Budget
Latest
PS3 budget lineup heading to Japan, 'likely' Europe
Savior of stingy spenders and bane of box art, the budget lineup, is set to incorporate several PlayStation 3 titles in Japan next month. IGN reports that the official "PlayStation 3 the Best" branding will highlight familiar titles at friendlier prices, with Resistance: Fall of Man, FolksSoul (aka Folklore), Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Gundam: Target in Sight, and Ridge Racer 7 pinching the first pennies -- or, uh, yanking the first yen. The "Best" games will sell for ¥3,800 ($36), which represents a saving of roughly ¥2,200 ($21) for Sony-published games and ¥3,200 ($30) for third-party titles. On the other side of the ocean, Sony told GamesIndustry.biz that a similar "Platinum" range of budget games would likely arrive in Europe. "We have introduced a Platinum range of best-selling titles for all of our platforms to date, and it is likely that we will do so in the future for PS3," said a spokesman, noting that the timing and lineup had yet to be finalized. We'll let you know what Sony America has to say about a budget lineup as soon as they accept our collect call. Read -- "PlayStation 3 the Best" for Japan Read -- "Platinum" for Europe
Budget-priced PS3 titles on their way to Japan
It appears that Sony is set to launch a PlayStation budget line in Japan titled "PlayStation 3 the Best." A Japanese retailer posted the first lineup, which includes Resistance: Fall of Man, FolksSoul, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Gundam: Target in Sight and Ridge Racer 7 priced at 3,800 yen with a March 19 ship date.Like the Xbox 360's Platinum Hits, PlayStation 3 the Best line will be more expensive than the last generation, and while there's been no official announcement, it's probably fair to reason that once the budget titles come stateside, they'll be priced at $30.It's about time the Greatest Hits comes our way, and we think it's a great way for Sony to continue the positive momentum it gained over the holidays.
Acer kicks out Extensa 4620 laptops on the cheap
Sure, Acer may be marketing its Extensa lineup to small business owners, but there's nothing that says bargain hunters can get in on one, too. The 14.1-inch Extensa 4620 comes loaded with Windows XP Professional (sorry, Vista aficionados), 1GB of RAM, a 120GB hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, gigabit Ethernet, a 56k modem, GMA 3100 graphics chipset and a six-cell Li-ion good for around two hours. The first of the two 4620 iterations (that'd be the 6294, break out the pencils!) sports an Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 CPU, while the 4620-4054 rocks a T2310. According to Acer, both of the lappies are available now throughout North America for $799 and $699, respectively.[Via I4U News]
Wii Chess looks comfortingly like the real thing
We find it inherently amusing that Wii Chess is -- minus a few frills -- the same game as countless other titles on the market, many of which can be bought with a small handful of spare change. Despite this, we still suspect Wii Chess' no-nonsense approach to the world's favorite strategy game could be a commercial hit for Nintendo; certainly, the budget price tag won't harm its chances. There's a couple of things to note about the above video, however. One: that elevator music is freakin' hideous (and on that note, we'd really like MP3 support in this please, Nintendo). And two: where are the optional Nintendo-themed pieces?! To have Mario and Peach playing the king and queen would have been an excellent little touch. Other Nintendo games get outstanding fan service, so why not this? Two words: Missed. Opportunity.[Thanks, Troy!]
Ingram Micro's $459 24-inch V7 monitor is an HDMI oddity
Ingram Micro just kicked out an oddball, budget monitor under their V7 brand. How budget? Very. The 24-inch D24W33 has an MSRP of $459. That takes home a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, 1,000:1 reported contrast, 250cd/m2 brightness, 160-degree viewing angles, quick 2 millisecond response, and choice of analog VGA or HDMI inputs. Yes, HDMI... no DVI or DisplayPort in sight. So if you want a rich, digital link from your laptop or PC you'll have to get a DVI to HDMI cable and burn that HDMI port. Too bad, 'cause that leaves nothing for your game console or other HDMI video source. Dell's own budget $469 E248WFP features the same 24-inches and analog VGA input but with HDCP-enabled DVI, a slower (5-ms) response, but brighter (400cd/m2) image. So what will you do when it ships in January?
New details on Wii Chess remind us that the game exists
Considering it's a Nintendo game, there's been astoundingly little fanfare for Wii Chess. The game's Wikipedia page is absolutely barren, while a release date has only just appeared (January 18th), and then only for Europe. Despite the lack of information, Nintendo obviously reckons this could have broad appeal, as it's slapped the "Touch! Generations" logo on the corner of the box, which roughly translates as: "Your Gran and her friends will like this."Anyway, further details finally emerged on the title today, with CVG reporting that Wii Chess is to retail for a budget price of £20 / €30 (we'd presume the game's budget status will be preserved if and when it reaches other markets -- our educated guess would be $30 for the U.S.), and that it will support both local multiplayer and games played over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. We're also promised a number of graphical styles, which hopefully means Nintendo-themed boards and pieces, including Goomba pawns and knights that look like Yoshi.And yes, that is the German boxart. We travelled the seven seas of the internet searching for an English version, but returned empty-handed. Still, at least you now know the German word for "chess." Never know when that might come in handy.
Tasuke prepares another round of 1500 DS Spirits games
Just three months after the last round of 1500 DS Spirits games, Japanese publisher Tasuke is getting ready to launch another barrage of cheapo games at the Japanese public. It's all the kind of stuff you'd expect from a budget game line, too: Vol. 6 Trump, Vol. 7 Chess, Vol. 8 Darts, and Vol. 9 Futari Uchi Mahjongg (Two-player Mahjongg) are the newest offerings in the line. While we supported Tasuke last time in the battle with D3 over cheap games, we find ourselves feeling that D3's weirder offerings, like driving education and, on the PS2, The Daibijin, make their Simple series line much more interesting overall than Tasuke's vanilla lineup. D3's got that kind of stuff too, but they also have the hilarious games. To Tasuke's credit, the character art (which is shared in all four games) is nice, with shading reminiscent of Falcoon's work on recent King of Fighters games.We'd like to see this kind of thing in the U.S. regardless of our lack of interest in these specific games. We have cheap games, but we don't really have games that self-identify as cheap.
Fujitsu unveils 15.4-inch LifeBook V1010 for the budget-minded
Although it's no $300 Gateway, Fujitsu's LifeBook V1010 does manage to come with a bit more oomph than the aforementioned cheapie. Designed for "price-conscious markets," this machine can be had starting at $799, and it offers up a 15.4-inch WXGA panel, 1.86GHz Intel T2130 processor, Windows XP, GMA 950 graphics set, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, a 120GB SATA drive, 59k modem / Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g support, a dual-layer DVD writer, and a six-cell Li-ion rated for 2.25-hours of usage. Granted, you can spend more than eight Benjamins if you'd like, but at least the base configuration won't break the bank too badly.[Via Laptoping]
Motorola looking to decrease spending, cuts R&D funding
With news of cost cutting tactics traveling down hill, we assume that consecutive quarterly losses and other negative news have caused Motorola, the third largest handset manufacturer in the world, to start trimming the proverbial fat off its business. Moto has announced that it will start by cutting 15 percent of costs from its research and development sector by the end of 2007. Is reinventing the same phone only by adding different colors not the proper business model anymore?[Via mocoNews]
Wii Warm Up: Tabletop style
With the news that Jenga is coming to the Wii, and with the Wii so perfect for certain other games (DS/Wii Pictionary, maybe?), we're curious what else you might possibly be interested in. One of the best parts about board games on XBLA, for example, is the lack of setup or cleanup (which is always nice), but how many games really translate well? Also, are such games better suited for download services or budget titles?
Atari confirms Jenga for Wii, DS
Atari today dribbled out screenshots along with a press release confirming the existence of a Jenga game for the Wii and DS to be released in November. The game doesn't appear to be much more than a stylized table-top Jenga with exotic backgrounds and textures, but according to Atari it features a "wealth of exciting new enhancements, power-ups and twists that are possible only in the videogame world". Bombs? Gravity-defying bricks? We'll have to wait and see. Jenga could be a lot more exciting with the right power-ups.%Gallery-4615%
505 Games did it, Mum!
European budget publisher 505 Games announced a new title for the children. Because the children are a very profitable demographic our future! The game is called I Did It Mum! and comes in boys' or girls' versions. Both versions are jam-packed with educational minigames like "Toy Train" and "Drive the Car." And both versions are totally for preschoolers, so you have an excuse not to be interested in the thing yourself. But if you have kids, this may be perfect "Playing DS Games Training" to help them get ready for other training games.[Via Joystiq]
Conspiracy to publish Wii budget titles in the U.S.
Data Design Interactive and U.S. Developer Conspiracy have announced a distribution agreement that will bring nine new Wii-exclusive titles to the U.S. this year. Most of the games seem to be knock-offs of more popular titles such as Mario Kart or the Harry Potter series, but this Ninjabread Man game has our attention. No release date or prices have been set, but the games have been marketed at budget prices in the UK, so we can likely expect the same in the States. Mini Desktop Racing - A "minature racer" Monster Trux Offroad - a "rugged racer" Ninjabread Man - 3D platformer Action Girlz Racing - "fairy-tale racer" Anubis II - 3D platformer Billy Wizard - a "magic/action game" banking on the popularity of Harry Potter Myth Makers - SuperKart GP - a racing game, of course Rock N Roll Adventures - musical action/platformer Earache - Extreme Metal Racing - yet another offroad racer
With success comes the flood
Remember when Data Design Interactive was going to port a "few" titles to the Wii? Apparently, a "few" means "more than thirty." By the end of the year, it looks like we will be rich in clunky, poorly-reviewed budget ports. Thanks, Data Design. And by "thanks," we mean, "gah, why?" Not a single game we've seen announced is new ... and we're not sure we'd want to see a new one if they made it.Don't let the cute look of Ninjabread Man fool you. All signs point to awful.
Inside Blizzard's plans, past and future
Wandering Goblin has a cool piece up entitled "25 Things You Didn't Know About WoW." Now, it's not really titled correctly, because many Blizzard fans will at least know a few of the things, and the truth is that they're not all about WoW anyway. But it is interesting reading, especially if you aren't super familiar with the background behind the Blue.Fr'instance, when WoW released, Mike Morhaime says that every available employee was working on it. And production on Burning Crusade started about six months after that, when Blizzard determined that WoW was "stable." Other interesting tidbits (specifically from the recent WWI) include the fact that China is WoW's biggest market (people there pay by the hour, not by the month), and that Blizzard expects WoW to last them at least 10 years. So we may still be grinding murlocs in 2014.It's also interesting that Blizzard says they don't plan budget limits for games-- either they're going to make a good game, or they don't bother making the game at all. Most companies probably wouldn't have ditched Starcraft: Ghost so late in the process, but Blizzard seems totally and completely committed to releasing a great game or not releasing a game at all. Interesting tactic, but then again it's worked for them so far.[ via WorldofWar.net ]
Billy the Wizard and others spotted on ESRB
Good news! You can sell that imported European Wii you bought! Conspiracy Entertainment is bringing Data Design's lineup of European budget Wii games to the US, according to the ESRB listings. These are budget Wii ports of Metro3D's budget PS2 games. Let us say it again: budget.So far, four Conspiracy games have been rated for US release: Billy the Wizard (original name: Barry Hatter), Anubis II, Mythmakers: Super Kart GP, and Counter Force. No word on Ninjabread Man yet, and we don't know when any of these will be released. In any case, we recommend preordering now so you won't be stuck in line at 5AM on release day.[Via GoNintendo]
Mastiff floods retail chain with budget copies of Gurumin
Remember the Deal of the Day we had over a week ago? We reported that the cutesy beat-em-up RPG Gurumin was available for $20. Well, it looks like that's no longer a Gamestop-specific deal: the game has officially become a budget title.Mastiff is flooding the retail chain, alleviating previous "supply issues" the title was facing. The publisher is hoping that by lowering the price, and increasing the title's availability during Sony's aggressive PSP marketing, it will be able to gain an even larger audience for the niche title. "Between the increased availability and the economical price, RPG fans should now have no trouble getting their hands on Gurumin," said Bill Swartz, "Head Woof" (we're not kidding) of Mastiff.PSP Fanboy previously reviewed the title, awarding it with a 7.5.
Rumor: Carnival Games
Here's a rumor that's easy to believe: Gamefly has a listing for an upcoming game called Carnival Games from budget publisher Global Star Software (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Scaler). Carnival Games sounds like a collection of uncomplicated midway-style attractions like ring toss and a shooting gallery; in other words, more minigames. It's a pretty safe assumption, we think, that something called Carnival Games won't turn out to be an RPG or a fighting game, right?We don't necessarily blame Global Star for (allegedly) taking the easy way out, because they do budget games, but we feel like we should deliver the following message to publishers: stop making minigames. At least put a year-long moratorium on them. Let's try to diversify the Wii library a little.
Top five budget PSP games
The bargain hunters at Portable Video Gamer have compiled a list of their top five budget PSP games. Here are their suggestions: Wipeout: Pure ($20) - It's the game that keeps on giving, with the game more than doubling in size through downloadable levels. This launch title boasted some fantastic visuals, a kickin' soundtrack, and some of the best futuristic racing ever to grace any handheld. Daxter ($20) - This is probably the most technologically impressive title on the system: arguably the best looking game on the system, this platformer also features tons of personality and charm--with none of those annoying load times. SSX On Tour (Discontinued) Burnout Legends ($20) - Sure, you could pick up the newer Dominator title, but then you'd be missing out on one of the franchise's most important features: Crash mode. This destructive racer fuses the best in the franchise, and lets you take it on the go. Popolo Crois ($20) - An unexpected addition to the list. "Popolocrois makes the list because it is arguably the strongest console RPG to be ported over to the system." Certainly, this list is missing a few potential candidates. The recent Circuit City sale had a few hits that were suspiciously absent from this list: Lumines, for example. Do any other bargain hunters here have suggestions for the PSP Fanboy community?[Thanks, Sergio!]
Super-cheap Ubisoft classics do well in England
Think $20 is a good price for a greatest hit. How's a couple of bucks suit you?Ubisoft is redefining the term "budget software" with the recent British release of three classic (read: old) PC games for just £1 (about $2 US). Thanks to the super-low price, Rayman 2: The Great Escape, Brothers In Arms: Road To Hill 30 and Prince Of Persia: Sands Of Time all made the ChartTrack top 10 for the week despite their age. In an interview with MCV, a ChartTrack analyst predicted similarly-priced re-releases would follow suit from a variety of publishers.It makes you wonder -- if a couple of bucks is enough to cover manufacturing, packaging, shipping and retail space for these reissues, why do downloadable console and arcade classics that have none of these costs routinely go for more than twice as much?
