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First online Wii game uses game-specific friend code
Despite all our grousing about Nintendo's overprotective, hard-to-use friend code system for the Wii, we assumed that the system-specific codes would at least mean the end of the DS' system of maintaining a distinct list of game-specific codes for each online game. Well, you know what happens when you assume... IGN's recent review of the Japanese version of Pokemon Battle Revolution reveals that the game uses "a unique 12-digit friend code, different from your Wii system number," to identify you to potential online opponents. As if that wasn't bad enough, the game has "no actual lobby where you can see how many players are currently doing battle under the various rules of play," meaning it's hard to find new people to play against.It's not yet clear whether this system will carry over to other countries or other online-enabled Wii games, but it seems unlikely to us that Nintendo would premiere the Wii's online gameplay with a setup it didn't plan on continuing in other games. Then again, that's just us assuming again...
Pokemon: Diamond/Pearl confirmed for Spring! [update 1]
Pokemon: Diamond/Pearl is, beyond doubt, the most anticipated release in the American market for the wonderous and fancy DS. Despite runaway sales in Japan and critical success, however, Nintendo has remained extremely tight-lipped about its eventual release date, with nothing more than a "TBA 2007" showing up in their catalogs.The latest Nintendo Power, however, seems to have mention of a Spring release; those trusty soldiers at NeoGAF seem to have their heads on straight. Furthermore, Nintendo's official Pokemon website is now claiming an April 22nd release date, and despite Nintendo's penchant for delaying games till all nine eight planets align, we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. We won't lie ... we want this game, stigma be damned. The Pokemon franchise, if nothing else, has repeatedly demonstrated engrossing gameplay and attention to detail, and the new Wi-Fi trading system just makes it all the sweeter.Wanna know what else? Nintendo Power gave the upcoming Phoenix Wright: Justice for All a 9 out of 10. Awesome. If David didn't mention that you have to love Phoenix Wright to come work here, then consider this an amendment of epic proportions.[via GoNintendo][Update 1: Trusty commenters. More information from Pokemon.com added, and fixed a typo.]
Pokemon site rolls out the updates
The site dedicated to all things Pokemon has just shoveled out a whole ton of updates regarding the latest, and first on the Wii, Pokemon adventure. While all of the updates are media-related, they still manage to reveal some secrets the game was hiding. We've done the responsible thing and busted out the bullet points because, frankly, there are a lot of updates. Battle images Shop screen Roster Trainer customizations New trainer Battle stadium So, does this get you pumped for the game or turn you off? Any Pokemon haters out there thinking the game might not be so bad or vice versa?
NPD October: DS leading the upsurge in gaming
American hardware sales from October from the NPD group indicate that the trend continues -- video game sales are up, revenue is up, and if this continues, it's going to be a banner year for game sales. With two console launches less than a week away, we're pretty sure the industry will hit that grace note that triggers the confetti, but the victory can't be hung on just the release of the next gen systems. No, shocking as it may be to some, the Nintendo DS is at the heart of this year's rocketing game sales. And for October, we're even happy to share the love with the guys who are usually our mortal enemies -- the PSP fanboys. Last month, a full quarter of the top one hundred games in the U.S. were portable games. When it came to systems, the show was all the DS, with 360,000 units sold in the U.S. for the month. The PS2 pulled out a strong second with 235,000, and oh! Look! Even the GBA moved more than the poor ol' PSP: 169,000 to 130,000. That was a short-lived sense of camaraderie, but that's okay. We're pretty sure they're going to tell us that we're only on top because of Pokemon anyway ....
Scarface shows PSP software sales are lacking
According to Gamespot, the Scarface video game topped the PSP's US sales charts in October by selling over 37,000 copies. This is distressing for two reasons. Firstly, the game sucks. Secondly, 37,000 copies sounds much too low a number to be the top selling game on any console. For comparison purposes, the new Pokemon game on the Game Boy Advance sold more than 150,000 copies (with the DS version selling more than 140,000).According to PCVS Console, PSP software did not manage to break into the top 30 sales at all this month. This is especially distressing considering the slew of great new releases that were released in October. Will this discourage publishers from supporting the PSP? Should Sony fanboys worry that even the supposedly-dead Gamecube ranked more titles in the top 30?
Wii and GameCube side-by-side
Loads of people, especially Nintendo haters, have been questioning the quality of the Wii graphics. French site, NGCFrance, has put up 13 sets of images from games featured on the GameCube and Wii one after the other to compare the difference, if any. We wouldn't completely trust these screens, fellow Wii fanboys/gals. We aren't saying that the site intentionally altered screens to try and make a negative point nor that the pictures are wrong due to our Nintendo fandom, we are just saying to look with an open mind. We especially love the Fire Emblem comparison. Magic blast vs. magic blast. Sweet. On a lighter note, Google translator is teh awesome. Check out what a Nintendo Fanboy from France had to say in Nintendo's defense: me yesterday I played there the mgs and DIFFERENCE EAST MUCH CLEARER than that!!!!!!!! because laWii same on a screen of 120cm reacted very well and remains super beautiful!! and sonic be superb!!! not no concern it above Wii will be more beautiful, more powerful and heuresement!! ^^ zelda tp pouwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwa!!! brilliant comamdes!!! Word.
Pokemon Battle Revolution site gets plenty of updates
The Japanese Pokemon site has received a huge update including videos and some graphics displaying combat coliseums and attacks for some of the Pokemon. The videos, which there are 4 of, are short and only show some in-battle action, however we find ourselves enjoying the graphics quite a bit.The site also updated some of the DS-Wii connectivity information, which you can check out here.[Via Go Nintendo]
DS controls Pokemon Battle Revolution
Right from the you knew it file comes this latest tidbit of info regarding Nintendo's latest Pokemon title Pokemon Battle Revolution for the Wii. The DS is to be used as controller, it turns out, allowing players to choose actions and view stats on pertinent Pokemon while the battle plays out on their television set. Sounds good to us, but we'd like to see some more features utilized between the handheld and console. The game is to release during the Japanese launch window for the Wii and is scheduled for a 2007 release in North America.
Japanese hardware sales, Oct. 2-8: The PSP beats the DS ... sort of
It looks like the Pokemon weren't enough to keep the DS Lite's sales numbers anywhere near what they were last week. However, this week wasn't kind to any of the hardware as the top five systems each dropped in sales numbers compared to what they were a week earlier.- DS Lite: 124,137 150,252 (54.76%) - PS2: 28,264 3,728 (11.65%) - PSP: 21,050 4,269 (16.86%) - Xbox 360: 2,101 94 (4.28%) - GBA SP: 1,532279 (15.41%) - Game Boy Micro: 1,273 170 (15.41%) - Gamecube: 488 35 (6.70%) - DS Phat: 260 7 (2.77%) - GBA: 12 2 (20.00%) - Xbox: 8 5 (166.67%)The DS Lite still gave the PSP a good spanking, outselling it by more than 100,000. But hey, look on the bright side, the PSP kicked the DS Phat's ass! [Source: Media Create]
Australian software chart, Sept. 25 - Oct. 1: BMX Bandit edition
Australia has given the world some really great things like Steve Irwin, kangaroos, Nicole Kidman and her first film - BMX Bandits, which just so happens to be one of my favorite childhood movies. So in honor of Steve, Nicole, BMX Bandits and kangaroos the world over, I bring you the Australian software chart.Top 10 games 1. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team (DS) 2. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team (GBA) 3. Kingdom Hearts 2 (PS2) 4. FIFA 2007 (PS2) 5. Lego Star Wars II (PS2) 6. AFL Premiership 2006 (PS2) 7. Test Drive Unlimited (Xbox 360) 8. SingStar Anthems bundle (PS2) 9. Tekken Dark Resurrection (PSP) 10. Saints Row (Xbox 360)It's nice to see a Tekken in the top 10 since PSP games haven't necessarily been tearing things up in Japan. However, it's clear that even the mighty Aussies have fallen victim to the disease that is Pokemon. Is no one safe?
Pokemon Pearl video
This lengthy fan-made Pokemon Pearl video shows us just how these pocket monsters throw down in Shin'ou. Our only beef is that the video is a little dark, so it's a bit difficult at times to see all the glorious detail in full living color. Check it out after the jump for some monster-smashing goodness.
Japanese hardware sales, 25 September - 31 September: Corner drug dealer edition
Everyone's doing it, man. People say you can get addicted to heroin, or cocaine, or all that stuff. But let me tell you something, kid. Cocaine doesn't evolve. Heroin can't level the hell up. I got what you need, kid, right here, and for a low, low price. This ain't no gym. You won't find some weak Pidgey crap here, man. You look like a tough guy, I think I've got somethin' for ya ... yeah, this is the stuff. We call it rare candy, if you know what I mean. The devil's Fun Dip, if you will. You want that Dragonite, kid? This is the way to go. What's it cost? I'm not askin' for much, here, pal. Maybe a couple of sales figures in return for my trouble. Oh, you got a couple? All right, lay 'em on me, kid, there we go, ahhhhh, that's some good stuff .... - DS Lite: 274,389 134,554 (96.22%) - PS2: 31,992 681 (2.08%) - PSP: 25,319 2,201 (9.52%) - Xbox 360: 2,195 1,086 (97.93%) - GBA SP: 1,811334 (15.57%) - Game Boy Micro: 1,103 83 (7.00%) - Gamecube: 523 240 (31.45%) - DS Phat: 253 63 (19.94%) - GBA: 10 10 (50.00%) - Xbox: 3 5 (62.5%) Never again, kid? Sure. I'll be seeing you again ... I guarantee it. [Source: Media Create][Special thanks to my roommate, Ryan, for the inspiration.]
Ridiculous sales for Pokemon in the first week
During the period from the game's launch on Sunday to last Thursday, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl have sold 813,237 and 762,029 respectively. That makes for a total of 1,575,266 copies sold. While we're sure the bundle pack might've helped jump the sales up a tad, we're fairly certain that over in the land of the rising fun, Pokemon are still in high demand.[Via NeoGAF]
Pokemon Battle Revolution and Wii/DS connectivity
The embedded video, available through the usual manner after the break, was taken at a Japanese press event and is the first (that we know of) demonstration of actual Wii/DS connectivity to date, at least in video form. What are you waiting for? Click on already![Thanks Ali!]
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl impressions
So, we know that Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl sold more copies in one day than the number of plant cells in an oak tree. Certainly, the game must have blind, fanboyish loyalty excellent gameplay to warrant such sales! One of those silly "bilingual" people over at IGN got their hands on a copy, and relates his experiences accordingly.Though the basic gameplay remains the same, he makes special note of the addition of Wi-Fi battling and trading. The system appears to be streamlined and effective, and more importantly, it gives you twenty-something year old Pokemon players a way to actually trade and battle without publicly humilating yourselves.Well ... we're looking forward to that, anyway.
Pokemond Diamond and Pearl break sales records?
We knew the launch was crazy, but this is ridiculous: some (unconfirmed) sources over at 4 color rebellion are stating that the entire launch allocation of two million copies of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl have completed sold out ... in less than a day. Furthermore, half a million DS Lites (including the new special edition, shown here) flew off the shelves as well. Next week's sales numbers should be ... interesting, to say the least. We're not sure, but this might be an all-time sales record in Japan, and if one takes into account the proportional population of Japan versus the U.S., Pokemon Diamond and Pearl exceeds even Halo 2's ridiculous first day numbers (2.4 million sold in 24 hours). Take that, Master Chief.
Pokemon Wi-Fi in action
In the video embedded into the post after the break, we get a demonstration of the new title's Wi-Fi features in action. Should shed some much-needed light on the new feature for all you Poke-fanatics out there. Gotta catch 'em all, right?[Via Go Nintendo]
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon review [update 1]
Is it us, or is IGN scoring tougher? Not that we think this a bad thing. In fact, we admire brutal honesty if a game is not up to par. Just because the title says Final Fantasy Pokemon, doesn't mean it will be great. Just look at Final Fantasy X-2 Pokemon Dash. From the sound of it, turning into an actual Pokemon seems pretty rad. After all, Ash and the others shouldn't have all the fun. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon is throwing a different ball your way by showing the softer side of these normally lightening-hurling captured creatures. And as the good Pokemon you are, you join the Rescue Team and help out any pals in danger while trying to figure out why you are a Pokemon. Best thing about it -- you finally understand what the heck those little guys are saying when they scream "Pika!" While IGN gave the game compliments for Pokemon doing what it does best in gameplay, they were disappointed in the game as a whole, claiming it hasn't really evolved in the direction they had hoped. Their main complaints rest in the repetitive battle system, rarely used touch screen and drab GBA appearance. Best way to describe it -- Pokemon Mystery Dungeon is a mere placeholder until the real Pokemon comes out on DS. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon was rated a 6.5, making it a "passable" game. [Update: Fixed a typo]
Pokemon pack-ins
It seems that limited edition DS Lites aren't the only thing designed to get gamers in Japan excited for Pokemon Diamond/Pearl. These exclusive keychain things are available to the first one hundred gamers who pick up either title at select retail spots in Japan. Gotta catch 'em all, amirite?See also: Pokemon Diamond/Pearl sites Pokemon Diamond/Pearl Wi-Fi details [Via Go Nintendo]
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl special edition DS Lite
Going on sale at the Pokemon Center in Japan on September the 28th to commemorate the release of Pokemon Diamond/Pearl, we have to say this looks much better than the limited edition Winning Eleven DS Lite. Heck, it looks better than the last limited edition Pokemon DS Lite as well. The price weighs in at 16, 800 yen, or around $143 US. A closer look at the graphic can be seen after the break.
