Author Topic: So, WiiWare launches in the US today... (Read 3902 times)

tiesto · « **on:** May 12, 2008, 01:05:55 PM »

FFCC sounds like it could be interesting, as well as Lost Winds, the other games don't sound so hot. I'm gonna be picking up FFCC today I think, gotta get a points card. Now how about getting off your lazy asses, Nintendo, and make an external HD.

Quote

NINTENDO LAUNCHES WIIWARE: AN OPEN PLAYGROUND FOR CREATIVITY

Downloadable Game Service Delivers Developers' New Ideas Directly to Consumers

REDMOND, Wash., May 12, 2008 - Nintendo's Wii™ console has already changed the way people play games. Now its new WiiWare™ service decisively tears down limitations for how developers create games - and the way people receive them.

Starting today, Wii owners with an Internet connection can download new, creative games from a wide range of developers, from large publishers to indie shops. By reducing the barriers that make console game development prohibitively expensive, WiiWare showcases original ideas in the most democratic environment in industry history, connecting the people who make games more directly with the people who play them.

WiiWare frees developers from the traditional constraints of video game development. WiiWare lets developers experiment with big ideas and small budgets to the benefit of players everywhere. Newer, smaller teams now have an outlet for their creative ideas. The constantly growing WiiWare library will have a regular flow of unique video gaming experiences consumers might not otherwise have access to.

"WiiWare is to the video game industry what independent films are to Hollywood," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "WiiWare lets developers experiment with new ideas and experiences. Combined with our collection of classic Virtual Console games, Wii provides one-stop shopping for the greatest games of the past - and the future."

WiiWare games are easy to download. Just go to the WiiWare section of the Wii Shop Channel, find the game you want, redeem Wii Points™ and start the download. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. New games, at various Wii Point values, will be added to WiiWare on Mondays. The newly launched Nintendo Channel on Wii will let people view videos of and read information about WiiWare games and other Nintendo products. Users also can see player opinions to help them decide what to play next.

Today, the inaugural lineup of WiiWare games is just a taste of things to come:

FINAL FANTASY® CRYSTAL CHRONICLES®: My Life as a King™ (Square Enix, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 1,500 Wii Points): FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King takes a legendary franchise and launches it into the realm of simulation gaming. Players are challenged to rebuild a kingdom, leading its young king on a path of discovery through an adventure bristling with mystery and intrigue.

LostWinds™ (Frontier Development, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): A fresh, enchanting platform adventure that puts the power of the wind in the palm of your hand - from raging tornados to the gentlest breeze. You'll wield your Wii Remote™ controller to power Toku's jumps and glides, suspend and smash enemies, meet friends and solve puzzles using LostWinds' novel, intuitive and playful control system.

Defend your Castle™ (XGen Studios, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone - Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): Defend your Castle takes place on a grassy plain surrounded by invaders. You are the commander of your castle, and it is your duty to fling the invading enemies sky-high, watching them plummet to their demise. As you progress, add powerful spells and upgrades to your arsenal for repelling the attacks. How long can you hold them off?

Pop™ (Nnooo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 700 Wii Points): Pop bubbles to score points and stop the timer from running out. Pop can be enjoyed by anyone - casual gamers can simply play to pop bubbles and keep the game moving, whereas advanced players will need to pick their shots rapidly and accurately and generate combos to maximize their score.

V.I.P. Casino: Blackjack™ (High Voltage Software®, Inc., 1-4 players, Rated T for Teen - Simulated Gambling, 700 Wii Points): V.I.P. Casino: Blackjack re-creates the casino experience, with fully animated players and a realistic Las Vegas dealer. Single players can increase their bankrolls, while multiple players can engage in a head-to-head mini-blackjack tournament.

TV Show King (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): TV Show King transforms your living room into a real TV quiz show studio where you'll face the challenge of answering more than 3,000 questions across six different categories. Compete against family and friends and use your Wii Remote controller in original ways to make it to the finals to see who can win the greatest amount of cash in one final, deciding duel.

ferrarimanf355 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2008, 01:14:45 PM »

$:-\$

When is external storage support going to happen?

AdmiralViscen · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2008, 01:15:27 PM »

You realize that game is nothing but a gateway to microtransactions right?

I'm just about done buying anything on the Wii Shop until they let me use my SD card properly. I only have a dozen or so VC games and I don't even have all of their goofy ass channels and already my space is dwindling.

tiesto · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2008, 01:22:53 PM »

Quote from: AdmiralViscen on May 12, 2008, 01:15:27 PM

You realize that game is nothing but a gateway to microtransactions right?

Yeah but I'm a slave to anything with the "Final Fantasy" name on it. :'(

spoiler (click to show/hide)

And the worst is it's not even my favorite rpg series anymore...

[close]

Kestastrophe · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2008, 01:25:54 PM »

Tiesto, please post your impressions after you have dl'ed it.

Grecco · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2008, 01:33:12 PM »

If i ever win a free pts card from letsplay wii again i might buy Lost winds but thats it.

hyp · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2008, 01:34:45 PM »

great time to roll this out. most of lazy, fat, america is getting their stimulus package. off to wal-mart they go!

Darunia · « **Reply #7 on:** May 12, 2008, 01:37:35 PM »

so nothing in europe yet? I'm not turning on my wii to find out

Crushed · « **Reply #8 on:** May 12, 2008, 03:23:55 PM »

Europe isn't until the 20th.

I think Dr. Mario got pushed back to the 19th. IGN is listing it, Gyrostarr, Toki Tori, Protothea, and World of Goo for then. But those could just be guesses.

demi · « **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2008, 03:28:10 PM »

Why did Nintendo remove demos and replace them with temporary ones? Isn't that the point of your service? Oh, Nintendo. When will you learn.

hyp · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2008, 03:42:01 PM »

are there demos available for all wiiware games?

if not,

nintendo.

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2008, 03:43:45 PM »

So what do you do in My Life as a King? Build cities? Does it have anything to do with Final Fantasy?

demi · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2008, 03:48:25 PM »

Quote from: hyp on May 12, 2008, 03:42:01 PM

are there demos available for all wiiware games?

if not, nintendo.

No demos for ScamWare titles

dark1x · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2008, 03:53:16 PM »

I love how they act as if this is some sort of revolutionary idea. As far as consoles go, welcome to 2005 Nintendo!

Fragamemnon · « **Reply #14 on:** May 12, 2008, 04:15:17 PM »

Quote from: mojovonio on May 12, 2008, 03:46:25 PM

I want the strong bad game enough to buy a Wii.

Just play it on the PC, it is coming out there and it won't require a beast of a PC to play given the Wii's 2001 hardware.

SpudBud · « **Reply #15 on:** May 12, 2008, 04:28:13 PM »

Is there anything worth picking? It all sounds shitty to me.

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #16 on:** May 12, 2008, 04:32:19 PM »

Quote from: dark1x on May 12, 2008, 03:53:16 PM

I love how they act as if this is some sort of revolutionary idea. As far as consoles go, welcome to 2005 Nintendo!

Yeah, I've been baffled by people declaring Wiiware as being revolutionary. Microsoft and even Sony have been doing this for a while now.

Grecco · « **Reply #17 on:** May 12, 2008, 04:38:25 PM »

Quote from: SpudBud on May 12, 2008, 04:28:13 PM

Is there anything worth picking? It all sounds shitty to me.

'

Lostwinds.

TakingBackSunday · « **Reply #18 on:** May 12, 2008, 04:50:02 PM »

Who the fuck think's its revolutionary? I don't think anyone has been claiming that other than standard Nintendo PR. It's just a good thing they finally came out with the fuckin' service.

Lost Winds looks rad, and I'll be getting Dr. Mario as well.

hyp · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2008, 06:54:11 PM »

i was considering lost winds until i saw this video:

http://kotaku.com/389526/talking-over-lostwinds-wiiware

ZZzzzZzzZzZz

MoxManiac · « **Reply #20 on:** May 12, 2008, 08:45:00 PM »

I would have gotten that Star Soldier remake but they didn't fucking add it with the launch!

demi · « **Reply #21 on:** May 12, 2008, 08:47:23 PM »

WiiWare is already on the internet, I just downloaded Lost Winds and Final Fantasy. Need to go re-buy Zelda, then play my free WiiWare.

AdmiralViscen · « **Reply #22 on:** May 12, 2008, 09:15:48 PM »

Quote from: MoxManiac on May 12, 2008, 08:45:00 PM

I would have gotten that Star Soldier remake but they didn't fucking add it with the launch!

Isn't it a time trial piece of shit?

pilonv1 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 12, 2008, 10:03:23 PM »

Quote from: AdmiralViscen on May 12, 2008, 09:15:48 PM

Quote from: MoxManiac on May 12, 2008, 08:45:00 PM
I would have gotten that Star Soldier remake but they didn't fucking add it with the launch!

Isn't it a time trial piece of shit?

demodded neofagger says its better than all of XBLA/PSN

I want to try lost Winds and World of Goo though

Sho Nuff · « **Reply #24 on:** May 12, 2008, 10:15:13 PM »

Is all the My Life as a King DLC available from day 1?

tiesto · « **Reply #25 on:** May 12, 2008, 11:31:04 PM »

Just put some Wii Points on my card, bought Lost Winds and wanted to buy FFCC but didn't have the space (Wii budget storage solution

). So here's some Lost Winds impressions for you guys.

The graphics are very nice for a budget game, stuff in the distance is coated with a soft bloom, textures are fairly clean and the art style is colorful and consistent. Not a technical marvel but it looks better than a lot of 3rd party shit for Wii. Music is extremely tranquil, will put you to sleep, very new agey and fluttery.

Not sure how to best describe the gameplay... imagine a slow-paced Canvas Curse, although something about the game reminds me of Tomba for PS1. It's got slight puzzle elements, mostly involving using the power of wind (aka the Wii cursor) to guide jumps, or guide flames to burn down wood, or guiding a stream to water a plant. You can kill enemies by using the wind to bash them against the walls, and then you can collect little blue wispy things by moving the remote over them (like collecting Star Bits in Mario Galaxy) to gain free lives.

Is it worth $10? Well it's definitely comparable to the better original XBLA efforts, though I only put in about an hour to it. If you like slow paced puzzle platformers, if you enjoy Canvas Curse, Tomba, I say absolutely.

MoxManiac · « **Reply #26 on:** May 12, 2008, 11:52:52 PM »

Quote from: AdmiralViscen on May 12, 2008, 09:15:48 PM

Quote from: MoxManiac on May 12, 2008, 08:45:00 PM
I would have gotten that Star Soldier remake but they didn't fucking add it with the launch!

Isn't it a time trial piece of shit?

What?? Seriously? It isn't a full game?

pilonv1 · « **Reply #27 on:** May 12, 2008, 11:57:19 PM »

Quote from: dcharlie on May 12, 2008, 11:50:01 PM

okay - wtf is going on here.

when i play FF:CC i get this weird speckly dot thing going on over my screen.

but ONLY when i play FF:CC

every other game is perfect.

is my Wii dying?
or is it just protesting because it's being forced to render this filth?

speckly dot removed for 200 points.

MedievalManIII · « **Reply #28 on:** May 13, 2008, 12:29:03 AM »

My game of FCC crashed twice. Once on the gears turning bit right before the save and again when Chime begins the day with her reports. I think this game is taxing my Wii's abilities as its FPS drops significantly during the construction of buildings or something more sinister.

I do have a crush on Chime so I will be spending that $1 on her bikini costume. $:-\$

AdmiralViscen · « **Reply #29 on:** May 13, 2008, 11:31:16 AM »

Yea, Super Star Soldier is time limited, like Pac Man CE.

Quote from: dcharlie on May 12, 2008, 11:50:01 PM

okay - wtf is going on here.

when i play FF:CC i get this weird speckly dot thing going on over my screen.

but ONLY when i play FF:CC

every other game is perfect.

is my Wii dying?
or is it just protesting because it's being forced to render this filth?

I think mine is baked too, I get black dots on white backgrounds in Smash Bros. You can also see it in Mario Kart sometimes. And when I hit the Home button in game little black dots will gradually appear. But this doesn't happen on the Home screen when not in game. Wii sucks.

demi · « **Reply #30 on:** May 13, 2008, 02:50:40 PM »

Just downloaded a version of FF:CC with all the DLC unlocked

:fiesta

hyp · « **Reply #31 on:** May 13, 2008, 03:04:04 PM »

Quote from: demi on May 13, 2008, 02:50:40 PM

Just downloaded a version of FF:CC with all the DLC unlocked

:fiesta

demi · « **Reply #32 on:** May 13, 2008, 09:32:31 PM »

Well, I got Zelda today, and I ran the Twilight Hack with no problem. Installed Lost Winds with no issue.

It looks so much better than RETAIL Wii games... this is so embarassing for the Wii. Why would anyone want to pay for $50 games when a $10 game looks this good?

AND ITS FUCKING WIDESCREEN, HOLY FUCKING SHIT

AdmiralViscen · « **Reply #33 on:** May 13, 2008, 09:44:05 PM »

I asked this in OT, but how easy is this hack? Will you wind up getting bricked by a firmware update?

demi · « **Reply #34 on:** May 13, 2008, 09:46:55 PM »

It's distinguished mentally-challenged fellow level easy, and no there is no risk of bricking by an update

AdmiralViscen · « **Reply #35 on:** May 13, 2008, 09:50:36 PM »

I will try it.

demi · « **Reply #36 on:** May 13, 2008, 11:23:31 PM »

Final Fantasy is NOT widescreen - oh noooooooooo just when I thought WiiWare was shaping up to be good

pilonv1 · « **Reply #37 on:** May 13, 2008, 11:56:36 PM »

I need impressions of the game better than anything on XBLA/PSN - Star Soldier

Crushed · « **Reply #38 on:** May 14, 2008, 12:54:21 AM »

Star Soldier is only out in Japan so far. It's supposed to just have the two- and five-minute time attack modes, though. $:-\$

But LostWinds is awesome. It was kinda... okay at first, but once I got the hang of it and got enough powers it really came together. It's sorta similar to a doujin game like Knytt or Cave Story in terms of art and level design (I'm pretty sure that's intentional) and it really resembles Knytt in the whole focus on jumping and floating and not many enemies or combat (you just knock them away as if they were obstacles; break them against walls hard enough to get some power). I'm pretty sure I'm nearing the end, which is kinda disappointing, but they're supposed to already be working on the sequel which will hopefully flesh this out a bit.

News:

Author Topic: So, WiiWare launches in the US today... (Read 3902 times)