Zapper
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Rumor: New Wii SKU to hit this holiday
According to an anonymous supplier, Codename Revolution has the scoop on a supposed new SKU coming to retail for the holiday season. Currently dubbed "New Pack," no word yet on exactly what this new SKU could mean. All we know now is that it has a UPC of "045496880088,″ which comes back as being owned by Nintendo. Whether this is a new bundle (we're betting it's a bundled Super Mario Galaxy or Smash Bros. Brawl bundle, or perhaps one including the Wii Zapper), has yet to be determined. Don't hold your breath for a new Wii unit itself, as it's unlikely Nintendo will do a hardware revision to the console this early in its lifespan. Especially considering the popularity of the console as it is now.
IGN demonstrates dual wielding in Ghost Squad, sort of
Yes, Ghost Squad has a dual wielding feature, if you accept 'just playing the two-player game by yourself' as a kind of dual wielding. It looks fun, however it's achieved. It also has a number of other newly-announced features that may be of interest to light-gun game enthusiasts.For example, you can turn the cursor off. Since the Wiimote is not exactly a light gun and its pointer doesn't always move as quickly as your hand, the game displays a cursor by default. But you can turn it off for point bonuses and a more authentic gun game feeling. Second, to combat the extreme brevity of the arcade game (as with all arcade gun games), Ghost Squad features a level system that changes the appearance and enemy layout of the levels as you replay them, gradually increasing the difficulty of the game.
Link's Crossbow Screening
If you've been dying to see Link with a crossbow, this is your day. The latest Nintendo Power shows off a few screens from Link's Crossbow Training, and much like Twilight Princess, they're very brown. The images also demonstrate the controls -- yes, there's more than just pointing and shooting -- but we're still unconvinced that the Zapper is worth even the experience in training Link up with a new weapon. We'll just have to wait and see.
TGS07: Kohler says Umbrella Chronicles just better without the Zapper
Some people are all in favor of the Zapper, as we discussed this morning, but Game|Life's Chris Kohler is not among them ... at least, not when it comes to Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles. After trying the game several times, he has consistently found that the Zapper is less optimal for this game than the simple naked combination of the Wii remote and nunchuk. At TGS, he was playing co-op with a freelancer who was even excited about the Zapper and its potential with the game. He played without, and she played with -- and halfway through, they switched.Once finished, he asked her which she preferred ... and she agreed with him. The Zapper may end up being great for other games, but in Umbrella Chronicles, it seems to make actions ungainly rather than precise, particularly when one has to reload or pick up objects. This makes us doubly interested in seeing how the shell affects other games, like the pack-in Link's Crossbow Training, but for now, we think we may just stick to the remote and nunchuk. After all, the remote is a pointing device all on its own, and we've seen just how fantastic it can be for shooting.
Wii Zapper and Link's Crossbow Training packaging, details
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo_wii/Wii_Zapper_boxart_revealed_details_on_Link_s_Crossbow_Training'; Along with releasing a boxart preview of its upcoming Wii Zapper (due 11/19/07), Nintendo also shed some light on its bundled game, Link's Crossbow Training, earlier today. The shooter will have 27 stages in total over three different modes -- Target Shooting, Defender, and Ranger -- all of them multiplayer, but played one at a time. Target Shooting plays as expected, asking you to hit bull's-eyes as they pop up and move around the screen. Defender pits you against a variety of enemies charging towards you from all directions; you can to aim off screen to turn Link and face your attackers. While playing in the Ranger mode, you can actually move Link by using the nunchuck's control stick, exploring and fighting your way through the different missions. Blast past the post break for close-up shots of the Wii Zapper logo and the Link's Crossbow Training bit.
New Jersey parents fret over Wii's 'gun-like' Zapper
New Jersey's The Star-Ledger ran a poll on its "Parental Guidance" blog earlier this week, asking its readers to comment on Nintendo's Wii Zapper, a peripheral meant to house the Wii remote and nunchuck in a vaguely rifle-like shape. Describing it as a "gun-like remote" and a "wand in the shape of a weapon" certainly didn't help matters, as the poll was duly inundated by parents wary of their children becoming vicious, gun-toting mini-gangsters. One reader inadvertently praised Nintendo's clumsy plastic shell design by failing to discern a difference between it (see above image) and a real weapon. "Great, this is what we need. Children with guns learning how to aim and shoot. Then we can sit back and wonder what is happening to our country with kids killing kids......what's next?" A fair question to ask, especially when you're a powerless parent forced to sit back and wonder "what is happening" in a world where video games poison our armed children. Not that the Zapper can teach anybody to operate a gun on the outset -- it's really more of crossbow training tool. Another parent was a little more introspective and wondered, "What kind of message are we sending as parents when we buy these things for our kids?" Aside from highlighting mommy's inability to say "No, you can't have that," past experience with the Zapper would reveal the message to be a compelling argument for hunting ducks and, failing that, any stupid-looking dogs in the neighborhood. Kids shoot the darndest things.[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
New Wii gun accessory goes two piece
Everybody wants to get into the act ... at least when it comes to turning the Wii remote into a gun. First it was the Joytech Sharp Shooter then Core Gamer's Wii Blaster, and, of course, Nintendo's own soon-to-be-released Wii Zapper.Well, get ready to add another competitor to the list. Brando's 2-in-1Combined Light Gun has a leg up on rivals in its ability to be used as a pistol-like remote holder or a bazooka-style combination for the remote and Nunchuk together. The $18 accessory is sure to increase the ire of some people who think holding a plastic video game controller will turn our children into cold-blooded killers, but more sensible gamers should enjoy it.With all these gun-like designs being bandied about, we can't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the original Wii Zapper prototype shown at E3 2006. It had an economy of design that hasn't been matched by any of these bloated, white plastic accessories. R.I.P., little prototype.[Via WiiFanboy]
2-in-1 Light Gun brings more ruckus, more convenience
Brando's latest accessory beats Nintendo to the punch, copying the official Zapper's submachine-gun design and allowing users to detach the nunchuck handle from its pistol shell. The 2-in-1 Combined Light Gun is a bit expensive at $18.00, and it doesn't come bundled with anything like Link's Crossbow Training, but it's still a pretty slick idea. Bring your complaints about gun-shaped controllers past the post break for more watermarked photos of the plastic pistol.
Wii Zapper creates a ruckus
Some people will complain about anything.We here at Wii Fanboy may have mixed feelings about the Wii Zapper, but there's one thing that we're pretty sure none of us has thought about: its potential in training children to becoming ultimate killing machines. Apparently, however, that's exactly what some people are thinking upon seeing different versions of the lightgun-like setup. The New Jersey Star-Ledger's Parental Guidance blog's most recent Question of the Week centered around the attachment, and it seems to have some folks alarmed. One commenter said, "I think it's irresponsible for Wii to come out with a controller that looks like a gun so kids can play games simulating shooting. What kind of message are we sending as parents when we buy these things for our kids?"What we didn't see was any mention of previous lightguns -- like, say, the one for the NES -- or laser tag, or paintball, or any other item that might involve simulated gunplay. Instead, we see a lot of mention of children and guns, and while we don't know the rating yet on the accessory's pack-in title, Link's Crossbow Training, the other games slated for use with the Wii Zapper are (or probably will be) rated Teen or Mature. Last time we checked, that meant they weren't for children. We know it's hard for some people to separate the idea of video games and children, but considering the vast (and ever-increasing) number of adult gamers, we can only hope that eventually, the outspoken, uneducated nongaming minority will realize that not all video games and accessories are for kids. We might also add the neither the NES zapper nor the existence of paintball have thus far destroyed the world, but we'll keep an eye for signs of the apocalypse.[Thanks, Andrew!]
This Squad ain't afraid of no ghost
Of course, that's of little use when fighting terrorists. This trailer for the Wii version of Ghost Squad shows not only the game in action (revealing the fact that there's a constant on-screen crosshair, which may be annoying to light-gun game fans), but it shows what you may look like playing the game in a Hawaiian shirt. Or at a party! Or not at a party-- poor single-player guy.For our money, this is the real Zapper killer app, if a controller holder can be said to have a killer app. We'd be perfectly happy with a bundle like Japan is getting, with a Zapper and a real gun game. Of course, you could get a Ghost Squad bundle plus the regular package with Link's Crossbow Training and have (nearly) two games and two guns!%Gallery-5667%[Via GoNintendo]
Confirmed: You'll use the Zapper to help Link train up
Nintendo confirmed rumors yesterday that the Zapper peripheral will also come bundled with software called Link's Crossbow Training, which is the "perfect demonstration of the way the Wii Zapper could be used in other games." The software will focus on Link within the world of his latest title on the Wii and GameCube, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, where he must make his way "through a series of tests to perfect his crossbow marksmanship."Considering that Blastris for the Super Score 6 back on the SNES was all kinds of fun, we can't say we're worried this bundled software won't be.
Ultimately disappointing laser gun shell
Considering that most light gun games for the Wii already have some sort of on-screen crosshair to indicate where your remote is pointed, there aren't many reasons why you'd want to buy this laser-sight-equipped pistol shell. Sure, you could scare the bejeezus out of the federal agents inconspicuously parked across the street, or maybe act out that scene from the "Dre Day" music video, but after a few minutes of tomfoolery, you'll start to feel a bit foolish about your purchase. In addition to forking over $8.39 to order the item, you'll also have to pay for shipping, handling, and the two AAA batteries needed to power the red beam.The Wii logo on the packaging's bottom-left corner is fantastic, even more ridiculous than the Wü branding we've seen on other China-manufactured accessories. The customer reviews on Superufo's product page are likewise hilarious: "Good! And worth buying it! I have bought one more than two years and it still work well, I am very glad with this." Two years? Not bloody likely![Via DCEmu]
Ghost Squad screens marked by a distinct lack of panda suit
Ghost Squad is headed from the Arcade to Wiis everywhere, and while we could go either way on the screens in our new gallery, we are intrigued by the four-player co-op possibilities. This is definitely one game, however, that should benefit from Zapper functionality for those who want to recreate the arcade experience. Too bad the Zapper is a little smaller than giant plastic assault rifles, though!All we can say is: unlockable panda suit, please. %Gallery-5667%
Ghost Squad gets Zapper bundle in Japan
Sega's Ghost Squad will be sold in an optional bundle that includes the Wii Zapper when the game comes out on October 25. If you're interested in Ghost Squad more than whatever Nintendo is bundling with the Zapper, and you can also play Japanese games, there you go. While it seems quite natural for a shooting game to use the Wii Zapper, we're a little interested in how it will be implemented, since Sega's Yosuke Okunari told IGN that the game only uses the Wii Remote. Why, in that case, would the Wii Zapper be useful? Or did Sega change the control scheme after seeing the Zapper?[Via Sega Nerds]
Light gun, literally
As if installing LEDs into the Wii's remote, nunchuck, and casing wasn't enough, the art of arbitrarily jamming lights into things has spread to Wii peripherals, like an STD infecting a new host after amorous contact.Selling for about $20.50, CoolMods' handgun shell is as direct as you can get; just slide your remote into the pistol's plastic housing, and you're good to go. Though there doesn't seem to be any room to hook up a nunchuck, the LED-friendly clear design more than makes up for it. Of course, you could always just wrap a string of Christmas lights around the Wii Zapper when it comes out, but don't you think that'd look a little goofy? Check past the post break for another look at this totally-not-goofy-at-all gun shell.
Wii games pepper nomination list for E3 awards
The Game Critics Association has released their list of nominations for the best of E3, and Nintendo is all over the place -- particularly with Super Mario Galaxy and Wii Fit. The DS may have been spurned for anything other than the handheld category, but the Wii sure seems to be holding its own against the 360 and PS3. Unfortunately, however, none of the Wii titles made it into the nominations for Best of Show. We'll skip over multiplatform titles like Guitar Hero III, but Wii games showed up in several categories: Best Social/Casual/Puzzle Game (Wii Fit, Zack & Wiki) Best Fighting Game (WWE SmackDown vs RAW 2008) Best Action/Adventure Game (Super Mario Galaxy) Best Action Game (Metroid Prime 3: Corruption) Best Hardware (Balance Board, Zapper) Best Console Game (Super Mario Galaxy) Best Original Game (Wii Fit, de Blob) An interesting mix of games -- some expected, some surprises. The winners will be announced next Tuesday. Think a few Wii games will pull out wins?
Wii Warm Up: Zappin'
Whether or not you like the coming Wii Zapper aside -- though you can talk about the design if you'd like -- we're curious as to whether or not you think it's even necessary. If there's one thing that the combination of the Wii remote and nunchuk can probably pull off, it's mimicking the action of shooting. Just point and pull the "trigger," i.e., the B button. So. Thoughts?
Wii Zapper hands-on
What do you want? The Wii Zapper is literally just a piece of plastic that you strap your Wiimote and nunchuck into -- it doesn't add any buttons or otherwise change anything about how the controllers are used. In other words, you don't even need this thing to play the games it's intended for -- which is good, because those with larger hands might have a hard time with it as is.%Gallery-4835%
More thoughts on the Wii zapper
After our initial trial with the Wii zapper, we decided to take a second look at it. Is the newly-revealed attachment a gimmick or an integral part of gameplay? Capcom has the attachment on display at their mini-booth in the Barker Hanger at E3 and we were able to run through a demo of Resident Evil: Umbrealla Chronicles with the peripheral. The control scheme is altered for using the zapper. Shooting is done with the trigger, while you look around with the control stick. The buttons on the nunchuk are surprisingly still accessible and needed for swapping weapons. Holding the gun and aiming proved to be awkward at first, and only slightly awkward as we kept playing. Reloading was accomplished by shaking the zapper. Though the top buttons of the remote were accessible, we found it uncomfortable to do so when we had to hold the A button, the C button on the nunchuk, and then the trigger to lob a grenade (replace trigger for a gun shake to slash with your knife). It works fine, but the feeling of intuitive controls was at that moment lost for us. For those wondering, the Capcom representative we spoke said the gun was not going to be compatible with Resident Evil 4. The Wii zapper is indeed interesting, but our initial impression using it with Umbrella Chronicles is that it doesn't add that much to what we'd enjoy with simply the remote-nunchuk combination.
E307: A closer look at the Wii Zapper
When Nintendo announces a new peripheral, it's big news, and big news needs big images. They sent along a high resolution picture of their new Zapper, and we thought we'd pass it on to you so you can begin your careful inspection of Nintendo's workmanship and industrial design.Also, this might work as a reference model for a papercraft version, if you're impatient and want the semi-authentic feel of a Wii Zapper in your hands. Click the image to embiggen it greatly!
