Wii Summer Line-up: Manhunt 2, Resident Evil 4, Scarface And More

Corey · 06-12-2007, 01:07 PM

Wii's summer line-up looks worryingly anaemic for the hardcore demographic. The sunny season is never a particularly significant one for the games industry as a whole, with many titles released during such time being early fiscal year fodder, summer sports/movie licence tie-ins, or titles that would usually not stand a chance in the forthcoming autumn/winter deluge.

There are a few reasons why publishers tend to stay away from pitching their best titles in summer, although the fact so many of them stay clear is one of the great frustrations that linger within our fair medium. Because obviously, if there's no big games released, where do all the gamers who cant enjoy the sun (a particular sticking point for us in the UK) go for new titles? All it takes is one big game to clean up the market during that quarter, but few are brave enough to take that risk, knowing that even the good sales garnered by a strategically placed hit during summer would easily be eclipsed by the potential of releasing it during the amply more profitable winter season.

With that said, there are a few significant examples on the way for Wii that may have slipped through the cracks of attention, and perhaps more intriguingly, they have some hardcore appeal too… although that doesn’t come without some reservations. But we'll get to that little point later. In the meantime, here are some big names to keep watch for in the next couple months.

Manhunt 2 - Rockstar - July
Whether or not you feel Rockstar's stealth survival horror (in every sense of the genre's definition) is 'appropriate', there's no denying that it's eagerly anticipated for several reasons. One, it's Rockstar's first big game on a home Nintendo format in… well, years. Two, it's one of the more violent titles on Wii, testing the boundaries and audience's desire for such a visceral example of gaming on the format – if it does well, it could spell a very lucrative and potentially exciting relationship between Nintendo and Rockstar. And finally, three, it's actually been built almost from the ground up for Wii, meaning some effort has been put into not only making it look better than its PlayStation2/PlayStation Portable stablemates, but also compliment the motion control advantages afforded; which should make an interesting contrast to those who profess Wii's remote capabilities are often 'tacked on'.

Once it hits retail, Manhunt 2 will cause ripples, whether it's good or not – but early reports suggest it may well fulfil it promise and offer an engaging, if utterly disturbing gameplay experience (ripping off genitals? Eww). If it does well, not only will we see more Rockstar titles grace Wii (Bully 2, please, kthxbye) but we're also likely to see a wider demographic of stealth/survival horror type software emerge because there will be a clear demand. Although it's far too early to tell whether this will be the case. We'll see in a month or so.

Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition - Capcom - June
One of the best titles of the last generation, Resident Evil 4 has gone on to triple dip its pleasure by emerging now as a Wii title after a successful stint on both GameCube and PS2. Cynical and money hungry, yes, (this IS Capcom, remember), but if there's any game worthy of such tactics, it's RE4. And thankfully, we've been promised the definitive version of the action classic, with all the features and extras of previous iterations, with motion control aiming, weapons and Quick Time Events.

Already released in Japan, RE4:WE is garnering good reviews, with both highly recommended accolades lauded on it by Famitsu and EGM. Hands-on impressions appear to hint at an adjustment period for the control difference, but ultimately it's an essential purchase, especially given its budget price-tag.

Mortal Kombat: Armageddon - Midway - May (US)/June (PAL)
One of Wii's few fighting games, and along with Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2, it shows that the genre CAN be done decently on the format. The spine-ripping beat 'em up uses motion recognition for some moves, which apparently work well barring a couple issues. Reviews have put it down as one of the better games of its type on Wii, and something of a must for Mortal Kombat fans looking to get their first hit on the little white machine. Although given there's likely to be more coming in the future, it's probably a matter of patience in seeing if the whole Kombat system can be refined further.

Scarface: The World is Yours – Vivendi Universal – June (US)/July (PAL)
A potential sleeper hit if there ever was one, in the same mould as Electronic Arts' fantastic The Godfather: Blackhand Edition. If Scarface manages to be as well made as that, then we could have another illustration of just how well Wii is suited to the action genre. Previews have shown it could end up being the best version yet, as long as the controls (which include chainsaw slashing, gun aim and motion activated taunts/swearing) are tight and responsive. The greatest glimmer of hope for Scarface is that it was actually rated higher than The Godfather when both titles were released on other formats, so Wii could end up with something even better than EA's filmic showcase. Take a read of <a href="http://www.wiichat.com/nintendo-wii-articles/23122-scarface-world-yours-q.html" target="_blank">Wii Chat's Q&A</a> for a little more information on this enticing prospect.

Driver: Parallel Lines - Ubisoft - June
Duly forgotten by most media outlets through the sheer lack of information about it, Parallel Lines remains a mystery… and given how inconsistent Ubisoft has been in its Wii conversions to date, it's probably no real surprise. It could turn out to be as excellent as Blackhand Edition, or it could end up being a total waste of time and effort. Although it does have one thing going for it - the original PS2/Xbox versions weren’t that bad a game. With the sandbox action genre slowly expanding on Wii, its avenues of competition are growing by the month, so it will have to offer something a little different from the norm to stand out, beyond pointer targeting.

The only major issue with this batch of titles comes down to a rather prominent, if predictable trend within Wii's early catalogue; ports. Of all the above, only Manhunt 2 really has Nintendo's machine in consideration from its development conception, which is bound to raise a few eyebrows with anyone not convinced by Wii's software credentials. While August and September will offer the delights of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and Battalion Wars 2, respectively (both exclusive and original), all these third-party efforts do seem to be attempts to make the most of being caught off guard by Wii's success and perhaps taking advantage of the machine's architecture proximity to its GameCube predecessor.

However, it bears noting that for Wii to be in a position where publishers are playing catch-up in the first place, it must be carrying a modicum of clout to make it worth the relative effort. A cursory glance at the above and you'll realise that both Scarface and Driver were excluded from GameCube's library, while Manhunt wouldn’t have even been suggested for the Nintendo machine in the first place. Even in these early days of first generation software, it's a good sign of commitment, providing the audience responds.

Which is a question in itself. I may persistently extol the virtues of The Godfather: Blackhand Edition (which you really should pick up if you've not given it a try), but it didn’t sell very well at all, advertising vacuum or no. Should similar titles befall the same fate, even if they're actually good, it could create a worrying bone of contention for future software.

So, support is all. And in this 'circle of life' (sans cheesy Disney song), it's important that we all play our part. If a developer makes a good game that falls outside the remit of what the average person thinks Wii is capable of, don’t be shy in promoting and sharing it. Because that's the only way you're going to get more of that kind. The games industry is like any other in that respect; circular and self prophesising: if a developer thinks a particular type of game will sell, it will make more of them, which in turn creates the perception of the machine by force of numbers, regardless of what the reality of that machine may be.

If you want Wii to have more sandbox games, shooters and so on, get out there and buy the good ones that exist – there's a few already that may have not got the press they deserved. After all, Red Steel may have had very mixed reviews, but it sold more than well enough for a sequel to be in the works right this very moment. It's in your hands to make the difference, and the power as always rests in your wallets – cliché, but forever true; and it's never more important than during this formative stage in Wii's still developing identity.

Gr34t3st · 06-12-2007, 02:55 PM

I don't like the idea of a rail game for Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles (sorry) but I'll still buy it because I'm an RE junkie.

The other games are nice but I doubt they will be too good.

SuppaRoy · 06-12-2007, 04:27 PM

the rail game isnt RE5 its RE Umbrella Chronicles. RE5 is coming out for the xbox 360 and ps3

Warrior · 06-12-2007, 04:32 PM

RE5 will most probably make an appearance for wii, if these UChronicles and RE4: Wii edition do well.

Riviet · 06-12-2007, 07:55 PM

Hmm interesting article, looking forward to RE4.

DazzeL · 06-12-2007, 08:48 PM

It's an "ok" lineup for the summer months actually. Considering that by August 20th we will have the first of the big 3, Metroid, out. Nice read, RE 4 does look promising!

Gr34t3st · 06-12-2007, 09:45 PM

Edited. Thanks SuppaRoy.

TortillaChip520 · 06-12-2007, 09:50 PM

im def. looking forward to getting Scarface next week!

mushroomedmario · 06-12-2007, 09:59 PM

i am only getting manhunt 2, so i can write a letter to jack tretton saying "after playing manhunt 2 for the wii, i am properly trained now to kill anyone i like"

Mr Money · 06-13-2007, 05:22 AM

Im gonna get manhunt 2 cause i think it looks good. It should be good because the first one was banned so hopfully this one will be good aswell.

demonflair · 06-13-2007, 06:21 AM

The only game really interesting me a bit is Manhunt 2, I've never played the first game, so it would be nice to try it.

MiiWantWii · 06-13-2007, 09:50 AM

I will probably be getting Manhunt 2 and RE4, but I am very interested in scarface now. I'll probably rent it first, but if it's as good as The Godfather it's a must buy.

compodude · 06-13-2007, 10:37 AM

all these games look pretty good... exept manhunt... all of these games are violent... so why woud the make a manhunt. i would of asumed that after someone killed another person with a screwdriver because of manhunt the wouldnt make another one... expesialy for the wii where people are going to be stabbing people with the wiimote.

LordArchantos · 06-13-2007, 02:58 PM

Good article. The only one that doesn't interest me too much is Driver. Scarface is a definite buy for me, since it seems they did at least a "good" job with the controls. I should get MK this friday when it releases here, and Manhunt 2, if succesful especially gameplay-wise, is a must-have. As far as RE4 goes, maybe I'll buy it to support it, just so maybe if it does well enough despite it being a cash-in, we'll get a "traditional and proper" RE on Wii later. And maybe it would wake up Konami to throw SH on Wii, too (cause atm it's unlikely since they think that "a family console's" owners don't want to play SH, which is ridiculous).

WiiZero · 06-14-2007, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mushroomedmario

i am only getting manhunt 2, so i can write a letter to jack tretton saying "after playing manhunt 2 for the wii, i am properly trained now to kill anyone i like"

yeah yeah and put some blood stains on it and take a picture of yourself wide eyes and huge grin with a knife then at the bottom put

P.S. You really suck I hate how you give games a bad name what did Pong ever kill anyone know but you still got that taken off shelves (LMFAO)

P.S.S. Look outside

SensesFail · 06-14-2007, 11:28 AM

driver was never a good game..maybe wii will change that though..

arcticreaver · 06-14-2007, 12:59 PM

ign said that re4 will be 29.99. if that's the case, i'm getting that for sure. it's the only game i would like to have.

compodude · 06-14-2007, 01:51 PM

onm said it was £29.99 aswell, i asumed it was a misprint

XwiimasturX · 06-14-2007, 01:57 PM

i cant wait until manhunt 2 comes out. Im not going to get it, but when people say the wii only has kiddie games. I'll tell them it has manhunt 2.

Projection · 06-14-2007, 03:05 PM

Well at least the hardcore gamers can't really complain now can they?

06-12-2007, 01:07 PM	#1
Corey Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 47 Friends: 0	Wii Summer Line-up: Manhunt 2, Resident Evil 4, Scarface And More Wii's summer line-up looks worryingly anaemic for the hardcore demographic. The sunny season is never a particularly significant one for the games industry as a whole, with many titles released during such time being early fiscal year fodder, summer sports/movie licence tie-ins, or titles that would usually not stand a chance in the forthcoming autumn/winter deluge. There are a few reasons why publishers tend to stay away from pitching their best titles in summer, although the fact so many of them stay clear is one of the great frustrations that linger within our fair medium. Because obviously, if there's no big games released, where do all the gamers who cant enjoy the sun (a particular sticking point for us in the UK) go for new titles? All it takes is one big game to clean up the market during that quarter, but few are brave enough to take that risk, knowing that even the good sales garnered by a strategically placed hit during summer would easily be eclipsed by the potential of releasing it during the amply more profitable winter season. With that said, there are a few significant examples on the way for Wii that may have slipped through the cracks of attention, and perhaps more intriguingly, they have some hardcore appeal too… although that doesn’t come without some reservations. But we'll get to that little point later. In the meantime, here are some big names to keep watch for in the next couple months. Manhunt 2 - Rockstar - July Whether or not you feel Rockstar's stealth survival horror (in every sense of the genre's definition) is 'appropriate', there's no denying that it's eagerly anticipated for several reasons. One, it's Rockstar's first big game on a home Nintendo format in… well, years. Two, it's one of the more violent titles on Wii, testing the boundaries and audience's desire for such a visceral example of gaming on the format – if it does well, it could spell a very lucrative and potentially exciting relationship between Nintendo and Rockstar. And finally, three, it's actually been built almost from the ground up for Wii, meaning some effort has been put into not only making it look better than its PlayStation2/PlayStation Portable stablemates, but also compliment the motion control advantages afforded; which should make an interesting contrast to those who profess Wii's remote capabilities are often 'tacked on'. Once it hits retail, Manhunt 2 will cause ripples, whether it's good or not – but early reports suggest it may well fulfil it promise and offer an engaging, if utterly disturbing gameplay experience (ripping off genitals? Eww). If it does well, not only will we see more Rockstar titles grace Wii (Bully 2, please, kthxbye) but we're also likely to see a wider demographic of stealth/survival horror type software emerge because there will be a clear demand. Although it's far too early to tell whether this will be the case. We'll see in a month or so. Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition - Capcom - June One of the best titles of the last generation, Resident Evil 4 has gone on to triple dip its pleasure by emerging now as a Wii title after a successful stint on both GameCube and PS2. Cynical and money hungry, yes, (this IS Capcom, remember), but if there's any game worthy of such tactics, it's RE4. And thankfully, we've been promised the definitive version of the action classic, with all the features and extras of previous iterations, with motion control aiming, weapons and Quick Time Events. Already released in Japan, RE4:WE is garnering good reviews, with both highly recommended accolades lauded on it by Famitsu and EGM. Hands-on impressions appear to hint at an adjustment period for the control difference, but ultimately it's an essential purchase, especially given its budget price-tag. Mortal Kombat: Armageddon - Midway - May (US)/June (PAL) One of Wii's few fighting games, and along with Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2, it shows that the genre CAN be done decently on the format. The spine-ripping beat 'em up uses motion recognition for some moves, which apparently work well barring a couple issues. Reviews have put it down as one of the better games of its type on Wii, and something of a must for Mortal Kombat fans looking to get their first hit on the little white machine. Although given there's likely to be more coming in the future, it's probably a matter of patience in seeing if the whole Kombat system can be refined further. Scarface: The World is Yours – Vivendi Universal – June (US)/July (PAL) A potential sleeper hit if there ever was one, in the same mould as Electronic Arts' fantastic The Godfather: Blackhand Edition. If Scarface manages to be as well made as that, then we could have another illustration of just how well Wii is suited to the action genre. Previews have shown it could end up being the best version yet, as long as the controls (which include chainsaw slashing, gun aim and motion activated taunts/swearing) are tight and responsive. The greatest glimmer of hope for Scarface is that it was actually rated higher than The Godfather when both titles were released on other formats, so Wii could end up with something even better than EA's filmic showcase. Take a read of <a href="http://www.wiichat.com/nintendo-wii-articles/23122-scarface-world-yours-q.html" target="_blank">Wii Chat's Q&A</a> for a little more information on this enticing prospect. Driver: Parallel Lines - Ubisoft - June Duly forgotten by most media outlets through the sheer lack of information about it, Parallel Lines remains a mystery… and given how inconsistent Ubisoft has been in its Wii conversions to date, it's probably no real surprise. It could turn out to be as excellent as Blackhand Edition, or it could end up being a total waste of time and effort. Although it does have one thing going for it - the original PS2/Xbox versions weren’t that bad a game. With the sandbox action genre slowly expanding on Wii, its avenues of competition are growing by the month, so it will have to offer something a little different from the norm to stand out, beyond pointer targeting. The only major issue with this batch of titles comes down to a rather prominent, if predictable trend within Wii's early catalogue; ports. Of all the above, only Manhunt 2 really has Nintendo's machine in consideration from its development conception, which is bound to raise a few eyebrows with anyone not convinced by Wii's software credentials. While August and September will offer the delights of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and Battalion Wars 2, respectively (both exclusive and original), all these third-party efforts do seem to be attempts to make the most of being caught off guard by Wii's success and perhaps taking advantage of the machine's architecture proximity to its GameCube predecessor. However, it bears noting that for Wii to be in a position where publishers are playing catch-up in the first place, it must be carrying a modicum of clout to make it worth the relative effort. A cursory glance at the above and you'll realise that both Scarface and Driver were excluded from GameCube's library, while Manhunt wouldn’t have even been suggested for the Nintendo machine in the first place. Even in these early days of first generation software, it's a good sign of commitment, providing the audience responds. Which is a question in itself. I may persistently extol the virtues of The Godfather: Blackhand Edition (which you really should pick up if you've not given it a try), but it didn’t sell very well at all, advertising vacuum or no. Should similar titles befall the same fate, even if they're actually good, it could create a worrying bone of contention for future software. So, support is all. And in this 'circle of life' (sans cheesy Disney song), it's important that we all play our part. If a developer makes a good game that falls outside the remit of what the average person thinks Wii is capable of, don’t be shy in promoting and sharing it. Because that's the only way you're going to get more of that kind. The games industry is like any other in that respect; circular and self prophesising: if a developer thinks a particular type of game will sell, it will make more of them, which in turn creates the perception of the machine by force of numbers, regardless of what the reality of that machine may be. If you want Wii to have more sandbox games, shooters and so on, get out there and buy the good ones that exist – there's a few already that may have not got the press they deserved. After all, Red Steel may have had very mixed reviews, but it sold more than well enough for a sequel to be in the works right this very moment. It's in your hands to make the difference, and the power as always rests in your wallets – cliché, but forever true; and it's never more important than during this formative stage in Wii's still developing identity.

06-12-2007, 02:55 PM	#2
Gr34t3st WiiChat Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 79 Friends: 0	I don't like the idea of a rail game for Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles (sorry) but I'll still buy it because I'm an RE junkie. The other games are nice but I doubt they will be too good. __________________ Last edited by Gr34t3st; 06-12-2007 at 09:44 PM.

06-12-2007, 04:27 PM	#3
SuppaRoy SSBB site is my home page Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 241 Friends: 0 3481-0462-1023-5980	the rail game isnt RE5 its RE Umbrella Chronicles. RE5 is coming out for the xbox 360 and ps3 __________________ MARIO STRIKERS CHARGED - PM me for Friend Code Exchanges. 386653-777982 MAKE SURE you send me a private message telling me you added me. Wins-70 Loses-14 Undefeated within friends roster. Think you can beat me....jus pm me and we will see

06-12-2007, 07:55 PM	#5
Riviet WiiChat Veteran Join Date: May 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 1,462 Friends: 0 3388-6355-5969-8398	Hmm interesting article, looking forward to RE4. __________________ WiiChat Photo Album: http://www.wiichat.com/lounge/974-of...html#post44087

06-12-2007, 09:45 PM	#7
Gr34t3st WiiChat Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 79 Friends: 0	Edited. Thanks SuppaRoy. __________________


Wii News Wii Forum Wii Friend Codes Wii Groups Wii Blogs Wii Arcade

06-12-2007, 04:32 PM	#4
Warrior WiiChat Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 596 Friends: 0	RE5 will most probably make an appearance for wii, if these UChronicles and RE4: Wii edition do well.

06-12-2007, 08:48 PM	#6
DazzeL WiiChat Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 138 Friends: 0	It's an "ok" lineup for the summer months actually. Considering that by August 20th we will have the first of the big 3, Metroid, out. Nice read, RE 4 does look promising!

06-12-2007, 09:59 PM	#9
mushroomedmario ssb4life Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waterloo, ontario, canada Posts: 3,834 Friends: 0 5701-4561-7633-7008	i am only getting manhunt 2, so i can write a letter to jack tretton saying "after playing manhunt 2 for the wii, i am properly trained now to kill anyone i like" __________________ the mario that's roomed with mush my wii is not connected to the internet, so i can't play brawl online for a bit....please do not spam inbox with friend code requests

06-13-2007, 05:22 AM	#10
Mr Money I LIKE MONEY AND THE WII Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: bolton, survivor of the outbreak in Racoon City! Posts: 160 Friends: 0 2750-8731-4798-5755	Im gonna get manhunt 2 cause i think it looks good. It should be good because the first one was banned so hopfully this one will be good aswell. __________________ Games i own for wii: Wii Sports/Play, Warioware SM, Resident Evil: UC, Super Mario Galaxy, MarioSCF, Links Crossbow Training MOH: Vanguard, Splinter Cell DA. Games i own for DS: TLOZ:Phantom Hourglass, Pokemon Diamond, Dr Kawashima's More Brain Training no one likes someone who begs for karma (respect)- Isaac Baily

06-13-2007, 06:21 AM	#11
demonflair Slowly returning.. <_< Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Portugal, Portimão Posts: 2,516 Friends: 0 2967-1215-6372-5681	The only game really interesting me a bit is Manhunt 2, I've never played the first game, so it would be nice to try it. __________________

06-13-2007, 09:50 AM	#12
MiiWantWii WiiChat Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 14 Friends: 0	I will probably be getting Manhunt 2 and RE4, but I am very interested in scarface now. I'll probably rent it first, but if it's as good as The Godfather it's a must buy.

06-13-2007, 10:37 AM	#13
compodude keep it compo Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 142 Friends: 0	all these games look pretty good... exept manhunt... all of these games are violent... so why woud the make a manhunt. i would of asumed that after someone killed another person with a screwdriver because of manhunt the wouldnt make another one... expesialy for the wii where people are going to be stabbing people with the wiimote. __________________ if you dont like it, live with it!

06-13-2007, 02:58 PM	#14
LordArchantos A Wu from the North... Join Date: May 2007 Location: Finland Posts: 42 Friends: 0 5670-7814-3130-4784	Good article. The only one that doesn't interest me too much is Driver. Scarface is a definite buy for me, since it seems they did at least a "good" job with the controls. I should get MK this friday when it releases here, and Manhunt 2, if succesful especially gameplay-wise, is a must-have. As far as RE4 goes, maybe I'll buy it to support it, just so maybe if it does well enough despite it being a cash-in, we'll get a "traditional and proper" RE on Wii later. And maybe it would wake up Konami to throw SH on Wii, too (cause atm it's unlikely since they think that "a family console's" owners don't want to play SH, which is ridiculous). __________________ Mario Strikers Charged FC: 176 194 713 193 Medal Of Honor: Heroes 2 Persona: Lord A

06-14-2007, 11:28 AM	#16
SensesFail WiiChat Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,765 Friends: 6	driver was never a good game..maybe wii will change that though.. __________________ Gamertag/PSN ID=SensesFailxWiix if you add me send me a message via console or wiichat

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

06-14-2007, 12:59 PM	#17
arcticreaver Snake Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Arcadia Posts: 229 Friends: 0 7223-3534-5566-9128	ign said that re4 will be 29.99. if that's the case, i'm getting that for sure. it's the only game i would like to have.

06-14-2007, 01:51 PM	#18
compodude keep it compo Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 142 Friends: 0	onm said it was £29.99 aswell, i asumed it was a misprint __________________ if you dont like it, live with it!

06-14-2007, 01:57 PM	#19
XwiimasturX Don't Mind Me. I'm Stupid Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Posts: 421 Friends: 0	i cant wait until manhunt 2 comes out. Im not going to get it, but when people say the wii only has kiddie games. I'll tell them it has manhunt 2. __________________

06-14-2007, 03:05 PM	#20
Projection WiiChat Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bedford, England Posts: 238 Friends: 0 2857-0920-1773-7331	Well at least the hardcore gamers can't really complain now can they?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode