still have time to check out the first game (which some of us think is quite excellent).

[Via Go Nintendo; thanks, Fernando!]

JoystiqEdge reveals LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edgefrontierFrontier-Developmentslostwindslostwinds-winter-of-melodiasLostWinds-Winter-of-the-Melodiasn-europeNintendoPlatformerWiiwiiwareSat, 29 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[David Braben: most game interaction involves killing (unfortunately)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/david-braben-most-game-interaction-involves-killing-unfortunat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/david-braben-most-game-interaction-involves-killing-unfortunat/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/28/david-braben-most-game-interaction-involves-killing-unfortunat/#comments

Though political alarmists and misguided cultural crusaders will savor the admission, it's true that killing is something that takes up much of our pastimes. It's a shockingly simple act, easily repeatable and often very rewarding. There's certainly a modicum of skill required -- the right hack here, the well-timed slash there -- but even we've become a little desensitized and unmoved by our daily murder of random human beings.

And the same holds true for what's happening in games. In a recent discussion with Eurogamer, Frontier's David Braben observed, "In games, most interaction involves killing, unfortunately." The Elite designer noted that while killing felt realistic "for better or worse," interactions with characters, be they NPCs or online pals, fail to be fulfilling. "It's either stealing stuff from them, killing them and then stealing stuff, or having a bit of voice chat, if you're lucky," he said.

While we'd argue that that plenty of gamers have been killing time with non-violent titles (think Flower or Rock Band), it's hard to dispute Braben's point in the context of player-character interaction -- or to overrule his optimism. "Where it gets interesting is when you can't distinguish AI from a real character, and I know that's still a long way away, but we were saying 10 years ago, when will you not be able to distinguish computer graphics from the real world?"

That's something we'll have to ask Milo!

[Image: The Onion's Close Range]

JoystiqDavid Braben: most game interaction involves killing (unfortunately) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-brabenfrontierlostwindsTue, 28 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elite II, LostWinds dev Frontier joins ELSPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/elite-ii-lostwinds-dev-frontier-joins-elspa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/elite-ii-lostwinds-dev-frontier-joins-elspa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/elite-ii-lostwinds-dev-frontier-joins-elspa/#comments The UK-based Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association, or ELSPA for short, has a new face on board. Seasoned game designer David Braben and his crack team of devs at Frontier Developments have joined the trade body, no doubt wooed by the organization's rumored regular meetings to play Twister.

Braben wowed early gamers with his influential space sim, Elite, as well as its 1993 sequel, Frontier. Braben's latest release strayed far from his roots, however, in last year's WiiWare platformer, LostWinds. In joining the ELSPA, Braben says he hopes to help the organization deal with such issues as piracy, ratings and used game sales "swiftly and efficiently." Still, given that the studio's current project, The Outsider, was first announced in 2006, and we're still waiting on Elite IV, we're not convinced speed is how Braben and company roll.

JoystiqElite II, LostWinds dev Frontier joins ELSPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-brabeneliteelspalostwindsthe-outsiderukMon, 18 May 2009 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Tuesday: Salamander's Firey Ambition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/vc-tuesday-salamanders-firey-ambition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/vc-tuesday-salamanders-firey-ambition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/vc-tuesday-salamanders-firey-ambition/#commentsFiled under: ,

What a delightful variety of games on the Japanese Virtual Console this Christmas week! Compare that to the American selection, which is delightful but not at all varied. Japan has four new old games, from four different systems, in four different gameplay styles, including a shmup, a strategy game, a platformer, and a wrestling game -- and great examples of all four genres!
WiiWare is also a treat this week, but one the rest of the world has already been served: LostWinds, published in Japan by Square Enix.

JoystiqVC Tuesday: Salamander's Firey Ambition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fire-pro-wrestlinglostwindsnobunagas-ambitionsalamandervctuesdaywonder-boyTue, 23 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds found in Japan by Square Enix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/lostwinds-found-in-japan-by-square-enix/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/lostwinds-found-in-japan-by-square-enix/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/lostwinds-found-in-japan-by-square-enix/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Frontier Developments' WiiWare launch title LostWinds remains one of the highlights of the lineup ... in the US, Europe, and Australia. Good news for Japanese Wii owners: the platformer is finally scheduled for release in December, for 1,000 Wii Points. Good news for Frontier Developments (although we suspect they've heard this): Square Enix picked up the publishing rights to the game for Japan -- whatever it means to "publish" a WiiWare game.

LostWinds, which was published in other regions by Frontier themselves, will be the second WiiWare release from Square Enix, following Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King, and the first Square Enix WiiWare release from an external developer. We know we'd be pleased if a big, prestigious publisher like that showed confidence in our game! And if our game existed!


[Via Game Watch]

We're always looking for new games to enjoy. We've got plenty of other WiiWare reviews, if you're into that kind of thing.. If you're so crazy that you want to go to the store and buy something when you could be playing World of Goo or Mega Man 9, we can help with that, too.

JoystiqLostWinds found in Japan by Square Enix originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentslostwindsplatformsquare-enixFri, 14 Nov 2008 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds finds a home in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/lostwinds-finds-a-home-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/lostwinds-finds-a-home-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/lostwinds-finds-a-home-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nintendo doesn't release sales numbers for VC or WiiWare titles (although stat lovers might be able to figure out some estimates). To give us a better idea of what's hot and what's not, though, everyone's favorite marketing guy Laurent Fischer reports that LostWinds is dominating Europe. The two games that "come close" to LostWinds' sales in the continent are TV Show King and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King.

Fischer also reports that WiiWare titles are enjoying a "constant flow of downloads," which makes sense in today's digital media environment. As for LostWinds, we're glad to see a game that's such a breath of fresh air get the recognition it deserves.

JoystiqLostWinds finds a home in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureeuropefrontierlaurent-fischerlostwindsplatformerTue, 17 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: How about that flow?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/wii-warm-up-how-about-that-flow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/wii-warm-up-how-about-that-flow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/wii-warm-up-how-about-that-flow/#commentsFiled under:


Wow, we've been happy with WiiWare. You all have been happy with the titles, correct? Well, regardless of how you would rate the service so far, we have a tough question to ask.

Do you think the steady flow of new titles will remain constant going forward? Would you expect at least one new WiiWare game each week, or do you think that the well is getting close to dried up? Sure, there's Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People to look forward to, but what else? Will the flow continue?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: How about that flow? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beer-pongcritter-round-updr-mariofamily-table-tennishudsonlostwindsmy-life-as-a-kingpopstar-soldier-rstrong-badtetristoki-toritv-show-kingTue, 27 May 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually Free: No longer lost, but found]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/virtually-free-no-longer-lost-but-found/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/virtually-free-no-longer-lost-but-found/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/virtually-free-no-longer-lost-but-found/#commentsFiled under:


As in, we've found a winner for our LostWinds giveaway! Our first free WiiWare title goes to:

Marcelo, who is hoping for something like Ikaruga on WiiWare.

Congratulations, Marcelo! Everyone else, stay tuned for next week's Virtually Free, when we'll have a new prize up for grabs.

JoystiqVirtually Free: No longer lost, but found originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 May 2008 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lostwindsTue, 20 May 2008 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[WiiWare lifts off in Europe and Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/wiiware-lifts-off-in-europe-and-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/wiiware-lifts-off-in-europe-and-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/19/wiiware-lifts-off-in-europe-and-australia/#commentsFiled under: ,

Right on time, Nintendo has pulled the appropriate levers, flicked the necessary switches, and sent a whole world of WiiWare goodness down the pipes and into Europe and Australia. Here's what greeted this blogger on his local servers just now:
Expect reviews of Dr. Mario and Toki Tori in the very near future; in the meantime, let's hear what you've downloaded so far, PAL people!


Gallery: Toki Tori

JoystiqWiiWare lifts off in Europe and Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 May 2008 20:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arikacrystal-chroniclesDr-MarioDr-Mario-Online-Rxeuropefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-crystal-chroniclesfrontiergamelofthudsonlost-windslostwindsmy-life-as-a-kingNintendopalPuzzlesquare-enixstar-soldier-rtoki-toritv-show-kingtwo-tribesWiiWareMon, 19 May 2008 20:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually Free: It's like the wind]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/virtually-free-its-like-the-wind/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/virtually-free-its-like-the-wind/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/virtually-free-its-like-the-wind/#commentsFiled under: ,


Don't forget that in our latest Virtually Free, we've got a copy of LostWinds up for grabs for one lucky reader! Want a crack at it? Just head over to the original post and get your comment in. Remember, you can enter once per day, so you've got several more chances before the entries close.

JoystiqVirtually Free: It's like the wind originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lostwindsvirtually-freeFri, 16 May 2008 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: LostWinds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/wii-fanboy-review-lostwinds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/wii-fanboy-review-lostwinds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/wii-fanboy-review-lostwinds/#commentsFiled under: ,


Without a doubt, LostWinds is like finding a diamond-encrusted Hummer in your box of corn flakes. Sure, the WiiWare launch line-up hasn't been as boring as corn flakes, but there are some titles we could do without. And, LostWinds is so good, we're wondering if there'll be anything besides Alien Crush that can stand up to it this year on Nintendo's download service.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: LostWinds

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: LostWinds originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurefrontierjoystiqfeatureslostwindsplatformerTue, 13 May 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds sequel plans already aloft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lostwinds-sequel-plans-already-aloft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lostwinds-sequel-plans-already-aloft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lostwinds-sequel-plans-already-aloft/#commentsFiled under: ,

Frontier Developments' LostWinds seems to be one of the standout WiiWare titles, judging from the discussion around the site (and in the comments for other WiiWare game reviews). We're glad you like it, and, we assume, so is Frontier Developments, because otherwise they stand to lose a bunch of money.

Their website features a link that allows visitors to "REGISTER FOR ADVANCE INFORMATION on Frontier's forthcoming LostWinds sequel containing amazing new gameplay as Toku and Enril's incredible adventure to save Mistralis continues."

That doesn't really leave much room for misunderstanding, does it? The sequel's on the way. No hinting, no teasers, just "Hey, guys, we're making another one." Having a quickly-announced sequel makes it seem like an episodic title, doesn't it? We guess there isn't really that much difference between an episodic game and a game with really quick sequels.

JoystiqLostWinds sequel plans already aloft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Frontierfrontier-developmentslostwindsLostWinds-Winter-of-the-MelodiasplatformPlatformersequelWiiWareTue, 13 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo reveals first WiiWare titles for Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/nintendo-reveals-first-wiiware-titles-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/nintendo-reveals-first-wiiware-titles-for-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/nintendo-reveals-first-wiiware-titles-for-europe/#commentsFiled under: ,



Nintendo has released a list of eight games described as "launch window" titles ahead of WiiWare's debut in Europe on May 20th. Included are four games that the U.S. is still waiting on -- Dr. Mario & Germ Buster, Star Soldier R, Toki Tori, and Pirates: The Key of Dreams -- though it looks like Europe will be waiting a little longer for Defend Your Castle and V.I.P Casino: Blackjack. Frankly, we'll live without a blackjack game.

Once again, note that these are "launch window" games. How long is a launch window? No idea. "Launch window" is one of those infuriatingly flexible terms beloved by PR types. Anyway, the list of WiiWare games that Europe will be getting kinda near the launch is as follows:
There's currently no news on pricing, but we'd fully expect European WiiWare prices to match those of other regions, assuming Nintendo hasn't found a totally new and unique way to rip European gamers off.

JoystiqNintendo reveals first WiiWare titles for Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-chroniclesdr-mariofinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-crystal-chroniclesfrontiergamelofthudsonlost-windslostwindsmy-life-as-a-kingnnooooxygenpiratespirates-the-key-of-dreamspopsquare-enixstar-soldier-rtoki-toritv-show-kingtwo-tribesTue, 13 May 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually Free: Slightly to the left of normal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/virtually-free-slightly-to-the-left-of-normal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/virtually-free-slightly-to-the-left-of-normal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/virtually-free-slightly-to-the-left-of-normal/#commentsFiled under: ,


This week's a little different for the Virtual Console, so it's a little different for Virtually Free as well. What's new? Well, for starters, we're not giving away a Virtual Console game. Instead, we're celebrating the release of WiiWare by giving away LostWinds (1000 Wii points/$10)!

So what do you have to do to win? First of all, you have to leave a comment (with a valid e-mail address) on this post telling us what you're looking forward to most of the announced WiiWare titles. Second, you must be a legal resident of the United States with an American Wii (sorry, Canadians, we have to leave you out of this one; blame the gifting system and not us!) and 18 years of age or older. You may enter once per day between now and Monday, May 19; the contest comes to a close that night at 11:59 PM Eastern time, and we'll select a winner in a random drawing the next day. Questions? Check out the official rules.

JoystiqVirtually Free: Slightly to the left of normal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentslostwindsvirtually-freeTue, 13 May 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds sequel already in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lostwinds-sequel-already-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lostwinds-sequel-already-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/lostwinds-sequel-already-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've barely had the chance to fix our hair after downloading the first game, but Frontier Development is already working on a sequel to its WiiWare launch title LostWinds. Seriously, this has to be some kind of speed record or obsession over not letting the paint dry.

As expected, not much is known about the sequel, though a notice at the bottom of the company's website for the game teases that the follow up will include "new gameplay as Toku and Enril's incredible adventure to save Mistralis continues." The stylish platformer managed to impress us during our brief time with it in April, but for those of you who've downloaded and played the game, what's the verdict -- is a sequel warranted?

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqLostWinds sequel already in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontierlostwindsWiiwiiwareTue, 13 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WiiWare goes live!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/wiiware-goes-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/wiiware-goes-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/wiiware-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: ,


As we anticipated, Nintendo waited until the last possible moment to reveal the details on WiiWare's U.S. launch. In a press release which describes WiiWare as the "most democratic environment in industry history," Nintendo confirmed the six titles that launched with the download service today -- and it looks like the leaked information from the weekend was spot-on:
So it's finally up -- hurray! Monday mornings haven't felt quite this optimistic in some time! Have any of you lot already downloaded yourself some WiiWare?



[Via press release]

JoystiqWiiWare goes live! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-chroniclesDefend-Your-Castlefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-crystal-chroniclesfrontiergamelofthigh-voltagehigh-voltage-softwarelostwindsmy-life-as-a-kingnnooopopsquare-enixTower-Defensetv-show-kingvip-casino-blackjackWiiWarexgenxgen-studiosMon, 12 May 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo reveals WiiWare launch List]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/nintendo-reveals-wiiware-launch-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/nintendo-reveals-wiiware-launch-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/nintendo-reveals-wiiware-launch-list/#commentsFiled under: ,

The North American WiiWare launch is almost upon us, and instead of the stealth releases that we thought were coming, Nintendo's press release of WiiWare games debuting this Monday (along with their point values) was recently leaked. While we can't be sure this list is 100% valid, it looks like we can expect the following:
Although we're disappointed by the lack of Dr. Mario, this looks like a pretty solid launch list to us. It'll be difficult to pick and choose exactly which titles we want, but there are definitely some that stand out more than others.

How about you? Do you plan on downloading any of the above, or are you going to wait for impressions and reviews first?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqNintendo reveals WiiWare launch List originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 May 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crystal-chroniclesDefend-Your-Castlefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-crystal-chroniclesfrontiergamelofthigh-voltagehigh-voltage-softwarelostwindsmy-life-as-a-kingnnooopopsquare-enixTower-Defensetv-show-kingvip-casino-blackjackWiiWarexgenxgen-studiosSat, 10 May 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds trailer blows this way, makes us sleepy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/lostwinds-trailer-blows-this-way-makes-us-sleepy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/lostwinds-trailer-blows-this-way-makes-us-sleepy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/lostwinds-trailer-blows-this-way-makes-us-sleepy/#commentsFiled under: ,



LostWinds continues to look like the most tranquil Wii game of 2008. Is it just us, or does this WiiWare adventure strike you as the antithesis of most modern games, which too often seem obsessed with packing non-stop action into our already crammed craniums? We quite appreciate an occasional change of pace, and could comfortably drift off to sleep simply while listening to this trailer (were it not for our ferocious superiors, who routinely patrol the Wii Fanboy dungeon, watching for napping bloggers).

Wikipedia has LostWinds down as a WiiWare launch release, though the official site is still displaying TBA. More as we ge -- zzzzzzzzzzz.

JoystiqLostWinds trailer blows this way, makes us sleepy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentslostwindsplatformMon, 05 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NMS08: Joystiq gets their hands dirty with WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-joystiq-gets-their-hands-dirty-with-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-joystiq-gets-their-hands-dirty-with-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/nms08-joystiq-gets-their-hands-dirty-with-wiiware/#commentsFiled under:


Besides checking out what retail Wii and DS games Nintendo had available, Joystiq also managed to spend some quality time with WiiWare and a few of its games. The general consensus? It's a mixed bag.
  • Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People seems to capture the Flash toon's look and feel, but is fairly linear (at least in the demo available at NMS08). Stern was also able to pry some more info about the episodic nature of the game from the title's marketing director, who said "Each episode, a different designer [is in charge], which is more like they do on TV. ... It's still the same team. [But] it'll be interesting to see how the episodes feel as a result. With Sam & Max, we've had complaints that they feel too similar. We might find with Strong Bad, that each one feels very different."
  • LostWinds is shaping up nicely, apparently, as Stern commented "Because of game's playful controls, I wish I could have spent the time progressing through the entire game." He says this because LostWinds is actually finished, and the folks behind it hope its in the WiiWare launch lineup.
  • Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King is more for the folks that like everything outside of the combat in RPG games. It's very menu-heavy, and you're very much like the manager of the game, sending out your townfolk to find goodies to bring back to you.
  • Pop seems to have some very interesting multiplayer mechanics and, like LostWinds, is totally finished. The single-player games are "casual and a trance-like way to relax," apparently. They hope that it will be in the WiiWare launch lineup and between 500 and 800 Wii Points.
  • Major League Eating is offering up a buffet of features for users to take from, including Wi-Fi gameplay and the complete package of competitive eating. There's going to be gross out techniques, as well as actual attack and defensive maneuvers. We're not all about who can eat a billion hot dogs the fastest ourselves, but it looks like this one is shaping up to be a full meal of fun on WiiWare.
  • World of Goo is something that we've been interested in, surely you all know. And everytime someone checks it out and bothers to write something up on the internet, we're even more convinced this is a must download. Stern's label that this title has the "clever puzzle mechanic" and "irresistible gameplay" we've been hoping may have just cemented its status as a must own for us.

Read - Major League Eating
Read - World of Goo
Read - LostWinds
Read - Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King
Read - Pop
Read - Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People

JoystiqNMS08: Joystiq gets their hands dirty with WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dboyffccfinal-fantasylostwindsmajor-league-eatingmy-life-as-a-kingnms08nnooopopstrong-badstrong-bads-cool-gam...world-of-gooTue, 15 Apr 2008 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: LostWinds (WiiWare)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-lostwinds-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-lostwinds-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/joystiq-hands-on-lostwinds-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Briefly previewed at GDC, LostWinds is a stylish, creative take on platforming. The Nunchuk analog stick moves your small character over obstacles from a side-view. But the the character can't jump or climb very high; he needs the wind to push him up and over pits.

The Wii Remote fills this role naturally. A pointer swipe and button push gusts the wind into the world, lifting the small character to higher plateaus. Even ambient background objects like trees and grasses sway with the breeze. Later puzzles require you to guide the wind into other objects, not just the small fellow.

These techniques feel fresh and the visuals rival other Wii games. LostWinds was one of my favorite experiences from the Nintendo Media Summit.

Gallery: LostWinds

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: LostWinds (WiiWare)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: LostWinds (WiiWare) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontierFrontier-DevelopmentslostwindsNintendonintendo-media-summit-08platformerWiiwiimotewiiwareTue, 15 Apr 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A serene video of LostWinds in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/a-serene-video-of-lostwinds-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/a-serene-video-of-lostwinds-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/a-serene-video-of-lostwinds-in-action/#commentsFiled under: ,


There was a brief video clip of Frontier Developments' LostWinds during Nintendo's GDC presentation, but that video has yet to be released -- until today, maybe. This video from IGN looks very similar to the GDC trailer; in fact, we think it may be the same one. It is at least equivalent in terms of showing the game in motion and illustrating the use of the pointer to control wind. We love how the little gust kicks up some water.

We're pretty sure that LostWinds would look much more exciting without the exceedingly mellow music. Although maybe mellowness is the order of the day for a game in which the main character's fighting style involves a breeze.



JoystiqA serene video of LostWinds in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontier-developmentslostwindsplatformTue, 08 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LostWinds creator describes a very complicated-sounding game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/lostwinds-creator-describes-a-very-complicated-sounding-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/lostwinds-creator-describes-a-very-complicated-sounding-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/lostwinds-creator-describes-a-very-complicated-sounding-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We thought we understood LostWinds. There's a guy, controlled with the Nunchuk, and then there's wind, controlled with the pointer. But when we hear Frontier Developments' David Braben explain the game, we aren't so sure anymore. About the basic gameplay: "Toku is relatively small and vulnerable yet he has physical presence in the world, whereas Enril has no physical presence, just a localised sphere of influence of wind power around the shard of Spirit Stone that Toku is carrying."

And it's not just simple platforming made to sound more complex. There's actually a lot going on in LostWinds other than jumping and gusting. You can use the wind to interact with the environment, including blowing water into the ground to grow an assortment of seeds that you can then use.

The interview goes on to discuss the importance of audio and narrative in games, and LostWinds' stylized appearance. Braben also denies (for now) a Virtual Console release of his Commodore 64 classic Elite.

JoystiqLostWinds creator describes a very complicated-sounding game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Frontierfrontier-developmentslostwindsplatformPlatformerWiiWareTue, 18 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Some WiiWare details from the Wii Menu talk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-some-wiiware-details-from-the-wii-menu-talk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-some-wiiware-details-from-the-wii-menu-talk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-some-wiiware-details-from-the-wii-menu-talk/#commentsFiled under:


Nintendo's Takashi Aoyama took the stage this morning in front of an enormous crowd to talk about the development of the Wii Menu interface, and the concurrent development of the system's features. The major news at this presentation is branding and confirmation of some pay content online (including, possibly, fee-based online play), video of a WiiWare game, and confirmation that the Everybody's Nintendo Channel (which offers videos, screenshots, and also DS demo downloads) is still planned for release in the U.S. and Europe for an unspecified time. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed, so here's a screen of the highlighted WiiWare game from developer Frontier's homepage.

The WiiWare game is called LostWinds and is a side-scroller controlled by the Nunchuk. The Wiimote pointer controls gusts of wind that can affect the character, enemies, and onscreen items. The visual style is very green and sort of Crystal-Chronicles-like. No information about release date or cost was given, but a video was shown.

The Everybody's Nintendo Channel "assists in finding software suited to the user's unique taste and/or play style" by allowing people who have played games for at least an hour to vote, and also providing information, screens, and videos about new games. This information will also be available with WiiWare. Aoyama said that the service is indeed planned for the U.S. and Europe, but didn't say when. He demonstrated the channel with a video showing a Wii Fit trailer.

The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection "Pay&Play" content will include games that are not free to play online. The icon is the same, but orange and surrounded with a rectangle with a "Pay&Play" label. This content would use Wii Points and would include both WiiWare and disc games. No specifics (of course!) but Guitar Hero III DLC seems like a possibility.

Continue reading GDC08: Some WiiWare details from the Wii Menu talk

JoystiqGDC08: Some WiiWare details from the Wii Menu talk originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc08lostwindsWiiwii-menuwiiwareFri, 22 Feb 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Frontier announces LostWinds for WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/frontier-announces-lostwinds-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/frontier-announces-lostwinds-for-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/frontier-announces-lostwinds-for-wiiware/#commentsFiled under:

lostwinds
David Braben's Frontier Developments promises "the power of the wind" at the tip of your Wiimote in LostWinds, the indie studio's first pint-sized, WiiWare adventure. There's a wind spirit (that's you!), a boy with an odd cap, the evil Balasar and the magical land of Mistrails, where puzzles can be a breeze and enemies are blown away without bullets. "WiiWare offers a perfect extra outlet for that creativity, and I hope that LostWinds is the first of many games that will follow this process," said Braben.

Gallery: LostWinds

JoystiqFrontier announces LostWinds for WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frontierFrontier-DevelopmentslostwindsNintendoPlatformerWiiwiiwareWed, 20 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: New WiiWare title unveiled: LostWinds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-new-wiiware-title-unveiled-lostwinds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-new-wiiware-title-unveiled-lostwinds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/gdc08-new-wiiware-title-unveiled-lostwinds/#commentsFiled under: , ,


UK developer Frontier Developments (Thrillville) announced a new title for Nintendo's WiiWare service today, titling the adventure platformer LostWinds. We have a gallery of screenshots below that you can thumb through for a preview of the game's stylized art direction.

LostWinds stars Toku, a young boy who has discovered a wind spirit in a land threatened by its power-hungry sun/moon spirit. You'll move Toku around using the nunchuck's analog stick while aiding him with Wii remote gestures commanding the wind elemental. A quick controller movement can send a breeze or even a tornado to power Toku's jumps, glide him across distances, blow away enemies, and solve puzzles.

Frontier Developments hasn't yet announced a release date or price, but the studio is hoping to put LostWinds out with WiiWare's US launch this May 12th.


Read - Lostwinds official site
Read - Level Up interview with Frontier Developments' David Braben

JoystiqGDC08: New WiiWare title unveiled: LostWinds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurefrontierFrontier-Developmentsgdc08gdc08fanboylostwindsplatformerWiiWareWed, 20 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST