Looking for a Christmas gift but have absolutely no idea what to get? (Yes, this is aimed at parents who aren’t sure what to get their brood.) Well Nintendo have got you covered with their Nintendo Christmas Gift Guide. Also, for those of you who have got your eye on a console or Nintendo game then don’t threat, you can very subtly choose some items from the Nintendo wish list and share the list with your friends.
Don’t settle for a pair of socks this Christmas or some random no frills copy of what you truly want. Go to the Nintendo site here and register and share your wish list. Or just go browse what comes up under each category and take a look at the popular games to scope out what might be the perfect gift for your son/daughter/niece/nephew/neighbour/me.
It seems that the debate of whether dedicated handhelds can survive the changing portable market will continue after a survey by analysts Cowen and Company has revealed that more casual gamers continue to flock to smartphones for their portable needs, with less casual gamers looking at the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS and Sony PSP to tend to their portable needs.
“Over the last five years, the penetration of dedicated handheld platforms into survey respondents self-identifying as casual gamers has declined by 29 per cent, with the vast majority of that decline occurring in the last two years,” their report states. “We believe cellphone and smartphone gaming is significantly impacting demand for dedicated handheld devices.”
The survey revealed that They believe that US publishers will not be affected of this decline, using EA as an example of a publisher who has significantly invest in this emerging market. However, they believe that the news on the casual decline would hurt Sony and Nintendo, quoting, “However, we do view this trend as a negative one for Sony and especially Nintendo.” Sony and Nintendo are in the dedicated handheld market.
I do have to note that there are a few problems with this survey. Firstly, the survey relies on two handhelds that have been on the market for over five years and both companies have moved onto new handhelds. Second, the Nintendo 3DS has only been on the market for nine months, which is not a reasonable amount of time to assess how it has impacted on the market on a long term scale. Third, the Sony PSP main demographic was never the casual market. With exception of a few titles, most of the PSP games focused on the other side of the coin, or hardcore gamers. The Vita will also be targeting the same market, with a few casual titles no doubt.
Which leads me to another point. What these surveys by analysts seem to forget is that there will be a market for dedicated gaming handhelds. Why? Simply put, there are a group of people who don’t want over-simplistic, short experiences on the go. This may be a shock to all of these analysts, but there are a number of people who want a deeper experience when they travel on the train or bus. Hopefully we see a co-existence of both markets rather than a complete abandonment of the dedicated market.
Country Dance 2 Platform(s): Nintendo Wii (Reviewed), Publisher(s):GameMill Entertainment Developer(s): High Voltage Software Genre(s): Dance Release Date: November 8, 2011 (US) Price: $59.99 – AVAILABLE HERE
Overview
If one thing can be said about the Nintendo Wii, it’s that developers have had great success in bringing new life to the dance genre. Ubisoft have brought in huge numbers with the Just Dance series, and many other companies have also seen great success by just copying that simple formula in products of their own. One of these said companies is GameMill, who found a hit in Country Dance last year by simply offering up modern country music instead of the usual pop offerings. Just one year later, Country Dance 2 has hit the Nintendo Wii and includes new modes, music, and dance moves to master for those who crave all things country. How does this sequel fare? Here is my review for Country Dance 2.
Gameplay
If your expecting Country Dance 2 to revolutionize everything we know about the genre, you might go in a bit disappointed as this title plays exactly like any other dancing game on the Wii. Using one WiiMote, players must copy techniques performed by an on-screen persona and try to rack up as high of score as possible. If the avatar on screen moves their hands up, down, spins, ect., it’s then your job to execute the same move accurately. Now, over the years the Just Dance series has added a ton of new mechanics into this formula, but Country Dance 2 offers a more raw experience as simply dancing along is all that is needed of the player throughout the entire game.
Even though we didn’t see more innovation this time around, I can easily say that matching the moves can be mastered in just a few minutes time as I never once had a problem in getting GREAT or GOOD while following along with the western-styled gestures provided. The WiiMote control is very responsive and whether you love country music or not, it’s really hard not to enjoy yourself while mocking every wacky movement displayed. As great as the concept still is, Country Dance 2 is a bit too easy for it’s own good. You see, the controller picks up every bit of movement you make and while that is a merit in itself, the game really can’t tell one gesture from the next. For example, there was one tune that wanted me to pop my arms up quickly, raise them in the air, and then put my hands on my hips (I’m very thankful no one was filming). Instead of doing all of that, I just waggled the controller and still got GREAT or GOOD for each gesture I performed. Does this take away from wanting to dance along? Not at all. It does however make dancing correctly a mere option rather than the mandatory event it should be. This is a bit of a flaw and some hardcore dance fanatics might even consider it gamebreaking, but one could also see this as a plus as even a toddler could easily play along and get rewarded for their meager efforts in the process.
There are a few modes to be found aside from the standard “Play Now” Function. The first is pretty much standard fare, letting the player select a set number of rounds and dance to a specific track with an increased level of difficulty. Due to the simplicity of the control scheme, I didn’t find much difference between the normal game and this harder mode but perfection is certainly needed to succeed either way, which in turn gives a bit more incentive for the hardcore fans of the genre to stick around. The next mode up is “Freeze” mode. Much like it sounds, this side-game takes each track and randomly cuts the music, with the player having to literally freeze in place for a brief period of time. This addition was actually my personal favorite of everything offered as while it has a simple premise, the random timing of the freezes made for some frantic gameplay that definitely kept the whole experience much more entertaining overall.
Due to the motion control, there really isn’t any way around getting some kind of workout while you dance along to the songs in the game. High Voltage took that concept a step further and added in an Exercise mode into this sequel. While you dance up a sweat, a calorie counter can be found located up at the top and as motions are detected, the game literally counts how many calories you burn. I don’t know how accurate this is, but I do know the soreness one can feel after dancing non-stop for ten tracks so there really isn’t any doubt that Country Dance 2 definitely can be quite a workout.
Hands down, the true meat of Country Dance 2 comes in it’s hefty track-list. Country music fans should be very happy to know that there is large variety of modern artists, including the likes of George Straight, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Lady Antebellum…just to name a few. Each one of the 30 songs provided also feature their own backdrop, performers, and scrolling lyrics for players sing and follow along with, helping every tune feel different from the next. With this motley assortment, players can also take advantage of yet another new feature to this growing series known as “Duet Dancing”, where up to four players can dance at once, with each participant getting their own unique moves to dance to. Not every track has this little addition, but the extra multiplayer support was definitely welcome to the series and gives off the same “party” vibe found in the Just Dance games.
Visuals/Audio
As far as visuals go, Country Dance 2 is a bit of a mixed bag. The varied backdrops are fully animated and add a ton of life and charm to each song, but the performers themselves look a bit out of place. Each model looks stretched and resembles something of a background character we would have seen in a Playstation 2 western game. Unless your a fan of a bright, stale purple, you may also be a bit put off by the presentation value found in all of the menus as that color is really all there is to see aside from a few stars plastered about. It’s not very welcoming or appealing to be honest and just a little more variety would have went miles to prevent the main screens from looking so generic.
The full song list is definitely done well in this sequel. Each licensed track sounds exactly as fans would expect and are performed by all of the original artists. I have never been the biggest country music fan, but this well rounded selection provides something for everyone and stays true to each routine performed on screen. Honestly, it’s kind of hard not to start singing along with the lyrics after just a short time as these tracks are all upbeat and fun to follow along with. Other than the obvious track list that you can select songs from, there really isn’t much music to speak of except a looping, bland country beat played at the title screen.
Overall
From a technical standpoint, Country Dance 2 leaves a lot to be desired. The controls are nearly on auto-pilot and provide little challenge, the menus are bland and generic, and the performers we are supposed to dance with look a bit distorted. With that said, I feel this is how nearly all the dance titles on the Wii actually play (and look) for the most part. Yes, there are some obvious faults to this country dancing romp and it pushes no limits with innovation, but I found myself actually having fun dancing along with a genre of music I knew nothing about up until popping this disc in my Wii. That quality and the large and varied track list makes it hard not to recommend Country Dance 2 to any cowboy (or cowgirl) who are looking to just have fun dancing with their favorite western beats.
We previously revealed that a Fairy Tail feature-length film would be released in 2012. It has now been confirmed that said film is to be released on the 18th of August, 2012 across Japan.
No other details of the film have currently been revealed, however a promotional poster has made it’s way online and can be viewed above. Judging from the image it seems that the film may tell a story related to Lucy as she appears to be crying in Natsu’s arms. But that is all speculations for now.
What do you think of the upcoming Fairy Tail movie? What do you think it will be about? Let us know in the shoutbox and comments section.
SEGA has continued a form of expansion as they announce the acquisition of the US studio Three Rings Design, Inc. Three Rings joins the likes of Sports Interactive, who have developed the Football Manager series and The Creative Assembly, creators of the Total War franchise.
Here’s a little bit about the studio for those who who don’t know who they are. Founded in 2001, Three Rings has over ten years of experience with creating online worlds, including Puzzle Pirates, a puzzle-MMORPG and Spiral Knights, which as won the most recent Game Developers Choice Online Award. Spiral Knights is a MMO based in the world of the very popular BBC show Doctor Who.
Haruki Satomi, Senior Vice President of Digital Business for SEGA of America, expressed his delight on teh acquisition:
“We knew from the first time we saw Spiral Knights that the team at Three Rings was not simply talented but truly unique, and the close bond we have formed with them over the past year has only solidified that impression. We are proud to welcome them as the newest member of the SEGA family, and look forward to seeing what great things we can create together over the coming years.”
Daniel James, CEO of Three Rings Design. Inc, hoped that the deal can help the independent studio further flourish in the current climate:
“Three Rings has always been a studio that prides itself on the depth and creativity of our games, we are very fortunate to have found a company like SEGA that both respects our identity and shares our passion for developing engaging and quality games. We are honored to be joining such a legendary team and look forward to collaborating on amazing ideas together.”
Usually, an acquisition of a smaller studio can be a good thing, but also lead to problems. I hope that the partnership heads into the right direction, unlike some acquisitions made by the bigger publishers. Australia has certainty seen its fair share.
Bullet Time HD has made its debut on iTunes, kicking off the epic action adventure app. With an awesome storyline already in place and two more campaigns promised this app is sure to be a great get, especially since it’s free!
Play as John Irish as he braves the post-apocalyptic world to try and save his family from the mutants who are rabid and hungry for human flesh. Take on a range of different mutants, from the grunts to the big bosses, and do so with awesome customisable gear and dual-stick action.
With GameCenter capabilities, you can compare your mutant slaying scores and try to reach the top of the leaderboard with your unique John Irish. I know I’ll be giving him some interesting gear choices, what about you guys?
Bullet Time HD is available NOW on the iPhone, iPad and iTouch for FREE – Available Here
Keep an eye on the site for a review, coming soon!
THQ had release the uDraw tablet for the Wii back in November 2010. It is basically a gaming tablet with a pressurized stylus and, in combination with the Wii Remote, can be used for motion control. Instead of keeping it a Wii exclusive, however, THQ has announced that the tablet will be heading for both the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360, due out sometime in 2011.
Vice President of THQ Asia Pacific, Rodney Block, had this to say about the expansion of the uDraw tablet on other consoles:
“Xbox 360 and PS3 fans have been asking for uDraw and after such an overwhelming response from Wii players, it’s with great excitement that we launch uDraw HD. There’s no console based artistic tool like it, uDraw can be used to create pieces of art, keep minds active and play games. Fostering creative expression, the uDraw for HD consoles can be enjoyed by the whole family, encouraging them to spend quality time together”.
Alongside the bundled software uDraw Studio Instant Artist, THQ has revealed two more games for the tablet that will be released this year: Pictionary: Ultimate Edition and Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat. THQ promises more games for the tablet in 2012.
I guess those who wanted this tablet and didn’t have or want a Wii would be excited about this announcement, but I do seriously doubt that it was in high demand from all types of gamers, especially one group of gamers. At least they decided to expand.
Raccoon Rising Developer: Pixelnauts Publisher: Romper Platforms: iPhone (reviewed), iPad Release Date: November 18, 2011 Price: $0.99 – Available Here
Overview
The forest is in danger Raccoon hero! Sure, it sounds like an odd Disney movie, based around cute little talking animals and the evil invading forces of mankind, but that certainly hasn’t detracted from iOS games in the past.
Gameplay
Raccoon Rising has a simple, yet also surprisingly difficult to fully master, control system. You tap on the screen, sending your raccoon flying high through the forest, rebounding off either side of the screen. With the invading robot forces threatening the forest, you have to dodge, leap, and slam your way through dangerous obstacles.
There are four worlds to go through, and the learning curve is quite steep. I was actually quite surprised at the tutorial, which is an entire world and consists of twelve gates, because while it does well to introduce you to the various aspects of the game, it gets far more difficult than you’d expect from a tutorial. Or maybe that’s just me being uncoordinated with my raccoon. Either way, this game will need some definite stubbornness to get into because otherwise you’re pretty much just going to give up on it.
If you die during the gate then you’re sent back to the start, which is okay if it’s a short gate but if you’ve managed to get to near the end of a long, hard gate and then get sent back to the start of the gate you feel the urge to rage quit. Not to mention when it’s a boss gate at the end of the world and you do all the work and fail at the last second. Nothing is quite as devastating as that. That is why I think this game can’t really be classified as your standard casual iOS game.
While it can be played in short bursts, and some gates are easy to pass through, you will encounter a gate that will take some attempts, then a frustrated re-evaluation of what you have to do, and then some more attempts, to get it right. Don’t think that I’m saying this is a negative thing though, I think it’s quite the opposite. In an environment where solutions and hints are handed to you on a silver platter before you’ve even really tried to do something this is a great diversion from that. Even the way you have to figure out how to deal with bosses is great, if frustrating at times. Personally, I think that being frustrated at a game is a good sign because it means that the developers have put the effort in. Because of this, the fact that there are four worlds doesn’t feel as short as it sounds at all.
However, the game still has some issues, the main one I had didn’t have much to do with the game itself, it was with the pause button. In trying to select the pause button I’d just end up having the raccoon trying to go up the wall. To pause you have to drag the button across the top of the screen, which I caught on to through no help of the game itself. The ability to shift the pause button across the top of the screen doesn’t always work, and I don’t know if it was because I have sausage fingers or something, but at one point it was so impossible that I just ended up quitting the app instead of pausing. Also, the load times were lengthy at times and require a little bit of patience.
Visuals
I really like the graphics, they’re sharp and the little details, such as calling the robot stompy arms the TreeStomper v1.6. The comic book cut scenes are great, the graphics have really been taken care of and I have an appreciation for that. Plus, the fact that the raccoon fur patterns makes him look like he has a bandana mask like all good heroes.
Audio
The soundtrack is a jaunty little tune that goes well with the graphics, even if it might get on your nerves while you make a crucial mistake that drives you mad. There is a repetitive aspect to the soundtrack, which means that if you’re planning on working through a world you might be switching it to silent.
Overall
Raccoon Rising is a game that you will enjoy greatly, given that you have the patience to spend some time learning how to play it. The concept is interesting and the gameplay is easy to pick up, but has that degree of difficulty which makes it a very interesting to master.
For those of you who have got some epic family road trips planned for the holidays, EA Mobile has got you covered. With their new app Road Trippin’ you get to cruise your way from the east to west coast of the US, visiting more than 100 real American cities and completing over 400 activities along the way.
Ever dreamed of crossing American in a Military Tank? Well you’re in luck, with thirteen different cars to choose from and over 100 accessories to pimp your ride, you can fulfill that lifelong dream to take up the entire highway and put those American muscle cars to shame. Along the way you can also tune up your cars, receive ‘power boosts’ and earn extra points at Sears Auto Centers.
Road Trippin’ is available on the iPhone and iPad for free – get it HERE
Capsule Computer’s ‘Oh, Japan!’ segment has been running for a total of 15 weeks and 12 editions. Today I bring you the news that Oh, Japan! will be ending. That isn’t to say it may never return, it is just simply time to wrap things up with this weekly segment and bring in some new ideas and hopefully capture your imagination in the same way that Oh, Japan! has for it’s past 12 editions.
I have strived since Oh, Japan’s inception to make it a great way to introduce the eccentricities of Japanese culture to those who are not privy to it, or to glorify it to those who have grown to love it. In that right, I feel Oh, Japan! has been a success.
For my final Oh, Japan! segment, I will introduce you to the mother of all that is strange with Japanese animation, Chargeman Ken. An anime that took roughly an hour worth of plot and tried to cram it into 5 minutes each and every episode. See for yourself in the infamous 35th episode of the series below.
To conclude, I’d like to thank everyone who has stuck with Oh, Japan! over it’s short but sweet tenure and for one last time let’s all kick back together, watch a funny video a say the words we all know so well… “Oh, Japan!”
