Countdown to Wii launch!!!

[jaydawg]

Like we've mentioned before, great minds think alike, Jaydawg.

Indeed Prez. Indeed.

 

[Kipobe]

Heh, I forgot I got Rayman on my potential pre-order list as well. I've paid up for half of it... so technically I could drop it and get my cash back... but I may go ahead and get it anyway.

I really don't know what I'm gonna do with these games. It's not like Zelda is coming out of there anytime soon

Also, Wii component cables will be available in store on launch.

 

[jaydawg]

Well, as for launch stuff I want- Rayman, Excite Truck, Trauma Center and Red Steel on are the list. Problem is, Red Steel is one of those games that could really go either way. So I've got to wait on reviews for that. Excite Truck and Trauma Center seem fun, but I doubt either is $50 worth.

Waiting for Marvel:UA to go down to $20 since the roster is really half assed.

Can't wait for Brawl, Super Paper Mario, Sonic RE: Umbrella Chronicals and Smooth Moves though.

As for VC games, I don't think I'll be getting any of the initial titles, but once Kid Icarus is released.... hell yeah!!

 

[Brainiac 8]

I don't know, the original Legend of Zelda is sweet.

Plus Ecco the Dolphin, and Bonk's Adventure.

Personally for some reason, I really want Hudson to release the Adventure Island games on the VC.

 

[Kipobe]

I forgot if LttP is a VC launch title? I haven't played that in forever. Or Super Mario Bros.

But I think the VC game I've been waiting to play is SMB3. The roms never hold my attention.

 

[Shifty]

I forgot if LttP is a VC launch title? I haven't played that in forever. Or Super Mario Bros.

I didn't see LttP on any (Europe, Americas, Japan, Australia) VC lists. If Nintendo is only putting out 10 new games a month they'll probably have 2-3 NES and SNES releases a month. And I would think they would release them in order. My SNES just recently became toast, so I would like to play LttP once again.

 

[Shifty]

Comedy Central will once again exploit the properties of tryptophan with its "Thanxgiveaway Wiikend," an event designed to expose the turkey-tranquilized to Nintendo's Wii gaming console and Toyota's Scion.

The cable net will give away 48 Wiis and 48 TomTom portable GPS devices over the weekend of Nov. 23-27. To enter, viewers have to tune in to interstitials running throughout the weekend that will include code words they can enter online. The interstitials will feature four families in a reality TV spoof that takes place on Thanksgiving Island and is hosted by comedian Brian Unger. "It's sort of Gilligan's Island meets Survivor; it's our own kind of take on reality shows," said Heather Zarnett, CC vp-promo marketing.

The interstitials also will work in plugs for Wii and the Scion. A grand prize winner will receive a tricked-out Scion that looks like a Wii console.

http://www.brandweek.com/bw/magazine/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003352485

 

[Spidey-Bat]

Watch Comedy Central for a free Wii? I really want a Wii but even I have my limits

 

[Shifty]

Watch Comedy Central for a free Wii? I really want a Wii but even I have my limits

Maybe if you're shut out on launch day you'll change your mind. Still, good to see a Wii getting more publicity.

 

[Spidey-Bat]

I'd trade in one of my testicles instead of watching Comedy Central if it meant getting Wii.

 

[Shifty]

I'd trade in one of my testicles instead of watching Comedy Central if it meant getting Wii.

Maybe Lance Armstrong will have a Wii.

 

[jaydawg]

I'd trade in one of my testicles instead of watching Comedy Central if it meant getting Wii.

What the hell is wrong with Daily Show and Colbert Report?

 

[MarvelWarrior]

My preorder list which is paid in full is:
Nintendo Wii
Extra Remote and Nunchuk
VC controller
Madden 07
Wii Points card
I'm waiting for Metroid Prime 3, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Strikers Charged.
I'll also download Mario 64.

 

[Shifty]

What the hell is wrong with Daily Show and Colbert Report?

You're on notice, Spidey-Bat!

 

[Brainiac 8]

That's funnyt:

Where did you get the notice board to do that?

 

[Shifty]

Bottom corner of the pic. You're going to need photobucket to host the pic or another hosting site. Takes a couple minutes. http://www.shipbrook.com/onnotice/

 

[Kipobe]

Interesting Cnet video:

http://www.cnettv.com/9710-1_53-24541.html?tag=cnetfd.ld3

 

[Shifty]

http://www.gamedaily.com/features/?id=1167&page=5
GameDaily rates the current systems.

Nintendo DS Lite
Nintendo
$129.99

Nintendo's portable superstar features touch-screen technology and a Wi-Fi connection for online competition with people across the globe. Critics acted skeptical at first, but the steady flow of retro retreads and quirky games like Brain Age and Nintendogs has attracted new fans en masse.

The Price At a very reasonable $129.99, the DS Lite includes brighter screens than the original DS, and a slimmer body that makes it easy to slip into a jacket pocket or bag before hitting the streets. Better yet, track down one of the $150 bundle specials comprised of a system and a game of choice, such as Mario Kart DS or Nintendogs, for a savings of about 15 bucks.

The Games The DS library seems to grow exponentially week-by-week. Play poker, darts and chess in Clubhouse Games and save the princess in peril, again, in New Super Mario Bros. Or, take it online for some on-the-go multiplayer action in Star Fox Command and Mario Kart DS. Also, look for incoming games like Yoshi's Island 2, Magical Starsign and Pokemon Ranger.

Final Prognosis Next to the iPod, the DS should be next on the gotta-have gadget list. The vast game lineup caters to every flavor of gamer, and it won't hurt the wallet.

Grade: A

PlayStation Portable
Sony
$199.99

In March 2005, Sony launched the PlayStation Portable, an expensive but multifunctional gizmo that can play games and movies on the go. Though overshadowed by the Nintendo DS, the PSP still holds its own with a more mature game lineup, plus music playback, Web browsing and media storage.

The Price The system might benefit from a lower price, but it's still a nice piece of gaming equipment. The widescreen display gives a clear view of the action and the control setup works well, though the analog nub can be confusing at times.

The Games The UMD movie market may be slowly dying, but the game supply is holding steady. Younger gamers will like Daxter and Loco Roco; the nostalgia gamers can relive the past with Ultimate Ghosts n' Goblins and Capcom Classics Collection; and mainstream players can pick up Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories and Madden NFL '07.

The Future The PSP is hitching onto the PS3's star by playing classic PSone games purchased through the PS3 online store. There's also a steady supply of new games coming soon, including the knext Gran Turismo and new Ratchet and Clank game. Still, a price cut would bring in on-the-fence gamers.

Final Prognosis The Sony PSP may be the more expensive handheld system on the market, but the variety of games available for it makes it an easy choice for those who aren't into Nintendo's style.

Grade: B

Xbox 360
Microsoft
$299/$399

In 2005, Microsoft struck first in the next-gen video game wars with the release of its Xbox 360 console. Despite complaints about system failures and the general availability of units, the system is considered a success, thanks to a large supply of games, a substantial online community, complete with classic and new game downloads and a well-designed controller.

The Price Questionably high, but for those who want a proven next-gen experience, Xbox 360's the only game in town. The difference between the $300 and the $400 models lie with the addition of a harddrive, which makes it easier to store Xbox Live Arcade games purchased from the online store, as well as other downloaded media, including video clips and songs.

The Games The Xbox 360 game library has grown quite well over the past year. Probably the best picks for the system are Dead Rising, Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, Call of Duty 2 and Gears of War. If fighting bad guys and splattering zombies makes you queasysports games like NBA 2K7 and Madden NFL 07, and fun all-ages games like Lego Star Wars II and Tony Hawk's Project 8 mix up the game selection nicely.

The Future Over the course of the next few months, 360 will get a bunch of new releases, including Dead Or Alive Xtreme 2, Viva Pinata, and Gears of War -- and in 2007, look for A-list games like Assassin's Creed and Project Gotham Racing 4. The Xbox Live Arcade service will also grow, and include new games such as Castle Crashers and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

Final Prognosis The Xbox 360 kicks ass all the way around. There will be plenty in stock this holiday, makes it an attractive option for people who can't find a PS3 or Wii. There are also a number of must-have games available for the system, and the Xbox Live Arcade service is well-established and user-friendly.

Grade: A

Nintendo Wii
Nintendo
$249.99

Nintendo has hyped the Wii since last year, and the positive buzz has followed ever since. The new system packs motion-sensitive controls, a mix of entertaining games and an online service that offers everything from customized news and weather to classic game downloads.

The Price Plunking down $60 for an extra controller is excessive, but your $250 still gets you the system, a controller, a sensor bar and the interactive sports game, Wii Sports.

The Games The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess leads the pack. This worthwhile adventure includes lots of questing and Wii-mote sensitive mini-games that really showcase the system. Others games worth a look include Rayman Running Rabbids, an adventurous platformer from Ubisoft; Red Steel , an action-packed game that pits players against the Yakuza; and Madden NFL 07, a football game that takes full advantage of the Wii-mote's movement capabilities.

The Future Nintendo's focusing on a number of stellar releases, including the return of everyone's favorite plumber in Super Mario Galaxy, a new Metroid Prime game and Wario Ware: Smooth Moves. We also look forward to updates to the Virtual Console download service and support for GameCube games.

Final Prognosis The Nintendo Wii will be the hot game console this holiday season. The launch library includes something for everyone, and unlike the PS3, you might actually be able to find one on store shelves.

Grade: A-

PlayStation 3
Sony
$499/$599

Sony is making a big push for its Blu-ray fueled PlayStation 3. Although high-def movies and games will be a big draw, availability will be a major factor, since only 400,000 units will be available during the "launch window."

The Price This is the most expensive console on the market, but it backs up the high sticker price with high-tech value. A stand-alone Blu-ray player will run you $800-$1,000 right now, and even the cheaper version of the PS3 includes a harddrive (unlike the Xbox 360). However, for this much scratch, we'd expect Sony to throw in an HDMI cable, not just wimpy compost RCA cables that won't even display HD signals.

The Games At launch, Resistance: Fall of Man, a brutal, if somewhat generic, first-person shooter will be the game to beat. Ridge Racer 7, the latest in the long-running racing series, is also worth a look. There's Sonic the Hedgehog and Full Auto 2: Battlelines from Sega, both of which will be strong sequels.

The Future PlayStation Online service will give new life to old titles, and some strong games coming soon, such as Heavenly Sword, Warhawk and Metal Gear Solid 4.

Final Prognosis Good luck finding one. If you manage to score one, there's not much in terms of innovation in the launch lineup. Fortunately, the system's got appeal to spare, and the second wave of PS3 games should show off the system's superior hardware even more.

Grade B+

 

[Spidey-Bat]

What the hell is wrong with Daily Show and Colbert Report?

They're not funny

You're on notice, Spidey-Bat!

I am appaled that myself and the Mets are on a list that contains Barbara Streisand

 

[jaydawg]

Anyone who has hate in their heart for Steven Colbert and Jon Stewart deserve to be in the same boat as Barbara Streisand.

 

[Proteus-X312]

I can't wait to play MUA.I can't believe that next Sunday is the big day.I can't believe that I'm starting my sentences with I can't.

 

[Spidey-Bat]

Anyone who has hate in their heart for Steven Colbert and Jon Stewart deserve to be in the same boat as Barbara Streisand.

I don't hate them. I just don't find them funny

 

[Kipobe]

A Wii buffet:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE-3OD2iyjY

 

[Jennifer Walters]

I shall be getting a Wii on launch day. Yay!

 

[XwolverineX]

Well, as for launch stuff I want- Rayman, Excite Truck, Trauma Center and Red Steel on are the list. Problem is, Red Steel is one of those games that could really go either way. So I've got to wait on reviews for that. Excite Truck and Trauma Center seem fun, but I doubt either is $50 worth.

Waiting for Marvel:UA to go down to $20 since the roster is really half assed.

Can't wait for Brawl, Super Paper Mario, Sonic RE: Umbrella Chronicals and Smooth Moves though.

As for VC games, I don't think I'll be getting any of the initial titles, but once Kid Icarus is released.... hell yeah!!

You didn't mention Zelda.