Joystiq

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Proving Skyloft wrong

David Hinkle — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST

Why is everyone being such a dick to Link?

Zelda, her father -- heck, just about everyone in Link's hometown (this time) of Skyloft was giving him crap. The townspeoples' attitude painted a very specific picture for me: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword's Link is apparently the Spicoli of Skyloft.

You can imagine my surprise, considering how many Legend of Zelda games I've played (which would be just about all of them, CD-i games notwithstanding). It's like nobody in Skyloft expected much of Link beyond sleeping in, even today, when his chance to become a knight-in-training rests on flying (and winning) in the big race.

Suddenly, I felt more invested in Link that I had in my entire life. I wanted to prove all of these jerks wrong -- and I did, competing (and winning) in the big race. My prize was a one-on-one rap session with Zelda and a homemade parachute in the game, but the more important prize was my attachment to Skyward Sword. From this moment on, I was hooked.

Gallery: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (9/29/11)

Continue reading The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Proving Skyloft wrong

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Proving Skyloft wrong originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Wii Remote Plus dated for Japan, bundled with Wii Sports Resort

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The Wii Remote Plus, which almost unimaginably crams MotionPlus tech into a standard-sized Wiimote, has been dated and priced for Japan. The controller will be released on November 11 for ¥3,800 ($46) -- the same price as the normal Wiimote -- and will be available in five colors: white, black, blue, red and pink. A red Nunchuk will be released, as well.

The old Wiimote will ostensibly be phased out, as Nintendo will also begin bundling the Wiimote Plus with Wii systems on the same day. Additionally, Andriasang reports that the Wii Sports Resort bundle, which originally included the MotionPlus attachment, will feature the Wiimote Plus beginning on -- you guessed it -- November 11. The bundle will retail for ¥5,800 ($70).

Wii Remote Plus dated for Japan, bundled with Wii Sports Resort originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Iwata confirms Wii Remote Plus

Randy Nelson — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 03:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata confirmed that the company is indeed developing the Wii Remote Plus, integrating Wii MotionPlus into a much handier all-in-one design. No release details, but FlingSmash hits Japan on November 18 and the device has been spotted as a pack-in with the game Stateside.

Iwata confirms Wii Remote Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

PDC World Championship Darts: Pro Tour gets Move, MotionPlus support

Andrew Yoon — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

The latest iteration of O-Games' "phenomenally successful" PDC World Championship Darts franchise is getting two no-brainer features: support for PS3's Move controller and Wii's MotionPlus add-on.

Continue reading PDC World Championship Darts: Pro Tour gets Move, MotionPlus support

PDC World Championship Darts: Pro Tour gets Move, MotionPlus support originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Innex Rapid Shot for Wii may be too real

Justin McElroy — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:42:00 EST

Here's the surprising thing about the Innex Rapid Shot: It's good. Like, really good. The pseudo sub-machine gun not only bundles the functionality of the Wiimote, Nunchuk and MotionPlus into one controller, it also looks and feels great. In fact, it's being marketed as the first controller made solely for adults. All marketing nonsense, but it tells you a lot about what kind of audience they're targeting.

What feature does the Rapid Shot (which retails for $49.99) not include? Well, for starters, it doesn't keep you from being stupefyingly uncomfortable when a man in camouflage shouts at you about protecting your brain from zombies. Perhaps in version two?

Continue reading The Innex Rapid Shot for Wii may be too real

The Innex Rapid Shot for Wii may be too real originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Black Nintendo Wii bundle to include MotionPlus, Wii Sports Resort; available May 9

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 03 May 2010 08:08:00 EST

Nintendo of America has finally announced the availability of a new colored Wii for North America. First spotted in a leaked GameStop ad, new Nintendo Wii bundles -- available in black or white -- will include a Wii MotionPlus and Wii Sports Resort. This is essentially the same bundle that has been available in Europe since late last year.

The enhanced bundles will be available at retail stores beginning May 9th for the same price as the current Wii package: $199.99. While it may not be the price drop some have been waiting for, Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime thinks the new bundle adds even more "value." In a press release, he stated: "By including even more of our top-quality hardware and software in the basic Wii system package, we're extending that commitment to entertainment and value. Now more than ever, consumers can count on Nintendo to deliver inclusive fun and advanced motion controls at a mass-market price."

Black Nintendo Wii bundle to include MotionPlus, Wii Sports Resort; available May 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: Red Steel 2

Randy Nelson — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

Click to enlarge

I'm not going to sugar coat it: Red Steel 2 isn't a hardcore first-person shooter. In fact, it's not actually an FPS per se, unless you take the acronym to mean "First-Person Sword-er." What Ubisoft Paris has made here is an arcade-style game that most closely resembles a good old-fashioned hack-'n-slash side-scroller -- only viewed through the eyes of its protagonist.

There's some light exploration -- even some hidden areas and items to be found -- but Red Steel 2 is, at its heart, a brawler that relies heavily on combos, special moves and finishers. There's some shooting, but it plays only the slightest supporting role to the main attraction: Swinging the Wiimote around like a sword and looking cool (on-screen, at least) in a stylized, sci-fi western world.

Gallery: Red Steel 2 (03-23-10)

Continue reading Review: Red Steel 2

Review: Red Steel 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Reggie: Nintendo doesn't like pushing control schemes on devs

David Hinkle — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:01:00 EST

The thing about Wii MotionPlus is that there haven't been a whole lot of games supporting it. Outside of last summer's Wii Sports Resort (and upcoming Red Steel 2 and Flingsmash) there's really only some sports games utilizing the tech. According to a recent interview with Reggie over at MTV Multiplayer, it's because Nintendo isn't really pushing for any kind of control scheme from third parties.

"What's unique with Nintendo is we don't force our developers to stick to a particular type of control scheme, and you've seen that -- everything from the new Metroid title to be single remote driven to FlingSmash utilizing the Wii MotionPlus," he said. "So it's all about what's right for the game." While we're inclined to agree with the latter part, we still wonder why nothing is using MotionPlus -- especially since it's something that greatly improves the core functionality of the Wiimote. And considering almost everyone has MotionPlus by now (or soon will, if they're Walmart shoppers looking for a great bundle), why not develop with MotionPlus in mind?

As for more MotionPlus games from Nintendo, Reggie teases "more titles that are coming" and that it "continues to be a core part of what we do." So, the take away is this: even though Nintendo just released a new piece of hardware, it's not too worried about supporting it with content -- kinda like every other peripheral the company has ever released. Yeah, we're talking about you, Wii Speak!

Continue reading Reggie: Nintendo doesn't like pushing control schemes on devs

Reggie: Nintendo doesn't like pushing control schemes on devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Red Steel 2 trailer is having a bad day

David Hinkle — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:45:00 EST

This latest Red Steel 2 trailer proves one thing: life is tough in the west. Sure, we've played enough Oregon Trail to know all about the dysentery that plagued the settlers of our old west, but did you know, even in alternate universes, the west is just as wild? Let's not discount the hardships a katana-wielding cowboy must face, folks. It really makes you reflect on what's important in life -- looking all badass.

[Via Nintendo-Online]

Red Steel 2 trailer is having a bad day originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aonuma hopes to show 'playable' build of new Zelda at E3

David Hinkle — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:20:00 EST

The latest carrot to be dangled before the teeming mass of The Legend of Zelda fans comes from a recent interview in Famitsu magazine, via Andriasang. There, director Eiji Aonuma says he hopes that Nintendo will be able to "show something playable" at E3. What? That's, like, four years ahead of schedule! We jest, but it's not like Nintendo really needs to rush anything. It's The Legend of Zelda. You want it, even if it's supposed to be different this time around.

Aonuma wouldn't provide much in terms of how far along the game has come, other than talking up the MotionPlus support and stating the team has "progressed in development since last year" and that the "core areas have come into clear view." We take that to mean the team has finished rendering Hyrule Field.

Aonuma hopes to show 'playable' build of new Zelda at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Zangeki no Reginleiv just assumes you don't need all those limbs

Mike Schramm — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:15:00 EST

Zangeki no Reginleiv, everybody! No, we didn't just wish you happy holidays in Russian -- that's the name of Nintendo's upcoming Japanese release (it basically means "Dynamic Slash," or "Dynamic Zan") that's not only its first Cero D-rated ("M") title ever, but also developed by Sandlot, the folks behind 2007's action gem-in-the-rough Earth Defense Force 2017. As you can see in the new trailer (posted for your viewing enjoyment after the break), the game features Norse heroes doing some MotionPlus-enabled hacking and slashing that results in screen-filling sprays of blood and dismemberment. Good, good times.

It's highly unlikely we'll ever see this one show up here in North America -- Nintendo of America and mature games don't usually mix well. But you can still grab your Wiimote, watch this trailer while waving your arms around, and dream.

Continue reading Zangeki no Reginleiv just assumes you don't need all those limbs

Zangeki no Reginleiv just assumes you don't need all those limbs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hands-free: Camera-controlled Racquet Sports

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:50:00 EST

Call to mind Wii Sports' tennis, and you don't have to stretch your imagination too much further to arrive at Ubisoft's Racquet Sports. If you own a Wii, you already own this experience, to which Ubisoft has added some variety, including ping-pong, badminton, squash, and beach tennis, and a more fleshed-out art direction than Nintendo's pack-in or even its sequel, Wii Sports Resort. There's no Mii support, but Racquet Sports offers its own dollish avatars, customized with unlockable trinkets. There's a derivative multicultural vibe, too, as the characters and playing courts span the globe in classic and fantastic scenarios. Grandma vs. dashiki-clad boy in an aquarium squash court? Yes.

Of course, the experience you don't own is "tennis" played with a motion-tracking camera. No, not Natal -- not at all. Ubisoft's USB camera, first bundled with scarcely-reviewed Your Shape (featuring Jenny McCarthy), might be on the cutting edge of a revived and revamped gaming tech trend, but its implementation in Racquet Sports is painfully dull.

Gallery: Racquet Sports (Wii)

Continue reading Hands-free: Camera-controlled Racquet Sports

Hands-free: Camera-controlled Racquet Sports originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Miyamoto: Next Zelda will use MotionPlus for more realistic swordplay

Randy Nelson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST

Nintendo's resident legend, Shigeru Miyamoto, has revealed that the next installment in the Legend of Zelda series on Wii will make use of Wii MotionPlus for more realistic sword combat and targeting. "In this (installment of the series), we're using MotionPlus to make you feel much more like you're actually fighting while holding a sword in your hand," Miyamoto disclosed during an October 30 Q&A session, as translated by GameLife.

"In the previous game, you aimed at things by pointing at the screen, but this time we'll use MotionPlus to create a much more convenient targeting system and a more pleasurable playing experience," Miyamoto added.

Despite these revelations, Nintendo has yet to officially state whether Wii MotionPlus will be an option or a requirement for playing the game. When this next Zelda was announced during E3 2009, Miyamoto could only say that MotionPlus-exclusivity was "possible." These gameplay elements -- especially the swordplay -- only make it seem more likely.

[Via GameLife]

Miyamoto: Next Zelda will use MotionPlus for more realistic swordplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Red Steel 2 dev diary brings a sword to a gunfight

David Hinkle — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST

Most of the doubt surrounding Red Steel 2 has to do with the swordplay -- and it's for good reason. The bandana'd thug-slashing permeating the entirety of its predecessor just flat out didn't work, most of us can surely agree. But this latest video diary shows how the addition of Wii MotionPlus has really changed the experience in the sequel, at least from a slashing and stabbing perspective. See for yourself in the footage above.

Red Steel 2 dev diary brings a sword to a gunfight originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Wii Sports Resort sales reach 1.25m in US

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:45:00 EST

Wii Sports Resort, Nintendo's sequel to its police-distracting killer app, has sold 1.25 million copies in the United States, according to the House of Mario. And the peripheral that makes all of Resorts one to (not so much) one controls possible, the MotionPlus accessory, has moved 2.9 million units in the region. EA's Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 swung 257,000 MotionPlus units into homes, while 1.36 million sales were standalone.

For those who haven't picked up Wii Sports Resort yet, it may be worth holding off until October 12, when Nintendo releases a bundle of the game with two MotionPlus devices for $60 - a $10 savings, worth it for those planning to play the game co-op.

Gallery: Wii Sports Resort

Wii Sports Resort sales reach 1.25m in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Joyswag: Wii Sports Resort + 2 MotionPlus adapters [update]

David Hinkle — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST

Update: Thanks for playing, folks! The giveaway has come to a close and we'll be selecting our winner via email, so keep an eye on your inbox!

That's right, folks! Joyswag coming your way again, this time with some Wuhu Island action. One lucky winner will walk away with Wii Sports Resort (including MotionPlus) ($50 ARV) and one additional MotionPlus controller ($30ARV). So, let's get down to it!

Leave a comment telling us where your best vacation was and why
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day
This entry period ends at 11:59 am ET on Wednesday, August 5
At that time, we'll randomly select one grand-prize winner to receive Wii Sports Resort (including MotionPlus) ($50 ARV) and one additional MotionPlus controller ($30ARV)
For a list of complete rules, click here

Good luck!

Joyswag: Wii Sports Resort + 2 MotionPlus adapters [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video interview: Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST

Last week, we visited Nintendo's impressive display at Times Square. The company gathered a few tons of sand and recreated a tropical getaway in the middle of NYC's busiest intersection. We caught up with Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen to chat about Wii MotionPlus, Wii Sports Resort, Pikmin 3, Wii Speak, and a few other things. Trinen explained Nintendo's future plans for MotionPlus, and explained why Nintendo isn't afraid of Sony and Microsoft's upcoming plans to add motion controls to their systems.

Catch the full video interview above.

Video interview: Nintendo of America's Bill Trinen originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

UK chart get: Tourists flock to Wii Sports Resort

David Hinkle — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EST

Now that Nintendo has finally started chartering some flights to lovely Wuhu Island, folks have been eager to snap up Wii Sports Resort for their very own ticket. In the UK, Chart Track data shows the follow-up to 2006's console pack-in is quite the popular little piece of software, as the sequel earned the top spot on last week's All Formats chart. Strong start, but will it have the staying power of Wii Fit?

Last week's winner, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, has thus been bumped down to the second spot, with EA's other darling, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10, snagging bronze.

UK chart get: Tourists flock to Wii Sports Resort originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nintendo won't make Wii MotionPlus a new standard

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST

Nintendo converted Times Square into a tropical island getaway for a day to celebrate this coming Sunday's launch of Wii Sports Resort, the first sequel to Nintendo's flagship Wii title. We had a chance to chat with Bill Trinen, product marketing manager for Nintendo of America, while overlooking the festivities below. He told us that in spite of the advances made by Wii MotionPlus, he doesn't see Nintendo enforcing it as a new standard. "I don't think that we would or that we would necessarily require other developers to do so either," Trinen said. "Something like Wii MotionPlus and whether or not you want to incorporate that is more of a creative decision that's up to each individual developer."

"I think it certainly suits specific types of games, but it may not make sense to include Wii MotionPlus in every game," Trinen continued. "For example, if you look at the motion controls of New Super Mario Bros. for Wii that's coming out this holiday, it's not the kind of control that requires or would really benefit from more precise movements. So it doesn't make sense for a development team to spend time implementing something that's going to enhance the end experience. I do think over time, we're going to see a lot of developers taking a look at it and finding things they can do that they couldn't do with the standard Wii Remote and we're going to see those experiences come to life."

When asked if Nintendo had any plans to revise the standard Wii Remote to include Wii MotionPlus tech, Trinen replied, "those are all good ideas. We've thought about all that as well. At this point, we're really just focused on launching Wii Sports Resort and obviously getting Wii MotionPlus off to a good start and getting it to the hands of as many of the Wii consumers as we can. And from there, once it becomes time, we may look at what other options are available."

Check back tomorrow for our full video interview with Bill Trinen and VP of corporate communications, Denise Kaiger, as they talk about Sony and Microsoft's motion efforts, the Wii Vitality Sensor and if Pikmin 3 is still happening.

Gallery: Wii Sports Resort in Times Square

Nintendo won't make Wii MotionPlus a new standard originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: Wii Sports Resort

David Hinkle — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST

Upon my initial skydive into Wii Sports Resort, I expected the game wouldn't wow me much. I'd seen it during various stages of its life and played it many times. Now that I had the final product, I expected it would hold little in the way of surprise.

But as I started unlocking games and playing more, I found myself losing track of time. Many of us know that a great game can just suck you in and you can easily lose hours mining it for all of its glorious, fun riches. Wii Sports Resort was no different for me.

Continue reading Review: Wii Sports Resort

Review: Wii Sports Resort originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Miyamoto: Wii MotionPlus technology only possible now

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:40:00 EST

Don't even start weaving conspiracies about how Nintendo's recently released Wii MotionPlus peripheral was supposed to be incorporated in the initial Wiimote design. According to Shigeru Miyamoto, such a nickel-and-dime plot is absolutely impossible -- and as we all know, Miyamoto never lies. Look at him, with those pinchable cheeks! Those are not the cheeks of a liar.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Shiggy explained the MotionPlus was only possible due to technological innovations "which took place after Wii launched." Actually, he says the technology was around, but it would have been impossible to use at such a "compact" size and low price. So, did you want Wiimotes to cost $200 and weigh as much as toddlers? No? We didn't think so.

[Via IGN]

Miyamoto: Wii MotionPlus technology only possible now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hands-on: Red Steel 2

Randy Nelson — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST

click to enlarge

We stopped by Ubisoft's San Francisco offices late last week to spend more time with its upcoming Nintendo platform lineup. Although we'd played many of the same games -- at the same stage of development -- during E3, now was the time to really focus on details. So, first up was Red Steel 2, a game that initially had us smitten with its manga-esque East-meets-West visual style, but failed to impress once we took hold of its controls.

So, once again, we were faced with the extremely short demo / gameplay primer Ubisoft had created for last month's trade show. This second look didn't leave us any more enamored with the mix of sword slashing and pistol shooting, but we were able to get a better idea of exactly what didn't feel right. At the same time, we came away even more impressed by the game from a visual standpoint than when we'd first seen it in action.

Gallery: Red Steel 2 (Wii)

Continue reading Hands-on: Red Steel 2

Hands-on: Red Steel 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Engadget gets in-depth with the Wii MotionPlus

Justin McElroy — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:45:00 EST

Like trying to watch a foreign language film on a tiny TV, it seems that our buddies at Engadget can't figure out if they've got problems with the Wii MotionPlus technology, or just the way it's being used. The site recently did an exhaustive hands-on with Nintendo's new add-on, the fruits of which you can see here.

The best implementation/demonstration for the super-sensitive tech seems to be manipulating an e-frisbee in 3D space, which is almost too precious and appropriate for our brains to comprehend.

Engadget gets in-depth with the Wii MotionPlus originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

We know you'll need it: the Wii MotionPlus instructional video

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:25:00 EST

With the release of the Wii MotionPlus, Nintendo has apparently placed how-to videos with applicable games to instruct its customer base on how to attach the accessory. Destructoid took the opportunity to upload the video, which walks a fine line between airplane emergency video and a tape that would be played in "health" class.

Dtoid notes that the real horror is that once the three-minute video starts ... there's no way to exit (not even the glorious Wiimote's Home button will save you). So, if you really need to know how to shove, slide and thread your components inside the Wii prophylactic, please feel free to watch the video after the break.

Continue reading We know you'll need it: the Wii MotionPlus instructional video

We know you'll need it: the Wii MotionPlus instructional video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

This Week on the Nintendo Channel: The Legendary Starfy

David Hinkle — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:15:00 EST

Now that the whirlwind of E3 is over, Nintendo is getting back into the swing of updating the Nintendo Channel with less exciting content than last week's big reveals. This week, it's all about the release of MotionPlus and The Legendary Starfy, with plenty of video content for both. Sadly, we don't have a demo of the latter, which we were really hoping for. But, hey, you can at least play Ant Nation. That's something, right? Right?

Continue reading This Week on the Nintendo Channel: The Legendary Starfy

This Week on the Nintendo Channel: The Legendary Starfy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Red Steel 2 hitting store shelves in Wii MotionPlus bundle

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:03:00 EST

As one would assume, a samurai western video game with a heavy focus on the implementation of a peripheral that allows for alleged 1:1 digital sword maneuvering will be hitting store shelves bundled with said attachment. Or, to put it in monosyllabic terms, we just learned at the Ubisoft press conference that the Wii MotionPlus exclusive Red Steel 2 will be bundled with Wii MotionPlus at launch. Are you like, totally surprised?

Red Steel 2 hitting store shelves in Wii MotionPlus bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

InvenSense boasts new motion tech, as seen in MotionPlus

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:30:00 EST

The motion technology masterminds at InvenSense dropped a press release today which reminds everyone how totally awesome their handiwork is. The product the company is currently boasting is its "6-axis motion processing solution," which is featured in the upcoming Wii MotionPlus ~~dongle~~ attachment. As the name suggests, the "solution" allows for the detection of movement in six directions -- up, down, left, right, forward and backward -- allowing you to throw fake frisbees to fake dogs with unparalleled accuracy.

InvenSense is hoping to shop the new gyroscopic technology out to other electronic developers in July, so if your coffee maker suddenly becomes aware of its own pitch and yaw, you know who to blame.

[Via VentureBeat]

InvenSense boasts new motion tech, as seen in MotionPlus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10: The video tour, Wii edition

Kevin Kelly — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 will be hitting all major consoles and handhelds, but the Wii MotionPlus really makes it stand out on Nintendo's flagship game unit. It offers a greater degree of club control than we've ever seen in a game, though don't expect it to make you a better golfer ... unless you can somehow graft a Wiimote onto your club. You can check out Tiger's WiiMotion Plus in action here, and then head after the break to see new videos depicting the Live Tournament mode, as well as the new golfers and courses in the game.

Gallery: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 (Wii)

Continue reading Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10: The video tour, Wii edition

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10: The video tour, Wii edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Joystiq impressions: Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked

Randy Nelson — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 06:30:00 EST

click for a larger steak -- it's what's for dinner

Cook or Be Cooked -- quite an ominous subtitle to a Food Network game for Wii, no? Fortunately, the only thing potentially dangerous we spotted in our hands-off demo of Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked was a scolding by silly-looking caricatures of the network's personalities.

To be honest, it wasn't the thought of learning to prepare food properly via a video game that intrigued us. We just had to check out a cooking game by Red Fly, developer of Mushroom Men and the upcoming Wii version of Ghostbusters: The Video Game. That and the title is slated to utilize Wii MotionPlus -- but it wasn't doing so at the event.

The brief demo we watched took place inside a nicely realized virtual kitchen, with the demoer following steps on a recipe card to make steak and mashed potatoes. The former required the proper oven temperature (turn the Wiimote to twist the knob, naturally) and frying pan handling. The steak was left in the oven too long, causing the kitchen to fill with smoke. Potatoes had to be cut with small chopping motions and, later, pulverized by holding the Wiimote vertically and mashing away.

More of a simulation than the arcade fun of Cooking Mama, Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked could easily be renamed "Learning to Cook Without Ruining Real Ingredients." Now, if you'll excuse us, we have some bacon to waggle.

Gallery: Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked

Joystiq impressions: Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Red Steel 2 goes to the Wild West, adds MotionPlus support

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:50:00 EST

Red Steel 2 is real ... and it's not really what we were expecting. The June 2009 issue of Nintendo Power will feature Ubisoft's Wii-exclusive sequel, and the cover reveals two things:

MotionPlus makes wielding the sword feel "as real as you'd always dreamed!"
Red Steel 2 seems to take place in the Wild West ... with swords. WTF?

Now, before you freak out, let's not forget that the Wild West and the East have merged together quite successfully in the past. If Red Steel 2 turns out anything like the Charles Bronson / Toshiro Mifune mashup Red Sun, it should be the best game ever made. Check out the cover after the break.

[Thanks, Fernando Rocker]

Continue reading Red Steel 2 goes to the Wild West, adds MotionPlus support

Red Steel 2 goes to the Wild West, adds MotionPlus support originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Virtua Tennis 2009 serves up Wii MotionPlus support

Randy Nelson — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST

The rumors were true: Sega has confirmed the Wii version of Virtua Tennis 2009 will support Nintendo's upcoming MotionPlus remote add-on. The publisher is making a racket about the fact its game will be out before EA Sports' Grand Slam Tennis, which hits in June, making it the first title on the market to utilize Ninty's fancy new doohickey.

Of course, Wii MotionPlus won't even be out until June, but it's still nice to know VT2009 supports it without pesky patches. (You know, those things Wii games don't have?) We suspect we'll be hearing more about the extra-sensitive Wii version of the game soon. Right now, Sega's only providing a general "spring 2009" release window.

Virtua Tennis 2009 serves up Wii MotionPlus support originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumor: Release list dates Wii Sports Resort with MotionPlus, reveals Wii Fit Plus

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST

A GoNintendo reader by the name of Maxemillian_X recently snapped a picture of an upcoming release list from an Amsterdam-based gaming retailer which reveals two interesting pieces of Wii news. The first (and somewhat more reasonable) item is a supposed July 10 release date for the Wii Sports Resort and Wii MotionPlus bundle, as well as the standalone MotionPlus peripheral.

The second eye catching release date on the list is for Wii Fit Plus, which is apparently due out November 19, giving us plenty of time to find out what the hell it is. Given the pictured release list's dubious origins (we don't know what store it came from), we're taking it with a healthy dose of trepidation. Still, a summer release for Wii Sports Resort and a follow up to Nintendo's exergaming cash cow don't seem beyond the realm of possibilities.

Rumor: Release list dates Wii Sports Resort with MotionPlus, reveals Wii Fit Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Matsuura wants hardcore gamers to sit back and enjoy 'Major Minor'

Xav de Matos — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:05:00 EST

Rhythm game pioneer Masaya Matsuura, known for popularizing the genre with titles like PaRappa the Rapper, told MTV Multiplayer that hardcore gamers should take a break and get ready to enjoy his upcoming game, Major Minor's Majestic March. "PaRappa was released about 12 or 13 years ago, and being a hardcore gamer the entire time since then must be kind of tiring," Matsuura jokingly answered when asked if the marching band game would appeal to PaRappa fans.

Matsuura also fielded questions regarding Nintendo's upcoming peripheral, the Wii MotionPlus, saying Major Minor had been tested with the accessory but in the end it "didn't really make it any more fun." While the add-on could be added in the future, Matsuura hypothesizes that titles may "need to be planned" from the beginning for its use. Matsuura also throws kind words toward Harmonix, reminiscing about a time when he "implored" the team to create games and noting how proud he is of the success of Rock Band and Guitar Hero as though they were his own creations. But don't worry, Matsuura isn't prepping a frivolous lawsuit ... he was just being nice.

Matsuura wants hardcore gamers to sit back and enjoy 'Major Minor' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Joystiq hands-on: Tiger Woods 10 (Wii)

Randy Nelson — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST

We actually got two hands firmly on a MotionPlus-sporting Wiimote for our demo of Tiger Woods 10, which, as it turned out, was a very good thing. Unlike EA's other 1:1 motion sensing sports offering, Grand Slam Tennis, we were able to more immediately appreciate what Nintendo's new tech brought to the game.

Playing one hole at Bethpage Black, we first got into the swing of things (sorry) by seeing how accurately our on-screen club matched what we were doing in reality. The answer was "very accurately." Bringing the Wiimote slowly back and up, we watched as Tiger perfectly matched not only the angle we were holding it at, but the twist of the club as well. We took our first real swing and found that, yes, it was quite true-to-life: we sucked.

We got better, though, and putting really seemed to benefit from the increased Wiimote precision. The slightest backward movement was shown via an on-screen meter, providing a really good sense of how much follow-through we'd want in order to sink the ball. All in all, our brief time with Mr. Woods' game was the most impressive implimentation of MotionPlus we've tried yet. You can get an even better idea of what we experienced in the above video.

Gallery: Tiger Woods 10 (Wii)

Joystiq hands-on: Tiger Woods 10 (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Joystiq hands-on: EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis

Randy Nelson — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST

click to enlarge

EA Sports' entry into the Wii tennis game roster came out to play at its "Season Opener" event in San Francisco. We weren't so much interested in the fact it was a tennis title from EA as we were with its support for Nintendo's yet-to-be-dated Wii MotionPlus peripheral.

It was a little odd, then, that we started off our play session without said Wiimote doohickey. We were essentially playing a more -- though not entirely -- realistic game of Wii Sports tennis, right down to the serve mechanic and the automatic on-court movement of our character. Thankfully, we learned that the game will support a Nunchuk for player-controlled movement -- and we eventually got to give MotionPlus a try.

Gallery: EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis

Joystiq hands-on: EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

MotionMinus: Dead Space Extraction won't use MotionPlus after all [update]

JC Fletcher — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

A few days back, we posted a story based on a quote from EA's John Pleasants that seemed to confirm the use of the MotionPlus peripheral for the upcoming Dead Space: Extraction on the Wii. We mentioned how weird we thought it was to use advanced motion-sensing in a title that will presumably be controlled mostly with the Wiimote's pointer.

EA seems to agree that it would be a weird choice, which is why it isn't actually doing that. It turns out that the quote was mistakenly taken out of context: at the Goldman Sachs conference, Pleasants talked about EA's planned MotionPlus sports games and Dead Space at around the same time, and somehow in the trip onto the Internet, the two subjects became conflated.

Update: Sean from GameCyte has helped us clarify the source of all the confusion: not a misquote, but rather a mistaken statement from Pleasants himself. He did say that Dead Space would use the MotionPlus peripheral, which has since been confirmed not to be the case.

MotionMinus: Dead Space Extraction won't use MotionPlus after all [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

EA not waiting on Nintendo, will release MotionPlus-compat games on time

David Hinkle — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:30:00 EST

EA is determined to release its new crop of sports game, whether or not Nintendo has released the Wii MotionPlus peripheral or not. As you may recall, EA revealed the next Tiger Woods game would feature MotionPlus support, as well as a new tennis game the company is developing, and both will ship to retail on June 16, 2009. EA Sports' PR chief, David Tinson, said that both games "will be compatible, but not dependent, on WMP. They will ship with the functionality, regardless of when WMP comes to market."

The peripheral is a tie-in with Wii Sports Resort, a game that was woefully absent from Nintendo's big release list yesterday. Will MotionPlus and Wii Sports Resort be on store shelves by June 16? Nintendo has yet to comment on an exact release for the Wii Sports successor, but we'll be sure to update you as soon as we hear.

EA not waiting on Nintendo, will release MotionPlus-compat games on time originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dead Space: Extraction to support MotionPlus

JC Fletcher — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:02:00 EST

Despite Nintendo's total, mystifying silence about the MotionPlus peripheral in its big news release today, EA is still working on games designed to support the new gyroscope add-on. In addition to Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 and EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis, both of which EA reconfirmed as MotionPlus titles today, Dead Space: Extraction will feature MotionPlus capabilities.

EA's COO John Pleasants revealed the use of the device at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference today, saying that Extraction would be "taking advantage of the MotionPlus controller." John Riccitiello previously alluded to this in a somewhat less specific manner during the original announcement of the game.

Dead Space seems like an odd choice for MotionPlus -- as an on-rails title, we would expect its controls mostly to involve using the pointer for aiming. But EA knows what it is doing: including MotionPlus support for anything is going to get the Wii fanbase on its side.

Dead Space: Extraction to support MotionPlus originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 getting MotionPlus support

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST

A recent dispatch from Electronic Arts promoting its EA Sports Season Opener event teased us with the promise of new information regarding its major athletic franchises -- though the nature of these new pieces of intel were absent from the message. One phrase did catch our eye, however -- while listing off the games which will be showcased at the event, EA mentioned Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 will be "featuring Wii MotionPlus." We can't wait to see the implications this will have on gameplay -- hopefully, when we fling our club into the crowd of jeering onlookers after our fourth consecutive double bogey, it'll travel on a startlingly realistic trajectory.

We'll also get our first look at EA Sports' yet-to-be-named, MotionPlus-infused tennis title at the event -- hopefully, we'll get a chance to chuck a few rackets in a similar, McEnroe-esque fashion.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 getting MotionPlus support originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumor: Virtua Tennis 2009 for Wii to support WiiMotion Plus

Jason Dobson — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:10:00 EST

Sega may be soon walking onto the court with an extra spring in its step, as TechRadar UK reports that the recently announced Wii version of Virtua Tennis 2009 will ship with support for WiiMotion Plus. Citing an anonymous source, the site writes that the game will be among the first third-party titles to support the new controller tech, which promises to boost the Wii remote's sensitivity to motion. We remain interested in seeing what developers do with WiiMotion Plus once it's introduced, though Sega has yet to announce any plans for supporting the souped-up controls when Virtua Tennis hits a backspin for retail in May.

As an aside, the rumor comes just as '80s tennis crybaby John McEnroe celebrates surviving half a century, his ball striking the white line of the Wii's target demographic. If any extra-sensitive waggle does make its way into Virtua Tennis 2009, we advise keeping your distance should McEnroe stop by for a quick ~~tantrum~~ game of doubles.

Rumor: Virtua Tennis 2009 for Wii to support WiiMotion Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments