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    Reggie on Bob's Game: Refused license doesn't reflect on Nintendo's support for the little guy

    April 4, 2009 - 12:00pm


    You remember Bob's Game, don't you? The humble 2D RPG made by a single, possibly loony, individual? Well nearly two months have gone by since the game's creator Robert Pelloni was denied developer status by Nintendo and -- other than a NYC littering spree -- we've heard little about the game as of late. In an interview with Nintendo big boss Reggie Fils-Aime on MTV Multiplayer last week, however, the record was set considerably straighter.When asked for his side of the story on what had come to pass, the Regginator had this to say: "He did submit to be a licensed developer. We have an evaluation process. We evaluated the opportunity. We decided at this point in time that he did not meet the requirements to be a licensed developer." Well that about does it then, no? Apparently MTV wanted more from the conversation, pushing the CEO on what to do if a developer wants to work with Nintendo but doesn't necessarily have two or three major games under its belt, "My hope is that any developer who has a compelling idea will reach out to our licensing organization and share their idea and go through the process of becoming a licensed developer for the Nintendo platform," Fils-Aime said, "And we have a legacy of supporting that type of development." Unfortunately, as it seems, Mr. Pelloni's game wasn't quite "compelling" enough of an idea.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

    Reggie: DSiWare about quality, not quantity, third-party titles coming soon

    April 3, 2009 - 6:35pm


    Wired recently talked with Nintendo president Reggie FIls-Aime and the upcoming DSi was obviously a focal point of the conversation. More specifically, when quizzed about the DSi Shop and potential DSiWare that will populate its virtual shelves, Reggie wanted to stress that Nintendo will be focusing on quality titles, and not an overabundance of games and apps, like one might see on the iPhone. Reggie rather smartly compares the emphasis on quality over quantity to that of a film festival and YouTube. He says Nintendo will focus on "high-class content done by knowledgeable developers," instead of the "YouTube approach of everything under the sun that is difficult for the consumer to navigate through."He also says that the company will be granting third parties licenses to develop DSiWare and titles should be available around six weeks after the DSi's launch. But, he stresses that these companies need to create experiences unique to the platform and not available anywhere else, so don't expect a DSi version of SSFIITHDR or anything.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

    Majesco cooks up compliance with Nasdaq

    April 3, 2009 - 5:38pm


    Majesco has regained compliance with the Nasdaq stock exchange after completing a stint of ten consecutive days with a stock price of over $1. When asked for comment, Cooking Mama exclaimed, "RONDERFUL!"The publisher is known for Cooking Mama and ... um. Anyway, last August, Majesco was informed it had 180 days to get its stock back in compliance with Nasdaq rules or face delisting. Optimistically, buying the stock now at its bargain price would be fantastic if Majesco can find another franchise (A Boy and his Blob?) worth its salt and pepper.[Via GoNintendo, GamerInvestments]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

    Balance Board Bobsledding with Mario & Sonic

    April 3, 2009 - 3:55pm

    Eurogamer recently got a hands-on session with both the Wii and DS Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games, at an event in Vancouver during which Sega tried to soften up the journalists with free curling. The absolute best news gleaned from the session? Every game will have multiplayer unlocked from the start. Locking multiplayer is the worst possible design decision for a party game, and it's good to see that Sega picked up on that extremely obvious fact.Also potentially fun: the new game supports the Balance Board for events like skiing and bobsledding. We haven't had a reason to sit down on the Balance Board since Raving Rabbids TV Party! Well, a reason other than exhaustion.[Screenshot via ONM]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

    EA Grand Slam developer: MotionPlus is too sensitive

    April 3, 2009 - 2:55pm

    EA looks likely to be the first third party to ship games that support the Wii MotionPlus device with Grand Slam Tennis and Tiger Woods 10. The company may even beat Nintendo itself, unless Nintendo decides to announce a release date for Wii Sports Resort, and then ship it, before June. So, presumably, someone working on Grand Slam Tennis has had enough time with the attachment to know what's up.Thomas Singleton, producer for Grand Slam, said that the device is actually a little too good at registering one-to-one motion. He told TechRadar that "At times it's overly responsive. It had so much fidelity that at times we have limited that fidelity to make it a compelling experience and giving you full total control." So EA reduced the amount of control you have in order to give you "full total control?"
    [Via CVG]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

    Explodemon! is a mix of 'Yoshi's Island with Half-Life 2'

    April 3, 2009 - 2:30pm

    We instantly fell in love with Curve Studios' upcoming Explodemon! when we saw its debut trailer. The retro-styled downloadable game is described as "what Treasure would create if they mixed Yoshi's Island with Half-Life 2" by designer Jonathan Biddle. "It includes many elements from games as diverse as Street Fighter II, Halo, Super Metroid and Bangai-O." Those are some hardcore names to drop, Biddle -- you sure your game is ready to compete with these big names?

    Explodemon! has us quite excited, but we're going to have to wait quite a while before we can play it. The game is currently scheduled for a Q4 release on PlayStation Network, with PC and WiiWare versions to follow.Permalink | Email this | Comments

    BDA Power A accessories hope to protect, enhance your DSi experience

    April 3, 2009 - 2:15pm


    BDA is offering up a slew of accessories to compliment your new Nintendo DSi. From screen protectors to sleeves, right down to colored stylii, the folks at BDA are hoping you'll spend a few extra coins to protect that investment come April 5. You can check out their various wares in the gallery below and find them at your local retailer.

    Got DSi on the brain? Check out our in-depth unboxing feature that shows off the handheld's features, and be sure to stay up to date on DSi-related info through our Nintendo DSi tag!Permalink | Email this | Comments

    Oh snap! DSi commercial demonstrates advanced mockery features

    April 3, 2009 - 12:16pm

    It's strange to see a Nintendo commercial that advertises one of the company's products to college-age dudes, but that's exactly what this DSi commercial seems to do. Most Nintendo commercials these days are aimed at, and feature, the "expanded audience" -- as in people other than the stereotypical male "gamer." What's funny is how different the tone of the commercial is than others: like most Nintendo commercials, the two principals in this ad are using Nintendo consoles to be social; but these two dudes use the DSi's camera and photo manipulation features to be total jerks to each other.
    [Via GoNintendo]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

    Investigate the Gyakuten Kenji Premium Edition DSi

    April 3, 2009 - 10:00am

    Just two days until the launch of the North American DSi, and we're already over it. Oh, great, we can get a black one or a blue one. Yay. Thanks a ton, Capcom and Nintendo, for choosing now to reveal the Japan-only Gyakuten Kenji Premium Edition box, containing not only the game, but also this white DSi with a Blue Badger, uh, badge on it. Every time we look at one of the US models, we're going to see a big Blue Badger-shaped void.The package runs 23,940 yen ($240.20) and will be available in Japan on May 28. Don't expect to see this thing in North America, even if Capcom does localize the game. We never get these limited editions.[Via Inside-Games]Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

    Rumorang: Brutal Legend coming to Wii, not being developed by Double Fine

    April 2, 2009 - 11:50pm


    Those magic Gelflings known as "sources" have whispered into the ear of The Cut Scene that Brütal Legend is coming to the Wii -- but it won't be developed by Tim Schafer's Double Fine studio. Hey, funny thing, that's what we wildly (not really) speculated yesterday, but we didn't have Gelfings to back us up ... so sad.The Cut Scene goes on to explain why Brütal Legend on Wii makes strategic sense for EA. Short version: EA could use the cash and having its newest franchise on the top-selling console is probably a good idea.
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