vashivihan
Let There Be Rock
January 18, 2008 - If you thought 2007 was a good year for Wii, let us introduce you to your new best friend: 2008. Hot on the heels of a super-successful December holiday, forward Wii momentum is showing no signs of slowing in the new year. In the first few months, good efforts like No More Heroes, Endless Ocean, Bully: Scholarship Edition will lead the way into a very big March, which is set to encapsulate anticipated games like SEGA Superstars Tennis, Worms: A Space Oddity, Okami, and a little fighter called Super Smash Bros. Brawl. You may have heard of it. The year will also house the release of a brand new Mario Kart, Animal Crossing and, obviously, Wii Fit, which could very well become one of the most popular efforts of the year. In addition, we expect major software announcements from third-parties, which will be adding AAA titles to Wii's roster on a fairly regular basis. Finally, don't think for a second that the Big N doesn't have several tricks up its sleeves – expect some epic revelations from the company that created Mario and Zelda.
Bully: Scholarship Edition
Developer: Rockstar Vancouver
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Expected Release: March 3, 2008
Overview:
Step back into the world of Bullworth Academy with Rockstar's Wii/360 upgrade from one of the hottest PS2 titles of 2006. With new IR control, two player mini-games, and specific Wii motion for fighting, players can enjoy a more robust, polished experience, teamed with new items, added missions, and more.
Bully: Scholarship Edition - Wii
de Blob
Developer: Blue Tongue
Publisher: THQ
Expected Release: TBA 2008
Overview:
One of the most original games set to debut for Wii this year, de Blob throws gamers into a monochromatic world and challenges them to paint it. Use a gelatinous hero to roll and platform through colorless cities, spraying them with gobs of paint as you go. Tight controls, unique challenges and dynamic funky music add to the experience.
Disaster: Day of Crisis
Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher: Nintendo
Expected Release: 2008
Overview:
This unique action game from the developer of Baten Kaitos is powered by a very intriguing concept. After the United States is crushed by a series of natural disasters, from earthquakes to floods, a terrorist group seizes the opportunity to steal a nuclear bomb. It's up to you to stay alive and stop the group. We can't wait to see more.
Disaster: Day of Crisis - Wii
Okami
Developer: Clover Studio / Ready at Dawn Studios
Publisher: Capcom
Expected Release: March 25, 2008
Overview: Ever since it was announced for PlayStation 2, Nintendo fans have begged for a Wii version of Okami, whose stylized presentation and drawing mechanics seemed ideally suited for the Big N's console. Now, it's happened. Take control of the wolf hero and run through a beautiful world inspired by woodblock painting designs. Maybe we'll even see some Wii enhancements.
Okami - PS2 Version
King's Story
Developer: Town Factory
Publisher: Marvelous Interactive
Expected Release: 2008
Overview:
The makers of Harvest Moon, Final Fantasy XII, and Dragon Quest VIII team up to deliver one of the most imaginative games thus far on Wii. Players take the role of a new king, and learn to command their subjects, do battle, and advance the world, all wrapped around beautiful hand-drawn art and fresh, watercolor style.
Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Expected Release: February 25, 2008
Overview:
As a more casual take on the DQ brand, "Swords" focuses on IR control, motion swinging, and the first-person perspective in this casual-friendly addition to one of Square Enix's top franchises. Explore dungeons, gather allies, and solve the mystery of the mysterious (and evil) mask of the queen.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearers
Developer: Square-Enix
Publisher: Square-Enix
Expected Release: TBA 2008
Overview:
The sequel to GameCube's Crystal Chronicles, Crystal Bearers features an all-new storyline about a main character who is a hero from the start. It will, according to reports, play similarly to Crystal Chronicles, boast a completely revamped 3D engine, and will be heavily focused on single-player action. All the footage of the game released thus far shows real-time scenarios.
Blast Works: Build, Fuse & Destroy
Developer: Budcat Creations
Publisher: Majesco
Expected Release: May 2008
Overview:
As a new spin on the classic sidescrolling shooter genre, Blast Works pairs asset creation, Wii's online, and classic shooter gameplay to deliver a game that's as fun to play as it is to be a part of. Enjoy the main gameplay mode, create your own ship, enemies, and levels, and share or download with friends over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The possibilities are endless.
Other Notable Shooters
House of the Dead 2 & 3
Castle Shikigami 3
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Expected Release: March 11, 2008
Overview:
Wii becomes a battleground for the world's most popular sport this year, as Winning Eleven comes to Nintendo's console. Complete with new motion controls and a totally unique IR-based "drag" system for controlling passes and precise tactical movements, Konami promises a traditional Winning Eleven experience, mixed with some serious innovation.
We Love Golf!
Developer: Camelot Software Planning
Publisher: Capcom
Expected Release: TBA 2008
Overview:
Simply put, Camelot Software Planning makes great sports games. These are the guys responsible for Mario Tennis and Mario Golf, remember. In 2008, Camelot brings Wii owners We Love Golf, a colorful, tightly-controlled golf title with a variety of characters and courses to explore. Use the Wii remote to swing away in style in the first golf game to give Wii Sports a run for its money.
We Love Golf! - Wii
SEGA Superstar Tennis
Developer: Sumo Digital
Publisher: SEGA
Expected Release: March 18, 2008
Overview:
SEGA takes a page from Nintendo's playbook in delivering their own version of Mario Tennis with SEGA Supterstars Tennis. Including everyone from Sonic to Nights, Jet Set Radio and Super Monkey Ball, players will engage in singles or doubles play, all the while using motion control to deliver fast, arcade action. It's from the makers of Virtua Tennis 3, so we've got high hopes for this one.
Other Notable Sports Games
Major League Baseball 2K8
Don King Presents: Prizefighter
Top Spin Tennis
Wii Music
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Expected Release: TBA 2008
Overview:
Grab both a Wii remote and nunchuk and play music using more than 40 different virtual instruments, including a folk guitar, bass guitar, trumpet, maracas and a marimba. Wii Music utilizes a timing-based gameplay system and supports up to four players locally. While its simple presentation rivals Wii Sports, it's bound to be a big hit later this year.
Rock Band
Developer: Harmonix
Publisher: EA, MTV Games
Expected Release: 2008
Overview:
The Wii version of the latest musical craze is still yet to be officially commented on, but word has come up, and it's worth a mention. With the huge success of Guitar Hero III on Wii thus far, we expect EA to bring this multiplayer-focused band experience to Wii later this year. Downloadable content may be tricky, but the potential for Wii-specific motions or peripherals is definitely there.
Rock Band - PS2
Other Notable Music Games
Samba De Amigo
Guitar Hero III: Aerosmith
Wii Fit
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Expected Release: Q2 2008
Overview:
Potentially the biggest "game" of 2008, Wii Fit has already sold more than a million copies in Japan and it's set to blow through America in the second quarter. Jump on the Wii Balance Board and take part in genuinely challenging exercises, from yoga to push-ups, to get your hear rate up and ultimately lose weight. Wii Sports was just the beginning.
Boom Blox
Developer: EA Los Angeles
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Expected Release: May 2008
Overview:
A collaboration between Steven Spielberg and Electronic Arts, Boom Blox utilizes the Wii remote so that players may manipulate on-screen blocks complete with realistic physics and tied to puzzle challenges. It's a simple premise, but early demos show a very promising product that is perfectly matched to Nintendo's system. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
Other Notable Family Games
Endless Ocean
LEGO Indiana Jones
LEGO Batman
Ninja Reflex
Alone in the Dark
Developer: Hydravision
Publisher: Atari
Expected Release: May 2008
Overview:
One of the most renowned and moody adventure games out there is getting a revival, and it begins later this year across every major platform. Little is known about Alone in the Dark thus far, but we know the new structure will be highly episodic (each lasting about 40 minutes), and will aim to deliver the same aura of isolation as its original inspiration.
Alone in the Dark - Wii
Other Notable Survival Horror Games
Obscure: The Aftermath
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Developer: Nintendo / Sora
Publisher: Nintendo
Expected Release: March 9, 2008
Overview:
Take your favorite Nintendo characters as well as some of the most popular mascots from SEGA and Konami, throw them into too many fight arenas to count, arm them with unique special moves and weapons, and have them duke it out in unbelievably fast matches. Now add in hundreds of collectibles and an online mode to boot. The result? Gaming heaven.
Mario Kart Wii
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Expected Release: Q2, 2008
Overview:
Hot off the heels of an incredible DS offering, Nintendo is at it again with its hottest racing franchise. This time around players will tilt to steer, make use of online racing, and strap in with an official Nintendo wheel shell bundled free with the game. Oh, and beware of motorcycles.
Worms: A Space Oddity
Developer: Team17
Publisher: THQ
Expected Release: March 10, 2008
Overview:
Even without its promised online mode, Worms: A Space Oddity is a fun and addictive strategy game that oozes Worms-esque charm and really utilizes the Wii remote well. Line up your wormy soldiers on 2D battlefields and engage in brainy warfare, choosing the best weapon and location to defeat the enemy. The classic is reborn on Wii with tactile gestures systems.
Animal Crossing
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Expected Release: 2008
Overview:
It hasn't been confirmed by Nintendo yet, but we're confident that Animal Crossing will find its way onto Wii at the tail end of this year. Expect the same real-time, community feel, this time teamed with more player-to-player sharing, stronger online, motion integration, and larger worlds.
Animal Crossing - GameCube
Monster Lab
Developer: Backbone
Publisher: Eidos
Expected Release: Q2 2008
Overview:
In the Wii-exclusive Monster Lab from developer Backbone, you become a mad scientist and construct your very own monsters using more than "150 million monster combinations." After your creature is complete, you can send them on quests to do battle with enemies and to collect a variety of items. Monster Lab sounds fun and has a clean, stylized look to it.
Predictions
Wii Best-Selling Console of 2008
While Nintendo will continue to ramp up supply, its Wii system will even so remain sold out on a regular basis during the first six months of the year, largely due to increased demand after the release of titles like Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Wii Fit. In the second half of 2008, Nintendo will embark upon a much larger push into the online arena, led by Wii's own online-intensive Mario Kart, and more online compatible Touch Generation and casual efforts. Come December of 2008, Wii will have consistently outsold competitors Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in hardware sales and will officially be the number one console, both in America and the world.
Nintendo Releases Unconventional Voice Chat Solution for Wii
With more and more internally-developed titles supporting online play, the Big N will finally ready a long overdue solution for gamers to voice chat with friends while connected. But it won't be a conventional headset. Hoping to maintain Wii's squeaky-clean family image, Nintendo will instead develop a voice chat peripheral which enables parents to listen in on the online conversations their kids are having. Within a matter of a few weeks, though, third-party peripheral makers will release a traditional headset for Wii that proves a worthy alternative to Nintendo's own device.
E3 2008: Nintendo Announces New Wii Take on Major Classic Franchise
Although Wii will continue to see more and more anticipated "expanded audience" titles like Wii Fit in 2008, Nintendo will make it a point to show off at least one major sequel to a beloved classic franchise at the next Electronic Entertainment Expo. The title will appeal specifically to the hardcore crowd. What will it be? Hey – these are just predictions. Make your own guess.
Nintendo Releases New Wii Colors and Wireless Nunchuk with Wii Play-style Mini-Games
Nintendo will release Wii in at least one new color this year, possibly as a bundle with powerhouse titles like Wii Fit, Mario Kart, or as a specially-priced holiday package with Super Smash Bros. Brawl. In addition, with mega-sales of Wii Play throughout 2007, the company will debut its own completely wireless nunchuk, packaged with a Wii Play-style compilation of mini-games designed to make use of the peripheral in some fashion. The package will enjoy phenomenal success.
looks nice http://wii.ign.com/articles/846/846421p1.html
Bully: Scholarship Edition
Developer: Rockstar Vancouver
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Expected Release: March 3, 2008
Overview:
Step back into the world of Bullworth Academy with Rockstar's Wii/360 upgrade from one of the hottest PS2 titles of 2006. With new IR control, two player mini-games, and specific Wii motion for fighting, players can enjoy a more robust, polished experience, teamed with new items, added missions, and more.
Bully: Scholarship Edition - Wii
de Blob
Developer: Blue Tongue
Publisher: THQ
Expected Release: TBA 2008
Overview:
One of the most original games set to debut for Wii this year, de Blob throws gamers into a monochromatic world and challenges them to paint it. Use a gelatinous hero to roll and platform through colorless cities, spraying them with gobs of paint as you go. Tight controls, unique challenges and dynamic funky music add to the experience.
Disaster: Day of Crisis
Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher: Nintendo
Expected Release: 2008
Overview:
This unique action game from the developer of Baten Kaitos is powered by a very intriguing concept. After the United States is crushed by a series of natural disasters, from earthquakes to floods, a terrorist group seizes the opportunity to steal a nuclear bomb. It's up to you to stay alive and stop the group. We can't wait to see more.
Disaster: Day of Crisis - Wii
Okami
Developer: Clover Studio / Ready at Dawn Studios
Publisher: Capcom
Expected Release: March 25, 2008
Overview: Ever since it was announced for PlayStation 2, Nintendo fans have begged for a Wii version of Okami, whose stylized presentation and drawing mechanics seemed ideally suited for the Big N's console. Now, it's happened. Take control of the wolf hero and run through a beautiful world inspired by woodblock painting designs. Maybe we'll even see some Wii enhancements.
Okami - PS2 Version
King's Story
Developer: Town Factory
Publisher: Marvelous Interactive
Expected Release: 2008
Overview:
The makers of Harvest Moon, Final Fantasy XII, and Dragon Quest VIII team up to deliver one of the most imaginative games thus far on Wii. Players take the role of a new king, and learn to command their subjects, do battle, and advance the world, all wrapped around beautiful hand-drawn art and fresh, watercolor style.
Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Expected Release: February 25, 2008
Overview:
As a more casual take on the DQ brand, "Swords" focuses on IR control, motion swinging, and the first-person perspective in this casual-friendly addition to one of Square Enix's top franchises. Explore dungeons, gather allies, and solve the mystery of the mysterious (and evil) mask of the queen.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearers
Developer: Square-Enix
Publisher: Square-Enix
Expected Release: TBA 2008
Overview:
The sequel to GameCube's Crystal Chronicles, Crystal Bearers features an all-new storyline about a main character who is a hero from the start. It will, according to reports, play similarly to Crystal Chronicles, boast a completely revamped 3D engine, and will be heavily focused on single-player action. All the footage of the game released thus far shows real-time scenarios.
Blast Works: Build, Fuse & Destroy
Developer: Budcat Creations
Publisher: Majesco
Expected Release: May 2008
Overview:
As a new spin on the classic sidescrolling shooter genre, Blast Works pairs asset creation, Wii's online, and classic shooter gameplay to deliver a game that's as fun to play as it is to be a part of. Enjoy the main gameplay mode, create your own ship, enemies, and levels, and share or download with friends over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The possibilities are endless.
Other Notable Shooters
House of the Dead 2 & 3
Castle Shikigami 3
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Expected Release: March 11, 2008
Overview:
Wii becomes a battleground for the world's most popular sport this year, as Winning Eleven comes to Nintendo's console. Complete with new motion controls and a totally unique IR-based "drag" system for controlling passes and precise tactical movements, Konami promises a traditional Winning Eleven experience, mixed with some serious innovation.
We Love Golf!
Developer: Camelot Software Planning
Publisher: Capcom
Expected Release: TBA 2008
Overview:
Simply put, Camelot Software Planning makes great sports games. These are the guys responsible for Mario Tennis and Mario Golf, remember. In 2008, Camelot brings Wii owners We Love Golf, a colorful, tightly-controlled golf title with a variety of characters and courses to explore. Use the Wii remote to swing away in style in the first golf game to give Wii Sports a run for its money.
We Love Golf! - Wii
SEGA Superstar Tennis
Developer: Sumo Digital
Publisher: SEGA
Expected Release: March 18, 2008
Overview:
SEGA takes a page from Nintendo's playbook in delivering their own version of Mario Tennis with SEGA Supterstars Tennis. Including everyone from Sonic to Nights, Jet Set Radio and Super Monkey Ball, players will engage in singles or doubles play, all the while using motion control to deliver fast, arcade action. It's from the makers of Virtua Tennis 3, so we've got high hopes for this one.
Other Notable Sports Games
Major League Baseball 2K8
Don King Presents: Prizefighter
Top Spin Tennis
Wii Music
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Expected Release: TBA 2008
Overview:
Grab both a Wii remote and nunchuk and play music using more than 40 different virtual instruments, including a folk guitar, bass guitar, trumpet, maracas and a marimba. Wii Music utilizes a timing-based gameplay system and supports up to four players locally. While its simple presentation rivals Wii Sports, it's bound to be a big hit later this year.
Rock Band
Developer: Harmonix
Publisher: EA, MTV Games
Expected Release: 2008
Overview:
The Wii version of the latest musical craze is still yet to be officially commented on, but word has come up, and it's worth a mention. With the huge success of Guitar Hero III on Wii thus far, we expect EA to bring this multiplayer-focused band experience to Wii later this year. Downloadable content may be tricky, but the potential for Wii-specific motions or peripherals is definitely there.
Rock Band - PS2
Other Notable Music Games
Samba De Amigo
Guitar Hero III: Aerosmith
Wii Fit
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Expected Release: Q2 2008
Overview:
Potentially the biggest "game" of 2008, Wii Fit has already sold more than a million copies in Japan and it's set to blow through America in the second quarter. Jump on the Wii Balance Board and take part in genuinely challenging exercises, from yoga to push-ups, to get your hear rate up and ultimately lose weight. Wii Sports was just the beginning.
Boom Blox
Developer: EA Los Angeles
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Expected Release: May 2008
Overview:
A collaboration between Steven Spielberg and Electronic Arts, Boom Blox utilizes the Wii remote so that players may manipulate on-screen blocks complete with realistic physics and tied to puzzle challenges. It's a simple premise, but early demos show a very promising product that is perfectly matched to Nintendo's system. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
Other Notable Family Games
Endless Ocean
LEGO Indiana Jones
LEGO Batman
Ninja Reflex
Alone in the Dark
Developer: Hydravision
Publisher: Atari
Expected Release: May 2008
Overview:
One of the most renowned and moody adventure games out there is getting a revival, and it begins later this year across every major platform. Little is known about Alone in the Dark thus far, but we know the new structure will be highly episodic (each lasting about 40 minutes), and will aim to deliver the same aura of isolation as its original inspiration.
Alone in the Dark - Wii
Other Notable Survival Horror Games
Obscure: The Aftermath
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Developer: Nintendo / Sora
Publisher: Nintendo
Expected Release: March 9, 2008
Overview:
Take your favorite Nintendo characters as well as some of the most popular mascots from SEGA and Konami, throw them into too many fight arenas to count, arm them with unique special moves and weapons, and have them duke it out in unbelievably fast matches. Now add in hundreds of collectibles and an online mode to boot. The result? Gaming heaven.
Mario Kart Wii
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Expected Release: Q2, 2008
Overview:
Hot off the heels of an incredible DS offering, Nintendo is at it again with its hottest racing franchise. This time around players will tilt to steer, make use of online racing, and strap in with an official Nintendo wheel shell bundled free with the game. Oh, and beware of motorcycles.
Worms: A Space Oddity
Developer: Team17
Publisher: THQ
Expected Release: March 10, 2008
Overview:
Even without its promised online mode, Worms: A Space Oddity is a fun and addictive strategy game that oozes Worms-esque charm and really utilizes the Wii remote well. Line up your wormy soldiers on 2D battlefields and engage in brainy warfare, choosing the best weapon and location to defeat the enemy. The classic is reborn on Wii with tactile gestures systems.
Animal Crossing
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Expected Release: 2008
Overview:
It hasn't been confirmed by Nintendo yet, but we're confident that Animal Crossing will find its way onto Wii at the tail end of this year. Expect the same real-time, community feel, this time teamed with more player-to-player sharing, stronger online, motion integration, and larger worlds.
Animal Crossing - GameCube
Monster Lab
Developer: Backbone
Publisher: Eidos
Expected Release: Q2 2008
Overview:
In the Wii-exclusive Monster Lab from developer Backbone, you become a mad scientist and construct your very own monsters using more than "150 million monster combinations." After your creature is complete, you can send them on quests to do battle with enemies and to collect a variety of items. Monster Lab sounds fun and has a clean, stylized look to it.
Predictions
Wii Best-Selling Console of 2008
While Nintendo will continue to ramp up supply, its Wii system will even so remain sold out on a regular basis during the first six months of the year, largely due to increased demand after the release of titles like Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Wii Fit. In the second half of 2008, Nintendo will embark upon a much larger push into the online arena, led by Wii's own online-intensive Mario Kart, and more online compatible Touch Generation and casual efforts. Come December of 2008, Wii will have consistently outsold competitors Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in hardware sales and will officially be the number one console, both in America and the world.
Nintendo Releases Unconventional Voice Chat Solution for Wii
With more and more internally-developed titles supporting online play, the Big N will finally ready a long overdue solution for gamers to voice chat with friends while connected. But it won't be a conventional headset. Hoping to maintain Wii's squeaky-clean family image, Nintendo will instead develop a voice chat peripheral which enables parents to listen in on the online conversations their kids are having. Within a matter of a few weeks, though, third-party peripheral makers will release a traditional headset for Wii that proves a worthy alternative to Nintendo's own device.
E3 2008: Nintendo Announces New Wii Take on Major Classic Franchise
Although Wii will continue to see more and more anticipated "expanded audience" titles like Wii Fit in 2008, Nintendo will make it a point to show off at least one major sequel to a beloved classic franchise at the next Electronic Entertainment Expo. The title will appeal specifically to the hardcore crowd. What will it be? Hey – these are just predictions. Make your own guess.
Nintendo Releases New Wii Colors and Wireless Nunchuk with Wii Play-style Mini-Games
Nintendo will release Wii in at least one new color this year, possibly as a bundle with powerhouse titles like Wii Fit, Mario Kart, or as a specially-priced holiday package with Super Smash Bros. Brawl. In addition, with mega-sales of Wii Play throughout 2007, the company will debut its own completely wireless nunchuk, packaged with a Wii Play-style compilation of mini-games designed to make use of the peripheral in some fashion. The package will enjoy phenomenal success.
looks nice http://wii.ign.com/articles/846/846421p1.html
