Survey giving early look at Wii Sports Resort?

Call this a mixed bag of information, but I recently was sent some pictures from an apperent survey regarding Wii games like Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort, and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games. For the most part the images just look like concept art and mock-ups, but if this is Wii Sports Resort, there's definitely more to the game than previously thought.

At this point these concepts could really be for anything. The one layout is clearly for Wii Sports Resort, since it features screens from the games as well at the MotionPlus peripheral; the other, clearly for Mario & Sonic. But the more fleshed out one, with four featured resorts is the one that seems most intriguing, as it too uses screens and similar concepts as that of Wii Sports Resort; but that one lagoon looks way too much like Pac-Man for me to believe it's a Nintendo game.

Anyone else participate in this survey? If so, what do you make of all of this?

Wii Shop Channel - 8/4/08

You may have noticed that I haven't covered the Wii Shop Channel for quite a few weeks now. Blame the lack of notable content... Anyways, I thought this week had an interesting addition, so I figured I'd post it.

WiiWare
Wild West Guns (Gameloft, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen—Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Draw your revolver to see if you're the fastest gun in the West. Adjust your speed and precision as targets or enemies appear in front of you. Point and shoot to earn more points. You can aim at anything, so be sure to explore the environment for elements that will earn you more shooting points. Identify your enemies among the characters you encounter, but don't shoot at innocent citizens. Take part in an Old West-style train attack, or challenge your skills in a variety of increasingly difficult shooting challenges in other beautiful, classic and lively Western environments. As you progress through challenges, you'll earn medals and rewards, making for nonstop, addictive action. Play in a two-player multiplayer mode where you and your partner can combine points, or play against each other to find out who's the fastest gun in the West.

Virtual Console
Sonic The Hedgehog (Sega Master System, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Based on the original Sega Genesis version, Sonic The Hedgehog was re-created as the first Sonic game for the Sega Master System. Not just a straight port, this version includes new stages, bosses, some different zones and a level map. The most noticeable difference, however, is that the Chaos Emeralds have to be found within certain stages other than the Special Stages. Dash through six Zones (including special zones that were only available for the Sega Master System version) and face Dr. Eggman (a.k.a. Dr. Robotnik) at the end of every Zone.

SPLATTERHOUSE 2 (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated M for Mature—Blood and Gore, Violence, 800 Wii Points): SPLATTERHOUSE 2 is the sequel to SPLATTERHOUSE, released only on the Sega Genesis. A few months after escaping from the first mansion in SPLATTERHOUSE, the main character, Rick, once again encounters the Terror Mask and must use its powers to rescue his beloved Jennifer. Rick will need to punch, slash, smash and even chainsaw his way through a haunted mansion against unspeakable horrors and terrifying bosses to make it out alive.

What did I find notable, well I think Sonic from the Master System is interesting cause its almost a double port; Genesis to Master System, Master System to Wii. If I were to get a SMS game, I'd probably get Sonic or Alex Kidd in Miracle World. As for Splatterhouse 2, the first is on the VC as a Turbo Grafx game, go figure...

via Nintendo Press Room

Sonic Unleashed new trailer

This trailer for Sonic Unleashed differs from the previous ones it that it uses no in-game footage or CG. The video, for the most part, is strictly live action. It's meant to give us a better idea of "Were-Sonic", and remind us that the game does take place on Earth, enjoy.

Also it seems we have a new tentative release date for, Holiday 2008.

Nintendo Power v231

Got my latest volume of Nintendo Power today (volume 231)! This one's pretty special because it's the 20th Anniversary of Nintendo Power, so the issues chock full of previews and memories of classic series and titles. But no worries, new stuff is in there, just look at this neato cover featuring MadWorld. The main articles are listed on the cover, but I'm only going to focus on 3 select titles; Mega Man 9, Castlevania Judgment, and Sonic Unleashed.

But before I get into the games, I just wanted to post a frame of the opening of the magazine. Instead of the usual 2 page ad, we got a comic, featuring a recognizable character to those who have known the magazine for awhile. Yep, Nester's back, and we get to see what's changed after 20 years; he's got a son.. and can't seem to change to the times.

First off, probably the best thing to come out of this issue is the announcement of Mega Man 9, a WiiWare exclusive and the latest classic Mega Man title since 1997's Mega Man 8 (on PSone and Sega Saturn). But unlike Mega Man 8 this game will not take advantage of the system's hardware, instead the team opted to create a new NES game. Which is basically a childhood dream come true! I won't provide you with the Keiji Inafune interview, however I will show you some screens; it's only fair.


The next game may both excite you and upset you. The good part is that Castlevania is coming to Wii, the possibly bad news? It's a 3-D fighting game. Just a note, Castlevania hasn't done too well its 3D outings, and it's never been a fighter, and Konami isn't known for any fighting titles... But besides that I've got a few screens for you. Should be noted that the character designer for Castlevania Judgment is Takeshi Obata, who previously worked on the Death Note manga; it shows.

Lastly is Sonic Unleashed. I only have one scan from this game, but that's really all I needed. This is one of the first shots of the Wii version of the game, and it actually doesn't look that far off from the Xbox 360 and PS3 version of the game. And being that this version is being specifically designed for Wii, I'd like to hope they are trying to use the system's full potential, much like Super Mario Galaxy did.

That's all I have for you this month. And I'm sorry if I didn't scan articles for you, but it's only fair to the Nintendo Power staff. Screens however will b available in the near future, so it's not hurting anyone, but scanning published words just wouldn't be right. However, if you would like to read the articles these came from, you can find Nintendo Power V231 on newstands everywhere.

Sonic Chronicles website

I seem to be the only one that cares but I really want to see what BioWare can do with the Sonic franchise. Check out the site which is set up like the game itself.

Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood website

Sonic Unleashed gameplay footage

Via IGN, this footage is from the Xbox 360 build of the game, though I'd like to assume the PS3 version is off from this at all (as that's the version it'll pick up if this turns out good). All I can really saw is wow, I don't think I've ever been as excited for a sonic game in quite awhile, even the music is catchy for once, instead of that mostly annoying, wailing 80's rock. Enjoy!



I'm still very curious to see the Wii version, as it's supposed to be completely different from the rest. And I'm sure no one will care for the PS2 edition. Also, check out the end of the video, seems as if a logo for the title has been created.

Two New Reviews Over at VFH

Aight, I gots Bully: Scholarship Edition and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, so check em out.

Also, I'm planning on writing a Lego Indiana Jones review soon, perhaps today, so keep your eyes open for that.
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UPDATE (3/22/10) VFH Classic is dead:

Bully: Scholarship Edition
So, this is my first mini-review. Essentially, it's the same as a review, but with less information and a little less formal. Expect mini-reviews for older games, as opposed to full reviews for newly released games. Also, it's quite possible that once I get into the review, it'll be just as long as a full review, so yeah. Enjoy.

The first thing I noticed with Bully, is the fact that it is basically Grand Theft Auto for kids; is the best way to describe it. You play as this kid who is thrown into a new school. You meet new people and partake in both missions and classes.

New Sonic Unleashed Trailer

So apparently, Sonic transforms into a wolf-like beast, and this is used as a transition from speedy segments into combat ones. Doesn't sound like too bad of an idea to me, as that will make the segments well defined and won't confuse the gamer into wondering if he/she is supposed to be going super fast or attack some enemies. I think it might break it up nicely....or horribly...but probably it can be done fairly well.

I'm just hoping somebody can revive the series into something good.

Sonic Unleashed is REAL!

That was one hell of a leak the last two weeks Sega.. but alas maybe Sonic will be good in 3D once again...

Official Site (Not much to see)