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EA Montreal shifting focus to 'big, blockbuster-type titles'
According to comments made to Edge by EA Montreal general manager Alain Tascan, you can expect more big action titles like Army of Two: The 40th Day from the studio. While previous Wii games, including Skate It, Boogie Superstar and the recently released Need for Speed: Nitro, have enjoyed acceptable levels of success, Tascan believes that targeting HD consoles with "fewer and bigger things" might yield improved results. It's a prudent approach, no doubt stemming from the publisher's recent layoffs. Tascan explains that the Wii market is "a little bit unpredictable these days," further encouraging a shift to additional "big, blockbuster-type titles." We probably don't need Tascan to point out that Army of Two is "the most successful original IP EA has had in the last few years," since it's the first to get a big, blockbuster sequel ahead of Dead Space and -- can we dream? -- Mirror's Edge.
EA done with Boogie franchise for now, SSX revived if market is 'ready'
In an interview with Gamesindustry.biz, EA Montreal general manager Alain Tascan discussed the possibility of a SSX franchise revival, saying, "If the market is there and is ready for a new one then we'll consider it." While Wii gamers have already hit the slopes with SSX Blur, the closest PS3 and Xbox 360 users have been to the franchise is through shoddy backwards compatibility features. Tascan also discounted a new installment in the rhythm music franchise, Boogie. According to Tascan, the franchise has been a success for EA and, while the publisher is proud of its work with the series, there are no plans for Boogie to return at this time. Thankfully, the games industry has plenty of music games to spare nowadays. [Via G4TV]
Retail and download releases for the week of October 13th
If you've been digging the Strong Bad episodes, then you're definitely going to want to check out Sam and Max: Season One. While the episodes have been available on the PC for quite some time, us Wii owners are finally getting them in the form of this convenient package. All of the episodes in one bundle? Sign us up!Cruise past the break to check out the rest of the new gaming content available for the Wii this week.%Gallery-23759%
Boogie sequel asks the ladies to shake it [update]
We're totally serious, gals, and it's being made just for you. Aren't you happy? Wait, you didn't play the first game? That's probably a good thing!We're surprised such a decision has been made for another Boogie game, which is titled Boogie SuperStar, considering how horribly the game sold on both the DS and Wii. And now it's being made with the fairer gender in mind, as well. So, we guess they're building something. Oh, and for those of you looking for Balance Board support, it's still a rumor. We do expect EA to go that route, however. But, that's just, like, our personal opinion.Update: Screens!%Gallery-26240%[Via Joystiq]
EA announces girl-friendly Boogie SuperStar for Wii
Electronic Arts has slipped on a pair of bootie shorts and shaked its groove thang all the way back to the well, announcing Boogie SuperStar exclusively for the Wii. A follow up to last year's family-friendly rhythm game, Boogie, the game is the latest to be counted among EA's casual brand, and is being targeted specifically at girls – though how exactly the game will favor the fairer sex remains to be seen.Once again being developed by EA Montreal, information about the game was first leaked last month, at that time indicating that Boogie SuperStar would have players dancing on the Wii Balance Board, though EA's official announcement makes note of no such functionality. What we do know is that Boogie SuperStar will allow up to four gals to keep rhythm, customize characters, and cut rugs using the Wii remote, all while being judged by the game on their road to win it big in the game's 'Boogie Star Show.' The sequel will also feature more than 40 different licensed tracks from groups and singers such as Maroon 5, Britney Spears, and Kanye West, though EA bills the music as being 'made popular by' these artists, so cheap imitations will likely be the order of the day when Boogie SuperStar ships in both North America and Europe this October.
NGamer: Boogie Superstar is Balance Superstar
For a while, we've been hearing that EA planned to support the Balance Board in the sequel to their rhythm game Boogie. According to Cubed3, NGamer magazine is reporting that this functionality has been confirmed for Boogie Superstar, possibly to add difficulty for toddlers. What is interesting is that, if NGamer's description of the game as a "board-based dance-a-thon" is accurate, Balance Board support may be more than just an optional extra.It's no surprise that EA is supporting the new controller: their recently-announced Skate It simulates a skateboard with the Board, and there's some kind of exercise game on the way that will use it extensively. But if EA really is building a sequel to an existing (if somewhat unloved) franchise that requires $90 hardware the previous game didn't, they must really like Wii Fit money the Balance Board.
Boogie sequel confirmed?
EB Games' site has a rather interesting listing up. It's for Boogie Superstar, which we can only assume is a sequel for EA's Boogie game (you think, Wii Fanboy?). Uh, did Boogie do well enough to justify a sequel? Also, will this supposed new sequel utilize the Balance Board, as rumored?Despite some lukewarm reviews and an overall failure at retail, it would seem that EA is not giving up on their rhythm-based franchise. Let's just hope that this time around, it will require more than a babbling baby's effort to actually succeed.[Via Go Nintendo]
Does the new Rock Band mic hint at a Wii game?
It could, if you're optimistic enough! This "premium" (read: $50) Rock Band microphone peripheral's packaging says that it works on the Xbox 360, the Wii, and the PlayStation 3. Of course, there is currently no version of Rock Band for the Wii, nor has there been an announcement. Score Hero forum member Rocker74 picked up one of the mics and took the picture seen above. You can just see the word "Wii" if you kinda squint.Did the packaging design for an accessory leak an unannounced game? Probably not. Our guess is that this USB microphone is compatible with the existing Wii singing games, which means High School Musical, American Idol, and EA's own Boogie. We would, of course, love to be wrong. We'd rather have the full Rock Band experience instead of just the expensive peripherals.[Via Engadget]
Rumor: Boogie sequel to employ balance board?
Boogie may have snared mixed reviews, but that apparently isn't keeping EA from considering a follow-up to the music title. Word is that not only might we see a sequel to the karaoke/dance game, but it may employ the balance board as a dance mat.The first Boogie came packaged with a microphone, but the balance board could really increase the immersion factor for such a title. While this is still very much a rumor for now, and may depend on how well Wii Fit does out of the gate, we'll keep an ear to the ground and see if anything else develops.
WRUP: Final Countdown edition
Considering the big release this week is Master of Illusion, we figured there would be no better anthem to herald the beginning of the magic act than Europe's "Final Countdown." Gob taught us many things, but most importantly he taught us the best magic is done to Europe's masterpiece.So, will you be honing your skills at illusion or do you have some other game you plan on sinking your teeth into? What are you playing?
DS releases for the week of November 26th
Finally, gamers in the U.S. get a break from the deluge of releases. Draw a breath and hoard your pennies, DS fans ... there's more to come soon, and this lull won't last long. This might also be a good time to catch up on some of the games you've got lying around. Unless, of course, you're going to be picking up one of this week's releases! Gamers in the rest of the world aren't as lucky this week -- or are luckier, depending on your point of view -- and Japan in particular faces a spectacular array of DS games. Importers might want to take a closer look. Boogie Geometry Wars Galaxies Master of Illusion
A trio of Boogie videos come out from hiding
You know, it's been quite some time since we've seen or heard anything on Boogie for the DS. While the game might have flopped on the Wii, we're hopeful it can provide us with so much more on the DS. Looks like we'll find out soon enough, as the title releases later on this month.Check past the break for some more videos.
Joystiq: Boogie a 'casual, unfocused Elite Beat Agents'
Joystiq spent some time with EA's handheld-ized version of Boogie, and found that it's still directly targeted at casual gamers, and that rhythm gamers spoiled on the difficulty of Elite Beat Agents may not be interested. While Zack Stern found the dragging motions more natural as simulated dance moves than, say, the button presses of EBA, he hinted that the difficulty wasn't there, saying that "Boogie's lower risk and lower reward pitches it to new players." One mode in particular, Copycat, rewards accurate imitation of dance moves, without regard for rhythm. There are more traditional timing-based game modes as well, however.Some of the ancillary features, like drawing decals on character clothing, might help give the game some longer life, as could the multiplayer. Overall, the impressions seemed positive, with the constant reminder that it's for casual audiences only.
Joystiq impressions: Boogie (DS)
The dancing-puppet game, Boogie, launches on the DS this "holiday" season. The portable version of the title has more game in it (read: objectives and losing conditions). But after briefly playing, it still seems aimed close at the casual market Boogie (Wii) courted; rhythm fans might want to pass.Boogie (DS) copies rhythm game techniques, but it comes off as a casual, unfocused Elite Beat Agents. Maybe after hours of playing -- or a better fit with a gamer who's never tried a rhythm title -- it would feel more unique.%Gallery-7889%
Boogie DS taken for a turn around the floor
We puzzled out the basic mechanics of the DS edition of Boogie by watching a gameplay video, and we'd heard about the 3D-glasses gimmick (worked for The 3-D Battles of WorldRunner, right?) along with the first confirmation we received of the game. But there's plenty to Boogie DS that we didn't know, and this Pocket Gamer hands-on covers a lot of that information. Except for the big question of so is the game any good, but that's not really the jurisdiction of the preview. For example, the minigames. We knew they were coming. The minigames described in the preview include tambourine-playing, spotlight-chasing, and a very special one that makes us laugh heartily: moving a slider back and forth to control your dancer's mouth movements, for the purpose of lip-syncing. Magical! You can also create clothing decals for your character's shirts, should you desire to advertise yourself or your interests on a big pink Earl-looking thing.
Today's least surprising video: Boogie on the DS
When we first heard about Boogie grooving its way to the DS, the expectations were not particularly high. And as the video above demonstrates, the little portable port meets these expectations quite nicely. Gone from the game is any hint of a karaoke portion (which might be a good thing, given the quality of the DS's tiny mic). Instead, Boogie DS seems to be purely about a series of weaksauce rhythm mini games. Tap the tambourine! Strum the guitar! Step to the beat! It's every great music series mashed up in a mediocre milkshake. Of course, we'll hold off from making any strong assumptions until we can actually play the thing. In the meantime, anyone else care to judge the book by its cover?
Boogie DS video reveals a much more traditional rhythm game
On the Wii, Boogie was half karaoke game, half waggle-dance game. Obviously the DS version doesn't allow you to wave your arms around to dance, which means that the game had to be adapted for the handheld format. Luckily for us, it's been adapted into what looks like a much more familiar rhythm game. For each motion or instrument (headbanging, tambourine, etc.) you touch the screen in a different manner, but always in response to onscreen cues, and always in a location indicated by an icon. The different icons are just window dressing, basically, since you're now tapping the screen to the rhythm. It's less whatever-you-want-to-call-Boogie and a little more Ouendan. This short video shows some of the motions involved in playing Boogie on the go, accompanied by a Commodores cover.[Via GoNintendo]
Boogie getting down on PS2, DS this holiday
As hinted at in May, EA has announced that the all-singing, all-dancing Boogie will be released on the PlayStation 2 (fake box art above) and DS this holiday season. When it debuted on the Wii in August, Boogie's musical sing-and-swing gameplay left some critics gyrating in pleasure and others convulsing in pain, the latter screaming "shallow and mindless" to the other group's "simple and accessible." EA's press release claims that the DS verse-ion of Boogie will feature "the first 3D gameplay on the handheld system," a statement made less outrageous when it's followed by mention of special (and no doubt embarrassing) 3-D glasses. It also promises new gameplay modes, multi-card play and rather unbelievably, more minigames compared to Wii. The PS2 version isn't as thoroughly explained, though its content will likely differ less than its means of input.
Boogie to slide its way onto the DS
EA's game might have received some bad reviews, but that's not stopping them from trying to milk as much money from it as they can. So, what do you do when your console game is so broken a baby can beat it? Move it into the handheld gaming space, of course!The title will feature several different gameplay modes and a new approach that should make it more palatable for on-the-go gaming. Not only that, but the game will also be bundled with a pair of 3D glasses, allowing you to not only sound like a dork in public as you play the game, but also look like one as you wear the glasses.Should you wish to see some screens for the game, be sure to hit up Nintendic here.
Boogie producer defends his game against reviews
Boogie producer Jean-Charles Gaudechon is not entirely pleased with the critical reception to his game. One review in particular upset him, and with good reason-- 1UP basically assassinated his game.Gaudechon mostly defended the controls in his statement to MTV's Gamefile. "Difficultly should come from the game. It should be easy to dance. It should be tough to dance on a certain level of difficulty." He said that his team reexamined motion control schemes after SSX Blur's controls were panned as too complicated, and that Boogie's controls were focus-tested on a diverse age group.Of course, none of that addresses the major issue found in the 1UP review, that "this game is fun for exactly 20 minutes, and only in a group of two or more." Of course, that's a little harder to respond to than specific complaints about the oversimplified, rhythm-insensitive controls.
