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More Geometry Wars on the Wii is a possibility
Roger Carpenter, the Senior Producer at Vivendi Games, recently talked about the future of Geometry Wars (and whether it involved the Wii) in an interview with Cubed3. Carpenter said the decision to make a new Geometry Wars for the Wii would depend on "how much the public liked [Geometry Wars: Galaxies]," which we assume is a euphemism for "how well the game sells." Wii Ware is also a possibility for a new Geometry Wars, but Carpenter wants to wait and see how successful the service becomes before considering that option. For those of you who like Geometry Wars, would you want to see another version for the Wii? Or do you prefer the game on the DS and XBLA? [Via GoNintendo]
Joystiq Interview: Kuju's download-only studio doublesix
We admit that the opening of a new studio is not the most terribly exciting event under the sun, but that news becomes decidedly more intriguing when said studio dedicates itself to a single market, or in the case of British developer Kuju's newly opened doublesix studio, a single distribution channel. With a moniker always referred to in lowercase, we expected doublesix to be quietly reserved regarding its plans, which include developing titles exclusively in the downloadable space for Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, WiiWare and the PC. What we found, however, was a studio that is enthusiastic about its positioning in this young, but rapidly growing segment of the video game industry. To find out more, we managed to speak with doublesix studio head James Brooksby on a number of topics, including the price of downloadable games today and in the future, the importance of platform exclusives in the digital space, and of course, where the team likes to eat.
Wii Fanboy Review: Geometry Wars Galaxies
There's a war going on out there. It's not one fought by men and women aligning themselves to countries or territories, battling over land or future prospects. No, this is a very different war, one which takes place between shapes in a fantastic space environment. The weapons are different, the combatants are different, but the principal has remained the same: survive to see your enemy's demise. %Gallery-4778%
DS Fanboy Review: Geometry Wars: Galaxies
Geometry Wars is one of those games that shows up on every system possible, and yet it always manages to be a little bit different in every iteration. And if you played it first on Xbox Live (let's all raise our hands), then you might be wondering -- as I was -- just how the game, which worked so well with a dual analog setup, would translate instead to dual screens. The result not only plays and controls better than expected, but ends up being just as much fun as the original ... if a little tougher on the ol' hands. The real question here is: how do you take a cheap downloadable title and turn it into a full game? This is a question a lot of DS games have faced, and with Geometry Wars: Galaxies, there's plenty of added content that makes the shooter feel fully expanded. The lower price on the DS title (as compared to the Wii version) surely never hurts, though! %Gallery-11043%
Kuju opens new Nik Nak studio aimed at kids
Mere days after the announcement of Kuju's new download-focused studio doublesix, the company has turned an eye towards developing children's titles by opening up yet another studio, this one adopting the appropriately playful name Nik Nak. The new studio, Kuju's sixth, will be captained by industry vet Kevin Holloway, and plans to create kid-friendly games across a variety of platforms aimed at players between the ages of 6 and 12, with all games carrying ESRB ratings of 'E' for everyone 10+ or below.The first titles from Nik Nak are expected to be announced sometime in 2008, and while it remains anyone's guess what sorts of games will emerge from this new studio, the company has confirmed that its initial batch of releases will be based on an undisclosed high profile IP. Thinking back on our own time spent growing up, raised by television's glowing warmth, we'd wish that this new property would appeal to our inner child with something along the lines of G.I. Joe or He-Man. Maybe Thundercats. Our Magic 8-ball says "wishful thinking."
Kuju establishes new download-focused studio doublesix
With the popularity of downloadable games for consoles continuing to grow, and money flowing through the game space like wine, it's no wonder that companies have begun to invest heavily in securing their slice of the currency pie. The latest to do so is British-based Battalion Wars dev Kuju, which today announced the founding of a new branch dedicated to creating new titles specifically for Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, WiiWare and the PC. Adopting the moniker doublesix, studio head James Brooksby says the name "embodies what we're about...rolling a double six is about having another go." No titles have yet been announced as in development at doublesix, though the company notes that its focus is on games that are "quick to pick up and hard to put down," which we admit is a sensible direction given that the Guildford-based team also worked on Geometry Wars: Galaxies and the PSN shooter Nucleus.
Metareview: Geometry Wars: Galaxies
There aren't many reviews out just yet for the newly-released DS version of Geometry Wars: Galaxies, but so far, it seems like a solid take on the XBLA title. The only real problem? Those sneaky hand cramps that accompany some DS titles. Gamespot -- 70%: "... Geometry Wars: Galaxies proves its worth. This isn't just the same $5 game all over again for a higher price. The content added with the galaxies mode and the multiplayer functionality adds a lot of depth to the experience, and the control changes to both versions, while not as spot-on as a straight-up dual-analog control setup, work well enough to be not only playable, but fun as well. If you were a fan of the original game or just like intense shooters, Geometry Wars: Galaxies fits the bill." Games Radar -- 80%: "Piloting your ship with the D-pad and directing your fire with the stylus feels surprisingly accurate. But the pad isn't as easy on your thumb as an analog stick, and you may find your left hand cramping up as you frantically apply pressure to keep your ship on the move. You can enjoy a cramp-free round of Galaxies once you learn to relax your death grip and move with gentler taps, but this will take a bit of getting used to ... But even strangers to the series will be hard pressed to find a shooter as satisfying as Galaxies on the DS." %Gallery-11043%
Are Wii developers lazy?
Although the Wii had many good games this year, it's clear that some developers noticed the Wii's hype and have put out some unsatisfactory products in an attempt to ride the popularity wave. We're often critical of such games, "tsk, tsking" at them to our hearts' content, but it makes us feel better when developers notice this trend since they're the ones with the power. It's up to the developers to really push themselves and the machine they're working with, and as time goes on, the process becomes easier and more efficient.Tancred Dyke-Wells, the creative director of Kuju (the company behind the Wii's Battalion Wars 2), recently criticized many Wii developers for "under-exploiting" the little white console. We tend to take his word seriously, since we think that BWII "has just about everything that fans of first-party Nintendo games are looking for," as you can see in our review of the game. Dyke-Wells' main beef with developers is with the way in which graphics are handled on the system. While the Nintendo Wii can't compete in the graphics department with Sony's Playstation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360, he believes that the Wii is a "pretty good piece of kit" that overpowers the GameCube "by a factor of two."In the end, Dyke-Wells thinks it comes down to how much respect these developers have for their companies, their products, and their consumers, and we can't help but agree. The possibility of making a quick and easy buck is tempting, but we expect developers to make good games simply because they can.[Via Aussie-Nintendo]
Geometry Wars: Galaxies slips ... everywhere
Slowly but surely, the threat of European wallets being completely stripped clean before the start of December is diminishing. In fact, we might even have cash remaining (though hey, let's not get ahead of ourselves). Only a few days ago, we received the unhappy news that Zack & Wiki will miss the holidays in Europe, and Kuju's purdy Geometry Wars: Galaxies has now joined it. The shape-based shmup (try saying that quickly), once the cause of many a bleary-eyed, late-night session on the Xbox Live Arcade for this writer, will instead arrive on January 18th. Meanwhile, the US will also be waiting a little longer for the game, but the delay is far less severe -- just one week, according to GameStop, which means the title will now launch on November 20th. The DS version, it's worth noting, is still due on the 27th.
Geometry Wars: Galaxies delayed to 2008 in Europe
Originally scheduled for holiday 2007 releases, it seems that both the Nintendo Wii and DS versions of Geometry Wars: Galaxies have been pushed back to next year in Europe, according to publisher Sierra Entertainment. Now scheduled for release on January 18, the newly-expanded versions of the Xbox Live Arcade classic feature more than 60 planets on which to shoot and evade hostile shapes. Uniquely, both versions also support the ability to wirelessly beam the full version of Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved to a Nintendo DS portable. It's worth noting that these delays only affect the European releases; the Wii and DS versions in North America are still scheduled for release on November 20th and 27th, respectively. Sorry, Europe. We'll let you know how it is.
Geometry Wars: Galaxies ad is out of this world
Sierra's deviant advertising campaign for Geometry Wars: Galaxies, LOLcats and a "Particle Man" music video, was undeniably effective at grabbing the attention of online gamers, so it only makes sense that the publisher would carry over the same offbeat approach to the land of print. EGM's latest issue features one of the most ridiculous full-page ads we've seen since the mid-90s, promoting the multi-directional shooter as "Asteroids on steroids" and emphasizing that abstract with a beefy, curled-lip ape of a man gripping a Wii remote and nunchuck. Jump past the break for the complete, glorious Geometry Wars: Galaxies ad.
Battalion Wars 2 hits the open water, land, air
It's only a few more days until this game hits the streets and we can't wait to get our grubby little blogging hands on it. So, it's with pleasure that we present the video above, which is a short, but very sweet, which looks at some naval combat. The fun doesn't stop there, though, as we have tucked some other videos behind the break that focus on land and air combat, as well.%Gallery-4966%
Geometry Wars direct-feed video looks ... good!
We've been skeptical about the DS version of Geometry Wars Galaxies, based on so-so impressions and the seeming unsuitability of the platform for the game, but two recent developments have caused us to embrace the possibility that it may be okay after all: Bangai-O Spirits made us believe that tiny-sprite shooters are possible on the DS. If Treasure thinks it's a good idea, we think it's a very good idea. This video, titled "Maseis," came out and looked neat. Watch the video yourself and see if frantic, abstract shooting has a place on the DS. The only concession we can see to the size of the system is a smaller level, and that may just be this one level. [Via Kotaku]
BWii blowout
Finally, Wii owners are about to have lots of opportunities to take their game online, and one of those chances comes with Battalion Wars 2, better known as BWii. Lots of media and hands-on impressions on the strategic sequel to the GameCube title surfaced after last week's event, and we've helpfully collected some of here it for you. In our gallery, we've got updated screens and artwork, as well as a gameplay video after the jump. But what we're sure you really want to know is: how's the game? Well, we can tell you what we know, but unfortunately, that's not as much as we'd like. It looks like everyone was limited to an extremely brief slice of gameplay when they got to go hands-on with the title, but so far, all outlets seem to be reporting good results. The controls are easy to pick up and seem precise, with the nunchuk controlling movement and the D-pad serving as unit selection. As expected, players aim with their current unit via the remote. To win, all you have to do is destroy more units than your opponent by the end of the round, and you can offer up a rematch to anyone who gives good game. Sounds solid so far, but this close to release, we wish Nintendo had revealed a little more.%Gallery-4966%
Geometry Wars unveils a LOLAd campaign
We can't decide if this marks a clever nod from some kids at an advertising firm to Internet culture, or the precise moment that LOLcats stopped being cool or funny. We're feeling generous, so we think we're going to go with the former, seeing it as a refreshingly lo-fi, low-budget, punk-rock approach to game advertising. Also it made us laugh. If you can't tell (because the ad doesn't actually have the name of the game printed anywhere!) this cat is advertising Sierra's Geometry Wars Galaxies. The ad was found on IGN by NeoGAFfer John Harker, and we don't want to think about how much money we made for IGN when we tried to find it ourselves. We even reloaded the same Jackass PSP review found in the GAF screenshot to maximize our chances of having the same ad come up. It was only later that we discovered the actual website for these ads, which contains a load of 'em. Of course, those of you with excellent memories for Geometry Wars advertising will remember that this isn't the first time Sierra has used bizarre, nonsensical advertising techniques to promote this game. [Via NeoGAF]
Kohler: GeoWars is better on the Wii, should've been Wii Ware
Chris Kohler over at Wired took time to check out the Wii game Geometry Wars: Galaxies while at PAX07 and came away with the opinion that it was better than that of its original Xbox Live Arcade game. Even though we're huge Nintendo fans, we can't say we actually believe him, because the dual-analog control scheme of the original is just about perfect. Still, he sticks to his guns. Not only does he comment that the control setup of the Wii game is more intuitive, he also comments that there isn't any reason why the game couldn't have been a download on Wii Ware. We have to agree, because even though the game is almost guaranteed to be fun, we doubt it'll ever warrant a price tag of more than twenty dollars.
Check out some footage of Geometry Wars on the DS
Chris Hardin over at Nintendo Players managed to snag some video of Geometry Wars for the DS, taking two different videos of the game's promised interplanetary conflicts between geometric shapes. For those who've been foaming at the mouth for Bizarre Creations' casual title, there is no better endorsement than the embedded videos. So, head past the break and check them out.
Geometry Wars Galaxies might be giant
When you decide to use what is arguably the most well-known song ("Particle Man") by what is inarguably the greatest band ever (They Might Be Giants) in your game's trailer, you've got to be hoping for a healthy dose of geek cred. A new promo for Geometry Wars Galaxies almost gets it right before failing tragically in one regard: They forget to use They Might Be Giants. It's sad, really. A great marriage of product and song, marred by an overly-Devo, accordion-free rendition of the tune. Sorry, advertisers: No John and John, no sale. This does make us wonder, though: Is Geometry Wars Galaxies secretly a metaphor for the Holy Trinity? [Via NWF]
What's Geometry Wars Galaxies like? It's not important
We're a little suspicious about the use of both They Might Be Giants' "Particle Man" and wacky costumed characters in this promotional video for Geometry Wars Galaxies. Rather than reinforcing the geometry theme of the game, it all seems to be aimed at distracting us from the actual game footage. The game itself looks fine, but all the silliness going on in the video is actually putting us off the whole thing. It's a shame: the trailer would have been better and cheaper without the "actors" or "costumes." If nothing else, it's a lot more memorable now. You won't be able to hear the name Geometry Wars without thinking of people in black Spandex bothering some teenagers. [Via NeoGAF]
GeoWars producer chats up the game
Roger Carpenter, Sierra Entertainment producer, sat down with Modojo to discuss the Xbox Live port of Geometry Wars. They talk about all things, including the ability for DS owners to download a trial version of the game from the Wii (through the Wii game, natch), as well as the ability for the DS to download from another DS in the same manner. The remainder of the interview focuses more on adapting a bite-sized, $5 download into a much more fuller product, worthy of a higher price tag. Any of you looking forward to this on the DS? %Gallery-4777% [Thanks, Cody!]
