via ign

The makers of Wish Room, Harvest Moon, Chulip, Final Fantasy XII and Dragon Quest VIII are teaming up for a new super project for the Wii. Project O (a tentative name, of course) has just started development at two southern Japanese development studios, Cing and Town Factory, to be published in Japan by Marvelous Interactive.

This title is already getting attention due to its growing list of development talent. Serving as producer is Marvelous Interactive's Yasuhiro Wada, general producer of the Harvest Moon series. The game's designer is Yoshiro Kimura, who worked on moon (PlayStation) and Chulip (PS2), and has signed on as a contractor for Marvelous in order to do this title. Another key member of the Harvest Moon series is also reportedly working on the game. Kimura also brought in Kazuyuki Kurashima, another staff member from the moon days.

Not enough for you? Well here are a couple of guys who's past games you'll definitely recognize. Project O's programming is being headed up by Town Factory's Youichi Kawaguchi, the main programmer of Dragon Quest VIII. Hideo Minaba, the art director of Final Fantsay XII, is also on board, providing the artwork for the game's world.

Wada and Kimura shared a handful of first details on the new project with Japan's Famitsu magazine. And by "handful," we really mean just a few! In fact, even after reading a three page interview, we're not 100% sure what the game is going to be like.

Wada revealed that his inspiration for Project O originally came from a Doraemon toy set. Similar to the "secret tools" that appear in the popular children's animation series, Wada imagined a tool that allows players to create a world, give it life, and observe the subsequent happenings. He likens this to the game Sim Earth. But in addition to a distant view of the world, he wanted to let players experience the world from the first person perspective of one of its residents. He likens this to Sim People.

Project O started with the idea of being a combination of Sim People and Sim Earth. But it's since become something a bit different, thanks to the influences Kimura took from Norikazu Yasunagano, who created World Neverland for the PlayStation back in 1997. That title was a "life simulation," where players could experience the relationships between artificial intelligence driven characters.

Which at long last brings us to a vague statement describing the kind of game we'll be getting with Project O. The game will combine the life simulation elements of World Neverland with the presentation of Kimura's own Chulip. On top of all that are simulation elements from Harvest Moon. The game will feature simulation, adventure and even a few real time action elements.

The simulation elements will push the Wii to the limit, promised Wada. When in the god's perspective, the game will display dozens of characters simultaneously, each moving using unique AI routines.

Another big point, mentioned Wada, is that on top of the simulation elements, the game will deliver the feeling of being part of a storyline. In the interview, he promised something different from any previous game. Kimura chimed in and noted that there's one exception: the Harvest Moon series. Kimura feels that Project O will be similar to Harvest Moon in that it will feature a loose storyline surrounding the simulation gameplay.

If all this seems conceptual, that's because it may just be. The game is currently being worked on by just the six staffers mentioned here, with the hunt currently on for the seventh staff member, a musician. Marvelous has also started seeking designers, programmers, planners and assistant directors for the game proper, and has placed a big two page advertisement in this week's Famitsu.

We're going to have to wait until 2008 to play this potential dream project for the Wii ...

via wiifanboy

EA Sports demonstrated its commitment to making the Wii port of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 a success by casting the title star for the game's commercial. While this move seems like an obvious one, it would have been easy to just fill the 30-second spot with gameplay shots and close-ups of the polygonal golf pro. Instead, the TV advertisement features the sports celebrity demonstrating the Wii's unique controls with a graceful swing. Read on for the classy video.

Video Here ...

The Movie streaming software for the PSP is now available for the Wii and PS3 too:

Wii? Miiii? Yeah! Now you can watch your favorite movies on your Wii, streaming from your PC! Just as easy it is for PSP users, now PiMPStreamer extends its use by being a fully HTTP browsable FLV video streamer… Just point your browser at it! You can even use it on a FLV capable pocket PC. Or PS3 !! (not tested)

How does it work for the Wii? Install PiMPStreamerSetup-0.80.msi at your PC. Run PiMPStreamer, and point the Opera browser on the Wii to the PC’s ip address at port 3333 (configurable). Select the video file and happy streaming!

For the PSP users: no new features this version…

Note: I tested it with a wireless Wii… And it is really BETA for the FLV streaming part so if you have bugs/questions please MAIL. (and donate) And also only with short clips, I dont know if the Wii is capable (memory wise) to stream long FLV’s ..

via pimpware ...

The Movie streaming software for the PSP is now available for the Wii and PS3 too:

Wii? Miiii? Yeah! Now you can watch your favorite movies on your Wii, streaming from your PC! Just as easy it is for PSP users, now PiMPStreamer extends its use by being a fully HTTP browsable FLV video streamer… Just point your browser at it! You can even use it on a FLV capable pocket PC. Or PS3 !! (not tested)

How does it work for the Wii? Install PiMPStreamerSetup-0.80.msi at your PC. Run PiMPStreamer, and point the Opera browser on the Wii to the PC’s ip address at port 3333 (configurable). Select the video file and happy streaming!

For the PSP users: no new features this version…

Note: I tested it with a wireless Wii… And it is really BETA for the FLV streaming part so if you have bugs/questions please MAIL. (and donate) And also only with short clips, I dont know if the Wii is capable (memory wise) to stream long FLV’s ..

via pimpware ...

A few weeks back, Activision showed off the PS3/360 version of Spider-Man 3 to a small gathering of journalists. The PS3 and 360 versions, developed by Treyarch, feature interactive cinematic moments, a sprawling Manhattan with an extensive sewer and subway system and a "gangs of New York" dynamic that evolves crime on the streets as you play through the game. Nothing was said about the Wii version at the time.

Curiosity got the best of us, so IGN spoke to Vicarious Visions' CEO Karthik Bala and controls designer Jonathan Mintz about what Spidey 3 will be like on Wii. As you might expect, the Wiimote and Nunchuk enable you to swing through Manhattan in a way never previously experienced by gamers. We also learned if Miis will populate Manhattan, if Spider-Man 3 on Wii will support progressive scan and find out about two villains appearing exclusively on PS2, PSP and Wii.

full article at IGN ...

via gamecrush

Experience has taught me that oftentimes, gamers are better off taking projected release dates with a grain of salt, but I can't help but feel like 2007 is going to be one of the best years in gaming history. There are enough high profile titles on the way to drown a fish, and they all look outstanding. I had trouble limiting it to only 10 of them - so I didn't. Here are my most anticipated games of the coming year:

(+1) Halo 3

Now I know somebody out there doesn't care about this game, but the rest of the gaming world is salivating in anticipation. The third installment of the critically acclaimed franchise is set to be huge, with high-def visuals and enhanced online gameplay, not to mention the climax of the series' story. The near-universal love of the series is clear, as Halo 2 remains the most-played game on Xbox Live to date. With the online beta of Halo 3 just around the corner, there is a lot to be excited about.

10) Blue Dragon

This one has already been released in Japan, and is responsible for selling more Xbox 360s there than any other game can claim. This RPG is the craft of a dream team who, when last working together, created one of the most lauded RPGs of all time - Chrono Trigger. A game that tweaks its genre just right, Blue Dragon does away with random battles, putting enemies on screen at all times. It also features a unique system for GETTING INTO battles, allowing players to string together fights, building momentum as they go, as well as drawing rival creatures into the same bloody fray - where they will attack EACH OTHER. Other points of awesomeness are the party of five characters, which all fight in every encounter, and the deep class system. It sounds like an RPGer's dream.


9) Grand Theft Auto IV

Just one image. That's enough. Heck, ZERO images would be enough for this game. We don't know where it takes place, what time period it spans, or who the main character might be, but it doesn't matter - we know it will be good. As of this posting, 19 days remain until the first trailer of GTA IV is shown at http://www.rockstargames.com/IV/.


8) Mass Effect

"BioWare presents..." Those words alone are enough to gamers excited. The company's track record is indeed a sight to behold - they are responsible for Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire. Mass Effect's gameplay is reminiscent of prior games, but with a few huge improvements. The branching dialog in this game is done completely in real-time. This will allow the player to interject as he pleases and give these interactions a much less-scripted feel. The combat has also been improved, with all-new tactical control over party members' actions and equipment. Lastly, let's not forget that the voice acting is excellent and the graphics are some of the best around.


7) Super Mario Galaxy

This is the Mario game we're supposed to be excited about...and I am. It's Mario in full 3D again, and with a slew of Wii-centric controls, Super Mario Galaxy aims to take gamers on a ride unlike any previous Mario adventure. My only reservation was that game might focus too much on a single theme, quickly wearing out it's initial appeal (a la Super Mario Sunshine). Considering the variety of locales seen in this latest video, I'm not terribly worried, and can't wait to try it out.


6) White Night Story

From the developers of the recent hit RPGs Rogue Galaxy and Dragon Quest VIII, as well as the Dark Cloud Series, White Knight Story appears to be the game that could coax me into buying a PS3. Not only does it LOOK amazing, but it features a battle system unlike any other. Encounters are rendered in accurately choreographed sequences, where successful strikes on the enemy are mixed amongst a barrage of attacks that are either blocked or parried, before tasting the sweet reward of steel on flesh. As seen in the trailer, the protagonist is also capable of transforming into a hulking white knight, which is ALL KINDS of cool.


5) Metal Gear Solid 4

Metal Gear Solid is an incredible series, and MGS4 is sure to be an incredible game. Snake has grown old and battle-weary, but remains in the heat of combat, aided once again by his old friend Otacon. The jump to the newest console generation has done wonders for the graphical presentation of the game, and will propel the already stellar cinematography of the series to new heights. The story promises to be just as interesting as previous games, and will surely have plenty of underlying messages to deliver to eager gamers. This game will definitely be an experience.


4) God of War 2

If you've played God of War, then you MUST BE excited for God of War II. The first game was...well, awesome. It was fierce action combined with fun platforming and a top-notch story. If that game, and this trailer are any indicator, then God of War II is shaping up to be one of the best games the PS2 has to offer. We'll find out this Tuesday if the term "swan song" is applicable here.


3) Spore ...

via gizmodo

Designed for both Xbox 360 and the original Xbox, Kontrolfreak is a small plastic attachment that gives you better grip on the analog sticks on your controllers. It's essentially two wings that ensures your thumbs don't slide off and go flying, which honestly hasn't been a problem for us as far as we can remember. But we don't really go ape shit when we play games, despite what Kotaku says.

The price is 2 for $9.95 (enough for one controller), and will be available around late April or May. ...

via gizmodo

According to Harvard Business School professor David Yoffie, Apple has generated a scant $400 million in free iPhone advertising since its announcement (granted, at least $200 million of that was from Gizmodo alone). He explained:

No other company has ever received that kind of attention for a product launch...It's unprecedented
I doubt that the iPhone announcement drew society's attention more than, say, RCA's first color television or Phillips' first VCR. But given the greater size and spread of media today, I guess that "unprecedented" is still no exaggeration. ...

via joystiq

Prof. Dmitri Williams, one of the leading academics in the gaming space, who was an expert witness at the U.S. Senate on the constitutionality of game banning laws, held a roundtable on game addiction at GDC. Williams referenced Carnegie Mellon University A. Fleming Seay's research on addiction in an MMO context.

The addiction, defined as "problematic use" by Seay, is when an entertainment product dominates and displaces other behavior,
causes conflict and not playing causes anxiety. Seay found that self regulation (self monitoring, self evaluation and self consequence) was difficult for certain people. This seems obvious, but like anything in academia, if somebody hasn't done the research it isn't legitimate. The other thing Seay found was people's affinity for a game caused their problematic use -- but the interesting part was that those with "problematic use" were those who didn't like the game they were playing. They would do the same actions over and over again, didn't find pleasure in their actions and got stuck in a rut.

Williams thinks now is a the time to start looking into the ideas of "gaming addiction" and "problematic use" before it gains traction. He says, "Coming up with a solution to that, is better than sitting in front of Congress in ten years." ...