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Top 5: Worst. Cutscenes. Ever.
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Top_5_Worst_Cutscenes_Ever'; According to Activision (and after all, they made Pitfall!), video games will "eclipse" all other forms of media. Head honcho Mike Griffith went on to say that "Movies, recorded music and TV - these are all stagnating or contracting entertainment sectors." I'm not sure how much I agree with that statement. Strictly in terms of cash flow, it's already happening. Gaming is a fairly pricey hobby, and it's been outpacing the other forms of media for several years (in terms of growth). Yet I have a difficult time imagining a time where video games are everyone's preferred form of escapism. Although their respective industries may see drastic changes with direct, indirect, or unrelated connections to gaming, music and film will always have a place. As much as I love gaming, it's not rare that I find myself preferring to zone out with TV or just listen to music and read instead of playing a video game. What I do see is a further merging of the three into ubiquitous, all-purpose media devices. Microsoft and Sony currently do this, and it's only a matter of time before Nintendo catches up. While most households currently don't rely on gaming consoles as their sole provider of film / TV and music, I imagine that this will change. Perhaps the mediums will start to bleed into one another. With Metal Gear Solid blurring the lines between game and film and Audiosurf doing the same for games and music, perhaps media will merge and propagate a completely new and unique form of entertainment. Interesting stuff. What was this Top 5 about, again? Oh, right: cut scenes. A lot of them stink. Here's the 5 worst ones. NEXT >> #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.
Actor Ken Lally mo-capped as Resident Evil 5's Wesker
Umbrella stockholder Albert Wesker will have more than classy shades and sadistic banter to his credit when he returns in Resident Evil 5, complete with moves from a General Hospital heartthrob. IGN reports that the former S.T.A.R.S. captain will be played by stunt man and former daytime TV actor Ken Lally, who will lend an extra motion-captured step to Wesker's swagger.The actor, whose on-camera resume also includes playing "The German" in two episodes of Heroes as well as an unnamed security officer on Enterprise, got his combat chops early on as the son of an N.S.A. operative, leaving us hoping that this role will be a case of art imitating life. Well, without that whole virus thing.
No more clickety-clack, Resident Evil 5 drops typewriters
Chris Redfield can look forward to aerating the not-quite-undead with a conveniently placed shotgun in Resident Evil 5. However, he won't have to worry about uncovering the African village's lone typewriter in order to record his progress in the event an errant bite finds its mark.1UP reports that the upcoming horror-cum-action game will forego the series' previous means of saving games using typewriters, and will instead feature "a combination of checkpoints and chapters." This according to RE5 producer Jun Takeuchi, who admits that he 'really likes' typewriters, though we imagine he has no love lost for tradition. We'll fight back the tears as we pour over these latest screens. Typewriter, we'll miss you.[Via X3F]%Gallery-33594%
Limited edition red 'Resident Evil Code: Veronica' Dreamcast pops up on eBay
Console collectors know good and well that Sega dished out a few less-than-easily-attainable versions of the Dreamcast back in the day, but only the hardest of hardcore fanatics are apt to have one this bad boy. Just 1,800 of these limited edition bundles were made, which feature an atypical Code: Veronica box, a translucent red version of the Japanese console, a matching controller, a copy of Biohazard Code: Veronica (Japan's version of Resident Evil Code: Veronica), all the traditional connection cables and a huge dose of bragging rights. Number 280 out of the 1,800 units can be yours right now for the low, low asking price of $800, and believe us, we don't foresee this one hanging around sans an owner for too much longer.[Via Gadget Review]
Resident Evil: Degeneration game infecting N-Gage
Beware citizens, for it would appear that the T-Virus has mutated, and has now taken to resurrecting not only the recently deceased, but also mobile platforms thought long since dead. Or at the very least irrelevant. Gamasutra reports that Capcom is bringing a game based on its upcoming CGI flick, Resident Evil: Degeneration, to Nokia's N-Gage service, which (re)launched earlier this year and is available on multiple Nokia smartphones.According to the report, the movie tie-in will feature two separate modes of play and 3D graphics designed to both show off the platform's capabilities and illustrate Capcom's "dedication to N-Gage," a fascination we imagine will blur the line between devotion and necrophilia when the title launches later this year.
Resident Evil 5 producer teases co-op mode
UGO has landed an interview with Resident Evil 5 producer Jun Takeuchi to discuss the upcoming survival horror sequel. Takeuchi begins by defending the RE5 team's decision to use Africa as a backdrop, insisting it is not a race issue. In fact, Chris will not even leave Africa for the entirety of the game. Gameplay-wise, he tells us in the current version of the game, it will allow you to "switch weapons in real time but we can't 100% confirm that that's how the final game will end up." Another gameplay element highlighted is destructible environments -- seemingly safe hiding places can be eliminated by getting knocked down. Takeuchi also speaks of utilizing next-gen console technology to create "bright, outdoor environments" with an "action-based, a different kind of horror." Quick-time events will also remain in the game, but will "be much more active." Takeuchi then teases everyone by glancing at a PR representative when asked about a co-op mode and responding with "Right now I don't have anything to say about that. All I can say is just wait for E3." He is right, we can't wait for E3 to find out more!
Scared Stiff: Why should we care about Resident Evil 5?
Okay, it's confession time. This article series, as much as we hope you've enjoyed it, was originally set out to only discuss those titles of the survival horror persuasion that have been cemented into the 2008 release calendar. However, there is an ordnance that says something to the effect that you can't talk about survival horror games without devoting some face time to Capcom's seminal Resident Evil franchise. Or at least there should be. And while a date for when we can expect to continue slaughtering zombies -- or some derivative thereof -- hasn't been announced, we fully expected Resident Evil 5 to ship sometime in 2009. That said, we nonetheless felt the game would make an appropriate end cap on our week long look at the genre Capcom helped not only create, but perfect, so we ended our week by speaking with producer Jun Takeuchi, and asked him why we should care about Resident Evil 5.%Gallery-24222%
Check out some brief Resident Evil 5 footage
Resident Evil 5 has been off our radars for a while, but some brief gameplay footage has floated our way, courtesy of a Capcom 25th Anniversary DVD packaged with the latest issue of Famitsu. The gameplay is shown amidst shots of character models, and an interview with producer Jun Takeuchi.What can we glean from this footage? The protagonist Chris Redfield is still seen in the same setting as the last (somewhat controversial) trailer, walking amongst irritable villagers who are still hard to distinguish from the series' trademark zombies. Redfield also has ridiculously huge muscles, making us wonder if we'll get to do a bit more wrassling this time around (probably not, though).Check out the brief, off-screen footage after the break.[Thanks, Mark]%Gallery-5253%
Umbrella Chronicles ships a million units worldwide
With the successful wii-vival of Resident Evil 4, not to mention plans to introduce waggle to Resident Evil Zero in Japan, there's little question that Capcom enjoys returning to – and drinking from – the Wii's zombie-infested well. And for good reason, as the company announced that its latest trip down memory lane for the Wii, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, has shipped over a million units the world over since the game's debut last November.Impressive, for sure, though what's even more staggering is that the series as a whole has sold more than 34.5 million units globally as of February 29. However, the company is not all about survival horror, having recently confirmed plans for some 15 new projects in the works -- though Capcom will likely always have a special place in its heart (and wallet) for the decaying flesh of the undead.
Capcom: no plans for RE Zero Wii port outside of Japan
All of you that found your fancy tickled at the news concerning Resident Evil Zero, stop being excited right now. We're serious. Wipe that smile off your face right this minute! So help us, we will turn this blog around right now.If you live in Japan, though, it's perfectly fine to still be excited about buying a new version of a game you probably already own. The Resident Evil Zero Wii port is going to hit your home turf and your home turf alone. Looks like the U.S. and Europe won't be getting their hands on this game (unless they want to import it), as Capcom pointed out to Eurogamer today that the company has no plans on publishing the title outside of Japan.Oh well, at least we'll be saved from the hastily-slapped-together "extra features" like behind the scenes stuff and other junk that will surely make its way into this Wii port. But, then again, it is more Resident Evil to buy. We never really can resist plunking money down on Resident Evil games.
Resident Evil: Under Priced
If you're one of the few who decided this game wasn't worth owning at the $50 price range, you might want to give it a second look. Amazon's Deal of the Day has Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles on sale for the low price of $30. As if the prospect of shooting horde after horde of the undead wasn't enough to sell you ...But, in case it wasn't enough to sell you on the game, this should sell you on it. The game will also ship for free from Amazon, so no need to plunk down any extra dough there. If you don't know why we're so excited for an on-rail shooter, you haven't read our review of the game.Note: If you're interested in this sale, don't hesitate. It was already pulled once while we've been watching it. The game is no doubt a hot item right now. %Gallery-3286%
Umbrella Chronicles lurches toward a million sales
Capcom's on-rail shooter, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, is getting close to becoming a million-seller. It's been revealed that the title has sold 950,000 copies, with the million mark well within its reach. Actually, it could have already broken a million sales, as this data is current as of the end of December.The game did a lot better than Capcom initially thought, especially in the U.S. and Europe where it sold the strongest, as the company reveals the title did 50% better than their in-house estimations. Personally, we don't know why they would think a game about shooting the crap out of the living dead and genetically-altered beasties alike wouldn't sell a million. Plus, with the Resident Evil name attached to it, how could it not sell incredibly well?%Gallery-3286%
Resident Evil: Degeneration looks like a good Resident Evil movie
We understand that what is good and isn't good can be different from person to person, but if you enjoyed any of the Resident Evil movies, then shame on you. Sorry for being so tough, but those movies were bad. And, being the huge Resident Evil fans we are, we're finally glad to see that the wonderful universe these games are set in is being expanded through a CG movie. Sure, it's kind of biting off of Square Enix's style a bit, but who cares?! We're talking about Claire and Leon kicking zombie ass. We could only be more excited if this were a trailer for a new game.
Reminder: We're giving away a Wii Zapper and Umbrella Chronicles [update]
It's not the bundle you see above, but it is a bundle, per se. See, we're trying to unload this Wii Zapper and copy of Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles we have laying around. We figured we'd share the love and spread the wealth. And who better to share with than the lovely readers of Wii Fanboy? Nobody, that's who.So, be sure to head on over to the original post and enter for your chance to win. That is, if you haven't already and right now, you've only got a few hours left to do so. Remember, one entry per person, you must be a legal resident of the United States and you must be 18 years old to enter. Multiple entries will get you disqualified.[Update: if you want to enter (and haven't already), you need to go over to the original post, linked above, and comment there. We've turned comments off on this entry to reduce confusion. Good luck to all who enter!]
Resident Evil: Outbreak and Monster Hunter online services cease for PS2
Capcom's official blog is reporting that the online components of PS2 games Resident Evil: Outbreak and Monster Hunter will be ceasing after over three years of service.As Capcom's blog explains, the online servers for both games were provided by an external company which is now exiting the PS2 online business, leaving Capcom in the lurch. The online services will not be picked up by Capcom or any other external company, and will cease entirely on December 31, 2007.It's disappointing that both of these games are having their online components axed so prematurely, but we feel that Capcom has handled the controversial matter with a lot of class. For those in possession of these titles, we recommend getting your fill of online zombie-killing and monster-hunting before the end of the year.
WRUP: Pew pew edition
Many of you are probably rocking your Wii Zapper (hopefully gunning down some zombies), but there are also other releases to be considered this week. There's just so much to play right now! So, you can imagine our weekend is going to be chock full of game time. What about you? What game (or games) will you be rocking? Did you get a Zapper?
Wii Fanboy Review: Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles
Before we start this, you might want to know that this blogger is a huge Resident Evil fan. I've got every Resident Evil game, countless posters, shirts and figurines from the various games. The original was one of the most important games in my development as a gamer. It helped make me the gamer I am today.And when the franchise hit the GameCube, it was the icing on the cake. The Resident Evil remake that appeared on the system was amazing, along with Resident Evil 0 and the game that even franchise haters couldn't ignore, Resident Evil 4. As the first original game in the series on a Nintendo console since RE 4, this was an important game in my eyes.One has to consider the other spin-off Resident Evil titles, also. You might be skeptical to try out Umbrella Chronicles because of the Gun Survivor or Outbreak games. This, thankfully, is not in the same league as that riffraff.%Gallery-3286%
Rumorong: Resident Evil 5 and Devil May Cry 4 demos on RE: Extinction Blu-ray disc
A report making its way around the intertubes incorrectly states that the Blu-ray release of Resident Evil: Extinction will include playable demos for Resident Evil 5 and Devil May Cry 4. The original story has since been updated and Capcom has made a clear statement regarding the matter on their blog.The Blu-ray disc of RE: Extinction will include high-def trailers of both RE5 and DMC4. There's no word yet if these are trailers we've already seen or something brand new. It's probably going to be a good while before we get a public demo of either of these hot titles.
Resident 'Wii'-vil 4 ships a million units
Looks like the spit and polish Capcom put on Resident Evil 4 for the Wii paid off as the game has shipped one million units worldwide. It seems we're now able to say that the Wii version of RE4 brought the old game back from the bargain bin grave and gave it life once more at a consumer friendly $30 price.Capcom plans to keep showing that third party developers can cash in on the Wii with the launch of Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles on Nov. 13 and We Love Golf early next year. It's worth noting that Capcom really has been the publisher to watch on new consoles. So far they've had numerous million sellers this generation like Dead Rising and Lost Planet -- well, at least outside of Japan.
Capcom, Sony to produce animated Resident Evil movie
Capcom and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan today announced a collaboration that will see popular zombie extermination sim Resident Evil adapted into a full-length CG animation feature. The project, dubbed "Biohazard: Degeneration" in Japan (and presumably "Resident Evil: Finding Necro" in the West) promises "groundbreaking visual effects and a brand-new story line." Unfortunately, the rest of the press release simply yammers on about the (un)live-action dreck starring Milla what's her face.Given the reassuring lack of certain German "directors" and the decision to embrace polygons over the pasty complexions of Hollywood C-listers, you may feel inclined to allot this game-to-film adaptation some anticipation. A similar approach yielded last year's Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children which, fan service fluff aside, at least managed to be entertaining and resistant to our recently invented word, "acraptation."Biohazard: Degeneration is currently aiming for a "terrifying release in 2008."[Via FiringSquad]
