The Conduit- New E3 Developer Walkthrough Video

With the Nintendo Press Conference over and the majority of news being out, it’s safe to say that the conference was a bit of a let down. In some of our past predictions, we thought Nintendo would let us in on some ground breaking news. Such as a storage solution or a new Zelda game… we were wrong (for now, just you wait). But on the bright side, we have gotten some new footage of the intense sci-fi FPS known as The Conduit… Hit the jump for the video.

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Why Nintendo will win the E3 War

While some may oppose, I would say that last year’s E3 press conference was an epic failure on Nintendo’s part. Although they had some exciting news such as the revelation of Mario Kart Wii and the announcement of 32 player online for Medal of Honor: Heroes 2, the majority of the conference was spent talking about the Wii’s success and how great Wii fit was. Forget about last year.  Lets talk about how awesome this year’s press conference will be. I would go as far to say that Nintendo will steal the show this year.

This last week has shown some surprises already for the Wii. And while we’ve had our fair share of guesses, at E3 we can expect more surprising announcements. Pikmin 3? Perhaps. A storage solution? Most definitely. A Zelda trailer? Highly probable.

It may sound, stumbling, but let me explain. This article from PureNintendo, which shows when all the 3D Zelda games were announced and released, crossed my path. A good read, but here’s a summary:

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Announced- December 1995
Released- November 1998

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

Announced- June 1999
Released- October 2000

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Announced- August 2001
Released- March 2003

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Announced- May 2004
Released- November 2006

Now according to the article, every 3D Zelda game was announced one year after its predecessor. Plus, this is the longest time we have waited for Nintendo to announce a Zelda game on a console in over 13 years!

We are overdue. Nintendo will announce a Zelda game at E3 and it will be the most exciting announcement of all three of the console company E3 shows.

If that is not enough for Nintendo to win (which, it is) we can hope for an announcement or an indication of voice chat for the Wii. The DS has it, why not the Wii?

That’s been the question of all online Wii gamers, and Reggie has also been hinting at it for a while. He has noted that he “wouldn’t be surprised” if voice chat made its way onto the Wii. Can we consider that straight confirmation for an announcement?

One last reason why Nintendo will win is the innovation. Nintendo has done some amazing stuff, but nothing to truly show off what the Wii Remote can do (not like Johnny Lee has). Nintendo wants to prove that the Wii Remote is the best controller available, and they are definitely coming up with a game that will show it off. Maybe we’ll see a brand new IP? Or we’ll see them take another existing IP and make a great game perfect for the Remote.  And seeing their repitoire of past titles, that would be just fine with me.

Nintendo will do all they can to “win” E3 this year. And while it isn’t a competition per se, we know that it is close, and we can expect some major announcements.

What do you guys think? Will Nintendo win E3 this year? You have less than two weeks; give us your input in our forums on what will make this year a great year for Nintendo at E3.

Nintendo Fan Alliance - 50 Wii titles to look for in 2008

Nintendo Fan Alliance recently posted their thoughts on 50 Wii games you should be looking for in ‘08. Though some titles are pure speculation and rumor (like Kid Icarus and Castlevania Wii), the list seems pretty complete, even with the comment section of the article spammed to the roof with flaming uncertainty.

Topping the list is Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, followed by Kid Icarus and The Conduit. Although questions arise at picking rumored games, the article does well to raise two questions: what games are you looking forward to this year, and what will be the best in ‘08 for the Wii?

As far as announced titles go, here is my top 10,for now:

1. The Conduit

2. Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse

3. Alone in the Dark

4. Mario Super Sluggers

5. Deadly Creatures

6. Spore

7. Guitar Hero: World Tour

8. SimCity Creator

9. Wario Land Shake (hopefully this year, if not, Skate It)

10. Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World

Enough for my love of lists! What are your thoughts?

Nintendo looking for USB software/hardware tester

Back on the Nintendo Official homepage, it looks like the Big N is finally looking into that storage problem of theirs. Today they posted a job listing that is looking for a software/hardware tester. But the emphasis is on the ability to be able to “create and execute a test plan for Wii USB devices.” If the purpose of this job is to test a new USB hard drive for the Wii, then we can definitely expect to see a hard drive at E3. With E3 being a couple of weeks away, Reggie hinting at a storage solution for quite some time, and now Nintendo hiring a Wii USB devices tester, It really does seem like Nintendo is making sure that their hard drive is ready to show at E3 2008. My Wii News will keep you updated with this story.

Want to discuss this topic? Take it to the forums.

Dive in to the Endless Ocean

Endless Ocean is a diving simulation game, allowing players to float their way through the pristine waters of fictional Manoa Lai Island. With no time limits, point systems or possibility of failure, it’s a pick-up-and-play ‘game’ for the entire family to enjoy.

As mentioned in our top 10 games of 2008 list, this underwater exploration game is scheduled to be released at the end on January. The game has already been released and well recieved in Europe, as well as Japan where it is known simply as ‘Forever Blue ‘. Starting out on a boat in the middle of ocean, the game sees you playing as a diver researching aquatic life by swimming alongside fish, offering them bait and taking photographs. Using the Wii Remote, you guide your diver through increasingly deep waters, discovering strange and more beautiful sea creatures.

For players really looking to kick back and relax Endless Ocean features several soothing modes. One can simply chill out on the deck of the boat is a deckchair that allows the player to sit and watch the sea. Alternately, players can select fish they have seen and add them in an aquarium for a closer inspection. While little is known, one of the screenshots below clearly illustates a dolphin in the act of being trained to preform tricks. This game even doubles up as a tranquil screensaver if the Wii Remote is left untouched and the relaxed setting of the game itlself is further heightened with a tranquil soundtrack from new-age artist Hayley Westenra.

If players prefer to dive with a buddy, the Wii’s unique Nintendo WiFi Connection Service allows players link up with their friends. In co-op mode friends have access to all the tools that can be used in single player mode, as well as an additional mode of communication. With a fish logbook to complete, items to be salvaged and collected and the ability to listen to your own music while you dive, Endless Ocean is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

While there is little doubt that Endless Ocean will not appeal to all gamers, a loyal fanbase is sure to be established here, as it has already in Japan and Europe. While Endless Ocean may blur the boundaries between ‘game’ and ‘experience’, it sounds like there could be far worse ways to spend a cold Sunday - or perhaps all of them. Happy diving!

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