With all the trouble surrounding Hideo Kojima's future with Konami, his name and studio being taken off his games, the cancellation of Silent Hills, and Konami taking itself off the New York Stock Exchange. We knew something was coming, now we do.
According to Konami's CEO Hideki Hayakawa the company is pulling away from AAA console gaming and focusing on mobile gaming. Going as far to say mobile is the "future" of gaming. I'm guessing we can look forward to "Silent Hill: Finger Danger" in their future.
Gaming has spread to a number of platforms, but at the end of the day, the platform that is always closest to us, is mobile. Mobile is where the future of gaming lies, We hope that our overseas games such as MGSV and Winning Eleven continue to do well, but we are always thinking about how to push our franchises onto mobile there too
So it seems that Konami is not only leaving console gaming behind but it is keeping the kids... I mean IPs. So looks like not only is Metal Gear Solid 5 the last Kojima MGS but could also be the last "proper" MGS game. What's unknown is if Konami is stepping away from development and/or publishing of console game entirely. Konami's profits from mobile is primarily from Japan which also has a strong handheld focus, will we still see games for handheld devices?
Some "fans" are calling for a boycott of Metal Gear Solid 5 as a way of "punishing" Konami for leaving AAA gaming but this would only prove them right and hurt Kojima and his team for all their hard work. If people want Konami to make "proper" games then MGS5 has to be a huge success to lure them back in. (which explains all these links!)
Abe's Take
Well its hard to see an legend of gaming fade away from something the helped create and to see their brilliant IP's put though the "mobile ringer" but looking at finances they earn more in mobile gaming and slot machines (separately) than they do from AAA gaming, so it's understandable why Konami make mobile their "center"
If you was in an arcade in the 90's then you'll remember two types of machines that dominated the scene. The light gun cabinets like Namco's Time Crisis and huge hulking racing cabinets like Sega's Daytona USA.
Even today they stand out because of their loose handling (instead of racing sims "tight" handling), bright colourful graphics and seemingly normal environments filled with plenty of set pieces (WHALE!) . One dev Pelikan13 decided to revive the genre on PC and Mobile and launched an kickstarter, which hit its modest goal. In order to reach it's potential veteran Indie devs/Publisher NICALiS (seriously click the link, even the site is dripping in retro epic) joined up with Pelikan13 and added Wii U to that list.
We've been eagerly awaiting this game ever since it was set for a 2013 release, then its 2014 release and now it's "sometime" 2015 release but the devs are gearing up and showing Wii U footage to their backers and evidently on YouTube.
As you can see almost every aspect of great 90's Arcade Racers has transitioned to the new game and it is shaping up to be not only a fantastic addition to the Wii U but also the retro Indie scene. Which is filled with 8/16-bit tributes like the brilliant Shovel Knight. (dear Indies could we see more Arcade and N64 style games. Please!)
Abe's Take
I've been desperate for this game ever since I first heard about it along time ago, I'm sure the others (who also stalked Arcades in the 90's) will be inline to download this when it FINALLY releases. Keep at it Pelikan13 and NICALiS!
Another day and yet another piece of "evidence" proving Fallout 4's existence, this time we have someone's CV! (or resume for you out of towners)
Today's story was spotted by Videogamer and comes complete with a copy of the document in question (Below).
Click for larger version
Discovered on LinkedIn this CV (Resume) is for a unnamed artist over at Guillemro Del Toro's Mirada Studios. The Artist has done work 3D work on FarCry 4, Elder Scrolls Online, Forza, and (assuming) films Underworld Awakening and The Avengers.
It was long rumoured that Sony had snagged the exclusivity rights for Fallout 4 but since then Sony revealed their "huge" exclusive was Street Fighter 5
Abe's Take
As with all rumours its best to assume false till proven otherwise, however Bethesda hosting their first ever E3 press conference and Elder Scrolls only "recently" launching it's MMO it seems all but certain that Fallout will be making an appearance. That or Dishonoured 2 which would also be great
With E3 just around the corner and Nintendo hosting investor meetings we are learning subtle details about Nintendo's plans for the future outside of their Universal Theme Park partnership
E3-2015
Nintendo has confirmed that this years E3 is all about 2015 games for Wii U and 3DS. That means we wont be seeing any of their smartphone games, the QoL (Quality of Life) project or the NX. This isn't really big news as there are better times than E3 to show of mobile games and QoL, We've also known from the start that the NX will be seen in 2016.
"We do not plan on talking specifics about the the NX until 2016," Iwata said. "Presently, we cannot talk about the time period when it will go on sale or what it’s like. Because we are calling it a 'new concept,' we are not thinking of this as a 'simple replacement' for the 3DS or the Wii U."
It's understandable Nintendo wants to keep its follow up system underwraps as not only would it affect sales of their current systems but last time Nintendo had 2 E3's for the Wii U before launch which gave Sony and MS a chance to emulate the controller.
NX region free?
During the investors briefing Mr Iwata brought up the topic of region locking their hardware. Something a vocal group of fans have been campaigning for ever since Smash Bro's Brawl on Wii was released far earlier in some territories.
"Removing region-locking from current game machines presents various issues, so we don't consider that to be very realistic. However, regarding NX, given the customer feedback and proposals from the market, while nothing has been decided yet, we're currently investigating internally what problems there would be in realizing it. You can think of that as the current situation. I understand your desire, so I'd like to look at it optimistically going forward."
It's probable this has less to do with fan demand and more to do with money, If the systems are identical for each region it would be faster for Nintendo to "shuffle" around units between regions where needed.
Smartphone Games
Iwata also announced that Nintendo has 5 games lined up for release between now and March 2017 with Mario Kart 8 Producer Hideki Konno leading Nintendo's "Mobile Division". Now 5 games for most mobile devs would be around 1 years worth of titles but it appears Nintendo wants to guarantee "Nintendo Quality" on mobile devices, limiting titles and using its own staff should certainly help that goal but the question will be price. Publishers like Square Enix charge "proper" game prices when surrounded by 99p games.
Membership
We still don't have an awful lot to go on with this. Some people believe this is just extending the NNID (Nintendo Network ID) to mobile (games) and PC (eShop), whilst others believe it to be a fully integrated account system like Xbox Live with purchases linked to the account not the system.
While we will announce the details of this integrated membership service at a later date, I can share with you at a high level the idea is that the consumer can access multiple devices using one common ID. For us to be able to bridge the gap between smart devices and dedicated game systems, we will offer advantages to consumers who use one ID across multiple devices.
So far, the members input their Club Nintendo ID to use the services. With this new service, our members will be able to visit Nintendo's website and log in with one ID, and they will receive various services including the ones based on their past purchases and gameplay records as well as services that will be an improved version of the current loyalty program.
With this new membership, we are planning to deploy services that will make playing Nintendo games with their game pals more fun regardless of which platform they are accessing.
At the very least it sounds like the old Club Nintendo will be built right into this new system and what sounds a little like anAchievement system. Regardless It's likely we'll hear about this at E3 (It wasn't one of the things they announced WASN'T coming to E3-2015 .
And we're back after all the crazy shouting that was the UK general election which members of or team was involved in trying to poke people into voting or simply hiding from the Internet "poo-storm" that politics creates. Our return has coincided with Splatoon "test fire" day.
It's not common we get to do prerelease impressions here on GK-UK as we try to make sure we have the same access as you guys at the same cost. So here's our early impression of Spaltoon
For those who don't know Splatoon is Nintendo's new online multiplayer focused IP. Whilst it's third person camera and controls are similar to other third person shooters. Much like it's Mario Kart and Super Smash Brothers games, Nintendo has put its own on spin on the genre. Instead of being kills focused, players are tasked with spraying the environment with their weapons and the winner is the team with the most ink on the field.
At first things like squid transformations seem really bizarre additions until you realise that it acts the same way as sprinting in modern FPS games, You travel faster, harder to hit (your most;y invisible in your ink), jump further and also allows you to climb walls covered in your team ink and even reloads your ink tanks.
As you can see the battle quick coats the environments in bright colours. The change of focus and bright colours instantly make Splatoon feel distinct. It took a few matches for me to adjust to this games take on the genre (much like playing Smash and Kart for the first time) but soon I found myself really enjoying the battle, the last minute or so become an intense frenzy as both teams assault each others ink hoping to gain the edge (I lost one match by 0.2%).
There are some decisions that seems weird (and i'm sure will be used on forums as a complaint) on the surface that now I can see why. Splatoon features randomised teams, no voice chat and (in full release) maps rotating in pairs every hour. At first blush these seem crazy but after an hours worth of play I understand. With players spraying Ink on surfaces it's easy to see what you have to do with out needing to talk to your teammates, "is it your colour? No - spray/yes - move one" and the gamepad shows you in real time where is sprayed, whose sprayed it and what's uncovered. The D-pad allows you to signal for help which team mates can leap straight to you via tapping your icon on the gamepad. The time locked levels and randomised teams are an attempt to stop one team repeatedly stomping repeatedly and gives everyone the same chance to learn the levels.
This game oozes charm and is surprisingly intense, this stress test handled reasonably well with only occasional lag (I ran into one instance in a hour) and the server getting full (for this test there is only one server but full release will have a server for each territory - EU, US & JAP).
This beta experience along with Splatoon's lower price tag with additional maps, weapons, game modes, and costumes coming every few weeks after launch for FREE makes this a very easy preorder.
CD Projekt developers of The Witcher series, Masters of DRM-free gaming and internets good guys have yet another project on GOG.com that should please long time PC gamers.
Galaxy Not Required
PC gaming has changed a lot over the last decade with the success of Steam and it's rival platforms. They have managed to do something that console gamers are still fighting, going digital. Time was you bought a game, enter the CD key, install and play but now that CD key is usually an redemption code for steam or another service, which yields advantages like cloud support so even if the disc is damaged or lost you can still play your game.
But what about those games not tied to these platforms or to platforms now passed? well Good Old Games has you back. They are starting to roll out a new service "reclaim your games" where you can use that old CD key to get a FREE and completely DRM less digital copy. Initially starting with the STALKER games but will roll out to new games as they can, which involved hunting down the now lost CD key databases and negotiate with whoever holds the rights to the games.
Abe's Take
I can see obvious problems with old games published by EA and Valve with this plan, they obviously dont want you having you retrieve games though others but regardless this is a great move by possibly the industries good guys. whether it's keeping prices fair choosing to swallow the cost of exchange rates instead of artificially hiking prices for set regions or completely rejecting things DRM and a paid DLC.
I had a different idea for today's Nintendo Direct but someone set their HOURGLASS properly and as such we're back to boring list style. What was Interesting about this Direct was some of the leaks was half right, so well done to you cheeky internet snake oil dealers.
Smash Bro's DLC
We knew Mewtwo was returning but we now know when and how much for those who didn't register both Smash Bro's for Wii U/3DS. April 28th and for the price of £3.59/€3.99 for either system but can be bought for both systems for £4.99/€3.99. However those who did will get it April 15th. This is just the beginning of Smash Bro's DLC, An upcoming patch will add new storefront to SSMB. There will be DLC costumes for Mii Fighters both original and "crossover" outfits, each of these costumes will cost £0.69/€0.79 for one version or £1.09/€1.19 for both systems. Which is pretty damn cheap seeing as 2 costumes on Dynasty Warriors 8 Empires will set you back £3. Lucas returns to Smash Bros in June (we suspect for the same price for Mewtwo BUT he wont be the last and best yet we get to name what ever character we like to see in the future. Obviously Nintendo might not be able to make the winner into DLC if it's a third party but they will try. Head HERE to nominate your favourite character. All DLC characters will receive Amiibos. Tap & Play Amiibo: Nintendo Classic Highlights This new title coming in May, uses your Amiibo to play "scenes" from classic NES and SNES games. Repeated taps of the same Amiibo changes the "scene" allowing you play another level from the game. Obviously because not all the Amiibo's had titles on the NES/SNES games are randomly assigned to Amiibo's when they are first used in the software. Mario Maker Mario Maker is now the official Mario 30th anniversary flagship title. We don't know much more other than we WILL be able to chain levels together to make our own Mario games and it will launch in September (hey that the same month as 30 years ago!). Mario Maker WONT be limited to just a digital release and no doubt will get a special edition. Yoshi's Wooly World
We got to see more of the title and the games two modes Classic: aimed at veteran players and will provided an challange and Mellow: gives Yoshi wings and is aimed at younger children but you can switch between the two at will. Nintendo also showcased its Amiibo functionality, tapping an Yoshi Amiibo spawns an 2nd Yoshi allowing single players to preform all the Co-op moves. Yoshi's Wooly World gets its own knitted plush Amiibo, Yes those adorable wooly Yoshi's are full Amiibos Bioth Amiibo and game will be available June 26th and there is a special edition Game X Amiibo pack Splatoon
Splatton showed of its ranked matches, its new Splat Zones mode (think King of the hill)and new local 1v1 local Battle Dojo mode: players pop balloons whilst learning the MP maps and weapons. They also announced it will get its own Amiibo range. Male Inkling and Female Inkling will be available instores with the game May 29th, there is also a third Squid Inkling Amiibo that's exclusive to the limited edition of the game (in the US its exclusive to an 3-pack). What do Amiibo's do? they give exclusive missions that yield in game currency and gear (clothes). Affordable Space Adventures An indie game we've had our eyes on for a while as it showcases an interesting Gamepad mechanic where all of the ships functions are displayed on the gamepad, each system costs power, of which you only have a limited amount of. The detailed the games co-op mode where player must work as a crew not as seperate ships. This potential friendship destroyer will hit April 9th. Virtual Console Update We're finally getting N64 and DS games on Wii U. Mario 64 and Donkey Kong 64 will be the first N64 games, where as the DS get MarioKart DS and WarioWare DS. Available now there is also a special offer buy 3 get the 4th for free. Two new Wii titles are coming to Wii U, Pandora's Tower (April 16th) and Sin & Punishment (April 30th) Fire Emblem X Shin Megami Tensei After 2 years of silence and much despair we finally got to see this title. however it doesn't look like either core series of SMT or FE but instead looks like SMT's modern day spin off Persona. check out the impressive trailer below. Fatal Frame Yes, the excellent looking survival horror is finally coming to the west this year, Fans have been screaming for this title since it's Japanese release and we'll learn more at E3. Mario Kart 8 The final Wii U news showcased the Animal Crossing x Mario Kart DLC featuring 8 tracks, 4 vehicles, 3 (4 if you count villager genders) characters and a "racing style" version of the Animal Crossing theme recorded live. The DLC will now hit April 23rd and not May. At the same time there will be an update will add nine new Amiibo costumes for Mii's based on Mega Man, Pac-Man, Sonic, Toad, Wario, Villager, Rosalina, Bowser and Oilmar. In news that will either terrify or delight, for the first time ever 200cc racing hits Mario Kart, not only will the AI be craftier but the increase in speed will require "good braking skill" and will certainly shake off the cobwebs. We now switch other to the 3DS starting with Attack on Titan
For the first time the increasingly popular anime series is getting a western release for it's 3DS game Humanity in Chains. A 4 player coop action game set in the anime's universe where you'll battle giant naked men ( i'll happily admit I don't follow this anime) and in order to get use in the mood Nintendo will put up the first 2 episodes of the anime on the eShop. The game hits the eShop (no physical release) in May
Azure Striker Gunvolt
we're finally getting an UK/EU release of both ASG and its free 8-bit demake Mighty Gunvault featuring Mighty Number 9 characters, both will the games and themes hit April 2nd... THAT'S TODAY.
Box Boy!
Developed by Kirdy's developers and made in a charming monochrome (think gameboy) art style and features puzzle platformer, oddly reminiscent of Limbo but with squares...
Pokemon Rumble World
Nintendo latest free to play attempt is an adventure game base on the Pokemon Rumble series, The "diamonds" earned both through gameplay and REAL MONEY are used to unlock new levels not new mon directly.
Street Pass
on April 16th Street pass is getting 2 new games, one fishing and one zombies. Fishing is much like previous SP games but zombies is actually an action game where street pass Mii's hobbies determine what weapon you receive. There is also a separate VIP purchase that ISNT a season pass but adds a VIP room and birthdays to street pass. Which doesn't seem to have any value...
Fire Emblem
In a departure for the series the player created character is the focus of the story instead of being the main's ally. This time the story is there are two kingdoms The peace loving Hoshido and the glory seeking Nohr. Your character is born of the Royal Family of Hoshido but raised the the Royal Family of Nohr. It's up to the player to decide which path. The Hoshido sides features a traditional story (Traditional here meaning historic Japanese) whereas the Nohr will feature a tougher challenge as you try to revolutionise an "unruly" Kingdom from within. This untitled Fire Emblem will hit Japan this year as SEPARATE releases but the western release is to be bundled together next year.
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer
An spin off of the main franchise with a focus on designing houses for the various villagers. However the villagers are unlocked in new Amiibo Cards. These aren't the replacements for out of stock figure Amiibo but are all new featuring the many villagers of the series. Scanning the cards summons the character into the house you are currently working on and unlocks that characters house. The game and cards will hit in autumn and will also bring the Amiibo adapter for the old 3DS family.
Abe's Take
There was a lot of surprises here for a "release date direct". I'm excited for a lot of these details and shocked to see the costume DLC for Smash being so low SIXTY NINE PENCE!
It is clear that Nintendo is going all in with Amiibo, which is quickly becoming a platform of its own. I'm not sold on some of their functionality but the designs are cool enough to buy. Which i suppose is the idea with them working across multiple titles.
I was hoping for them to acknowledge the Zelda delay, Xenoblade X release date or StarFox but almost everything today was set for before E3, so i'm guessing we'll see more (except Zelda) at E3.
Now i'm off to spam Bayonetta and Monster Hunter characters on the Nintendo page
