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Retronauts! We choose you!
We depend on 1up's Retronauts podcast to help get us through the long, painfully silent hours of our lives. Most of the time, we'd rather be thinking about Castlevania than doing schoolwork anyway, and Jeremy Parish and his cadre of gaming scholars help us keep our attention away from what we're actually supposed to be doing.This week, in anticipation of the upcoming Diamond and Pearl, Retronauts focuses on the Pokemon franchise, focusing on the history of the franchise and some off-the-cuff theory about why the games remain relevant despite not having changed in any appreciable way in the last ten years. Oh, and they do a lot of cursing about terrible games, but that's to be expected.
Kansas schools ban Pokemon. NOT!
This is your friendly neighborhood rumor debunker, letting you all know that, despite what you may have read presented as fact elsewhere, the Kansas school board has NOT banned Pokemon products for promoting evolution content, as was amusingly asserted in this Daily Gaming News article.Evidence to this effect (in rough ascending order of persuasiveness): The AP and other national news organizations failed to pick up the story, despite obvious newsworthiness and popular interest. National news outlets also failed to pick up the supposed church-led "Pokemon burnings" that supposedly led up to the decision. The "Calvary Glorious Christ Church Militant and Triumphant Baptist Temple" mentioned in the article turns up exactly one Google result -- the article itself. The Kansas School Board web site makes no mention of such an action. The ACLU web site makes no mention of the alleged lawsuit against the school board. The title bar on every page of Daily Gaming News includes the phrase "Seriously Satirical." Everything on the Daily Gaming News site is an obvious joke, from a preview of Dentist Dentist Revolution to Latin textbooks containing a guild naming chapter. Remember, just because April Fools Day is over doesn't mean we can let our guard down when it comes to picking out fake stories. Eternal vigilance is the price we pay for accurate game news.[Thanks, Keavin]
Pokemon Diamond and Pearl cheat sheet
With all the dashing, rangering, and mystery-dungeoning that Pokémon have been doing on the DS lately, who has time to keep up with the series nowadays? What's the deal with Diamond and Pearl? Are there new villains? Do we have to use friend codes? And why are these new versions named after an old Prince song?1UP has compiled ten need-to-know facts about Pokémon Diamond/Pearl, saving you the trouble of having to pore through dozens of previews for answers to your Bulbasaur questions. With the release date being just a few weeks away (4/22), having something like this for quick reference really comes in handy. Print out a copy, keep it in your wallet, and impress all the girls at school with your cursory knowledge of upcoming Pokémon games!
Upcoming releases for Europe
If you are the kind of person who might have a few euros in your pocket, then you might want to break out a calendar and that special red pen, because the latest list of upcoming DS releases is full of stars. Even better? The next two months are pretty packed. Makes up for a few of those lackluster weeks, eh? Hit the jump if you wish to grok the list in fullness, and remember, this is by no means complete. Do we need to mention also that it's subject to change? In fact, since it's a European list, we're pretty sure it will change, and probably often.
Nintendo DS headset pre-order sale at Amazon
With the US release of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl approaching -- both versions supporting VoIP communication before, during, and after battles -- we've given the idea of purchasing Nintendo's official DS headset some serious thought. Having a first-party alternative to the DS' less-than-exemplary microphone and speakers would be nice, but we're not thrilled about having to spend $14.99 to purchase one.Amazon makes our decision an easy one, cutting the headset's pre-order price down to $9.99. How are we supposed to turn down a deal like that? If you add an item or two to your cart, you'll also be eligible for free shipping! Why not pick up one of the many DS games that the site has on sale? Check out the list of Amazon's $24.00 titles past the post break.[Via CAG]
Gamestop sales hit $5.3 billion in 2006
A report on Next Generation lays out Gamestop's financial performance for the fiscal year 2006. Needless to say, the world of game retail is as lucrative as ever, even if Gamestop has been making every effort to diminish it in size for consumers. Full-year sales experienced a surge of 72%, from $3.1 billion to $5.3 billion. Out of that, annual net earnings for the year, ending February 3, rose to an impressive $158.3 million, while operating income went up to $334 million.Furthermore, Gamestop has expressed plans to open between 500 and 550 more stores worldwide. The group is counting on a strong first quarter in 2007, powered by the likes God of War II, the Pokémon franchise and several Xbox 360 titles. With so much economic momentum, don't expect Gamestop to roll over and change their questionable pre-owned game prices or their definition of "new" anytime soon.
Gotta have caught them all: a look back at Pokemon
We love reading about gaming history. Gaming Target has posted a retrospective about one of the most influential series ever, and one that is especially resonant for Nintendo faithful: Pokémon. The article begins with background information on series creator Satoshi Tajiri, and then goes into fairly detailed analysis of not only games in the main series, but the merchandising phenomenon and spinoff titles as well. The article finishes with a preview of the upcoming Diamond and Pearl.If you're like us and enjoy reading retrospectives, or if you just love Pokémon, then this article is a totally worthwhile read. We encourage you to let them show you it.
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon 2 in the works
A sequel to last year's Pokémon-infused roguelike, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, was announced in the latest issue of Famitsu. The original was received with mixed reviews, but fans of the dungeon-crawling formula welcomed the game with open arms. Both versions (Blue Rescue Team for the DS, Red Rescue Team for the GBA) sold well enough in the states, so we can probably expect to see this follow-up translated for English audiences eventually.Not much else was revealed about Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2, except that WiFi support is planned. An "enhanced" story and changed format were mentioned, but neither were discussed in detail. The premise for the first game was a bit goofy, featuring a human character transformed into a Pokémon, but it was enjoyable enough to make us hope for a similar scenario with this sequel.[Via NeoGAF]
Nintendo denies Wii hard drive, promises DS headset for States
Not that bad of a trade, if you ask us. Nintendo has come forward and discounted the sketchy rumor de jour of an external Wii-bound hard drive being slated for production, with a Nintendo Europe spokesperson calling the reports "pure rumour and speculation" -- like that's a bad thing. The flip side is that Nintendo took this happy occasion to confirm that the "Poképhone" DS-based VoIP action is going to hit the States next month alongside that DS headset accessory we've been seeing around forever. Of course, this isn't a huge surprise, but it's always nice to have some confirmation, even if it means getting a hopeful rumor shot down in the process.
Spoiler alert: all of the new Pokemon revealed
If you're, like, crazy obsessed with the Pokemon, then clearly this post is not for you. In fact, we suggest you head on out to the kitchen (or break room), grab yourself a popsicle and relax for a couple of minutes. You deserve it. You worked hard.For the rest of you, who're looking to just have everything spoiled, we suggest you check out the link, as it presents you with all the dirt on the latest and greatest Pokemon set to be featured in next month's release of Pokemon Diamond & Pearl. There's a full break down of each, including their elemental properties and original Japanese name.[Thanks, Ali!]
Pokephone Diamond and Pearl
In the latest Nintendo press release regarding the upcoming guaranteed mega-hit Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl, Nintendo extols the virtues of Wi-Fi trading, an in-depth and sophisticated adventure, and zOMG awesome grafix. One point that Nintendo seems more than willing to drive home, however, is the fact that the pair of games will feature Wi-Fi voice-chat, as did Metroid Prime: Hunters in March 2006.It's a nice feature, but the DS speakers and built-in microphone were hardly up to task of quality conversation; thus, Nintendo has decided to release its DS headset right along with it. Listed at a paltry $14.99 and shipping one day later than Pokemon D&P, it certainly looks like a decent pick-up for those interested in free hot-spot chatting. And can you imagine the trash-talking?"Your Machop is more like your mom-chop, ohhhhh snap."Umm ... in retrospect, we apologize for submitting you to that.
Spectrobes and Sega just don't mix
Spectrobes, Disney Interactive Studios' answer to Pokemon, seems to harbor a secret grudge against software developer Sega. When naming your captured creatures the "naughty words list" prevents you from using the company's name. Other development studios are fair-game, so why pick on Sega? Relax. While the word "Sega" conjures images of blue hedgehogs in our minds, the word brings up a very different set of images for Italians. It appears Disney Interactive is taking their word censorship efforts above and beyond the English language. Siliconera tried entering a few French swear words and received the same response. The moral of the story: if you want to name your Spectrobes with dirty words, consider using 1337 5p34k. [Via DS Fanboy]
Latest Pokemon titles morph DS into kid-friendly VoIP phone
While we recently showed the adults in the crowd how to craft your own VoIP phone (and potentially burn the house down) with a somewhat antiquated landline device, the kids in the bunch can stop whining about the blatant discrimination. In case you haven't lost count, Nintendo is actually unveiling two new Pokemon titles for the DS on April 22nd, and aside from the ability to collect, train, and pwn up to 380 new pixelated creatures, the games also enable online communication thanks to the built-in microphone and the handheld's VoIP capabilities. Reportedly, you can talk smack to other immature pals on the proverbial line "before, during, and after battles," giving your kiddos yet another venue to chat with their pals, evade chores, and become even more addicted to the game that never ends. Darn you, Nintendo.[Via Joystiq]
Pokemon transforms DS into 'cell phone' for kids
Not that Pokémon -- only the second best-selling game franchise evar -- needs any marketing spin to excite sales of its predestined two-headed spawn Diamond & Pearl, but Nintendo does seems eager to herald the game's impending arrival as a sort of "My First Celly" for DS toting youngsters eager for chatter. Of course, this is simply the ability to chat with registered friends using DS's VoIP capabilities, enabled by the new Pokémon game. While it's a far cry from pending productions and possibilities proposed by the competition, VoIP on DS is a little used feature that has the potential to be a unique selling point.Sure, it's tethered to Wi-Fi hotspots, but the technology offers the promise of safe communication -- in terms of both who your kid be talkin wit' and potential costs (or lack thereof) -- for concerned parents looking to serve their whiny offspring. Then again, DS VoIPin' lacks the much desired 'prank call' feature. With mischief muted, your preteens are gonna have to settle on playground gossip. That, or they could actually engage in some good ol' pocket monster melee. Imagine that.Pokémon Diamond and Pearl are scheduled for release on April 22.
Use that Game Boy as a fashion statement
Sure, you've seen the shoes with fishbowls in them and might have thought such a person with shoes like that are either dressed up for Halloween or discovered time travel in the 1970's, transporting themselves to our time for their first taste of future living. Regardless, we'd like to know: fashion statement or awkward means of transport? You be the judge.
GDC 07: Pokemon Battle Revolution impressions
Connectivity is back: the question is, does it really add anything? The Pokemon Battle Revolution demo available at GDC seems to suggest that DS-Wii connectivity does little to truly enhance the gaming experience. The DS is used as a way of inputting your commands without your opponent having a look, but seemingly offers nothing else.At least Pokemon Battle Revolution looks good: it easily trumps the two Coliseum games on the Gamecube visually (although that doesn't say much). Although I only played a non-localized Japanese version of the game, the cinematic presentation and incredibly enthusiastic announcer really added a nice touch of realism to the game. Certainly, Pokemaniacs will enjoy the game's highly animated character models: obviously, the Pokemon come to life in a way above and beyond anything the GBA or DS games will ever provide.Without being able to see any single player component, it's hard to gauge if Battle Revolution will feature any gameplay "revolution." From the looks of it, the game appears to be quite a derivative product of the previous Coliseum games. However, considering the continued popularity of the franchise, maybe that's enough to satiate fans.
GDC 07: Pokemon Pearl impressions
The Pokemon machine just doesn't stop. Pokemon Pearl was available at GDC on a pretty pink DS Lite, and while no one was looking, I got to get my hands on it. While the Pokemon franchise isn't known for its graphics, the first thing I noticed as a long-time Pokemon fan was how improved the graphics have become. The screens may not show it off too well, but the game features much better character sprites in the game world. Looking at the aliasing issues in the game, it appears that the world may even have a psuedo-3D engine behind it as well. Unfortunately, the battles haven't received as nice of a makeover: they still look incredibly primitive, even by GBA standards: the uninspired battle animations certainly don't leave a good impression.Other than the cosmetic changes, it doesn't appear as though the world of Pokemon has changed too much. Like previous iterations of the franchise, this version introduces even more pocket monsters to capture ... but not much else. The game doesn't stray far from the original Pokemon formula: classic elements, such as being forced into a fight when spotted by a rival trainer, are still retained in this latest update.Strangely, use of the touch screen seems conspicuously absent. Of course, with other titles like Pokemon Ranger trying to take the franchise in a different direction, maybe it's best that Pokemon remains unchanged for its next major DS release.
Nintendo reminds us Pokemon Battle Revolution will be first WFC game
Nintendo must know that online functionality is on everyone's minds as they sent out a press release today, reminding us that the upcoming Pokemon Battle Revolution will be the first game to support Wi-Fi Connect gameplay. Not only that, but they reminded us that it'll also be the first: Pokemon game on the Wii Game that allows the Wii and DS to link together Wii game that allows the player to control it with the DS Of course, you all knew about the importing features that will allow Pokemon Diamond & Pearl players to bring their heavy hitters into Battle Revolution, so nothing new from Nintendo there. We'll be sure to update you all as news develops.[Via press release]
Pokemon Online sooner than you think
Yes, Pokemon Diamond/Pearl will feature Wi-Fi trading and battling, hurray-hurrah. Little did we know, however, that some independent developers (i.e. programmers with way too much free time) were developing an MMORPG version of the franchise based on the original Red and Blue versions. Sister site Joystiq clued us in, and we were rather intrigued.Upon installation, we noted the extreme "alpha" status of the project. The only system currently implemented is that of battle, and even that seemed shoddy at best. You simply choose your six Pokemon from the standard list of 151 and walk around a grassy field until challenged. The game has a long way to go, and the chances that it can make it all the way past Nintendo's elite legal team seem slim. Try it out if you're bored a Pokemon fan! And please, Nintendo, take a hint. We really want an official Pokemon MMO.[via Joystiq]
Pokemon Online taunts Nintendo's lawyers
A group of dedicated Pokemaniacs have slathered what we like to call "lawyer bait" all over their massively-multiplayer online RPG project called, creatively enough, Pokemon Online. In a move sure to attract those slippery law-hounds, POL is even using Nintendo's own artwork, game assets and displays advertisements on their site.The game is in early beta stages and you can't do much more than run around and get into a few simple battles for now. Who knows how far they'll get before the inevitable flood of cease-and-desist paperwork arrives? It's a shame, too -- Pokemon is one of those franchises that begs to be MMORPG-ized. Rename the project, slap a new logo on there and overhaul the graphics and POL might just survive. Otherwise, prepare for massive damage.
