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Square Enix has released a video developer diary featuring Toshiyuki Itahana, character designer of FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS. In the video, Toshiyuki Itahana discusses the characters featured in Crystal Bearers.

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Recently, Kotaku was able to sit down with NOA President, Reggie Fils-Aime, to discuss this year’s two big holiday titles from Nintendo — New Super Mario Bros. Wii and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.  He had quite a bit to say on each game, specifically about why Mario is not online and why Spirit Tracks’ details were kept a secret until lately.

When asked about New Super Mario Bros. Wii’s lack of online multiplayer, Reggie answers:

“This was a decision made purely by the developers,” he said. “They believe this experience, in the same room, to be elbowing your friends and family members as you’re playing the game [is ideal]. It was really their decision. I personally would have loved for it to be online capable as well, but having played the game, I really can’t fault it for not being online multiplayer.”

Discussing Spirit Tracks, he continues:

“We believe that to tease fans over an extended period of time really doesn’t do the gamer just service,” he said. “So, we have always been mindful of: When’s the launch date? When’s the right time to share information? How do we break information? In particular, with this game, given the Zelda dynamic — which you find out about right at the start of the game — we really wanted to keep that secret and have it be a big reveal. That is something very new and very different in a Zelda game, [having] Princess Zelda essentially playing along with you. That’s essentially what drove the strategy for how we reveal the information, when do we reveal the information and the fact that it had to be fairly late.”

For the entire article from Kotaku, click here.

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Videos

Wii:
–New Super Mario Bros. Wii – Super Fun 1
–Wii Fit Plus – What’s new in Wii Fit Plus?
–Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Reflex Edition – Launch Trailer
–Wii Fit Plus – Interview with Shigeru Miyamoto
–New Super Mario Bros. Wii – Info Video
–Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage – Tricking Events
–Tony Hawk: Ride – Tutorial Video #4 – Vert
–Rabbids Go Home – Design Your Own Rabbid? Yes You Can!
–Band Hero – Adam Levine Vignette
–Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles – Launch Video
–Need for Speed: Nitro – Madrid Video
–LEGO Indiana Jones 2 – Info Video
–NBA 2K10 – Info Video
–Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing – Ryo Video
–Your Shape Featuring Jenny McCarthy – Video 2
–Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 – Info Video

DS:
–C.O.P. The Recruit – Launch Video
–Infinite Space – Teaser 4

WiiWare:
–LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias – Info Video

DSiWare:
–DSiWare Lineup – 11/16 update
–Robot Rescue – Info Video

Other:
–Nintendo Week 11/00

DS Demos: (Expire 11/22)

–Cooking Mama 3: Shop and Chop (New)
–Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Bobsleigh Race
–Bakugan Battle Brawlers
–Madagascar Kartz Demo

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Click here to view the embedded video.

I just got done playing some Super Mario Bros. Wii with UtlraSave’s new Red Wii Remote. At first I thought that these were just case mods for your Wii Remote, but they’re actually exact replica’s of Nintendo’s Wii Remote in awesome colors.

Having the first red Wii case game (NSMB Wii) come out along side a colored Wii Remote is great. The controller syncs perfectly and played great. I’m actually surprised how old my white (2007 launch) Wii Remotes felt… The buttons on my old controller aren’t as sturdy or responsive as they were when I played with the red and blue remote.

The new red & blue remotes also had color coordinated glows to them. If you’ve been waiting for a new Wii color, these are for you. Especially if you’re in the market for a new remote.

Here is a little information about the Red & Blue Wii Remotes:

1) They use official Nintendo Wii Remote Circuit Boards.

2) They use custom made blue/red plastic shells.

3) Each remote was sent to an engineering company to have the “A” button modified to illuminate when the remote is on. The Red units have also had the Player Indicator LEDs swapped out with Red ones to match the remote color.

4) There has been some light mitigation done on the insides of the remote to minimize some of the light bleeding.

5) There is a wrist strap included with each remote that matches the Pantone color used in the shells.

6) Each remote comes with 2 New AA batteries.

[Order Red Wii Remote]
[Order Blue Wii Remote]

Also, stay tuned to WiiNintendo, we’ll be giving away a blue & red Wii Remote in one of our upcoming Weekly Challenges.

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A WiiNintendo game review by hattrick.

Game – SimAnimals Africa
Version – Wii (also available on DS)
Time Spent Playing – 1.5 hours
Obtained – From EA (review copy)

Introduction
Like SimAnimals Africa for DS, this simulation game takes place in the plateaus and plains of Africa. Unlike the DS version, this one gives you a bit more storyline. You find out that the good energy of Africa is leaving, but you can help it come back. In order to do that, you must befriend the animals and use them to bring life back to their home.  In each area of Africa, you will be greeted by an animal totem or two that guides you through the necessities of that particular region.  For instance, the zebra totem is in the Zecora Valley.  It is also important to note that this game requires 121 blocks of memory to save, so make sure you have room on your Wii internal memory.  I had to move stuff over to an SD card before I could play.  For more info on the game and some gameplay video, please check below this written review.

Gameplay
As you can probably assume, this is a simulation game, similar to SimCity. While you are not required to create water lines and supply electricity to city blocks, you are asked to keep order in the African continent.  Each animal has areas you must look out for – relationship, food, drink, strength, charm, etc.  However, the animals will eat, drink, play, and hunt on their own.  So, you do not have to feel as if you are keeping an eye on 100 animals at a time.  EA has also added some extra adventure-type gameplay in this version due to controlling the animals, which is usually quite fun. While it can get annoying walking around the plains looking for areas to dig with the hippo, it is rather enjoyable to hunt zebra with the lion.  The also did not stop there, as they have added a mini-game in for each animal.  Even though these are quite easy, they do serve their purpose by increasing your animals’ levels. It is important to realize how easy it is to unlock and move to additional areas, so you do not have to stay in one region for hours before moving on.

Controls
SimAnimals Africa uses every bit of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk in its control scheme. In fact, there is not one button that you do not use. In addition, you will also use motion controls to pet and play games with animals.  The IR pointer-control is also used to scan the land, move an animal, plant a tree, and various other actions.  All in all, I believe the game controls great.  There is a slight learning curve as you remember what each button does, but you are bound to get the hang of it after a while.  Each animal has a talent, and after you befriend that animal, you can control it and use its talent.  For instance, the zebra can kick, which is used to knock fruit out of a tree.  The elephant can squirt water from its trunk, allowing it to water plants and fill dried up ponds. Using an animals talent is as easy as pressing the A button.  Animal mini-games are also rather easy. To play ring-toss with an elephant, you simply press the A button and swing the Wii Remote, and to play a flower-catching game with hippos and lion, you simply swing the Wii Remote and Nunchuk as if you are banging a drum.  While they might be a bit tough at first to remember what each button does, I applaud EA for utilizing the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to its fullest.

Visuals
While this game is meant mainly for children, I still do not understand why EA did not put as much polish as they did on Spore Hero or even MySims Agents. While the look of the game definitely makes you feel like you are in Africa, especially with the menu system, some of the graphics are not as pretty as they could be.  Some of the animals look great (the elephants), but others (the lions) look like the DS version or from an N64 or Gamecube game. The same goes for the environment. While the waterfalls and some trees look great, other times, I had a hard time knowing if an area was a small pond or a dark patch of dirt.  At times, some animals look as if their legs are disappearing into the ground.  Small glitches like this might have been normal for 3D games on the N64, but I am surprised on the lack of polish.

Sound
The sound and music of SimAnimals Africa are spot-on. In fact, EA knew the music was so great, they created a sound track for the game available on their website. It has a very African feel to everything, and the animals sound similar to their real-life counterparts.  In fact, I believe the sound element is probably the best part of this game.

Concluding Overall Impressions
SimAnimals Africa for Wii is definitely more of an experience than its DS counterpart. Additionally, it is a much longer game, as I have only 15% unlocked so far. It is not the prettiest game on the Wii, by any means, but it could be enjoyable for some.  While I was not engrossed by this game, those who like simulation games might be swept away for hours.  But please note, this game is not difficult, and it definitely created for children.

*Please check out for my review of SimAnimals Africa for DS by clicking here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Geoff Keighley, the guy who hosts GameTrailers TV, loves to tease people with his Twitter account. His latest tweet should get Mario fans excited…

“Someone introduces himself as “It’s-a-me, Mario!” in a big holiday game, and it’s not New Super Mario Bros Wii.”

Hmm… another Mario game in time for the holidays? The only thing I can think of is a new WiiWare or DSiWare title. Or maybe, somehow, Super Mario Galaxy 2 will release in January, since that is technically the holiday season still. Either way, I’m still surprised there is another Mario game coming this holiday season and according to Geoff, it’s “big”, though he has been known to overhype things. We’ll just have to wait and see.

UPDATE: Turns out the game he is referring to is Assassin’s Creed 2. Ezio, the main character, has an uncle named Mario and he introduces himself with “Don’t you recognize me, it’s-a-me, Mario!” So yea, once again Geoff Keighley misleads us by making us think this is a tease for a new game.

[Via Geoff Keighley's Twitter]

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Happy 57th Birthday, Shiggy!

Looking back at the childhood of Shigeru Miyamoto, it’s not difficult to see the signs of what was to come. An artist and musician from an early age, Miyamoto spent hours exploring the trails and hills surrounding his home outside Kyoto. The caves, the canyons and the fierce dogs on a chain were all there—a fantastic world for a young boy with a love of adventure.

The sights, sounds and even the animals Miyamoto saw would inspire the young artist to create a universe that not only launched his career, but also changed video games as we know them.

Obsessed with the artwork and sketches of the world of Walt Disney, Miyamoto pored over them while earning a degree in industrial design from the Kanazawa Munici College of Industrial Arts and Crafts. A bit aimless at the age of 24, Miyamoto was introduced to a friend of his father’s who headed a toy and gaming company by the name of Nintendo.

Hired as a staff artist, Miyamoto joined the company at a time when it, and the world at large, were becoming aware of the joys of video games.

More of Miamoto’s achievements

[FindingDulcina]

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Miyamoto said this to ONM:

“I think it sold lower than our expectations but on the other hand it was a really unique game, I have to say. And also, even today, we are receiving several different offers from people in the field of music education, so as far as Wii Music is concerned, I think it still has great potential. And in the future there might be some developments.

We may want to think about the possibility of making some improvements, based upon the original Wii Music.

Unfortunately we don’t have any news we can talk about at the moment. But like Wii Fit Plus, it’s not really a sequel to the original Wii Fit – but we have added some features to improve the overall experience. It’s a kind of an enhanced version of the original Wii Fit…”

[ONM]

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The latest issue of “Official Nintendo Magazine” answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the new The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks coming out for the DS on December 7th, 2009.

Do they explain why Hyrule is no longer flooded?
Well, they explain why the game is set on land, yes.

Compared to Phantom Hourglass, which makes better use of the DS as a system?
I’d say Spirit Tracks. As well as having to use the stylus to control Link and Zelda, you also use the mic a lot. You’ll need to blow into the mic for Link’s Pan Pipes and the new whirlwhind weapon.

Do any story details overlap with other Zeldas?
Yes, there are recurring characters from both Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass

What’s the storyline like?
This is one of the strong points in my opinion. Out of all the ‘toon Link’ titles, it’s easily the darkest and the Phantom Zelda conceit is a great little twist. Cole is a memorable adversary, there’s plenty of fan service in the narrative and, all in all, it’s a really tight package.

Are there any new enemies?
Yes, numerous, as well as some familiar standards.

Any side quests? If so, more than PH/WW?
I’d say there are a similar amount to Phantom Hourglass.

Is the game harder then Phantom Hourglass?
Maybe slightly? It’s not significantly more difficult in my opinion, but then I’ve been playing Zelda games for a long time. Perhaps anyone who came to the series with PH will find more of a challenge here.

Are the controls the same as in Phantom Hourglass?
Pretty much. There are few tweaks – it’s easier to do a forward roll for example.

Can you customize your train?
Later on in the game you can, but it’s not quite as significant element as it is in Phantom Hourglass.

In Phantom Hourglass there were sea boss battles. Are there similar ones in Spirit Tracks?
Yes, there are bosses you fight from the train.

Is there a temple you have to return to once in a while like The Temple of the Ocean King on Phantom Hourglass?
Yes, but you don’t have to repeat any sections of it and there is no time limit. It’s a much, much stronger element than it was in Phantom Hourglass.

Does the Phantom join you in every dungeon, or just one?
Phantom Zelda is always with you but is only playable in the Tower Of Spirits, with a few exceptions.

Can you visit Castle Town?
Yes you can wander around Castle Town.

What’s the music like? Is it as good or better than the music Phantom Hourglass?
Well, that’s a subjective question! I really liked it!

Is it the best handheld Zelda?
No, but it is better than Phantom Hourglass

Is there as much train driving as there is sailing in Phantom Hourglass?
I’d say roughly the same amount.

Do you really activate the whirlwind item by blowing? That sounds pretty awkward!
It didn’t bother me too much actually, but I can imagine that some fans won’t love it.

How big is the game’s world compared to Phantom Hourglass’?
Very similar size.

Are there any returning characters besides Link and Zelda?
Yes. You will heard about Niko from Wind Waker/Phantom Hourglass. There are others too but I can’t give them away yet.

Is there treasure like the Goron Amber, Zora Scales, etc in Phantom Hourglass?
Yes, there are loads of different pieces of treasure to collect.

Does Link shrink in this game like in The Minish Cap?
No.

What is there to explore (in PH you sailed to an island and then explored it)?
Rather than islands, there are loads of different stations for Link to pull in at from which he can access villages, dungeons, challenge grounds, mini areas and such like. Some are only found on hidden routes and unlock later in the game.

How many dungeons are there?
Five, plus a few ‘mini dungeons’.

Is there a postman? I loved the Twiliprin postman.
Yes, there’s a postman.

Do you get to pull the whistle cord on the train whenever you want?
Yup, you can yank away to your heart’s content. It’s actually a significant part of the gameplay at some points.

Can you wear alternative colored tunics or other costumes (besides Conductor) at any time in the game?
No. You wear the red tunic for the first 45 minutes or so, then it’s the standard green tunic.

Does the game feature any DSi enhancements?
Nope.

Any returning races? Any new ones?
Yes, there are returning races, as well as some new ones. Again, no spoilers here!

Are there heart pieces to find this time around?
Yup, lots of heart pieces to collect.

Would you say this game feels like a direct sequel to Phantom Hourglass?
Absolutely, in both tone and feel.

In Phantom Hourglass rupees weren’t much of a big deal. Will rupees in Spirit Tracks be more useful?
I was glad to see that rupees have been put to better use. It generally feels like things are more expensive and there are more treasures and items to choose from.

Can you get off the train at any time?
No, you can only get off the train at stations or when hailed by an NPC at the side of the track.

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WiiWare Demos are now available in Europe!

Try the first BIT.TRIP BEAT level Transition, play 6 levels of My Life as a Dark Lord or play the first full level of NyxQuest completly free!

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