wii-zapper
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Nintendo's Aonuma pitched Link's Crossbow Training 2
Aside from efforts like The Conduit and Call of Duty: World at War, Nintendo's Wii hasn't exactly enjoyed a glut of capable FPS titles. According to a recent interview with games™ (via NowGamer), Zelda director Eiji Aonuma recognizes this -- and sees great potential for fixing that problem in Link's Crossbow Training, the pack-in minigame included with the Wii Zapper. "To tell you the truth, I actually wanted to create Link's Crossbow Training 2 ... I thought that we should do something more and better in the field of the first-person shooter." Wait, haven't we heard this before? Unfortunately for Aonuma, the execs above him at Nintendo didn't think much of the idea, nixing it in favor of a completely new entry in the Zelda series. "I was thinking that maybe we could intensify the multiplayer mode ... [but] a lot of people inside Nintendo insisted that I should work on a new Legend of Zelda title." We're sorry about that, Mr. Aonuma! And to the Nintendo executives who killed a sequel to Link's Crossbow Training, we'd like to personally thank you.
Europe gets Darkside Chronicles Zapper bundle Nov. 27, no zombie T-shirt
Dear European Readers, we're pleased to inform you that you'll be getting Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles on November 27. Heck, you're even getting a special bundle that includes the game and a Wii Zapper. We regret to inform you, however, that you won't be getting a Resident Evil zombie face T-shirt that can double as a Halloween (you have that there, right?) costume, in addition to being incredibly awesome.If you're reading this in the US, don't be jealous of our overseas friends' plastic, gun-like shell. We have The Shirt. We can also buy the Resident Evil Shot Blaster, which eats Zappers for breakfast. (But is, unluckily for it, one step down the food chain from the Shark Gun.)[Via GoNintendo]
CES 2009: Zapper crossbow lets you shoot Gorons in style
We were impressed by the "WeeP 5" Zapper mod, but did have one reservation: Link would never use an MP5 to mow down a herd of Stalfoses (Stalfi?). Enter CTA Digital, who were displaying this Zapper crossbow shell at the recently finished CES 2009 (which is strange, because apparently this has been around for a while, but it's the first we've seen of it). This bad boy comes equipped with a laser sight (we seriously question the historical accuracy of this) and, as you can see, a fetching "woodgrain" finish. It looks way, way nicer than the fugly crossbow peripheral we previously covered, and is roughly the same price: a rather eye-watering $29.99. %Gallery-42051%
Wii Fanboy Interview: Headstrong talks House of the Dead: Overkill
House of the Dead: Overkill launches pretty much everywhere next month, and looks set to be a mini-upheaval for Sega's venerable lightgun series.While shooting zombies in the face still plays a major role, Brit developer Headstrong Games has introduced a '70s horror theme, time manipulation, new enemies, and a ton of extra content. We lined up Lead Designer Alastair Halsby in our shotgun reticles, and fired several rounds of questions his way. Join us after the break for a discussion on grindhouse, censorship, and the "ballistic ballet of zombie destruction." Heads up!%Gallery-29952%
Realistic Zapper mod is impressive, also sort of scary
Say hello to your new little friend, the "WeeP 5 Advanced Zapper," a mash-up of a toy MP5 gun and Wiimote innards (you can see the painted IR sensor just below the muzzle). The WeeP 5 is the work of Instructables user THeOReos, who was left disappointed by the range of gun shells available for the Wii (WHAAAT?!). It's just the ticket if you want your Zapper-compatible games to feel extra authentic, and we'd rather enjoy using it to drop bad dudes in Ghost Squad (though it may not suit Link's Crossbow Training).THeOReos is confident this works well, and has posted a full step-by-step of the building process here. We lack the patience or skillz to make our own, but don't let that put you off building one and sending it to us!%Gallery-35024%[Via Hack A Day]
Thrustmaster thrusts Wii Glow Saber, Dual Trigger Gun accessories in our direction
It's admittedly difficult to take a company named Thrustmaster seriously (especially on casual Friday), but given that it has recently pumped out what are likely the two best Wiimote accessories of all time, we'll give it a pass this go 'round. Speaking of, we'd like to point out that these two have been around the block a time or two, but that doesn't make the red and blue dueling Glow Sabers (each packing 17 LEDs, mind you) and the Dual Trigger Gun (complete with Nunchuck holster!) any less gnarly. The Glow Saber 2-pack is available right about now for $34.99, while the Dual Trigger Gun (shown after the break) should land in short order for $17.99.
Link's Price Slashing
We thought that when the Wii Zapper bundle was released, Nintendo fans would hang on to Link's Crossbow Training and dump the included plastic handle, but it appears that the opposite is true. GameStop has just dropped the price of used copies of Link's Crossbow Training from five bucks to a ridiculous $2.99. The retailer is not currently offering used Zappers on their online store. At the amazingly low (seriously, like last year's Madden low) $2.99, Link's Crossbow Training is officially Worth It for pretty much everybody, provided they have even a passing interest in the Zelda series or in shooting at stuff. And with no Zapper, it's so much more compact! If you're planning to grab this from the online store, use coupon code CAG16 (for Cheap Ass Gamers) to get an additional 16% off the price.
Sega: More Balance Board and Zapper-compatible games on the way
For those of you with a lot of plastic junk laying around, taking up space (remember, if you bought Wii Fit, you only played it once), there's hope! Sega has plans for your Nintendo peripherals, so you might be dusting them off in the near future.During an interview, SEGA of America president Simon Jeffrey commented that Sega is "fans of the Wii Zapper" and that their game Ghost Squad "keeps selling." As for the future, he stated that the company has "more Zapper games going," with the same "for the Wii Balance Board, although we have nothing announced yet." We wonder if this will tie in to that mystery Leipzig game?[Via Balance Board Blog]
Get a Wii gun shell for only a few times its worth
Want a Zapper-type gun shell for your Wiimote but don't want to overpay for what basically amounts to a handle? Well ... you're basically out of luck. But if you want to overpay somewhat less than the usual too-high price, Amazon.com is offering CTA Digital's Wii Magnum Gun, a Perfect Shot ripoff, for $8.99 as their Deal of the Day.If you're concerned about the quality of this plastic gun shell versus other plastic gun shells, just remember: seriously, it's a piece of plastic, and probably does just as good a job of being that as any other piece of plastic. Don't think our dismissal of their complexity means we don't recommend a gun shell; anything that gets you playing Ghost Squad is a good thing.
Wii Warm Up: Gunning
We're sure that many of you have tried some sort of gun peripheral in your travels, and maybe even own one. If so, which one(s) have you tried? The Wii Zapper? The Nyko Perfect Shot? Something else?Of all the guns you've used, which is your favorite? And if you've only ever used one, what do you think of that particular model?
Circuit City offering up Wii bundles as you read this
Still hunting for a Wii? If so, Circuit City's online store has them in around about ... now.Think supplies are going to last long? Hell no! Even though Circuit City is selling the things with an extra Wiimote, nunchuk and two of the titles listed below, we estimate these puppies will be gone soon. We'd usually criticize the practice of forcing customers to buy bundles, but we estimate that at least three or four of the six games being offered are must-haves: Super Mario Galaxy Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Wii Play Carnival Games Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Super Smash Bros. Brawl You're still here!? Go! Go! Go![Via Go Nintendo]
Circuit City has a Wii for you, but there's a catch [update]
Update: Well, that was fast. Sorry folks, looks like it's sold out.Sad to say, but it's the truth. You can order a Wii right now from Circuit City, but you're going to have to bundle some stuff with the console. When looking over what you have to buy, however, it's really not that bad of a deal because you should be expecting to buy these games anyway.So what do you need to purchase? Well, the Wii console (duh), an extra Wiimote and two or more of the following games and/or accessories: Wii Zapper Super Mario Galaxy Wii Play Carnival Games Mario Party 8 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Considering that you were going to pick up Super Mario Galaxy and Smash Bros. Brawl anyway (if you weren't planning on it, may we ask if you're insane?), it's not that bad of a deal. And, for those of you still desperate to get a console, this might be the best solution.[Via Go Nintendo]
Used and Zapper-less: Link's Crossbow Savings
Even without any discount, the Link's Crossbow Training and Zapper bundle is already cheap at $20, but if you're looking for a way to pick up the pack-in game without being taxed for the extra plastic, Game Deal Daily has just what you need! The Woot-styled online shop is offering used, standalone copies of Link's Crossbow Training for only $4.95 (plus shipping and handling.) Really, for a minigame collection with only an hour or two worth of content, that price sounds on target. Buy it now before the sale ends! You can finally find out what we were talking about when we said the game reminds us of your mother! [Via CAG]
Zero Punctuation sinks its teeth into Umbrella Chronicles
This week on Zero Punctuation, gaming misanthrope Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw tackles Wii rail shooter Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles. While the acidic one lays into the shamelessly cheesy dialogue and concludes that Capcom's title is "a rather unnecessary game that gaming history will swiftly forget," he also admits the game has "a charming retro feel."The entire review is embedded after the break, but remember, kids: this is Zero Punctuation, and so NSFW.
DIY Wii Zapper exemplifies tawdry, gets the job done
Oh sure, we've seen homegrown Wii Zappers before, but nothing screams janky like an iteration crafted from spare plastic acrylate sheets, or better yet, your recently finished box of Corn Flakes. That's right kids, you can save yourself quite a few buckaroos by simply swallowing your pride, heading down to the read link and printing out a template to create your very own Wii Zapper accessory. 'Course, the sky's really the limit with this one, but may we be the first to ask that you not use colorful sheets of cardboard if at all possible? Thanks.[Via MAKE]
Angelina Jolie buys Ghost Squad, promotes violence
We'd like to be envious of Angelina Jolie's vast wealth and movie star looks, but heck, we just can't muster up the hate -- not when she has the nous to buy games like Ghost Squad.Alas, not everybody appreciates Ms. Jolie's discerning taste in Wii Zapper titles. Brad Pitt's own sister, for example, was less than pleased that her children received a copy of the T-rated game from the actress for Christmas, and apparently sent it back with a slightly indignant note, explaining to Auntie that "We don't promote violence in our home."This apparently trivial celebrity tale probably raises lots of important questions concerning violent video game content and the role of parents. But we have our own questions -- vital questions -- that need answers. Questions such as: Did Jolie get the game cheap? Does she have her own dolphin-shaped Zapper? And if so ... does she read us?! Hai Angelina![Via Game Politics]
Roll your own ugly Wii Zapper using LEGOs
Too cheap to invest in the official Wii Zapper? White plastic not your thing? Tired of sexy curves and long for the pointy edges of the NES days? NeoGAF user Mrklaw's got your back, with a self-made gun housing for the Wii Remote.It sure ain't pretty, but it is practical; the trigger actually depresses the B button, just like the official Zapper. It looks like it might be a bit unruly to hold, but who are we to judge? Special props go to Mrklaw for not even trying to use consistent colors in his design, instead opting for that cacophony of bright-colored plastic that just screams "LEGO." Kudos.[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
Perfect Shot is perfect fodder for hysterical headlines
If, like the Washington Post, you expect hysteria to reign over the Zapper, just wait until the mainstream press catches a glimpse of Nyko's contribution to the ever-growing pile of third-party alternatives.The "Perfect Shot" is the most gun-like shell we've seen to date, a world away from the Zapper's unoffending curves and thoroughly un-gun-like appearance. And we'd bet our very last cent on it provoking outraged bleating from the press (and perhaps even a certain lawyer), who will no doubt make gossamer-thin links between a plastic toy and real-life violence in the process.So, in a Wii Fanboy world exclusive, we're going to beat them to the punch: if you want to train your child to be a cold-blooded, callous killer, you can pick up the Nyko Perfect Shot for just $13 on Amazon from December 24, and raise a murderer.
Metareview: Link's Crossbow Training
Four quick explanations for why we're using this lounging lizard for the metareview's post image: Uh, he's green. Just like Link. As you can tell from his pose, he's not too impressed with Link's Crossbow Training. Look at the damn guy. Do we really need to explain ourselves? We wish we could do a metareview on the lizard instead. Consider the lizard a bonus that we're throwing in with this metareview bundle. Priced ridiculously low at $20, Nintendo's Zapper bundle seems like an easy buy for most gamers, but for those of you who're waiting for impressions on its pack-in game, Link's Crossbow Training, we've got you covered. GameDaily -- 80%: While GameDaily feels there's enough in there to keep you playing longer than just an hour or two, the reviewer still wishes there was more to the game: "Although it doesn't have as many options (Practice, four person multiplayer) as Nintendo's famous pack-in, Wii Sports, Crossbow Training will keep you entertained for hours, especially if you love Zelda. And yet, it could have been so much better. Had the developers programmed online leader boards, millions of trigger happy gamers could compete with each other for the best scores." IGN -- 70%: IGN disagrees and says there's less than an hour's worth of content, but is willing to forgive the game due to its cheap price: "Lasting Appeal: Over in less than an hour. A two-player mode cannot be played simultaneously. Even getting all platinums in levels is not overly difficult. But again, it's only $19.99." NintendoWorldReport -- 60%: NWR also has some complaints with Link's Crossbow Training's "multiplayer" support: "The game also features a multiplayer mode that misses on almost every level. Up to four players can be chosen, and then any one level can be chosen. Players then pass the Zapper around as they each play the stage alone. This passive multiplayer would make sense if they were doing it to maintain the integrity of high scores, but high scores aren't even recorded when playing in this mode. Overall, just don't expect the game to be a huge party hit, as most of the people will be sitting and watching, awaiting their turns."
House of the Dead 2 & 3 Wii-vival official, co-op confirmed
Hot off of last week's confirmation by Sega that House of the Dead would indeed return to the Wii next spring, the company this morning made it all nice and official, announcing The House of the Dead 2 & 3 Return, a compilation of the second and third games in the zombie shooter series. While some may be disappointed that this collection turns a blind eye to House of the Dead 4, those eager to shoot at freshly-exhumed corpses can look forward to gunning down the undead alone in Arcade and Time Attack modes, as well as shoulder-to-shoulder with a friend in co-op multiplayer. In addition, with this announcement following Capcom's release of its on-rails kill-fest Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles and with Sega's Ghost Squad on the horizon, we can't help but hope that what we're seeing is a resurgence in the popularity of light gun shooters, which couldn't make us happier, what with these days arcades being reduced to little more than a campfire story.
