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Capcom and Bioware disappointed in iPhone app performance
We've heard a lot of interesting things from big companies on the App Store -- some of them have released games and apps with not a lot of success compared to more high-profile indie groups, while some seem to have nailed down a little bit of profit from Apple's platform. Capcom is apparently finding itself in that first group -- the company's latest financial reports state that it is fairly disappointed in the performance of its App Store titles. Resident Evil 4 sales have "increased gradually," while even more anticipated apps like Street Fighter IV and Phoenix Wright have only "achieved their projected sales." Which may be good news, but it's not exactly a glowing result for Capcom's App Store efforts. Meanwhile, EA's partner Bioware is licking its wounds from its first iPhone effort. Greg Zeschuk says that Mass Effect on the iPhone "wasn't even a mistake as much as we took a guess, our guess was wrong, and we learned something in the process -- that the fundamental tactile gameplay is actually the key thing on the platform." He sounds really disappointed with sales -- he says that the company originally believed a strong story could keep players interested even through fairly generic gameplay, but it turns out that iPhone gamers are more interested in the experience than the text that backs it up (not hard to see -- look at Doodle Jump, Angry Birds, or any other huge iPhone games with barely any backstory at all). It's interesting to see big companies dealing with the App Store platform, and struggling to figure out how to implement iPhone apps. I think we'll see even more experimenting on this front from even major software studios.
Phoenix Wright, Hexen II coming to the iPhone
Good news for fans of good games: the terrific DS courtroom simulator (which, trust me, sounds much less fun than it actually is) Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney is coming to the iPhone, and Slide to Play has posted some hands-on video. The game takes the two DS screens and stacks them on top of each other rather than converting the game into a landscape version, so it's basically a straight port of the DS game. It'd be interesting to see a more iPhone-specific version of the game (maybe something that uses the camera or the accelerometer to show off evidence in the courtroom), but we'll take just the port, too -- if you haven't played any of the Phoenix Wright games but enjoy a good adventure yarn, you're in for a treat. The game should be out "soon." Hexen II is on its way to the iPhone as well, and Touch Arcade has a few screens and video of that one. I was much more of a Quake fan, but Hexen, with its medieval setting and RPG elements placed in the same game engine, had its share of followers back in the day, too. Unfortunately, Vimov doesn't yet have the rights to Hexen II -- they're just working with an open-sourced version of the engine. To actually release the data on the App Store, they'll need to make a deal with Activision, so we'll have to wait and see if that can happen before you can start hacking and slashing through the world of the Serpent Riders again.
HOLD IT! Live orchestra to play Phoenix Wright tunes
Man, if you're a person living in Japan and reading DS Fanboy right now, do we have a piece of awesome news for you. Not only are you confined to listening to the wonderful music from the Ace Attorney line through your iTunes or by actually playing the games, you can enjoy a live performance of tracks from the series of games. Chalk this up as another reason why we wish we lived in Japan.We do have time to move over there before this goes down. The event takes place on April 20th at the Shinjuku Culture Center, where the Tokyo Philharmonic will be behind select musical tracks from the games. Hey, if there's going to be any reason why we move there, it'd be this.See also: 2008's Biggest Blips - Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney[Via Go Nintendo]
Meet Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney right here, right now
Though you'll be assuming the role of attor-n00b Apollo Justice in Capcom's fourth venture into the comical court, it's still your job to help the chronically unprepared Phoenix Wright out of a bind in the opening case. If you've been hesitant to ease yourself into this pun-infested round of laughable legalese, you'll be pleased to find a playable trial version of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney embedded after the break (you'll find the code at the official site). Once you've gotten acquainted with the new cast in this first installment built specifically for the DS, you can look forward to bailing the game out of stores on February 19th.
Circuit City holding massive sale, every game you ever wanted on list
If you are missing out on a DS game or GBA game and don't feel like paying retail, know that Circuit City is having a huge sale right now. The problem so far has been that an entire list of the games on sale had not been available anywhere online. That is, until now. Selling select games such as Final Fantasy IV Advance and Mario Tennis: Power Tour on the GBA, along with DS titles such as Elite Beat Agents and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (get a loved one involved) for $8.96 a piece, we're wondering if this is perhaps the biggest sale we've seen yet. So, get down to your local Circuit City and get to the stock while it still lasts. [Via QJ]
Be the belle of the hobo ball with this stylish cap
For how much we talk about Phoenix Wright and the Ace Attorney lineup of games here at DS Fanboy, you should already know this next tidbit of info involving upcoming game Apollo Justice. In case you don't, however, then here's your warning: spoiler alert!In the newest game, Phoenix has given up on life and resorted to being a hobo. His cap, which is pictured above, is available as a pre-order bonus for those in Japan. Definitely beats that crummy Phoenix plush we got for pre-ordering Trials and Trbulations here. Hopefully, Capcom will treat Japanese gamers a bit better than they treated us.%Gallery-10043%[Thanks, MaHe!]
Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007
Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii) Though its puzzles may occasionally infuriate, the real source of frustration regarding Zack & Wiki stems from the fact that nobody bought it. Every year has its share of titles that deserve an audience yet never find one, and in this regard, Zack & Wiki is easily one of the most tragic games to put an uncontrollable smile on your face. Relentlessly charming and beautifully presented, the debut of Capcom's choc-chomping pirate and his simian sidekick challenges the mind and warms that cynical, meh-spouting lump in your chest. How refreshing it was to overcome obstacles and bosses by choosing the power of the mind over an impossibly large bazooka.
DS Daily: Video game crushes
Warning: This video contains spoilers While playing Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations, we came across this hilarious scene in which the game pokes fun at the "frothing female masses" devoted to Miles Edgeworth (which, sadly, includes this blogger). We know that they're embarrassing to admit to, since -- as you well know -- video game characters aren't real people. Yet, many of us must concede to having a video game crush at some point in our lives, and it's time to 'fess up and come clean. So, what video game characters have you had (or do you have) a crush on?
Phoenix Wright: Fourteen Bucks for All
The last time we featured a bargain for Phoenix Wright: Justice for All, Amazon was hosting a sale for the courtroom adventure title for $14.99, five dollars less than its list price. That was a pretty great deal for the Ace Attorney sequel, but recent developments in DNA testing and modern technology advancements have made it possible for the online shop to further increase its discount; Justice for All is now available for $13.99! Joys be thine![Via CAG]
Capcom apologizes for your Trials and Tribulations
Being one of the folks to receive their copy of Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations directly from Capcom, this blogger found himself receiving the game a month late and without the plush figure bonus that had been promised (in retrospect, however, that probably is a good thing). And, what has Capcom done to correct this? They've issued out an apology. Other than the usual "we're sorry" stuff, Capcom has offered to ship out the plush separately to those who've pre-ordered the game before 10/29. Also, they're providing a coupon good for 10% off (code: PWthanksyou) at their online store. If you want to read the full apology, head past the break. %Gallery-3478%
Preordering through Capcom a Tribulation in itself
Completed Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations yet? Great! Then spare a thought for the poor saps who preordered the title online through Capcom, and who are still waiting on their copies, despite the game being released over a month ago. Infendo reader Andrew flagged up the problem yesterday, and it appears he's only one of many on Capcom's official message board who have been prevented from getting their law on. In fact, we can totally understand the grumpiness in this thread, especially as it took a whole month of customers ranting just to get a faintly apologetic response from a Capcom representative. Now, Capcom has chosen to appease the baying mob with -- can you guess? -- yes! A 10% off coupon for its online store! You just couldn't write it any better. Capcom has since told Andrew his game has shipped, though there's still no word on the awesome Phoenix Wright plush that was being dangled in front of those who preordered the game. Objection indeed, Capcom.
The Joystiq Weekend: November 9-11, 2007
Objection! This Phoenix Wright Munny doll is guaranteed to represent you in court should someone decide to sue you over its existence. Check out the highlights for today:JoystiqueryDS Fanboy Lite: Nov. 3 - Nov. 9Japanese hardware sales, Oct. 29 - Nov. 4: Once in a life cycle editionJoystiq Podcast 024 - Hobo editionLast week in Warcraft: November 4th - November 10thToday's IP-never-dies video: Lucy and HoneymoonersToday's bone-crushing video: PainWeekly Webcomic Wrapup: I can has webcomic?NewsThe Simpsons Game: Glancing a mainstream reviewWireless Guitar Hero 3 controller functions with PC versionNew Burnout trailer welcomes us to 'Paradise'Xbox 360 outsold PS3 in Japan last weekMark Wahlberg to play Max PaynePAL Uncharted demo coming Nov. 22; US region lock a mistake40GB PS3s have 65nm Cell chips, 90nm GPUsSony, MS downplay high-def movie warNine things you may not know about Rock BandAssassin's Creed ad perfects macho slo-mo walkJapanese Wii Fit trailers show snowboarding, jogging, moreNew 'No More Heroes' spots show off coconut, garbage collectingEdge: Animal Crossing Wii is a social networking MMOMass Effect ad talks choice, we choose OprahApollo Justice: Ace Attorney gets 'early 2008' releaseBeat Portal's final challenge in one minuteUpdates for Bungie.net, Halo 3 Matchmaking, DLC on their wayUncharted demo fixed for European PS3sNGamer rounds up first WiiWare titlesMass Effect launch trailer elevates excitement to critical massTake Two chairman clarifies statement on GTA IV release dateWii Guitar Hero III outputs only mono soundCheck out Wii's "Check Mii Out" ChannelRumors & SpeculationRein: UT3 PS3 likely for this year (in America)Devs think Fox could get back into gaming Rumor: BioShock on PS3, new Metal Gear on PSPKmart reportedly breaks Mass Effect street dateRumor: Rock Band delayed in Canada until Dec. 19Culture & CommunityAnatomy of a disaster: Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness Gamer nabs his Mistress Chief with Halo 3 proposalNominees for Spike TV's 'Video Game Awards 2007' revealedGary Coleman's GameCube for sale on eBayPresident Bush plays video games with injured soldiersGod destroys young man's PS3 with dustIssue #0 of World of Warcraft comic onlineControl the Wii with your fingertipsMake your own Blu-ray phaser
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney gets 'early 2008' release
We openly admit that naming your child Apollo Justice borders on cruelty and severely limits his choice of career path to either a lawyer or a cast member on a remake of American Gladiators. Thankfully, however, Capcom has subscribed to the former, with the appropriately named upstart attorney Justice taking center stage in what the math eggheads upstairs tell us is the fourth game in the Ace Attorney franchise, which will make its way to North America sometime in "early 2008" according to Capcom.Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney marks a departure from previous games by abandoning Phoenix Wright, the ace attorney we have grown to know and love. Additionally, Capcom notes that the game, which has apparently been selling like hotcakes in Japan, is the first to be designed specifically for the Nintendo DS, the previous three titles originally having been released for the Game Boy Advance in Japan before getting their touchable courtroom makeovers. The game will come with a host of new characters and cases, and despite missing Phoenix (as the main character, anyway), we know we'll be yelling "Objection!" and "Hold it!" the whole time, usually to the ire of those sitting next to us on the bus.
WRUP: Trials and Tribulations edition
As we said in our initial releases post this week, there's really only one game of importance releasing this week, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations. We know you're playing it, you know we'll be playing it (first thing's first: remove this ball and chain from our ankle), so why dance around the subject? Tell us how far you are, tell us how you're finding it or tell us how you plan on scraping together the dough to eventually get it. If you're one of those freaks who are playing something else, let us know about that too!
Metareview: Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations
With it being the biggest release of the year on the DS (well .. maybe it isn't the biggest release, but it's still pretty big), we're surprised more outlets haven't tossed their pair of pennies into the ring regarding the last Ace Attorney title starring Phoenix. Seriously, where are all of the reviews? It can't still be under embargo, as it ships to retail today. Oh well, let's all go over who has said what they thought about the game: ZTGameDomain (85/100) likes the old friend: "Yes, it's the same, however it's not the type of same that says "Crap, I've played this damned game before"..it is more akin to a cozy familiarity." Game Informer (83/100) says: "Knowing that the next game in this series will star a new up-and-coming defense attorney, Trials & Tribulations is a fun and fitting farewell to Phoenix and company." [Nov 2007, p.162] Eurogamer (80/100) thinks you should play it: "It's agony not to just enthusiastically tell you about the scenarios, the cases themselves, but I hate reviewers that get to experience something completely freshly for themselves, and then rob that opportunity from all who read the review. So believe me, if I told you you'd want to play, and then be cross I told you. So just skip to the wanting to play." Gamestyle (80/100) finds that if it isn't broke, you shouldn't fix it: "A classic case of it "if it isn't broke, don't fix it", Trials and Tribulations carries on the series' high quality and is a fitting end to the trilogy, but it won't convert anyone waiting for the series to break out of its somewhat rigid menu-driven process of elimination. That said, Gamestyle loved it and any fans of the previous games will love it too." %Gallery-3478%
Capcom does smart thing, delays Harvey Birdman game
Well, it seems both EA and Capcom have gotten this crazy idea that people still purchase games once the holiday season is over. Joining Army of Two in the November bail-out is catastrophic courtroom comedy, Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law. Posting on Capcom's community forums, senior director of strategic planning and research, Christian Svensson, validated his professional title with the following (under)statement: "The game is and has been finished, submitted and approved, however we felt releasing the game on the same day 112 other SKUs released was not ideal for its chances. Retail buyers agreed."Based on the television show of the same name, Harvey Birdman follows the eponymous attorney at lawl as he bungles his way through unusual cases and awkward silences. If you're thinking gameplay amounts to Phoenix Wright with an extra dose of non sequitur oddity, you're not too far from the truth. Luckily, you have this week's superb Phoenix Wright: Trials and Tribulations to keep you occupied until the Birdman gets on your case. Retailers currently say they'll get the thing Capcom sent them in January.[Via Wii Fanboy]
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney trailer throws book at you
Can there really be two ace attorneys in the world? That's the question we're forced to ponder by a new trailer for Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney from Tokyo Game Show. Here you've got this young upstart kid -- with a hairdo so terrible that Cloud Strife snickers behind his back -- claiming to be the new ace attorney ("double A" on the streets), but there's no mention of Phoenix Wright, the ace attorney we all know and love!Maybe double As are actually like Highlanders, and the whole game will be about Phoenix and Apollo trying to track each other down and cut the other one's head off. We'd definitely play that. ... Oh, who are we kidding? We're going to be playing it anyway. Curse our love of justice!(P.S. "Well, this case certainly has taken a turn ... for the interesting!" is the new best thing you can say in any situation.)
Because we're Fresh Prince fans, too
Seriously, we are! We remember watching Will Smith and the Banks family was such a treat growing up, as we looked up to Will for coming from our hometown and making it big with his own hit TV show. And, with the show now appearing on Nick at Nite, we get to watch all of our favorite episodes over and over again. Considering our undying love for a certain attorney, the combination of the two was something we couldn't pass up the opportunity to post about. Like taking a boot to the head, this Phoenix Wright parody video is one funny piece of footage.[Via Go Nintendo; the actual episode clip can be found here. Thanks, hvnlysoldr!]
Harvey Birdman gets on Wii's case Nov. 13
Capcom is bringing Harvey Birdman's courtroom fumbling to the Wii this November alongside previously announced PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions. Based on the Adult Swim television show of the same name, Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law has players donning the law suit of the eponymous and spectacularly unskilled attorney in five "uproarious" cases. Screenshots and gameplay footage indicate a striking similarity to Capcom's other (ace) attorney at law, Phoenix Wright. That's most certainly a good thing, and since we spotted Street Fighter's Guile in the proceedings, there's always the possibility of a crazy cameo.One thing Wii owners (or Attorn-wiis, if you can still stomach Wii puns) may object to is the $10 price difference between versions. Whereas the PS2 and PSP games are both priced at $29.99, the Wii version asks $39.99, presumably for the ability to point at menu options as opposed to scrolling through them with a directional pad. If you'd rather not pay waggle tax, the PSP and PS2 variants arrive alongside the Wii version on November 13th.Update: Capcom says it currently costs more to publish on the Wii than it does on the other systems, hence the higher price. Waggle tax indeed.[Via press release]
DS releases for the week of September 3rd
Looks like we've only got two this week, fan folks -- including one that was delayed from last week. Slim pickings for a short week (for those of us in the U.S., at least), but hey ... something is usually better than nothing. Garfield's Nightmare Worms 2: Open Warfare For a glimpse at releases in the rest of the globe, check out the lists after the break.
