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2007: the year of the DS (again)
2006 was a banner year for gamers, particularly DS gamers. We've got it all: a rainbow of system colors, an incredible library of games, and powerful studios clamoring for a piece of the action. Our favorite handheld consistently rocked out, thundering over the competition -- all the competition -- for the entire year. The DS avalanche of awesome can't possibly continue at this rate ... and yet, when we look at the forthcoming year and the incredible parade of titles set for the year, it seems that the DS will, in fact, continue to dominate global gaming. And we're totally okay with that. Just so you know. If you're still scrambling to finish some of the titles from the latter half of 2006, play harder -- no matter who you are or what you like, you're sure to find at least ten games this year that are must-haves, and that's just among the games we know about right now. What's worse (or is that way, way better?) is that most of them are slated for the next few months. So run through Portrait of Ruin and put aside the hard rockin' Elite Beat Agents (your fingers will thank you for the break), and check after the jump for a few of the games that will drain your free time in 2007.
Phoenix Wright's fifteen minutes of Flash fame
Remember a few years ago when the "All Your Base" phenomenon briefly transformed retro gaming into an ironic obsession that all the hipsters wanted a piece of? Well now a newer game seems to be getting the Internet flash overexposure treatment, and the hipsters are on standby.The "Phoenix Wrong" phenomenon actually started in July, when Newgrounds member AshfordPride posted the first in a hilarious four-part series of Flash videos featuring Phoenix Wright characters performing widely known pop culture quotes (trust us, it's funnier than it sounds). The phenomenon has only really taken off in the past few months, with copycats making dozens of "Phoenix Wrong" tribute animations of varying quality. The lot of them have been collected on an "official" web site complete with comics, fanart and even a tutorial (PDF) on how to make your own.Whether or not this fad continues to grow or goes the way of other passing memes is largely up to you, the internet. We trust you will choose wisely.
The DS holiday buyer's guide part 2: the casual player
After our first part in an attempt to help you introduce someone else into the wonderful world of handheld gaming, part two is aimed more at the casual type. Someone who already owns the system, maybe a game or two, and finds themself spending a few spare hours each week hitting the stylus. This part in our three part guide is aimed at helping them expand that small fascination. Read on for some thoughtful ideas on what to buy the casual gamer this holiday season!
DS fans unsurprised at French view of games as art
Earlier this month, the French minister of culture declared that video games should be included in the industries that are considered for tax breaks in that country -- something limited to artistic endeavors. Yes, that's right ... in France, someone is moving for games to be declared bastions of art. That's quite different from what we've more often heard over the years, but it's not too new for France, a nation that offered up Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (awards for cultural achievement) to game designers, including our own Shigeru Miyamoto. But are we surprised by the move? DS fans know all about the art of video games; after all, it's our handheld that's leading the rebirth of games that are only there to tell a story -- games like Phoenix Wright and Contact, games that aren't so much about the gameplay as they are about what happens during gameplay. Sure, Halo has an intriguing story (albeit one ripped from the dozens of sci-fi franchises that came before), but in the end, Halo isn't about the story. It's about shooting things with weapons. And that's all well and good, but a compelling story adds a lot to a game. People aren't hoping for Final Fantasy VI redux (ala the update on FFIII) because of the gameplay, though as an RPG, it is hailed at the forefront of the genre. Still, fans want it for the game itself -- the rich world and compelling characters. It's that quality that we crave in a game and that so many products of the industry lack.France's move will, we hope, spur that further. When it comes to the question of art, games are often spurned as not serious, as brain-rotting fluff. Hey, sometimes, that's what makes a game fun. Mario Kart isn't, after all, an epic quest for the golden cup. It's about watching your best good friends shake their fist in the wake of your exhaust fumes. But there have been great examples of storytelling in games, and what's more, there have been ideas, kernels of stories that have been lost because hey, who cares about the story?
Phoenix Wright goes to Germany at last
After numerous delays, German DS fans will finally be able to get their hands on everyone's favorite ace Rechtsanwalt* on November 24. Unless, of course, they've already imported the sequel .... Still, any excuse to talk about Phoenix Wright perks us right up. And it looks like our German friends won't have to wait as long for Justice For All -- it's scheduled for spring of next year.*Thanks to Google translation, we probably just talked about everyone's momma instead of referring to a lawyer.
Readers double negate VG Cats as "not not best" webcomic
With a well-established name, a gem of a muse (Phoenix Wright), and sticky sex jokes, VG Cats was the obvious winner from the start of last week's webcomic wrapup. Second place and third place go to Penny Arcade and Ctrl+Alt+Del ... boooring. Thanks to everyone who voted, and be sure to let us know of any gaming webcomics you stumble upon this week -- seriously, we love reading them all.
Objection! Phoenix Wright DS stickers no more
We gladly admit that we are Phoenix Wright freaks. We do not question our fandom and we encourage others to join us in our epic quest for justice, DS style. You can see why we were so thrilled to hear about Play-Asia having a special sticker bonus for us fans. We were gleeful, ecstatic and any other word you can think of that means overly excited. So excited that we did a jig on our desk in the middle of class. Suddenly, a dark cloud loomed over our jig. We got an a few emails saying that the Phoenix Wright stickers are no more. WHAT?! Yes, for "unknown reasons" they were canceled. We know dear readers, we know. This news is heartbreaking. In fact, is there anyone we can sue? [Thanks Lush and Vincent!]
Hold it! Put Phoenix Wright on your DS
Considering the unadulterated Phoenix Wright lust that oozes from DS Fanboy's collective pores, we're pretty sure Play-Asia's quarterly profits are about to double now that we've seen this super-mega sweet DS sticker. And that's just from us buying up all the stock for our special Phoenix Wright wall. These are the three stages of discovering Phoenix Wright DS decor: The audible sound of jaws dropping. The full-armed swipe to take care of the drool. The frantic scrabbling for credit cards -- anything between you and the wallet be damned. Try not to harm friends, animals and/or grandparents on your way to stage three. And just remember to soak everything a little while to get rid of those pesky drool stains. But be warned -- it's not just a sticker free-for-all over there. You have to actually order something else (like that matters; bring on the My Little Pony), but we got lucky. It happens to be the sequel to our beloved Phoenix Wright that we're preordering to get our sticker love. The title is import-friendly (with English and all), and the content is reportedly the same as the US version. You've got nothing to lose and a sticker to gain, and there's no objecting to that![Thanks to the Siliconera staff!]
TGS 06: Best in Show, according to CESA
The mighty Computer Entertainment Software Association of Japan revealed the eleven titles they thought were the "best in show." Of those titles, two were exclusives for the PSP. Here are the winners, in no particular order: Elebits (Konami) for the Wii Gyakuten Saiban 4 [Phoenix Wright] (Capcom) for the DS Gran Turismo HD (Sony) for the PS3 The Eye of Judgment (Sony) for the PS3 Seiken Densetsu 4 [Dawn of Mana] (Square Enix) for the PS2 Tales of Destiny (Namco Bandai) for the PS2 Blue Dragon (Microsoft) for the Xbox 360 Heavenly Sword (Sony) for the PS3 Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops (Konami) for the PSP Monster Hunter Portable 2nd (Capcom) for the PSP Lost Planet (Capcom) for the Xbox 360 This should come as no surprise. There are so many excellent games at TGS this year, that it must've been nigh impossible to even narrow the list down. But, for those of you that are battling a fanboy war, you might want to note that PSP got two titles, and the DS only got one.[Via Joystiq]
RedOctane rocks the courthouse
In a spectacular display of canine cannibalism, RedOctane and its new parent company, Activision, last month set their army of attack lawyers on a company called "The Ant Commandos". Much like the RedOctane that existed before the Guitar Hero franchise became mildly popular, the latter company produces unlicensed, musically inclined controllers. These include bongo drums, guitars (wireless versions, natch), dance pads and a weird "Soccer Arena" mat which isn't really musical but will likely tie your legs into a knot just the same.According to the Gamespot report, RedOctane and Activision feel that TAC's guitar controllers are guilty of "unfair competition, trademark infringement, copyright infringement, unfair and deceptive trade practices, false advertising, unjust enrichment and more." One can only assume that the "more" part involves some sort of violence against defenseless puppies. Along with the similar packaging and advertising, even the quality of TAC's product is called into question. The lawyers argue that TAC's claim of 100% compatibility with Guitar Hero is false, as the tilt function necessary to activate Star Power is apparently not very consistent in their line of guitars. Getting sued for printing a lie is one thing, but to be dragged in front of a judge indirectly because your product might be a bit rubbish? Now that's music to our ears.
MS sued for Xbox Live patent infringement
It's a proven fact. Create successful technology and someone will sue you for patent infringement. It happened with the iPod, it happened with the Dual Shock, and now it's happening with Xbox Live. A New York company named Paltalk has sued Microsoft because Xbox Live apparently infringes upon two of its patents. At this juncture, Paltalk hasn't actually submitted any, you know, evidence of this, but asserts that is has suffered "tens of millions of dollars" in damages. One has to question the credibility of such a claim, considering Xbox Live is already four years old. Then again, if all you're looking to do is squeeze money out an already entrenched service, it makes perfect sense. Microsoft wants Xbox Live to keep humming along, and will likely pay whatever amount is necessary to keep it so -- if they lose the case that is. On an interesting note, Paltalk chose to sue Microsoft in eastern Texas, based on the fact that "Microsoft has subscribers who reside in the Eastern District of Texas, and Microsoft provides infringing online services to its subscribers in this district." Yeah, that might be the reason. Then again, I wonder what the ratio of guilty/not guilty verdicts is in a Texas court.Whatever happens, don't worry your pretty little head about it. Xbox Live isn't going anywhere. It's not like Live is some little extra feature that Microsoft could live without like, say, rumble functionality.[Thanks, Pixelantes Anonymous]
Objection! Phoenix Wright soundtrack
Phoenix Wright is a great and very popular game. This we have said many, many times. Though Japan has been blessed with this series for a while, we are still thankful that it made it stateside. Now, Japan is going up one step and releasing a soundtrack for Phoenix Wright! And, there are going to be two different covers for it. If you buy the OST online, you will get the lovely picture displayed here on the cover. But, if you decide to purchase it at the Tokyo Game Show (because we know you all are going) you will have a different cover. [Via OJ Net]
Phoenix Wright 2 boxart for Japan
Ever since its release, Phoenix Wright has been flying off store shelves bringing justice to living rooms, bedrooms and general living areas all around the globe, possibly making Phoenix the worlds very first likable lawyer. Its no surprise that Phoenix Wright is back for a sequel. Behold the Japanese boxart dear reader! Revel in all its glory and cross your fingers that everyone's favorite lawyer will come stateside soon.
New Justice For All interview, and the single greatest accessory of all time
Phoenix Wright: Justice For All is probably the most anticipated game for the collective DS Fanboy staff. As such, when an interview arises filled with such ambiguity and non-commital statements that would make the current presidency green with envy, we still post with glee, hanging on every word. Though the 1up.com interview fails to reveal much about gameplay, some interesting views on the game's creation process and audience differences are revealed. Certainly worth a read......but the real treat here, folks, is found on the second page of the interview. Those lucky enough to be attending the annual San Diego Comic-Con will not only be able to try out the English build of the game, but also have the ability to obtain a specialized DS stylus shaped like Phoenix Wright's finger. Move over, Power Glove. Stand aside, Rez Vibrator. This is the single greatest accessory in video gaming history. San..San Diegans? San Diegoans? San DiegAAAns. If you attend this event, do yourself a favor. Pick up a part of gaming history...and grab us a few, too.
Like a Phoenix, from the ashes
A little-known fact about DS Fanboy is that no matter how verbose, articulate, witty or insightful you may be, you are completely ineligible for employment here until you've played, beaten, and critically praised Phoenix Wright: Attorney at Law. So imagine, if you will, our glee at the news of yet another installment of Gyakutan Saiban (Our lovable little Phoenix's Japanese moniker) slated for release on the DS in Japan. The first three Gyakutan Saiban games had a continuous, complex plotline weaving in and out of almost every case in the trilogy. It was brought to a satisfying close at the end of the third installment, and so this fourth iteration actually stars one Housuke Odoroki, as opposed to Phoenix himself. This will be the first of the series specifically designed from the ground up for the DS (the three previous installments were all originally GBA titles), so some intriguing new gameplay facets are sure to make themselves known. Other than that, there isn't much information available, but we have no doubt as to the quality this game will surely bring to the table. The original Phoenix Wright is in the midst of a partial "rebirth" at the moment, with a third shipment of the game being shipped to stores quite randomly throughout the country. The upcoming Phoenix Wright: Justice for All game (actually Gyakutan Saiban 2) is scheduled for release early next year.[via Joystiq]
No objection to more Phoenix Wright in Japan
Capcom has begun work on a new Japanese installment of the popular courtroom adventure series, Phoenix Wright (known as Gyakuten Saiban in Japan). The game will star a new hero lawyer, Housuke Odoroki, and, being specifically designed for DS, will feature a revamped stylus-friendly interface. This new Phoenix Wright title is not a remake of Gyakuten Saiban 3 (GBA).Outside of Japan, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (a remake of GBA's Gyakuten Saiban) -- now in its third printing -- is a rare, cult classic and has prompted a sequel, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All (a remake of GBA's Gyakuten Saiban 2), which is scheduled for release early next year.
Nintendo losing their Touch (Generations)?
If Nintendo's desires are realized, it won't be too long before the image of Grandpa hunching furiously over his DS Lite and murderously screaming "Blue" joins that of the bespectacled nerd in the ranks of uninformed gamer stereotypes. In an effort to reach out to those who would normally shy away from electronic devices and their confusing beeps and boops, several forthcoming and readily available DS games have recently been shoved under the Touch Generations banner. The range highlights Nintendo's popular "non-games", titles that are meant to be approachable by any person, regardless of their previous gaming experience.In North America, games like Nintendogs, Brain Age and Sudoku Gridmaster seem to gravitate towards the label quite naturally, but it seems that the selection differs significantly from that of other regions. Anthropomorphic neighbour sim, Animal Crossing: Wild World, slots right in with Electroplankton in Europe, but the choices of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney and Trauma Center: Under the Knife seem to fit in less comfortably. The latter two titles are far more traditional, with linear stories, clear conditions for success and failure and, in the case of Trauma Center especially, a more pronounced difficulty level that requires intricate stylus strokes--lest your patient's internal organs become reduced to a bloody mush (technical term). In other words, all the stuff that the mythical casual gamer doesn't want.The Japanese selection is almost the exact opposite, filled with English trainers, dictionaries and travel guidebooks. If you looked up "game" in one of those dictionaries, you'd likely find a description far removed from most of these titles. It raises an interesting question, then: What constitutes a game that, according to Nintendo's mantra, anyone can pick up and play? Is it a game that almost exclusively relies on intuitive touch screen controls? Or is it something with simplistic gameplay mechanics? Perhaps it's not even a game at all. Nintendo's pretty clear about the kind of people they're chasing with the DS and the Wii, but things seem less vivid when it comes to matching specific games with specific audiences. With games being such unique and often personal experiences, it's doubtful that the line between hardcore and casual will ever become especially obvious.
Anime homage to Phoenix Wright
In this episode of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, the characters find themselves at a turnabout dinner table, trying to get to the bottom of a mystery. If you've played Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (and you really, really should have), you may spot some awfully familiar mannerisms that give the homage away.[Thanks BPM!]
DS mega list shows Phoenix Wright 2, more
If you thought Reggie was skilled at assaulting posteriors and acquiring names, you'd best beware of the author of one highly comprehensive fact sheet that was pulled from Nintendo's press website. A tipster sent us the document in question and, upon reading the list of currently planned titles and their projected release dates, we experienced something that could best be described as a seizure of delight. If the epic list is to be believed, zany courtroom adventure (and DS Fanboy favorite) Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is receiving a sequel in October. The rest of the document also contains a bunch of unannounced titles (none of them from Konami) and some specific release dates, including one for Star Fox DS. Another click will take you to the complete list. Trust us, it's a good read. [Thanks, Ryan F!]
Phoenix Wright goes budget in Japan
Still can't find a copy of the fantastic, "we're running out of good adjectives" Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney? Perhaps it's time to import a copy from Japan, especially now that Capcom has slapped a new and unnervingly attractive price tag on the game's box. The new price translates to about $26, a small amount of money considering the sheer amount of hilarious courtroom hijinx contained within the tiny DS cart. And yes, the Japanese version has an English language option. [Thanks Siliconera!]
