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Posts with tag impressions

Joystiq checks out Crash Bandicoot

Posted Apr 29th 2008 7:00PM by Candace Savino
Filed under: News

There may be a ridiculous amount of Crash Bandicoot games, but since we enjoyed the last one, we're wearily keeping our eyes on Mind Over Mutant. Announced last weekend at the Sierra Spring Event as having an October 2008 release, our Joystiq overlords got their grubby little hands on the Wii version of the game and offered up some promising impressions.

Like Crash of the Titans, Mind Over Mutant offers drop-in co-op play. According to Joystiq, the humor famous to the series remains in tact, and with 8,500 different lines programmed for the characters to say, they hardly (if ever) repeat themselves when shouting random bits of dialogue.

While Joystiq acknowledges that this game is targeted toward the younger crowd with its sillyness and bright graphics, it seems like a game that any lover of the platforming genre could enjoy.

Gallery: Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant



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Joystiq goes wheels-on with Mario Kart Wii

Posted Apr 25th 2008 1:00PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Features


Click to read their control scheme analysis

After unboxing the game last night, Joystiq has been running on no sleep to bring you massive amounts of coverage on the game. Just about the only thing they're missing is, well ... uh, we can't think of anything! Seriously, they're covering all bases here. We'd like to bring your attention to their analysis of the several control schemes available in the game.

If you're looking for more, they've set up a nice little page that is home to all of their coverage of the new game. They've got a retrospective, a hands-on write-up of their initial impressions on the game, and more! What are you waiting for? Get over there already!

Samba de Amigo missing some much-needed shake

Posted Apr 15th 2008 4:00PM by Chris Greenhough
Filed under: News, Screens



Samba de Amigo on the Dreamcast was the most relentlessly cheerful game ever, and the Wii version won't be toning down the exuberance -- just looking at this latest batch of art and screens from Sega's shake-'em-up almost brought light to the recesses of our dark, cynical hearts. But there's something gnawing at us, something that prevents us from getting all giddy over Wii Samba: the controls.

Apparently, we're not alone in this respect. A number of the recent "hands-on" articles that have appeared in the wake of the Nintendo Media Summit mention how Gearbox hasn't yet nailed this aspect of the game.

We've already discussed Joystiq's experiences (choice quote: "[...] the Remote and Nunchuk just don't feel the same as the original maracas."), and Go Nintendo felt similarly ("Unfortunately, there are still some control quirks. There are times when the Wiimote/Nunchuck will lose your positioning. This didn't happen too often, but it happened enough to make note of it.") Meanwhile, GameSpot's Ricardo Torres was perhaps the most forgiving, claiming that "the control is on its way toward being solid." Call us demanding little so-and-sos all you like, but we want solid! Not "on its way toward being solid."

The general feeling seems to be that the title is shaping up well, but that the maracas are sorely missed. If you're reading this, Sega, you know what to do.

Read: Joystiq's hands-on impressions
Read: Go Nintendo's hands-on impressions
Read: GameSpot's hands-on impressions

Gallery: Samba de Amigo


[Screenshots via press release]

NMS08: Joystiq hands-on with the future of Wii

Posted Apr 15th 2008 1:30PM by Alisha Karabinus
Filed under: News


Big-brother blog Joystiq's own Zack Stern got a little face time with some of the biggest games of your fanboy future at last week's Nintendo Media Summit, and mostly, the verdict is good, even in some surprising places. We've linked all of the hands-on impressions below, but will offer a quick recap here:
  • Rock Band for Wii is not quite a complete travesty; improvements made to the original Rock Bands are present here, and apparently, there is at least discussion of how to handle the online play/DLC problem, but whether or not that will be managed as a later add-on or reserved for a sequel was not said. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows ....
  • Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is the opposite of Rock Band, however, in that it sounds even better than we expected. Zack spent some time in the Wii-specific multiplayer duel mode, and it sounds as though the level of depth (and sheer fun!) to be found there will make Wii owners and Star Wars fans very happy. We're looking forward to it!
  • BOOM BLOX may seem like a simple game, but while we're on the subject of depth, this is another title with a lot to explore and discover, and we know a lot of you are excited about it -- so much so that you'll challenge the bloggers to steel cage matches and all. It's cool. We like to know you care.
  • Samba de Amigo both is and ain't the original. It looks and feels like the Dreamcast game, but Wii remotes just aren't maracas. We did get our wish, though you can use two Wiimotes instead of a Wiimote and a nunchuk if you want, to get your samba on.
  • Wii Fit is fun, with a lot of enjoyable mini-games, but Zack felt they might get repetitive after a while. Then again, what exercise routine doesn't? That's why they call it a routine, amirite?
Read: Joystiq hands-on with BOOM BLOX
Read: Joystiq hands-on with Rock Band Wii
Read: Joystiq hands-on with Samba de Amigo
Read: Joystiq hands-on with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Read: Joystiq hands-on with Wii Fit

Wii Fanboy takes Super Smash Bros. Brawl Wi-Fi for a test drive

Posted Mar 6th 2008 5:00PM by David Hinkle
Filed under: Nintendo Wi-Fi, Features


When I ripped open the FedEx package today in a whirling dervish of nails and teeth, I found what I had been expecting: a copy of Smash Bros. Brawl. Nintendo, the wonderful and kind souls they are, decided this crummy little blog was good enough to get a copy of the game along with the press. A single tear poured down my cheek, kind of like that recycling commercial. It was a magical moment.

I then realized I had to work today and couldn't get my game on. As the day progressed and I tapped away at my keyboard, putting up news items and other stories that all 12 of you readers care about, the game sat there in front of my monitor, mocking me. It was almost like some kind of evil temptation, as I thought about just ducking away from my responsibilities to play. I then realized that it is my responsibility to play! I've got to review the damn thing, don't I?

And when I heard that Joystiq's own Kyle Orland got a copy of the game too, I decided a few mutliplayer matches were in order. And in the interest of those who don't want anything spoiled for them, stop reading here. The rest of you can head past the break where the real action is.

Gallery: Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Continue reading Wii Fanboy takes Super Smash Bros. Brawl Wi-Fi for a test drive

Pop on Wii Ware looks cooler than we thought

Posted Oct 25th 2007 8:00PM by Candace Savino
Filed under: Reviews, WiiWare

Okay, we admit that we were a little skeptical about Pop, Nnooo's upcoming Wii Ware title. You might even say we were blatantly snarky. We fear that we might have to eat an unhealthy serving of crow, however, after seeing IGN's impressions of the game.

Even though it has a simple concept, Pop appears to be surprisingly deep. Not only does the game have an enchanting aesthetic, with sixteen different background variations, but the gameplay also has many different facets. The multiplayer mode seems to be the game's bread and butter, allowing four players to compete in some bubble popping madness. Strategy comes heavily into play here, as you have to pop big bubbles to add more time to your meter, yet pop small bubbles to get more points and beat your competitors. Pop also gets harder as it progresses, putting our fears to rest that the game would be too easy.

Nnooo also tries to deliver a fulfilling single-player experience by adding achievements to the game, which they call "badges," as well as various playing modes. You can also earn badges in the multiplayer setting, not to mention have your scores tracked and pimped via WiiConnect24 notifications. IGN reports that the soundtrack is pretty enticing, too, and might be sold over iTunes at some point.

We're starting to become excited about this title, at least a little bit, and if pulled off correctly we think it can only mean good things for the future of Wii Ware. What do you guys think? Can Pop be the next Geometry Wars?

Joystiq goes hands-on with Medal of Honor: Heroes 2

Posted Oct 9th 2007 3:15PM by Alisha Karabinus
Filed under: News


Our friend and compatriot Andrew Yoon recently got his hands on the much-desired Medal of Honor: Heroes 2, and we bubble over with jealousy after reading his impressions. It looks like EA is trying very, very hard to avoid letting us down (maybe they're listening!) with this shooter; from all signs, Heroes 2 looks to be a rich, deep FPS title with enough features to please even the pickiest of gamers. You can use the Zapper or not, you can choose between a light-gun style Arcade mode and traditional campaign mode, and best of all, everything seems to control like a dream. Heroes 2 appears to be taking a page from Retro's book with Metroid Prime 3, and the controls just feel right with the Wiimote -- which is exactly what we should be able to expect from all future shooters on the console.

It's safe to say that between the above and the friend-code-free online multiplayer, we're stoked for this release. Even the negatives -- simple objectives, uncomplicated enemy AI -- can't get us down. Bring on the soldier boys!

Gallery: Medal of Honor: Heroes 2

Wii Warm Up: All things Metroid

Posted Sep 2nd 2007 10:33AM by Alisha Karabinus
Filed under: Wii Warm Up

And so Metroid Week comes to an end. For those of you who picked it up, how far along are you now? How are the controls treating you? The difficulty? For us, exploring has really been the only thing we've had a little trouble with -- sometimes it takes a bit to find what we're looking for -- but we haven't found anything difficult otherwise. This is both good and bad.

For those who don't have it yet, did you see anything this week that colored your opinion of the title? If nothing else, at least you get to read everyone's reviews first.

Wii Warm Up: Table Tennis falls flat

Posted Aug 25th 2007 10:38AM by Alisha Karabinus
Filed under: Wii Warm Up


There were some mixed opinions on the look of the port of Rockstar's Table Tennis for the Wii, but it's likely we all hoped for a good game, regardless of looks. Unfortunately, from our own JC Fletcher's impressions at PAX, it looks like we're not even getting that. Instead of something that builds on the smooth controls of a game like Wii Sports, Table Tennis sounds like a nightmare. Like us, were you hoping for something better, or were you expecting a less-than-optimal port experience? Or, just to make sure all bases are covered -- does the complicated control scheme actually seem appealing to you? After all, different gamers prefer different things.

Hands-on with Dewy's Adventure

Posted Jul 13th 2007 4:44AM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Reviews


From the creators of the fan favorite Elebits comes a brand new Wii game, Dewy's Adventure. Much like Konami's previous effort, this Wii-exclusive title attempts to fully utilize the Wii Remote in a much-too-cute universe. Like many other Wii titles, the game focuses on tilt controls: when tilting the Remote, the world will move, causing the titular character to slip and slide. Although the controls are familiar, Dewy's Adventure offers many unique aspects to make it an enjoyable experience.

Dewy's repertoire is far more advanced than other tilting games. Dewy is primarily a platforming game, and the hero must not only slide, but also jump through the levels, navigating through layered worlds. In the level that we played, Dewy had to get a key to open a secret passage. Of course, things weren't going to be too easy. Enemies were varied, and fun to defeat.

Gallery: Dewy's Adventure

Continue reading Hands-on with Dewy's Adventure

Hands-on with DDR Hottest Party

Posted Jul 12th 2007 1:00PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Reviews

If there's one series in desperate need of a revolution, it's DDR. Unfortunately, adding Wii waggle is not our definition of a revolution. In many ways, Hottest Party feels like a spiritual successor to the last Nintendo DDR game, Mario DDR. The game reintroduces many gimmick arrows, such as bomb arrows that must be avoided, and other arrows that must be stepped on twice. Of course, the most significant addition are the waggle arrows, which have the player shaking the Wii Nunchuck or Wii Remote, depending on whether or not the left or right waggle arrow appears.

The new arrows don't feel like worthwhile additions. After extended play, it's clear that they're simply gimmicks. In addition, the waggle functionality doesn't feel precise enough for a rhythm game. We were also disappointed by the poor construction of the default pads, but that should come as no surprise for long-time DDR connoisseurs.

For dance fans that only have a Wii, it doesn't look like there'll be too many alternatives. The game will have a variety of music from the last four decades. One surprising omission from the game has to be the lack of Mii support: why can't we have the avatars we've created dance dance in the game? At least those will have a bit more personality than the generic anime characters that Konami has been using in the franchise. Do it Konami -- the fans want it.

Gallery: DDR Hottest Party

Hands-on with Super Mario Galaxy

Posted Jul 12th 2007 2:00AM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Reviews


The hotly-anticipated Super Mario Galaxy was playable at an executive Nintendo reception earlier tonight. We had to wait patiently as the IGN Nintendo team couldn't get their hands off of it ... and for good reason. The game is incredibly charming and creative, and filled with life that make it a clear killer app for the console.

Firstly, the game looks absolutely stunning. Not only does it run in 480p and in widescreen, the game features some beautiful colors, fantastic texture work, and some stellar special effects. The Mario character model is easily the best we've seen in any Nintendo game so far: it's not hard to think that the in-game cut-scenes are pre-rendered at times. Galaxy, at the very least, shows that the Wii is a capable piece of hardware, so long as developers take time and care with it.

Continue reading Hands-on with Super Mario Galaxy

NMS: Up close and personal with The BIGS

Posted May 25th 2007 8:40AM by Alisha Karabinus
Filed under: News

Colin Torretta headed out to the Nintendo Media Summit for the Joystiq Network to get a little hands-on time with a lot of games, including the upcoming baseball blowout from Take-Two's 2k Sports, The BIGS. The BIGS is a baseball game, sure, but it's not your average game. It's baseball made bigger, better, faster, and completely awesome ... unless, of course, you want a fully realistic experience. But come on, you can get that anywhere. Sometimes it's nice to wallow in a string of heart-wrenching moments of baseball badassery -- and that's what The BIGS promises.

And according to Colin's impressions, The BIGS delivers exactly as promised in most ways ... but not in one highly-anticipated extra. The controls sound fluid (like a beefier Wii Sports Baseball), and judging from the screenshots, we don't have much issue with the look of the game. But it seems that the promised online mode is missing from the Wii game. It's a shame, but we're starting to get used to inviting people over to enjoy the Wii at this point.

Gallery: The Bigs

GDC 07: Super Paper Mario meta...preview? [update 1]

Posted Mar 8th 2007 2:45AM by Jason Wishnov
Filed under: News

It's really, really trippy.The RPG-turned-platformer, Gamecube-turned-Wii title Super Paper Mario was on display on the show floor, and it continues to delight hippies gamers everywhere. Several sources have posted impressions of the title, lauding the innovative puzzle mechanic of perspective-swapping and the bright, trippy graphical style.
 But what impressions could be more important than ours? That's right. God's. But that's it. So, stay tuned for impressions of pretty much every Nintendo game you've ever wanted to play but couldn't because you're not at GDC, including yon Super Paper Mario. Word.

[Update 1: Thought of a classier post title.]

Zelda impressions recap

Posted Nov 6th 2006 10:00AM by Jason Wishnov
Filed under: News

Can you wait ANY LONGER?
A few days ago, Nintendo held a special press event in Redmond (we were invited, but were too busy preventing nuclear war to go) where the media could have a very long, very uninterrupted playthrough of the final build of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

No less than a dozen major gaming sites and publications have already released their in-depth experiences with everyone's favorite kinda-elf, so we've done you the favor of assembling the cream of the crop right here. The overall gist? 1) Don't wait for the Gamecube version, and 2) Holy damn this game is amazing. Of the five listed, we recommend good 'ol Matt Cassamassina's impressions; they're quite thorough.

Zelda Impressions from IGN: Matt Cassamassina

Zelda Impressions from GoNintendo: Raw Meat Cowboy

Zelda Impressions from 1up: Jeremy Parish

Zelda Impressions from Gamespot: Ricardo Torres

Zelda Impressions from Planet Gamecube: Steven Rodriguez

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